Photo Caption Mexico's calm Caribbean waters are good for young swimmers.Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
With beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, canyons, towering
volcanoes and a vibrant local culture, Mexico is sure to satisfy even
the most demanding family visitors. It's hard to imagine even the
grumpiest of children being bored on the steps of an ancient pyramid or
playing in the white sands of Mexico's beaches. Mexicans also highly
value family, and are sure to be very accommodating and happy to help
with family groups. Before you set off on your family adventure,
however, some basic planning will help your vacation be as stress-free
as possible.
Health Tips
Avoid drinking tap water, especially if travelling with
younger children who can be more susceptible to water-borne illnesses.
You should also avoid ice, fruit popsicles and beverages in local
restaurants that are likely made with tap water. You should have no
trouble finding bottled water in tourist areas. Give yourself and your
children time to adjust to the local cuisine to avoid stomach issues --
even if that requires convincing a teenager not to order the spiciest
item on the menu. Lastly, altitude sickness can be an issue in high
areas such as Mexico City and the surrounding mountains. If anyone in
your group experiences symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or fatigue,
avoid physically strenuous activities at high altitude and descend
immediately if the symptoms are not resolved after two to three days.
Destinations for Younger Children
Even if you're travelling with sleepy toddlers or a heavy
baby in your arms, Mexico has plenty of accessible outdoor activities
for young families. On the highly developed Maya Riviera, the Sian Ka'an
Biosphere reserve is a short trip from the town of Tulum. The huge
reserve includes environmentally sensitive boat-trips, snorkeling and
sea-kayaking opportunities for family groups. From the town of Tulum,
you're also a short walk to a pristine, white-sand beach and a small
group of ancient Mayan ruins. If you're traveling from November to
March, the Monarch Butterfly Reserve -- where millions of butterflies
congregate every year in their migration from the north -- is sure to
delight young travelers. The reserve is in the rugged mountains of
Michoacan, about 60 miles northwest of Mexico City.
Destinations for Older Children
Older children will be able to better appreciate Mexico's
rich cultural heritage and pristine natural monuments. Just 30 miles
northeast of Mexico City, the sprawling ruins of Teotihuacan contain
huge pyramids, palaces, ball courts and the remains of a carefully
planned ancient city. Before your kids climb to the top of the pyramids,
you may want to take them to the National Anthropological Museum in
Mexico City for some background on Mexico's ancient inhabitants. The
museum is in Chapultepec park, where your family can also rent bikes and
horses on the weekends. For a real adventure, head north for some
hiking in the Copper Canyon -- a system deeper, wider and longer than
the Grand Canyon. To get there quickly, you can even book flights from
Mexico city to the nearby city of Chihuahua.
General Advice
Especially in large cities such as Mexico City, keep an eye
on small children. While children are rarely the target of crime, the
hectic, traffic-filled city can be full of accidental dangers. Head to
smaller towns and rural areas for at least a few days. You're children
are likely to appreciate a rest from the big city and you'll probably
appreciate a break from watching them. Keep in mind that Mexicans tend
to eat late, so if you're children can't wait until 2 or 3 p.m. for
lunch or 8 or 9 p.m. for dinner, you might want to pack some emergency
snacks. Lastly, learning Spanish is always a good idea and make sure you
have phrases such as "where is the bathroom?" down pat before leaving.
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