Four top family attractions in Mexico’s Riviera Maya

Let the family adventures begin at Aktun Chen – a scenic tropical rainforest that lies in the heart of Tulum. This national park is divided into three different sections that offer a variety of activities to choose from. Thrill seekers can immerse themselves in the canopy zip-lines and soar 25 feet above ground, whilst an underground river cenote snorkelling tour is also on offer if you’re keen to dive deep into the caves.  After a tiring day of exploring the jungle, you can head to the park’s restaurant and indulge in exquisite Mexican cuisine, from hotplates to cold desserts. 

Located in the heart of the Riviera Maya lies Dolphin Discovery; the ultimate water park offering the chance to swim with dolphins, sea lions and manatees. The complex is surrounded by a lush tropical green island with a natural lagoon, which has a walkway where you can watch the beautiful marine species interact in their natural habitat.

The whole family will be able to enjoy activities especially designed for kids big and small, and the dolphins will also show off their skills. You can then head to the onsite restaurant for a delicious meal or treat yourself and the kids to some gifts from the souvenir shop.

What better way to have some family fun than a day at the beach? The main beach on Isla Mujeres, Playa Norte, is particularly popular with families as its famous for its clear waters and unspoiled sands. The waters are tranquil, allowing for safe swimming for the kids. There is a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops in the area if you’re looking for a bite to eat while you admire the yachts and boats bobbing along the ocean waters.

Unleash your inner child and head to Xel Há - the perfect day out for kids and adults alike. Dive into your own aquatic adventure and choose from the 20 different activities on offer, all bordered by the turquoise Caribbean waters. If you head to the all-new Scenic Lighthouse, you can admire the natural wonder from above before venturing through the waterslides, which take you on a thrilling spiral descent into the natural pools below.

Zip lines, swinging ropes and safe cliff tops will have you flying across the water before a refreshing splashdown into the crystalline waters.

Snorkelling and scuba diving are also some of the site’s most popular attractions, where you can plunge into the lagoon and get up-close with over 90 species of marine life, from sea turtles and tropical fish, to a family of rays and barracudas.

If you’re looking for the ultimate family hotel in Mexico, then the Barceló Maya Beach is the perfect spot for you and the kids. The hotel lies on one of the most idyllic beaches in the Mexican Caribbean, which spans over two kilometres in the heart of the Riviera Maya.

The hotel features an exclusive ‘Family Room’ with a room capacity of five people and offers beautiful views of the tropical gardens. Alternatively, luxurious ocean front suites are available with large terraces or balconies, where you can bask in the hot tub and admire the spectacular ocean views ahead.

Barceló Maya Beach offers seven swimming pools, including special shallow areas for children and designated adult pools. The kids can splash around in the Barcy Water Park or Pirates Island Water Park, with plenty of slides, rides and waterfalls to keep them entertained. The resort is brimming with boundless sports facilities, including a professional football pitch, gym, basketball court, two tennis courts, a brand new 18-hole miniature golf course, four-lane bowling alley, volleyball court, darts, table tennis, giant chess and pool tables. If that’s not enough, indulge in the thrilling water sports on offer, from snorkelling, jet skiing and diving, to water polo, pool aerobics and water tricycles.

Come evening, there is entertainment on offer for guests of all ages. Enjoy a family evening at the hotel’s very own theatre, with exclusive shows from professional dancers and a live orchestra keeping you entertained. Teens from 13-17 years old can head to the hotel’s ‘One Disco Club’, while over 18s can party the night away at the ‘Jaguar Nightclub’, with free admission and an exclusive VIP lounge.

The hotel’s U-Spa and U-Kids Spa are ideal if you’re looking to relax and unwind in the steam rooms, saunas and bi-thermal showers, or you can indulge in one of the soothing spa treatments on offer, from high performance massages, to body wraps and facials.

Barceló Maya Beach offers endless family fun and offers impeccable services and facilities to provide you with an unforgettable Caribbean holiday. Check out the latest September deals for the best prices before it gets booked up…