Insider Tips on Visiting Mexico City with Kids

Most Museums and Major Attractions are Closed on Mondays

Plan to visit a playground or two, shop, or swim at the hotel pool (if yours has one) on Monday.

Mexico City is Generally Safe for Families

The city has a level 2 travel advisory from the US State Department, which means you should "exercise increased caution" like you would in any large city. The main tourist areas are much safer than other parts of the city due to increased security, and I never once felt unsafe. However, be on the lookout for pickpockets and avoid walking around isolated areas at night. Here are the best and safest areas of Mexico city to visit:

• Centro Histórico (Historic Center)
• Roma Norte
• Condesa (where we stayed!)
• Polanco
• Paseo de la Reforma
• Coyoacán

Have Some Pesos on Hand

While we were able to use our credit cards to pay for most things, some places only accept cash. It's also best to use cash for smaller transactions. We found that the easiest way to get pesos was simply to withdraw some from an ATM using our debit cards.

You'll See Lots of Unleashed Dogs

We were shocked by how many unleashed dogs we saw all around the city, either strolling with their humans, playing in the parks, or even hanging out in stores. And let me tell you—these were some of the friendliest and most docile dogs I've ever seen! Just remind kids never to pet dogs without asking first.

Prepare for Noise—A LOT of Noise

I grew up in New York City and I still found Mexico City to be very noisy! I knew what I was in for as soon as I checked into my Condesa hotel and saw a white noise machine on the nightstand. But embrace the noise, because all of these sounds are part of the city's character—vendors hawking their wares, street performers singing or playing music, etc.

Still, I didn't have need for the white noise machine until 5am on Sunday, when I was woken up by some sort of extremely loud, robotic chanting outside my window. A quick Google search told me this is not uncommon, and that it could have been anything from religious services to a community gathering. Luckily I was able to turn on the machine and get back to sleep, knowing I'd experienced a quirky part of life in Mexico City!

Best Time to Visit Mexico City

There is no bad time to visit Mexico City, as the weather is spring-like year-round, with high temperatures in the low to high 70s and lows in the mid 40s to mid 50s Fahrenheit. The rainy season is around May through October, when you can expect heavy downpours in the afternoons. From November through April, there are many sunny days. Expect heavier crowds and higher prices during in October and November (around Dia de los Muertos), during the December holidays and Easter, and in July and August when schools are out.

Getting Around Mexico City with Kids

Expect to do a lot of walking, but beware that many areas are not very stroller-friendly during to narrow sidewalks, cobblestones, and uneven surfaces. However, family-friendly neighborhoods like Condesa and Polanco do have smoother surfaces, as do many of the city's parks. If you must bring a stroller, make sure it's compact and easily foldable.

Uber is also very common in Mexico City, and it's extremely affordable. When we weren't walking, we were Ubering, and we never had a problem. There is a metro, but it can get very crowded (especially during rush hours). If you want to try public transportation with kids, the Metrobus is a better option—it has dedicated lanes.

Whatever you do, do not plan to rent a car—the streets are extremely crowded and chaotic, and parking can be difficult!

What to Pack for a Trip to Mexico City

• Clothing: Layers, layers, layers! T-shirts, long pants, and sweaters or light coats are ideal.
• Shoes: Comfortable walking shoes, especially sneakers, are a must. Leave the sandals home if you want to avoid looking like a tourist!
• Umbrella
• Reusable water bottles
• Portable charger
• Sunscreen
• Cash (pesos)
• Passports

Best Parks and Playgrounds in Mexico City

1. Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest)

This massive park, more than double the size of NYC's Central Park, is packed with fun things to do with kids—a zoo, museums (including a children's museum), a real castle, an amusement park, lakes where you can go paddle boating, a botanical garden, fantastic playgrounds, and so much more. It's so lush and beautiful, we enjoyed simply walking around and discovering all of the outdoor sculptures, fountains, and pretty paths. You'll likely visit this park several times during your trip to Mexico City!

Mexico City playgrounds, like this one at Parque México​, are extra special. 

2. Parque México (Mexico Park) — Condesa

This lush, Art Deco-style park was right across the street from our hotel, so we spent a lot of time strolling around it and taking in its beauty. There's a large playground, an exercise area, tranquil garden spaces, winding paths, an open-air theater, a dog park, and more.

3. Parque Bicentenario (Bicentennial Park) — Azcapotzalco

This serene park in the western part of Mexico City has multiple playgrounds, biking and walking paths, pretty picnic spots, lush gardens, a skate park, basketball and volleyball courts, outdoor fitness equipment, and other ways to enjoy some outdoor fun.

