Family vacations are about bonding, but it can be difficult to get closer when kids range in ages & interests. Luckily, Cancun provides a variety of exciting activities that are sure to keep everyone entertained. Regardless of age, the whole family is bound to appreciate the white sandy beaches & crystalline water. Still, there's much more to Cancun than the brilliant beaches & vivacious nightlife – including a bevy of activities that will bring everyone closer than before. These are just a few of the must-do excursions:
Parks There are a number of water parks that are suitable for kids as well as adults, so choosing the right one depends on the thrill level you're looking for. Xel-Há is an eco-friendly snorkel park where visitors can become one with nature. Can't decide between snorkeling & scuba diving? Try Snuba, a combination of the two. Non-swimmers can also observe the colorful Caribbean aquatic life on a Sea Trek. By donning the special helmet, you can breathe safely & comfortably under water. You can even encounter sting-rays or endangered manatees while learning about their biology & behaviors. A ride on the 23-foot-high zip-bike offers a whole new perspective on the surrounding landscapes, including grottos, caves & the jungle. After all the excitement, stop for a hammock massage at the Xel-Há spa, which fuses aromatherapy & physiotherapy with ancient Mayan wisdom.
Xcaret is an archeological theme park that offers everything from swimming with sea creatures to live musical performances. The park has even recently developed a new adventure specifically for younger visitors to interact with small nurse sharks & sting rays in a safe atmosphere. Feel the wind & spray on your face during "Adrenalina," a high-speed swift boat ride through the cerulean Caribbean waters. There's more beyond the typical attractions & activities, though – a tour of the spectacular Vino de México Wine Cellar is led by an expert sommelier for an education on more than 500 years of Mexican wine's history, along with a tasting.
Interactive Aquarium Get up close & personal with marine life at this unique, hands-on aquarium. Don diving gear & descend into a two-story tank to observe blunt-nosed bull sharks & black tip sharks from inside a cage – or if you're feeling less gutsy, swim with the dolphins or feed the sea turtles. Little ones can get involved at the touch tank, where they're able to hold rays, sea stars & more. Those who are looking to gain a stronger understanding of these friendly creatures can even test out being a trainer for a day. After working up an appetite, take advantage of the variety of on-site eateries, including an open-air Thai restaurant & an Indian option. You can also nosh on ceviche & sip on a margarita at Jugo de Limón Marisquería Mexicana while overlooking the lagoon.
More adventures While there's plenty to do within Cancun, your family will get a lot more insight into the rich cultural history of Mexico by taking a trip outside the city. To find out more about ancient cultures, a tour to Chichen Itza, the most famous Mayan ruin, is a great option & only a two to three hour drive away. You could also opt to go to Tulum, where you'll find one of the only surviving images of Ixchel, the Mayan goddess of fertility & medicine. Just don't forget to bring a bathing suit – after scoping out the carvings & columns, the whole family will want to take a swim at the stunning beaches. You can even combine a trip to Tulum with a stop at Xel-Há, which is nearby.
Who knows? On your family vacation in Mexico, you might even re-connect with your own inner-child.
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