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Mexico City With Kids: Everything You Need to Know to Have Fun With the Family

Mexico City Insider Guides Family Travel
by Odette Herrera Nov 3, 2017

Mexico City is one of the oldest and most exciting cities in Latin America and it’s a great destination for travelers and their little ones (especially if they are old enough to enjoy Mexican food!). Check out what Mexico City has to offer to families traveling with children.

1. Family attractions in Mexico City
2. Taking babies and toddlers to Mexico City
3. Mexico City with teens


 

Family attractions in Mexico City

Most travelers arrive in Mexico City seduced by its magnificent history, archaeological treasures, and unique local vibe; features that most kids won’t care much about. But in a city as diverse, large, and fun as Mexico City, there are attractions for every member of the family. Some of the best are:

Bosque de Chapultepec

This enormous forest is not only a beautiful green area in the city, it is also home to some of the best museums in town, like the Museo Nacional de Antropología, Museo Tamayo, and Museo de Arte Moderno. It is where the magnificent Chapultepec castle is located and there’s also a lake that kids love to explore by boat.

Xochimilco

Navigating through the floating gardens of Xochimilco on board a colorful trajinera is one of the best family activities in the city. If you want to feel like a real local, take your own picnic basket with snacks and beverages to enjoy on this peculiar ride.

Museums

Most museums in the city have special activities for kids — like the artistic workshops in Museo de la Acuarela and Museo de Arte Popular, or the chocolate classes in Museo del Chocolate. Some of them were created especially with kids and families in mind — like El Papalote and MIDE (Museo Interactivo de Economía).

Reforma’s Sunday bike ride

Every Sunday, Paseo de la Reforma — one of the most beautiful avenues in the city — is closed to vehicular transit so families on bikes, roller skates, skateboards, or on foot can enjoy a nice and relaxed stroll. This is a great way to get to know the area and to mingle with locals. Reforma’s Sunday bike ride is held every Sunday from 8 AM to 2 PM — bikes can be rented or loaned on site.

Taking babies and toddlers to Mexico City

Travelling with babies and toddlers is a bit harder than with older kids, but it doesn’t have to be a pain in the neck. Follow these basic tips and you should be fine while exploring Mexico City.

Weather: on the same day it can be cold, hot, and wet, so the best bet is to dress your baby in layers.

Sunblock: when the sun shines in the city it is really strong, so never forget sunblock and hats.

Security: of course, never leave your baby alone or unattended. CDMX is a very large city, so don’t lose sight of your little ones.

Water and snacks: it is always handy to carry a bottle of water and snacks. You never know when your baby is going to get thirsty or hungry, and a taco street stand might not be the best option.

Light stroller: most sidewalks in the city are uneven and with no ramps, so it can be difficult to handle a heavy stroller. The best option is to bring a light one that you can carry without difficulty or use a baby body carrier.

Mexico City with teens

The family activities mentioned earlier are good options for teens, but for a different experience, you can take your older children to some of these spots in the city:

Mexican designers’ bazaars

For some years now, Mexican designers’ bazaars have taken over the city as a cool and original alternative to shopping. Just about anything — unique objects, clothing, shoes, etc. — can be found there. Many bazaars have food trucks, art exhibitions, and even concerts. While most of them are temporary, one of the most famous ones, Bazar Fusión, located in Colonia Juarez, has become permanent.

Condesa and Roma neighborhood

These are the two most vibrant neighborhoods in the city, full of quirky shops, art galleries, cozy cafés, and trendy restaurants. Teens love its energetic and cosmopolitan vibe.

Open-air cinema at Cineteca Nacional

la Cineteca”, as we call it, is one of the most beloved alternative cinemas in the city. Its listings focus on art films, and it has an open-air cinema that is quite enjoyable on nights when the temperature is too unbearable to be inside.

La Marquesa

This area is located in the State of Mexico, just 25 minutes away from the city. It is a place to enjoy nature while riding horses, driving ATVs, or zip lining. Family fun at its best.



Find some of these spots on our travelstoke map:

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