Great Mexico City Museums for Kids and Families

4. Papalote Museo del Niño (Papalote Children's Museum)

This colorful children's museum in Chapultepec Park offers fun, hands-on exhibits for kids. In "My Home and Family," children ;can cook a pretend meal, decorate their dream room, and lie on a bed of nails(!). They can shop at a mini supermarket and build with LEGO bricks ;in "My City." In the Ideas Lab, they can launch a rocket, build a giant tower, and make a catapult. Other exhibits explore the natural world, the human body, and more.Note: The exhibits and signs are mainly in Spanish, but English-speaking guides are on hand to help you. The museum is closed on Mondays.

5. Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology)

This famous museum houses the world's largest collection of ancient Mexican art and artifacts, spread throughout 23 rooms. You obviously can't see all of them in one day, so I would suggest visiting the Mexica Room first to see the famous giant Aztec Calendar Stone (Sun Stone), then heading upstairs to the rooms dedicated to present-day indigenous groups to see models of homes and daily life. The outdoor courtyard and gardens are great for when kids need a break.

Peek into Frida's kitchen at the Frida Kahlo Museum. 

6. Frida Kahlo Museum

I absolutely loved visiting this museum inside the Caza Azul (Blue House), where Frida Kahlo grew up and later lived with fellow artist Diego Rivera. Visitors get to walk through the various rooms, including Kahlo's art studio and bedroom, and see some of her and Rivera's art, personal belongings, and even the urn containing Kahlo's remains.

While younger kids may be less interested in the indoor exhibits, they'll absolutely love the lush gardens with reflecting pools, an Aztec-inspired pyramid, and places to sit and rest. We even saw adults and kids taking a painting class in the courtyard just past the gardens. Note: You must purchase tickets for this extremely popular museum ahead of time or you won't be able to get in.

7. Templo Mayor Museum

First built around the year 1325, Templo Mayor was the main temple of the city of Tenochtitlan, now Mexico City. In the museum's outdoor areas, you can see actual ruins of the city, which kids will find fascinating. Inside, you'll find interactive exhibits and many Aztec artifacts. There are a lot of stairs, so the museum is not stroller-friendly. It's open every day except Monday.;

8. Museo del Juguete Antiguo México (Toy Museum)

This quirky museum displays thousands and thousands of quirky toys throughout its four floors. The toys, many of which were popular in Mexico, mainly range from the 1800s through the 1980s. Whether it's dolls, Army men, video game consoles, board games, cars, or countless other toys, the kids will surely find something they're into—and the grown-ups will definitely feel nostalgic! The museum is open every day.

More of the Top Things To Do in Mexico City with Kids

9. Chapultepec Zoo

This zoo in Chapultepec Park, open every day except Monday, is completely FREE to visit and awesome for kids. Over 1,200 animals are on display, from giant pandas and jaguars to species endemic to Mexico like the Xochimilco axolotl and the volcano rabbit. Exhibits are interactive, and educational programs allow guests to learn more about the animals.

10. Chapultepec Castle

Kids will love exploring this real-life 18th-century castle, now called the Museo Nacional de Historia (National Museum of History), at the entrance to Chapultepec Park. It once served as the official residence of European royalty, Mexican presidents, and other notable people. Inside you'll find gorgeous murals, opulent rooms, beautiful stained-glass windows, and interesting artifacts. Enjoy panoramic city views from the rooftop gardens and terraces. The castle is open daily except Monday, and kids under 13 get in FREE.

Learn to cool traditional Mexican foods in a beautiful space at Casa Jacaranda. 

11. Casa Jacaranda Cooking Class

This was my absolute favorite thing we did in Mexico City! The six-hour experience began with a trip to a local market with our amazing guide, Chef Ana, where she showed us to how to choose some of the local ingredients we'd be using. We then stopped at a chocolate shop for a tasting before heading to Casa Jacaranda's amazing cooking space, where we learned from local chefs how to make various Mexican dishes including guacamole, tamales, tortillas from scratch, and more. The class was very hands-on, and we were given various beverages (including the alcoholic variety!) with each course.

Chef Ana said they often have older kids and teens in the class, and that these budding young chefs typically love it! Kids are given age-appropriate tasks to do and are more likely to try foods when they've had a hand in making them. When we returned home, we received an email with recipes for the dishes we made, plus many others! I highly recommend taking a class at Casa Jacaranda if you have older kids and teens, as it's a great way to truly immerse them in the culture and flavors of Mexico City.

