Discovering Mérida & the Yucatán: The Best Family-Friendly Things to Do
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When we first came to Mérida, I knew we were in for good food, colorful streets, and warm weather… but I didn’t realize just how much there is to do here with kids. Every day in Mérida feels like choosing your own adventure—do we swim in a cenote today? Explore a Mayan ruin? Hit the beach? Wander a giant market? Or just relax with ice cream under a shady tree downtown?
If your family loves a mix of culture, outdoor fun, history, and a little bit of “wow, I didn’t expect that,” Mérida is one of those places that quietly sneaks up and becomes an instant favorite. It’s safe, welcoming, affordable, and full of activities that work for toddlers, big kids, tweens, and teens.
And the best part? Most of the good stuff is within an hour of the city—so even if you’re traveling with younger kids, the day trips are absolutely doable.
Whether you’re visiting for a week or settling in for a longer stay, this guide pulls together our favorite kid-friendly things to do in Mérida and the surrounding area. I’ve included helpful details like distance from Mérida, what to bring, prices, and things we wish we knew—because the more prepared you are, the smoother (and more fun!) your adventures will be.
Here are the family activities we loved most in Mérida—and the ones your crew will probably love too.
1. Hacienda Mucuyché – Cenotes + History + Adventure
Distance from Mérida: ~45 km (45–50 minutes)
Great for: Kids 6+, teens, adventurous swimmers
Hacienda Mucuyché is one of those experiences that feels straight out of a movie. You start with an informative guided tour through a semi-restored henequén hacienda, learning about the history, architecture, and even the canal that Empress Carlota once floated through. After the walking portion of the tour, you’re given time to change into your swimsuit before heading to the cenotes.
From there, the adventure begins: you’ll swim through two spectacular cenotes—Carlota and Azul Maya—connected by a hand-carved channel. It’s incredibly beautiful and feels like discovering a hidden world.
Things to Know
All visitors join a scheduled guided tour (you cannot explore independently)
Tickets cost around 650 pesos (~$34 USD) per adult
After the tour, you’ll stop at the changing area before the cenote portion
Life jackets are mandatory for the swim (included with admission)
You’ll leave anything you want to keep dry in a designated storage area
If you bring a dry bag, you can take your phone for photos during the swim
Bathrooms and changing rooms are available
Bring water shoes (slippery surfaces!), towels, and plenty of water
Why Kids Love It
Floating through a “secret canal,” spotting tiny fish in the cenotes, and swimming in some of the freshest water imaginable — it's adventurous without feeling risky, and kids love the sense of exploration.
After the Cenotes: Stay for Lunch + Pool Time
Once you finish the swim circuit and change back into dry clothes, you can eat at the on-site restaurant, which serves generous portions and refreshing drinks — exactly what you’ll want after swimming. Even better, the hacienda has a huge outdoor pool that guests are welcome to enjoy.
It’s the perfect spot to relax, sunbathe, or let the kids keep swimming while you recharge. Many families end up staying for hours — it’s truly a great place to spend the entire day.
Parent Tip
Book the earliest tour of the day to beat the heat and enjoy calmer cenotes, then stay afterward for lunch and pool time. It makes for a fantastic full-day outing.
2.Chichén Itzá – A Wonder of the World, Right Here
Distance from Mérida: ~120 km (1.5–2 hours)
Great for: Kids 7+, curious learners, history lovers, bucket-list families
Chichén Itzá is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World—and it’s every bit as impressive in person. The pyramid of Kukulcán rises dramatically out of the ground, one of those moments where the whole family just goes quiet and stares. Kids who love stories, ancient civilizations, or even Minecraft-style “ruins exploration” will be totally hooked.
This site is absolutely worth the trip from Mérida, but how you visit makes a huge difference—especially with kids.
Go Early. Really Early.
The site opens at 8:00 AM, and if you can arrive right at opening, it will completely change your experience. Early morning is cooler, quieter, and far less crowded. The tour buses start rolling in mid-morning, and by 10:30 AM the pathways can feel packed.
If your kids are even remotely able to handle an early start, this is the time to go.
