Mexico, with kids???

[arthur06]

I am looking at taking the family to Mexico next year, possibly Riviera Maya. I know that DW is going to wonder if it is safe to travel there with our kids (11, 5, 3). I don't have any doubts, but I know she will.

I was looking into something All-Inclusive, we want a place that has many things to do. We don't really care to leave the resort all that much. I would like to go to Chitzen Itza, but its not really that important to do so. Just really want something that is relaxing and enjoyable.

Any advice?

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We go yearly and love it...........my kids ask all the time to go back. There are alot of family resorts there but we do tend to do one tour each trip with them so they can see come of the historical/cultural Mexico. We have never felt unsafe, even when in Cancun.

 

[Tinkerbelle32]

We have taken our children as well, many times and never had a problem. I love Mexico!

 

[sparklynails23]

I just watched a very good movie called Sin Nombre. No Mexico for me right now. Thank-you.

 

[arthur06]

Are the 3 and 5 year olds too small to feel safe?

I am not worried about the 11yo.

 

[TinkPirateMom]

I think the Riviera Maya would be a great spot for your family's all-inclusive vacation. Yes, you should take typical precautions and be aware of your surroundings at all times especially when you are not on the resort but this is to the same extent you would if traveling to a large city in the US.

It is slightly more difficult to find AI resorts that accommodate families of 5. Check out Moon Palace, Azul Sensatori, Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen, Hacienda Tres Rios, Barcelo Maya Palace.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

Check out the Occidental Grand Xcaret. That is an all inclusive, beautiful resort. We stayed there and it was awesome.

 

[canadianjovigirl]

We are also a family of 5 and we have stayed in 3* to 5* depending on the deal we get. We tend to go to ones that have family suites (not that many) or ones that have a king bed and then a sofa bed worked when the kids were younger as we could put the youngest in the king with us if cots were not available.

My family loves Cancun Palace, Grand Velas, Gran Caribe Real (has family suites), Great Parnassus (has family suites)(great deal and fine for the money), Pallidium Resorts, Hotel Marina el Cid was fine. Most of these have kid programs and kid friendly food etc.

When we stay at Palace resorts we rent weeks from owners there as you get all their benefits for less than if you booked it thru the resort or expedia etc.

My kids are older now so we are getting connecting family room at Cancun Palace for February and the deal they have still going on is $1500 resort dollars with your booking - we use these for family photos, tours, spa etc etc

Would love to stay at Azul but i can never find a deal there for when we can go.

 

[sookie]

Went to Barcelo in the Riveria Maya and liked it!

 

[monkey30]

My sister was married at Barcelo Maya, and loves it been back 2 times. We went to Gran Bahia Prinicpe, and there was tons of families there, we would love to go but waiting till littlest one is a bit older.

We took the 2 older ones to Puerto Vallerta this past jan and had no issues on or off the resort. We left almost daily and we were fine. Its the same thing be aware, stick to the tourist areas, as we found there was more police and security around. have a great time.

 

[Keishag]

I'm gonna ditto the Barcelo maya palace. We've been 3 times in the past 2 years (to Barcelo, Mexico we do yearly) there and took the kids this past June. They adored that place! They said they liked it more than Disney ! We felt completely safe, as we always do. Use common sense and you'll be fine.

 

[nunzia]

We've stayed at Iberostar properties and felt safe. Also felt safe on organized excursions..you might try Tulum instead of Chizen Nitza(sp!) as it is pretty close and in a stunningly pretty area. We also did XelHa and liked it and I guess this time we might do Xcaret. I do NOT like going to the towns like Playa Del Carmen..very festive and glittery on the tourist street then turn the corner and wow. I also don't like all the hawkers..very Juarez-esque. But the resorts are fine IMO.

 

[jackie101]

We went last Thanksgiving and are going back this Thanksgiving to Crown Paradise Cancun with an 10,8, & 7yr old twins. It was great, so much to do and felt safe. They also have family rooms

 

[mdsoccermom]

Yes, yes, yes. You will be fine. Mexico is a wonderful plce to take kids. Keep in mind that in the Mayan Riviera, you will be a couple hours from Chichen Itza. Another great place to visit if you want to see ruins is Tulum. Dreams Tulum is a very family-friendly resort right next to it.

 

[shoney]

We love Mexico and it is very safe! My boys love it too! Barcelo Maya palace is a great choice if you want a near perfect beach and large resort. If you prefer a smaller resort (we do!) Dreams riviera cancun is fantastic.

I have heard Azul Sensatori is fantastic for kids of all ages. The beach is not supposed to be that great though.

things to consider when picking a resort....

1. do you want a place that requires dinner reservations? Or do you prefer to eat when you want to?

2. How far from airport do you want to travel?

3. How important is water clarity? Most resorts have great sand beaches, but the water isn't crystal clear perfect in all locations due to the reef.

4. Kids club.... some are 4 to 12 and some are 3 to 12

Just some things to think about!

 

[Colleen27]

Check out the Occidental Grand Xcaret. That is an all inclusive, beautiful resort. We stayed there and it was awesome.

Ditto to this. We really loved our stay there when our big kids were 5 & 8, and though we've decided not to go back until our toddler is a bit older that's so we can enjoy more of the active/outdoorsy activities in the area not out of any safety concerns.

 

[mdsoccermom]

We love Mexico and it is very safe! My boys love it too! Barcelo Maya palace is a great choice if you want a near perfect beach and large resort. If you prefer a smaller resort (we do!) Dreams riviera cancun is fantastic.

I have heard Azul Sensatori is fantastic for kids of all ages. The beach is not supposed to be that great though.

things to consider when picking a resort....

1. do you want a place that requires dinner reservations? Or do you prefer to eat when you want to?

2. How far from airport do you want to travel?

3. How important is water clarity? Most resorts have great sand beaches, but the water isn't crystal clear perfect in all locations due to the reef.

4. Kids club.... some are 4 to 12 and some are 3 to 12

Just some things to think about!

I had clients go to the Azul Sensatori. They did say the beach left a lot to be desired, but the pool was great. And their daughter who was 6 at the time was treated like gold.

 

[CAFarmerGirl]

We went a couple of years ago during spring break with our then 5 yr old and 7 yr old. We had a blast! We took the bus everywhere...even to downtown Cancun. My hubby felt safer there than Italy, as people don't invade your space (like the gypsies). We went to the chocolate restaurant in the strip and that was a highlight for my kids. Isla Mujeres was neat. However, the best part of our trip was going on a private snorkeling trip (not much more than others) and hiring a driver to take us back to Cancun. We paid him an extra $20 to stop at the little Crococan (?) zoo, where the kids could hold crocodiles and feed wild spider monkeys. Xcaret was neat, as well.

My kids loved it and they would rather go there than Disneyland (gasp!).

 

[JDUCKY]

had a BLAST with the family last spring break at the Grand Mayan in Playa del Carmen. Took the girls to swim with dolphins in Aventuras.

They all went into Playa del Carmen one day for lunch and shopping and I stayed at the resort with our youngest.

Just make a reservation thru your front desk or concierge for a van shuttle and you're set!

Can't wait to go back!

 

[arthur06]

OP here.

I haven't been to Mexico since 2003 so I love all the advice and pointers. I know we will be safe (we will use common sense). Looks like the hardest part will be where to stay...