72 Hours in Mexico City with Kids

When you think of a Mexico vacation, beach destinations like Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas probably come to mind first. While those spots are amazing, there’s an entirely different family-friendly destination to consider, especially if you’ve already explored the popular ones: Mexico City.

Imagine a place where ancient history meets vibrant modernity, colorful markets buzz with life and lush parks offer endless adventures. With stunning architecture and rich cultural heritage as your backdrop, Mexico City is perfect for families seeking both fun and enrichment. The city boasts historical treasures, world-class museums and plenty of kid-friendly activities. Safe, centrally located neighborhoods like Roma, Condesa and Polanco, which also tend to have ample sidewalks for walking with a stroller, make an ideal home base.

Here are the best things to do in Mexico City with kids, tailored to a range of ages and energy levels.

A Great 3-Day Itinerary in Mexico City with Kids

Day 1: Get Outside

Start your adventure at Chapultepec Park, one of the world’s largest city parks. Especially if you’ve spent a lot of time indoors at airports and in planes the day before, your kids will love the green spaces, playgrounds and tranquil lakes with paddleboat rentals. Don’t miss Chapultepec Castle for stunning city views and a peek into Mexican history. There’s also a zoo within the park.  For lunch, try chiles en nogada — a traditional dish of poblano chiles stuffed with meat and fruits, covered in walnut sauce and topped with pomegranate seeds — at El Lago, an architectural gem overlooking the lake.

That afternoon, visit the National Museum of Anthropology to explore Mexico’s rich cultural traditions. The kids will be fascinated by the massive Aztec stone calendar and Mayan tomb replica. Bonus: The nearby Papalote Children’s Museum offers interactive exhibits in science, technology and art. Its IMAX theater and digital dome provide education and a little downtime while watching a movie.

End your day in the upscale Polanco district. Stroll down Avenida Presidente Masaryk, often compared to New York’s Fifth Avenue. Dine at Pujol, one of the world’s best restaurants (if your kids can hang with a prolonged, multi-course meal), and finish with a treat at the legendary El Moro, serving piping hot churros since 1935. Polanco has two convenient locations.

Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Begin your day at La Casa Azul, Frida Kahlo’s home-turned-museum.  The vibrant blue house offers an intimate look into the life of the famous Mexican artist with some of her original work on display. Word to the wise, this is a very popular attraction — make sure to be on time for your 15-minute entrance slot.

After visiting the museum, explore the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán. Catch lunch at Corazón de Maguey, which has an excellent kids’ menu, or share a tlayuda, a traditional Oaxacan dish of a giant tortilla piled with meat and cheese (with a side of grasshopper-topped guacamole!). Or skip the sit-down lunch and head to Mercado Coyoacán for souvenirs and local snacks. One of the best stalls is Tostadas de Coyoacán, selling tostadas with interesting toppings like octopus and cochinita pibil. Also nearby is Mexico’s most uber-creative (and delicious) chocolate shop: Que Bo!

If you have steam left while in Coyoacán, stop by the Museo Nacional de las Culturas Populares. Celebrating Mexico’s diverse heritage with exhibits of folk art, crafts and music, this free museum is great way for kids to learn about the country’s regional cultures.

Day 3: Historic and Modern Mexico City

Kick off your final day at the Zócalo, Mexico City’s main square. We recommend hiring a guide to explore the historic center, which will give the kids context and save you from doing the research. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Templo Mayor, an ancient Aztec temple that offers a fascinating glimpse into pre-Hispanic Mexico.

After exploring the Zócalo, take a short walk to the stunning Palacio de Bellas Artes, an architectural masterpiece. Inside, you’ll find impressive murals by Diego Rivera and other renowned artists. There might also be performances or exhibitions during your visit, so check before going.

For a very local culinary experience, visit the Mercado de San Juan. Kids will be intrigued by the chance to see and taste something completely new, like edible insects or exotic fruits. Or head to the wacky cake museum on the second floor of Pasteleria Ideal.

End your trip with a visit to Alameda Central, a beautiful park next to the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The kids can run around and enjoy the fountains and sculptures. For a breathtaking view of the city, head to the Torre Latinoamericana observation deck. Watching the sunset from the top is a perfect way to conclude your Mexico City adventure.

With Extra Time

Xochimilco — a UNESCO World Heritage Site with more than 100 square miles of canals on Mexico City’s southern outskirts — gives you a peek into what the valley looked like when it was surrounded by a lake. Here you can rent a colorful trajinera (gondola) and drift along the canals. The vibrant atmosphere, mariachi music and floating food vendors will delight both kids and adults, while older kids will revel at the spooky Island of the Dolls. It’s about an hour’s drive from the city center, so make a day of it if you can. Or if you’re very short on time, there are all-day tours that combine Casa Azul, Xochimilco and Coyoacán.

If you have an extra evening, lucha libre — Mexican wrestling — is a family affair in Mexico City. Shows are fun and lively, an outside-the-box opportunity for multigenerational bonding. Arena Mexico is the largest wrestling arena in the city, easily accessible from neighborhoods like Roma, Juarez and Condesa. Sunday afternoons are considered family-friendly as shows usually start at 5 pm. You can buy tickets online or at the ticket booth; bring cash in local currency for souvenirs and snacks.

Where to Stay

Our top pick for families is the Four Seasons Mexico City near tony Polanco. Housed in a colonial-era building, it upholds the brand standard in splendid style, with spacious, tastefully appointed rooms and suites. Some include sofa beds and can accommodate a crib as well. A lush courtyard at the heart of the building provides a respite from the urban to-ing and fro-ing. Two restaurants (one Italian, one traditional Mexican) plus an onsite bakery offer plenty to tempt even the pickiest palates. If you’re staying over a weekend, don’t miss Sunday brunch, one of the best in town.

TIP:  Our CB Family Travel Advisors can book accommodations at the Four Seasons and other kid-friendly luxury properties with exclusive perks and amenities. Reach out to us to start the process.

Relevant Links:

Browse all accommodations and activities in Mexico on Ciao Bambino

See our full list of ideas for family city breaks

Postcard from Mexico City: Cruising canals in trajineras

Merida, Mexico: Colonial history and cultural cool on the Yucatan Peninsula

Mexican culture meets bespoke luxury at Maroma, A Belmond Hotel, Riviera Maya

Cultural immersion and beachfront fun in Los Cabos, Mexico

One&Only Mandarina: Zen-style pampering in Mexico’s rainforest

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.