The Internet Says These Are The Best Family-Friendly Things To Do In Cancun

Family vacations are the stuff dreams are made of, literally. After all, a great trip can cement memories in your kids' minds for years, if not decades. That's why choosing the best destination for your next holiday is essential — no wonder you've decided on a trip to Cancun. This popular destination is packed with family-friendly things to do. Whether your brood wants to whoosh down a water slide, soar above trees on a zipline, or soak up some rays on a soft beach, they'll do just that and so much more in Cancun. You won't hear the dreaded "I'm bored" mantras while on vacation here. 

The fact that Cancun is home to some of the area's best all-inclusive resorts only adds to its allure for families with kids of all ages. Many of these accommodations are filled with attractions like water parks, lazy rivers, and entertainment, with the kid-approved bonus of access to all the food and drinks they can handle. Don't have much time off work? No worries, Cancun is an easy place to get to for a weekend trip, and you'll have plenty to keep you occupied. We studied multiple articles written by family travel experts, researched each attraction, and sifted through online reviews to ensure the places on this list are the best family-friendly things to do in Cancun. All you have to do is have fun.

If you're vying for a parent of the year award, take your kids to Xcaret Park. Pronounced esh-car-et, this is one of the Riviera Maya's most popular attractions for good reason — it's packed with family-friendly things to do. Part eco-archeological park, part theme park, part water park, there are so many activities on offer that you'll want to arrive early and leave late for your best chance at trying them all. From swimming in underground rivers and exploring Mayan ruins to watching cultural performances, there are over 50 activities to choose from. 

Add on an Adventure Kids package for even more excitement. Children can feed sting rays and snorkel with them in a natural lagoon. Don't worry, it's safe! This half-hour program is designed for kids between 4 and 10 years of age. Over 48,000 people have reviewed this impressive park on Tripadvisor, giving it a 4.5-star rating for its fun children's zone, interesting shows, underwater river, and butterfly area. They do mention the high prices, which can be well over $120 per person for those over 12 and over and around $90 for kids between 5 and 11, depending on which package you choose. Kids 4 and under get in free.

Ahoy matey, is your crew hungry? Book a journey on the Captain Hook Dinner Cruise and set sail on the high seas for a tasty meal and show that your kids arrr (sorry, we had to) bound to enjoy. Be on board 45 minutes before the ship departs, which is 6:30 p.m. every day, for an unforgettable evening of fun. Cannon fire signals your departure, while a full-on "battle" will erupt later in the evening. When the captain says, "Enemy ship aside," prepare to see "pirates" jumping from one ship to another in an attempt to protect their vessel and its passengers. 

They're armed with swords and guns to make things feel even more realistic. Dinner, dancing, games, and contests take place throughout the evening, with plenty of seafaring excitement for pirate lovers. Your kids are sure to be amazed. Are you worried it will feel too hokey? It could, but Tripadvisor reviewers claim this cruise is "hilarious fun," "a great overall experience," and they think the "engagement from the performers was great." 

To explore the attractions at Xel-Há, you're going to want to carve out a whole day. A 200-acre fun zone, this natural water park bursts with activities the whole family will love. That said, pack lots of sunblock (biodegradable only, please), arrive early, and get ready for a day filled with adventure. From snorkeling to riding an inner tube along a lazy river to ziplining into the water, there's a seemingly endless array of things to do. Trust us, no one's getting bored here. 

The park is massive, which means you won't have time to do everything. Therefore, we suggest looking at a map before you visit to pick and choose your must-try activities. Here, you'll find a cenote to swim in, cliffs to jump from, an overwater ropes course (if you slip, you're getting wet), a rope swing, jungle trails, and so much more.

Children's World is a must-visit for those with little ones in tow (only kids up to 12 are allowed inside). They, too, can enjoy adventurous experiences on water slides, a crocodile tunnel, a playground, and rope climbing. Reviewers on Tripadvisor say Xel-Há is "great for all ages," "as nice as a tourist attraction can get," and "an absolute delight." Another wrote, "This was the best part of our trip to Riviera Maya."

It's hard to describe the otherworldly feeling you get from jumping into a cenote (i.e., a water-filled natural sinkhole). Also described as "deep water wells," these magical spots are often found at the bottom of underground caves, and swimming in them is both a relaxing and invigorating experience your kids will remember for years. Thousands of cenotes can be found throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, meaning there are plenty to choose from if you're hoping to enjoy this memorable experience. The best way to find them is by booking a guided tour. 

However, some cenotes are sacred to the Mayan people, and some are off-limits to tourists. Open cenotes have been around for longer, their vault or cavern having collapsed years before, leaving a pool-like area open to the air. Cancun Adventures has 3.5-hour cenote and snorkeling tours available for $70 for ages 12 and over and $62 for kids 8-11. You'll get to swim in the calm waters, snorkel amongst interesting sea creatures, and explore caves and caverns. 

You'll only need about an hour to explore Croco Cun Zoo, but you'll learn so much about the attraction's residents that you'll feel as if you've been there for days. Set 24 miles southwest of Cancun's Hotel Zone, the drive to Croco Cun Zoo will take about 36 minutes. All tours are guided by experienced staff members who take their job as animal conservationists seriously. The guides lead tourists around the small zoo, teaching them about the animals who call this area home.

While you walk, look up — spider monkeys roam free in this attraction, and you never know when one will jump from tree to tree above your head. Visitors will also have a chance to feed, touch, and even hold some of the animals, with the bravest of tourists being rewarded with a walk through a crocodile enclosure. Reviewers on Tripadvisor rave about the entire experience, noting the zoo's "knowledgeable and friendly" staff. Many recommend visiting early in the morning to experience the zoo with fewer crowds.

Meals and drinks are included in your visit to Ventura Park, which is a good thing since getting the kids to leave this adventure zone is going to be a struggle. With over 30 attractions on offer, there are enough exciting things to do that you'll likely be here for hours. The park is divided into sections based on various activities, which makes it easier to navigate. Wet'n Wild is where you'll find the water park; Aaah! Ventura houses the ziplines and other aerial activities; Grand Prix boasts go-karts; and Fun World is where smaller kids can run wild on the playground.

Day passes are sold based on the sections you'd like to visit, with the Platinum Pass offering unlimited soft ice cream (they had us at unlimited). No matter which pass you choose, bring a bathing suit and towels, as access to Wet'n Wild is included in all. You'll also need to bring cash, as lockers, photos, and inner tube rentals cost extra. The park is located about 30 minutes from the Hotel Zone, so you'll have to arrange a ride for your visit.

If your kids love sea creatures (and honestly, what kid doesn't?), take them to the Interactive Aquarium Cancun. Located in the La Isla shopping center, this family-friendly attraction is open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Here, kids over 8 and adults can participate in an Aquarium Trek, a 20-minute-long experience where tourists walk underwater in a large aquarium while wearing a helmet to help them breathe. Other popular, family-friendly things to do include "petting" a ray or starfish in a touch tank and watching a dolphin show.

The aquarium received the "Humane Conservation" certification from American Humane, which means the staff takes great care of the welfare of its animals. Maybe skip the part where you can swim with dolphins to ensure you're respecting the animals. Reviewers on Tripadvisor mention that while this is a good aquarium, you won't need to spend much time here due to its small size, especially if you don't sign up for the extra encounters.