Where We Stayed (and Why It Was Brilliant)
We stayed at Mayaland Resort & Bungalows, which used to have its own private entrance into Chichén Itzá. That entrance closed during COVID and has never re-opened, but staying on the property is still a huge advantage.
Here’s what we did get—and it was amazing:
The Private Tour Experience
When we checked in, we booked a private guided tour through the hotel, and honestly?
It was worth every penny.
The hotel arranged everything:
A shuttle directly from the hotel to the official entrance
Straight through the ticket lines with zero confusion or hassle
A knowledgeable guide who walked us through the entire site
Stories, history, myths, and perspectives we would’ve totally missed on our own
A well-paced route that avoided the biggest crowds
The difference between wandering the ruins alone vs. having a guide who brings the entire ancient city to life is huge. With kids especially, a guide makes it interactive, engaging, and so much more memorable.
If you’re already traveling all this way, the private tour is absolutely worth it.
Things to Know
The site is very sunny—bring water, hats, sunscreen, and breathable clothes
Strollers struggle here due to uneven ground
Vendors are everywhere inside (fun and colorful, but bring small bills)
Foreign visitor pricing is higher (totally normal for INAH archaeological sites)
Many families pair Chichén Itzá with a cenote swim afterward
Ik Kil (close but crowded)
Saamal (less busy, easy parking)
Why Kids Love It
Kids feel like real explorers: giant pyramids, a massive ball court, serpent carvings, observatories, sacred cenotes, and endless paths to wander. It’s one of those rare moments where learning and adventure collide.
Parent Tip
Book the earliest tour possible (8:00 AM entry is magical), stay at or near the site the night before, and get a guided tour through your hotel. It turns a “big day trip” into a smooth, educational, awe-filled experience your kids will actually remember.
3. Progreso Beach + Mar y Mar Beach Club – Easy, Breezy Beach Day
Distance from Mérida: ~35 km (30–40 minutes)
Great for: All ages
When you need a low-effort, maximum-fun beach day, Progreso is one of the easiest and most family-friendly destinations from Mérida. The malecón is lively, the beach is wide, and the water is usually calm enough for kids to splash safely.
For a more comfortable and controlled setup, Mar y Mar Beach Club is an excellent option for families. It’s clean, modern, breezy, and has all the amenities you want when you’re traveling with kids—but with one important note to know ahead of time.
What to Expect at Mar y Mar
Although it’s called a beach club and it does sit directly on the sand, you can’t walk straight into the ocean from inside the club. The club fronts onto the sand but is separated from the water by the malecón’s low boardwalk wall. Families still get that “feet in the sand, toes in the shade” feeling—just without direct ocean entry from the loungers.
Here’s what you do get:
A small but very refreshing pool
A shaded playground and swings for kids
Hammocks for relaxing in the breeze
Loungers and day beds set right on the sand
A restaurant with good food + drink service
Clean bathrooms (worth their weight in gold in beach towns)
A calm, peaceful space without beach vendors approaching your chairs
And if your kids want true ocean time? You can access the boardwalk right in front of the club and walk about 5 minutes along the malecón to reach the public swimming area. It’s super easy and gives you the best of both worlds: quiet relaxation at the club + open beach play when the kids need waves and sand castles.
Things to Know
Expect a day pass fee or minimum spend (higher on weekends)
The pool is on the smaller side, so early arrival gets the best seats
Bring your usual beach gear: sunscreen, hats, sand toys, towels
The whole malecón is walkable, so you can easily grab souvenirs or snacks nearby
Why Kids Love It
There’s plenty to keep them busy: the swings, hammocks, playground, and pool feel like a little oasis. Parents don’t have to worry about waves or wandering vendors interrupting every five minutes.
Parent Tip
Arrive shortly after opening to snag shaded loungers—the sun gets hot fast, and the shady spots go quickly. Pair this with lunch at the restaurant and a beach walk afterward, and you’ve got a perfectly easy family beach day.
4. Gran Museo del Mundo Maya – The Perfect Cultural Stop
Location: North Mérida
Great for: Kids 6+, teens, rainy-day activity
If you want to give the kids some context before visiting Mayan ruins, this museum is a must. It’s big, modern, beautifully designed, and full of fascinating exhibits about the Maya world—past and present.
