Best Things to Do with Kids in the Riviera Maya – A Family Travel Guide
Your Family Guide to Kid-Friendly Adventures in the Riviera Maya
At Nah Experience, we design family experiences that go beyond sightseeing. Every itinerary is adapted to the pace of the youngest travelers, with expert guides, comfortable transportation, and activities where parents can relax knowing their kids are safe.
Here’s our complete guide to the best family-friendly activities in Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum — with experiences designed to inspire, entertain, and reassure.

Private Tulum + Cenote + Akumal Turtles 🐢
Walking through Tulum feels like stepping into a history book, with ancient Mayan walls perched on a cliff above the Caribbean Sea. The paths are short and easy, with plenty of shaded spots for little explorers.
Next, a refreshing dip in a crystal-clear cenote. Shallow areas let children splash safely while sunlight filters through, creating magical reflections on the stone walls. Your guide is always close by to watch over everyone.
The day ends in Akumal Bay, home to green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles. Watching them swim gracefully or surface for air is unforgettable. Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, and a guide is in the water at all times.
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Private Sian Ka’an (from age 3) 🐬🦅
A UNESCO-protected paradise, Sian Ka’an is a living classroom of biodiversity. The boat safari crosses lagoons and mangroves, where the water shifts from emerald to deep blue.
Wild dolphins leap in the distance, sea turtles glide near the surface, and frigatebirds and herons fly overhead. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a manatee.
When it’s time to swim, the stops are in calm, shallow water. Life jackets are always worn, and the guide remains in the water or on the boat supervising, so parents can truly relax.
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Private Cozumel (from age 3) ⭐
The ferry from Playa del Carmen sets the tone for a day of adventure, with endless shades of blue all around. On the island, a private boat takes you to world-famous reefs like Palancar and Columbia, where tropical fish dart between colorful corals.
The journey ends at El Cielo, a shallow sandbar so clear you can see large starfish resting on the seabed (no touching). This is perfect for a first snorkeling experience, with breaks for fresh fruit and snacks, and a guide ensuring everyone is safe and comfortable.

Private Coba – Punta Laguna 🚴♂️🌿🐒
Coba’s jungle paths lead you through ancient ruins, explored by bicycle or “Maya taxi,” making the visit fun and active.
At Punta Laguna, adventure continues with ziplining, canoeing, and visiting a hidden gem: a cave cenote with stalactites and stalagmites, easy to access yet magical to explore. Life jackets are opcional inside, and your guide is always nearby, so children can enjoy it with confidence.
Wildlife encounters add to the magic — the deep calls of howler monkeys and the playful leaps of spider monkeys in the treetops.
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Private Chichén Itzá + Cenote + Valladolid 🏛️💧
Kukulkán’s pyramid stands as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Guides keep children engaged with legends and fun facts, while ensuring the route is shaded and manageable.
Afterward, the group visits a deep, semi-open cenote — a stunning scene with hanging vines and thin streams of water falling from above. The sunlight beams into the blue depths, creating an atmosphere straight out of an Indiana Jones movie. Life jackets are mandatory here, and trained staff monitor everyone both inside and outside the water.
The day ends in Valladolid, where kids can enjoy an artisanal ice cream in the colorful main square.
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Private Bacalar Lagoon Tour 🌈🚤
Known as the Lagoon of Seven Colors, Bacalar is pure tranquility. The tour is on a comfortable, family-adapted boat with cushioned seats, stopping at shallow, calm areas perfect for children to swim. The guide is always attentive, ensuring a safe, slow-paced day for all ages.
It’s the perfect way to close your trip with peace and beauty.

Local family ideas by location
From Playa del Carmen
• Playa Esmeralda: calm beach with mangrove.
• Cenote Azul & Cristalino: easy access, family-safe.
• Parque Los Fundadores: playground, Portal Maya show, occasional fire and Mayan performances.
From Cancún
• Parque Kabah: urban green park with wildlife.
• Cenote Zapote: family swim.
• Cancún Mayan Museum: indoor exhibits and outdoor ruins.
From Tulum
• Playa Paraíso: soft sand, calm water (in season).
• Gran Cenote: shallow spots and small fish.
