Mexico City with Kids: 8 Fun Things To Do

Mexico City is well known for being the location of the excellent Six Flags theme park and for the older kids this makes a perfect day-long destination. Situated in the southern area of Mexico City, in Tlalpan forest, some of the attractions include laser tag, bumper cars, Justice League-themed rides and, erm, even the world’s former largest piñata. Get there early, as this is a popular destination amongst visitors and locals alike.

For younger children, Papalote Museo del Niño is a well-curated and excellent museum located within the heart of Mexico City, in the Bosque de Chapultepec. Full of crafty and interactive exhibits that could literally keep even the most easily distracted of children occupied all day long, one of its stand outs is the Lego section. They also have well defined sections, such as ‘My body’, ‘Mexico’ and ‘Mi City’, so it’s about learning as well as playing.

Speaking of the Bosque de Chapultepec, that on its own is a fantastic destination to head to with the kids tagging along. Full of wide open green spaces, a ton of museums to choose from and overflowing with mostly tame squirrels (take along some crackers or peanuts if you want to feed them), it’s a safe and tranquil spot. You can easily pick up food there too, so you could theoretically stay all day!

Run by the leading university in Mexico, UNAM, Universum is a science and technology museum that opened in 1992. Nowadays, it has thirteen separate halls replete with different exhibits that will intrigue even the most scientifically sceptical of children. With themes like recycling, health and the universe, its a must-see, as is the UNAM university site itself.

The economy doesn’t sound like the most interesting of topics for a museum, especially one to which you’re planning to take your children. However, the Museo Interactivo de Economía, known colloquially as MIDE, is an exception to the rule. It uses interactive exhibits to help your kids learn more about the economy and the financial world in an immersive and fun way. You never know, you might even learn something too.

For something a little more active, why not take your children to an ice skating rink? Even if they’re skating experts or total beginners, they’ll be able to give it a go during the public opening hours. Check the website for more details about when exactly these are closer to the time of your visit, and keep this option in mind in case you’re heading to Mexico City during rainy season. It can make a great back up activity.

For a hands-on farm experience, Tío Pepe Granja Didáctica is a great shout. If your kids are animal lovers, or even if they’re on the fence about whether they prefer pigs or bacon, Tío Pepe’s Granja (or farm) is the perfect destination. They can interact directly with docile animals who are used to human contact, and even feed them. From pigs to donkeys, horses to cows, there are even smaller, domestic animals that they can hold and pet.

With a name like KidZania, this place was always going to be up there as a top destination to take the kids to in Mexico City. The Cuicuilco branch is easily accessible and full of fun exhibits and activities for them to get stuck in to. Give them the opportunity to let their imaginations run wild, while you get a breather from the madness of taking children on holiday. Highly recommended.

Mexico is one of the most exciting countries in North America, if not the world, with its lively city streets brimming with culture, music and some of the best street food you’ll find anywhere. But it’s also a country of fascinating history and amazing natural wonders, with Aztec and Mayan temples found right next to mystical cenotes.