Make your family trip to Playa del Carmen the best one yet! Our first-hand tips for kid-friendly resorts and fun things to do as a family will help you make the most of this sunny beach town in the Riviera Maya.
Best Hotels & Resorts for Families in Playa del Carmen
Playa del Carmen gives families the luxury of choice. With so many kid-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts offering must-have amenities like cribs and high chairs, we’re helping parents narrow things down with our most highly recommended places to stay.
Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya Hacienda
Star Rating: 5
Approximate Rate: from $790.00*
Key Family Amenities:
- Kids Club at Hard Rock
- Family suites
- Pet friendly
- Fender guitars & in-room video lessons
- Water park
- Kids pool
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Star Rating: 5
Approximate Rate: from $606.47
Key Family Amenities:
- Access to Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xenses, Xoximilco, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, and Xenotes
- Family suites
- Daily activities for kids and teens
- Water sports
- Free Wifi
ENQUIRE
Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen
Star Rating: 4
Approximate Rate: from $277.03*
Key Family Amenities:
- Camp Jack Kids Club
- Mini-golf
- #Hashtag Teen Zone
- Family friendly daily activities
- Free Wifi
- Family suites
ENQUIRE
Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen Resort
Star Rating: 5
Approximate Rate: from $299.51*
Key Family Amenities:
- Children's pool
- Hashtag teen arcade
- Camp Hyatt Tortuguita Kids Club
- Free Wifi
- Babysitting services
- Family friendly daily activities
- Rollaway beds upon request
ENQUIRE
Riu Palace Riviera Maya All Inclusive
Star Rating: 4
Approximate Rate: from $196.22*
Key Family Amenities:
- Children's pool with water slides
- RiuLand Kids' Club
- Free Wifi
- Adjoining rooms available
- Water sports
ENQUIRE
The Fives Beach Hotel & Residences
Star Rating: 5
Approximate Rate: from $391.70*
Key Family Amenities:
- Snorkelling
- Children’s pool
- Kids Club Playhouse
- Daily activities
- Family suites
ENQUIRE
Allegro Playacar
Star Rating: 3
Approximate Rate: from $205.75*
Key Family Amenities:
- Family-friendly daily activities
- Kids Club
- Water sports
- Land sports
- Babysitting services
- Free Wifi
ENQUIRE
Occidental at Xcaret Destination
Star Rating: 4
Approximate Rate: from $220.44*
Key Family Amenities:
- Access to Xcaret Park and Xplor Park
- Family suites
- Free Wifi
ENQUIRE
*Subject to change. Price estimates based on two adult guests with Feb 6 -12, 2022 travel dates, and do not include special offers, promotions, or child rates. Ask your Travel Expert for details.
Kid-Friendly Things to Do in Playa del Carmen
It’s tempting to spend all day in your air-conditioned resort, but you’ll regret it if you don’t explore all that Playa del Carmen has to offer! Not only will these family-friendly activities enrich your vacation time, they’ll help you to contribute to a sustainable local economy.
Explore Fifth Avenue
Playa del Carmen’s most famous attraction is its car-free Fifth Avenue. At one end, you’ll find ferry ports where travellers take off to Isla Cozumel and an amphitheater with daily entertainment. Turn around, and you can enjoy about 45 minutes worth of walking through local shops and eateries. The local vendors have amazing prices on lots of fun and essential items, so you won’t need to overpack your suitcase.
Play at the Playa
Er, maybe we misspoke. After all, this town is named Playa del Carmen, so of course the beach is the real draw. The main beach is very wide and home to a lot of fun, while Punta Esmerelda is ideal for quieter beach time (especially approaching sunset).
New this year is a dedicated vessel for clearing sargassum. Your best bet for avoiding the seaweed season is to book your trip from September to March.
Visit Xcaret Parks
This Mexican-owned eco-friendly park is truly exceptional. Immerse yourself in nature, culture, and all kinds of fun at Xcaret’s many park areas. If you’re not staying at one of the resorts that includes access to Xcaret already, you can easily book a full day pass in advance for about $150*. Trust us, it’s one of the best ways to spend your time in Playa del Carmen!
Swim in a Cenote
Playa del Carmen is the perfect distance from some of the most popular cenotes including Cenote Azul. Ask your Travel Expert to book your cenote guided tour in advance for a stress-free trip.
Go on a Day Trip
Have we mentioned how ideal Playa del Carmen’s location is? It’s worth saying it again. Set aside at least one day in your itinerary for a guided tour to nearby Chichen Itza, the Tulum ruins, Isla Cozumel, or ocean tours including swimming with whale sharks, sailing catamarans, or snorkelling.
Go ATV & Zip-Lining
If your crew includes older kids who have a taste for adventure, this tour is the perfect surprise. You’ll join a caravan of ATVs to your destination: a zip-lining course that’s sure to get your adrenaline flowing.
3D Museum of Wonders
For a break from the sun and a nice dose of silliness, pop into the 3D Museum of Wonders. Take lots of photos of the interactive illusions and keep them for later so you can giggle over them together.
Book a Family Photoshoot
Too many family fights started with a selfie attempt gone wrong. Stop stressing over your vacation pictures and leave the best shots to the experts. We can arrange for a one-hour family photoshoot complete with 20 professional images for about $200*.
Experience Cirque du Soleil Joya
One of the most incredible and imaginative ways to spend an evening. Watch the dazzling performances while indulging in equally creative dishes for just one price, or choose a ‘show only’ ticket if you’re planning on tasting some of the local eats before the show begins.