12. Xochimilco Canal Ride

Take a colorful, festive flat-bottomed boat ride through ancient canals, during which you'll pass lively mariachi boats, floating food and drink vendors, boats selling souvenirs, and more. Weekends and late afternoons tend to be rowdier (think grown-ups playing drinking games), so go with kids on a weekday morning or early afternoon. To avoid having to wait for a boat and ;negotiate prices with boat operators, book a tour ahead of time (Viator has some good ones). Be sure to bring pesos, as the boat operators and vendors do not take credit cards.

13. Lucha Libre

Lucha Libre is Mexico's theatrical style of professional wrestling, full of high-flying acrobatics and dramatic storytelling. Wrestlers wear crazy masks and colorful costumes, and the crowd goes wild. Arena Mexico is the biggest and most famous place to see a show, while Arena Coliseo is smaller but stll popular. Both neighborhoods can be a bit unsafe at night, so plan to see a "Domingo Familiar" (Family Sunday) show on a Sunday afternoon and Uber to and from, or book a tour ahead of time. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

14. Coyoacán Market

You can't go to Mexico City without visiting a traditional Mexican market—or several! They'll all give you a taste of the culture, but one of the most famous is the two-story Mercado de Coyoacán (Coyoacán Market) near the Frida Kahlo Museum. You'll find stalls hawking all kinds of foods, clothing, crafts, toys, gifts, plants, and more. It's a real treat for the senses, full of colors, sounds, and energy, and you'll surely find some great souvenirs to take home.

15. Aztlán Feria de Chapultepec

This amusement park in Chapultepec Park has various kiddie rides, a nearly 280-foot Ferris wheel, a two-story Venetian carousel imported from Italy, a Jurassic-themed roller coaster, an immersive theater, games, and more. It's free to enter; you just pay for individual rides and attractions. The park is closed on Mondays.

16. Ballet Folklórico de México

The whole family will enjoy watching this folkloric ensemble perform traditional Mexican dances. Kids will love the brightly colored costumes, the energetic music, and the opportunities to be a part of the show by clapping and dancing. There are multiple shows per week at the Palacio de Bellas Artes, including Sunday-morning shows at 9:30am. Tickets are available from Ticketmaster.

17. Zócalo — Centro Histórico (Historic Center)

The Zócalo is Mexico City's huge, vibrant central square, offering families plenty of entertainment and space for kids to run around. You can enjoy street performers playing music or dancing traditional Aztec dances, as well as buy unique crafts and gifts from local vendors. In the morning and evening, you might catch a flag-raising or -lowering ceremony. And on any given day, there may be a festival or parade. The Zócalo is next to the Templo Mayor Museum, so plan to spend some time here before or after your museum visit to experience the pulse of life in Mexico City.

18. Day Trip to Teotihuacan—and Hot Air Balloon Rides

About 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, the Teotihuacan pyramids are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and truly a sight to behold. The largest and most impressive is the Pyramid of the Sun, built around 200 AD. The Pyramid of the Moon is also awe-inspiring. The best ways to see the site are to take a private tour (try booking through Viator) or to book a hot air balloon ride over the pyramids. Whichever way you decide to go, this will surely be an unforgettable day trip for the whole family.

19. Day Trip to Bioparque Estrella

This safari theme park, about a two-hour drive from Mexico City, offers rides, wildlife encounters, and educational experiences. Families can feed animals such as giraffes and zebras during a safari, ride a thrilling alpine coaster, take a Jurassic River Boat ride, dig for fossils, see animal shows, and so much more. There are various bus tours, like this one, that you can take to the park.

20. Shopping, Shopping, and More Shopping

Got tweens or teens who love to shop? They'll be in absolute heaven! We spent hours and hours exploring the trendy and unique boutiques, antique stores, gift shops, and more in the Roma Norte, Condesa, and Juárez neighborhoods. You don't really need a plan, as strolling around and seeing what you find is part of the fun. But be sure to stop into XINU in Juárez, especially if your kids are into perfume and skin care—you'll step through a stunning "secret" garden into a gorgeous wooden pavilion that smells absolutely divine. 

Jenni's Quesadillas are worth standing in line for!

Where and What to Eat with Kids in Mexico City

21. Street Quesadillas and Tacos

Wherever you stroll in Mexico City, you'll be hit with the amazing scent of carts selling quesadillas, tacos, and other delicious Mexican street food. The street quesadillas in blue-corn tortillas from Jenni's Quesdaillas in Roma Norte were one of the best things I ate in Mexico City—my mouth still waters just thinking about them. If you want to know which street carts are the best, just look for people (especially locals) lined up to buy food—that's how we discovered Jenni's, only to learn later that it's a legendary food stand!