Things to know:
Plan for 1–2 hours
Air conditioned (huge bonus in Mérida!)
Great for curious kids and older learners
Why kids love it: Big visuals, artifacts, and interactive screens.
Parent tip: Combine with lunch in the area or a visit to nearby shopping centers.
5. Museo de la Luz – Science Meets Fun
Location: Near Parque La Plancha, Centro
Great for: Kids 4–12
Small but interactive, Museo de la Luz is packed with hands-on exhibits about light, illusions, colors, and perception. It’s a perfect hour-long stop that breaks up the heat of the day.
Things to know:
Foreign tourist ticket: ~100 pesos
Open mornings and late afternoons
Great for a quick visit before/after the park
Why kids love it: Mirrors! Colors! Light tunnels!
Parent tip: Go in the afternoon when everyone needs an AC break.
6. Mérida English Library – A Cozy Break with Kids
Location: Calle 53, Centro
Great for: Toddlers, big kids, homeschoolers, families staying long-term
This nonprofit library offers thousands of English books, weekly events, kids’ storytimes, and a peaceful place to unwind. It’s a wonderful community hub if you’re in Mérida for more than a week.
Things to know:
You can browse for free; borrowing books requires a membership
The kids’ section is well stocked
Check their calendar for family events
Why kids love it: Cozy corners, familiar books, and a calm break from adventuring.
7. Parque La Plancha – Mérida’s New Urban Playground
Location: Centro
Great for: All ages
This massive new city park is beautiful. Think bike paths, ponds, green lawns, skate parks, splash areas, playgrounds, and tons of space to run around. It’s clean, modern, shaded, and quickly becoming a favorite for local and visiting families.
Things to know:
Free entry
Open early morning through late evening
Bring scooters or bikes if you have them
Museo de la Luz is inside the park zone
Why kids love it: Wide-open space, play zones, splash areas, and sidewalks for biking.
Parent tip: Go around sunset—it’s cooler, lively, and gorgeous.
8. Parque Municipal de Deportes Extremos – For Your Adrenaline Crew
Location: West Mérida
Great for: Tweens, teens, adventurous kids
If your kids need to burn off serious energy, this park is a lifesaver. It’s packed with go-karts, zip lines, climbing walls, rope bridges, trampolines, and more. And the best part? It’s free.
Things to know:
Open Thursday–Sunday
Closed-toe shoes required for many activities
Some attractions may require signing a waiver
Why kids love it: It feels like an outdoor adventure park—but right inside the city.
Parent tip: Go after 4pm for cooler temperatures.
9. Parque Zoológico del Centenario– A Classic Family Outing
Location: Mérida
Great for: Toddlers, young kids
This local zoo is shaded, easy to walk, and free. It’s not fancy, but it’s relaxing and great for a slow-paced morning with young kids.
Things to know:
Bring mosquito spray
Evenings can be cooler and more pleasant
Expect walking paths, animals, and simple snacks nearby
Why kids love it: Animals + freedom to explore = happy kids.
10. Mercado Lucas de Gálvez – Food + Culture + Adventure
Location: Centro
Great for: Curious kids, food explorers, sensory seekers
This bustling traditional market is full of fresh fruit, local snacks, handicrafts, and everything in between. It’s busy, colorful, and totally authentic.
Things to know:
Bring pesos and small bills
Keep valuables close (just like any market)
Best for older kids who enjoy sensory exploration
Why kids love it: Colors, smells, snacks… and maybe a new treat to try.
Parent tip: Go mid-morning for the most activity and the least heat.
Final Tips for Exploring Mérida with Kids
Rent a car if you can—it makes day trips so much easier….but driving in the city isn’t for everyone!
Get an eSim: Don’t try to make it with just wifi.
If you want to do a resort, check out my article on Xcaret
Alternate big and small days to avoid kid burnout
Pack hats, water, and sunscreen for every outing
Try local food—Mérida is full of delicious kid-friendly dishes
Let kids help choose each day’s adventure (they’ll be more engaged!)
Mérida truly has something for every kind of family traveler—beach lovers, history buffs, animal fans, adventure seekers, and little explorers who just want space to run. It’s safe, beautiful, and full of surprises, and we loved how easy it was to fill our days with memorable activities.
