5 Tips for Traveling to Cancun with Babies and Toddlers

Seeking a destination where the water is warm and clear, the tropical drinks are cold, and the kids clubs are plentiful? Family travel experts know that Cancun is the place to go. Before you jet off to this slice of tropical heaven, read these tips for visiting Cancun with babies and toddlers.

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Choose easy, child-friendly activities.

Squeezing in activities between nap schedules can be a challenge. Be sure to choose easy, child-friendly activities the whole family will love when visiting Cancun with babies and toddlers.

Beach time is always fun with wee ones. Randy Bonds, owner of Travel Yucatan suggests a visit to Playa Marlyn, a public beach in the hotel zone that offers bathrooms, showers, and lifeguards.

To get up close to fish and marine life, plan a visit to The Aquarium, located at La Isla Shopping Mall. Here children can touch sting rays and turtles, and even watch a dolphin show. Another option for animal-loving families is the Croco Cun Zoo, a safe and fun place for babies and toddlers to touch and view a variety of wild animals. 

Not every place in Cancun is necessarily meant for babies and toddlers, though. For example, Karen M., a mom who recently traveled to Cancun with her 18-month-old, recommends avoiding the nearby Garrafon National Park on Isla Mujeres because of the 3-hour travel time to the island and lack of activities for young children.

Visit ruins near Cancun with babies and toddlers.

Want to visit Aztec ruins while in Cancun? Kevin Wagar of family travel blog, Wandering Wagars, recommends a day trip to Chichén Itzá. He says, “The site is very accessible when traveling with a baby or young child. You can easily navigate a stroller with larger wheels through the wide flat squares. Using a kid-carrier will help if you decide to climb any of the stairs or accessible ruins.”

Keep your family healthy and safe in Cancun.

Bonds of Travel Yucatan advises you let your pediatrician know your plans before traveling to Cancun with babies and toddlers. “He or she is the best person to let you know what medication you may need during the trip,” he said. Bonds also notes that many larger hotels and resorts employ doctors, who are available around the clock in case of an emergency.

Of course, you should protect your baby’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays while in Cancun. Use a sun hat, rash guard for swimming, and a baby safe sunblock. This is especially true if you decide to visit the Chichén Itzá ruins during your visit. Wagar says, “There are groves of trees dotted throughout the site, but they are few and far between and if you are there at a busy time, finding shade can be difficult.”

It’s important to keep babies and toddlers hydrated while in Cancun as well. Many hotels and restaurants in Cancun offer safe drinking water. To play it safe, however, be sure to pick up some bottled water at the local grocery store or Costco. 

If traveling with a toddler who has mastered the skill of walking, then you may want to invest in a safety harness to keep your little one close when out exploring Cancun.

Millions of people travel safely to Cancun each year. Check the U.S. Department of State’s website for additional information about travel safety to Cancun and other areas of Mexico.

Book a Cancun hotel that caters to babies and toddlers.

Azul Beach Resort

Carey Driscoll, a travel concierge with Beach Bum Vacations says, “I’ve always loved Azul Beach Resort because it’s so small that it’s easy to get around with little ones, and the staff is very accommodating.” At this hotel, families can have breakfast with SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer. Check older siblings (ages 4-12) into Azulitos Playhouse by Nickelodeon for themed daily play activities supervised by trained childcare professionals. Babies and toddlers under age 4 are welcome to play when accompanied by a parent.

Finest Playa Mujeres

Driscoll says, “Finest Playa Mujeres has a great beach for little ones with powdery soft sand and calm water. My kids loved the ice cream shop and the fact that the mini bars included Hershey’s chocolate milk boxes!” Expect a pool for babies and toddlers with a built-in playground, plus a pool for older children with waterslides. The Mini Club childcare center caters to young children, with supervised car offered to kids aged 3-6 and parental playtime offered to those 2 and younger. Older kids are welcomed in a Max Club (ages 7-11) and Teen Club (ages 12-15).

Club Med Cancun Yucatan

According to freelance writer and travel expert, Debbie Kaplan, “When you want to go on a vacation with built-in babysitting and activities, a family-focused Club Med like the one in Cancun is a great option. Their kids clubs are included in the price and their facilities are adorable and well-staffed. Kids can eat any of their meals with the kids club, so if you want a night out for an adult dinner, they’ve got you covered.” Youngsters aged 2-3 can play at Club Med Petite Club at Club Med Cancun Yucatan. Older siblings will enjoy Mini Club (ages 4-10) and Junior Club (ages 11-17).

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

When you think of hotels in Cancun with babies and toddlers, Hard Rock may not spring to mind, but maybe it should. Amber Mamian, author of the Global Munchkins travel blog says, “With a massive beach entry shallow pool, live shows and a character breakfast featuring Barney, Angelina Ballerina, Bob the Builder and Thomas the Train — Hard Rock Hotel Cancun is a toddler’s dream!” She goes on to say, “The Little Big Club features a host of activities for kids ages 4-12 years old. Younger ones are welcomed to come in and play; they just need an adult with them at all times whereas the bigger kids can be checked in and left.”

Book your family’s Cancun vacation.

With some of the world’s most stunning beaches, delicious cuisine and a plethora of incredible hotels, this Mexican resort town is paradise for any vacationer. It’s especially alluring, though, when visiting Cancun with babies and toddlers. If you’d like some help planning your family’s Cancun vacation, then we recommend working with a Ciao Bambino travel advisor.

Explore more of Mexico with kids.

My family adores San Miguel de Allende in Central Mexico! Find out why and discover all there is to do in San Miguel de Allende with kids.

Take a look at our tips for visiting Mexico City with kids.

Check out these all-inclusive resorts in Mexico for families.

Bring the fun and flavors of Mexico home with these tips for hosting a Cinco de Mayo party for kids.

Save these Cancun travel tips!

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Would you like to visit Cancun with babies and toddlers? Let us know in the comments below!

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