Jellyfish at Acuario Inbursa, Mexico City | © DaNka Valle León/ Flickr
Acuario Inbursa
Let’s start off with a recently opened destination in swanky Polanco. This tranquil neighbourhood has a very different vibe to it than much of Mexico City, which can make it easier to navigate with kids in tow, and it also plays host to Acuario Inbursa. Owned by Carlos Slim, this underground aquarium has all manner of sealife for them to marvel at, and even though it’s exterior isn’t as visually enticing as the neighboring Soumaya museum, the interior more than makes up for it.
Acuario Inbursa, Av. Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra 386, Miguel Hidalgo, Ampliacion Granada, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5395 4586
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IndoorsPlanetario Luis Enrique Erro
If the sea doesn’t float your kids’ boat, then maybe the sky will? At Planetario Luis Enrique Erro they can get an insight into the solar system and star constellations at one of the regularly scheduled sky shows. Alternatively, head to the planetarium’s 400-seat theatre and watch an immersive and informative projection. While you may have to go to the northern Mexico City neighborhood of Zacatenco for this option, it’s worth the traveling time.
Planetario Luis Enrique Erro, Av. Wilfrido Massieu s/n, Gustavo A. Madero, Zacatenco, Nueva Industrial Vallejo, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5729 6000
Parque Bicentenario
Moving away from museum environments, an outdoorsy option for those of you traveling with kids is Parque Bicentenario. Although you can’t take your pets in (if you’re also traveling with them, that is), kids are 100% allowed. Let them loose on the football pitches, play areas or even the botanical garden. As an added bonus, this park is completely free and definitely more lively at the weekends.
Parque Bicentenario, Av. 5 de Mayo No. 290, Miguel Hidalgo, San Lorenzo Tlaltenango, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5628 0600
Six Flags, Mexico City | © cezzie901 / Flickr
Six Flags México
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.
Six Flags México, Carr. Picacho-Ajusco Km 1.5, Tlalpan, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5339 3600
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Mexico City’s Papalote museum | © Klewic/ Flickr
Papalote Museo del Niño
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.
Papalote Museo del Niño, Av Constituyentes 268, Daniel Garza, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5237 1773
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Bosque de Chapultepec | © Luis Santiago/Flickr
Bosque de Chapultepec
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!
MIDE is a great place to learn about economics | © arvind grover/ Flickr
Museo Interactivo de Economía
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.
Museo Interactivo de Economía, Calle de Tacuba 17, Cuauhtémoc, Centro Histórico, Centro, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5130 4600
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IndoorsUniversum
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, the universe and even sexuality, all bases really are covered here.
Universum, Circuito Cultural de Ciudad Universitaria S/N, Coyoacán, Cd. Universitaria, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5622 7260
La Pista, San Jerónimo
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.
La Pista, Av. Contreras 300, La Magdalena Contreras, San Jerónimo Lídice, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5683 6767
Tío Pepe Granja Didáctica
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.
Tío Pepe Granja Didáctica, Camino Viejo a Mixcoac 3615, Álvaro Obregón, San Bartolo Ameyalco, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5810 1025
Pig | © Jennie Rainsford/Flickr
KidZania is an interactive space for children | © Jason Graham/ Flickr
KidZania
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.
KidZania, Avenida Insurgentes Sur 3500, Tlalpan, Peña Pobre, Manantial Peña Pobre, Ciudad de México, México, +52 55 5424 9500