22. Porfirio's 

Porfirio's serves up contemporary Mexican food at its four Mexico City restaurants. Kids ages 4-11 can eat with their parents or hang out at Porforitos, the on-site Kids Club—yes, really! At Porforitos, kids can do arts and crafts, watch movies, play video games, and more under the watchful eyes of trained nannies. While there, they can order off a kids menu with items such as mini burgers or chicken fingers with fries, fettuccine with butter and bacon, and churros for dessert. They may even make some new friends!

23. Botanico — Condesa

My friends and I had a fantastic outdoor meal in this tranquil garden oasis surrounded by giant cacti and lush plants (and even a small pond). The Michelin-recommended restaurant welcomes children—we saw several families. There's no kids menu, but there are various items children might enjoy, like pork milanese, chicken al pastor, homemade ravioli, and even French fries. The garden is covered to protect from rain, and if you or your kiddos get chilly, the staff will bring you cozy blankets. The restaurant is very popular, so make a reservation in advance.

24. Panaderia Rosetta — Roma Norte

This bustling bakery is famous for its guava and cheese pastries, but it also has tons of other delicious muffins, sandwiches, croissants, and more. There's an adorable outdoor seating area, but know that you'll likely have to wait. Instead, we chose to stand in the short line to order and take our goodies on the go. 

25. Parrilla Urbana - Town Square Metepec

This popular restaurant serves up modern Mexican dishes, burgers, steaks, and more. A play area for kids ages 2-7 offers fun games, face painting, and other fun activities overseen by highly trained nannies. Children 8 and under can order a Kid's Box with an entree (such as a hamburger), fries, and plush toy. Make reservations in advance!

Top Mexico City Hotels for Families

26. Camino Real Polanco Mexico — Polanco

Originally built for the 1968 Olympic Games, this colorful hotel near Chapultepec Park has an outdoor pool, several on-site restaurants, laundry, free cribs upon request, and paid babysitting.

27. Hampton Inn & Suites Mexico City — Centro Historico

Less than two blocks from the Zócalo in the heart of downtown Mexico City, this affordable hotel has spacious rooms that sleep up to four, free hot breakfast, an on-site restaurant and fitness center, and cribs available for little ones.

28. Casa Jacinta Guest House — Coyoacán

This beautiful colonial house with only 10 rooms is just a short walk from the Frida Kahlo Museum and close to Coyoacán's central plaza. Some of the rooms fit four or five people, and there is a beautiful private garden where families can relax after a long day. The staff is known to be very welcoming to kids, and pets are allowed with prior arrangement.

29. Andaz Mexico City Condesa — La Condesa

Your kids may never want to leave the 17th-floor rooftop pool at this architecturally stunning hotel in the heart of Condesa, near Parque Mexico. Larger rooms and spacious suites are perfect for families, and there are restaurants and a spa on site. Just step outside the hotel to be surrounded by shops, cafes, and lush beauty.

30. St. Regis Mexico City — Paseo de la Reforma

For a truly splurge-worthy stay with kids, the St. Regis is the place to be. The biggest draw for families is the 15th-floor Children's Club, where kids ages 5-11 can enjoy art projects, toys, games, movies, storytimes, and more. Kids will also love picking treats from the candy trolley in the lobby on weekends. There's a full-service spa for the grown-ups, and the whole family will enjoy the indoor pool with sweeping city views.

FAQs About Visiting Mexico City with Kids

Q: What are the best things to do in Mexico City with kids?
A: Mexico City has fantastic parks and playgrounds, as well as many kid-friendly museums like the Papalote Museo del Niño and Templo Mayor.

Q: Are there free things to do in Mexico City with children?
A: Yes! The parks and playgrounds are free to explore, as is the Chapultepec Zoo. Other places offer free admission for kids, including Chapultepec Castle (Museo Nacional de Historia).

Q: Do restaurants in Mexico City cater to kids?
A: Some restaurants, like Porfirio and Parrillia Urbana, have kids' menus and play rooms with trained nannies. Many others welcome kids even if they don't specifically cater to them. And there are plenty of cafes and street vendors where you can grab a quick, kid-friendly bite.

Q: How many days should I spend in Mexico City with my family?
A: You'll need a full week to be able to see all the main sights, explore the various neighborhoods, and have time for day trips to places like Teotihuacan.

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