A Step-By-Step Guide to Visiting Tulum Mexico with Your Kids
Travelling with your family is something that requires a truckload of planning. The workload becomes a little bit extra when you have kids tagging along. It’s essential to prepare yourself for any scenario that might occur to ensure everything goes as planned, without hitches.
Today, we’re at Tulum, a municipality in Mexico. Are you thinking of taking that next getaway with your kids at this tourist hotspot? Not to worry, the following paragraphs will make the perfect guide.
Before we get into the fun activities present at Tulum, let’s take a brief history class, shall we? Keep your reading glasses on as we talk about the emergence of Tulum as a vacation destination. Without further ado, let’s head right in!
Tulum, Mexico: An Overview
Incredible people, unique foods, diverse cultures, and fantastic weather make Mexico an excellent country for tourists worldwide. But if you’re looking for an area where Mexico truly stands out, you have to visit their beautiful beaches.
Why? Geographically, this country is home to over 9,300km of coastline; colossal, right? Along the side stretch of beach sand hosts one of the most beautiful tourist spots throughout Mexico – Tulum
Being the top destination on the lips of anyone going into Mexico, tourism is starting to gain traction at Tulum. Why don’t you head out there with your kids today to grab a slice of the action before it gets busy like neighbouring Cancún?
Fun Activities for Kids at Tulum
Worrying about your kids’ safety when vacationing at Tulum is a worthy concern because of the seeming drug wars inherent in Mexico.
Well, there’s good news! Tulum is safe for you and your kids, and what’s more? There are many fun-filled activities for your family that everyone is sure to enjoy regardless of age.
For curious and adventurous families with kids, here are some things to do to make your stay more exciting;
Pay a Visit to the Tulum Ruins
The Tulum Ruins is a must-visit archeological site for inquisitive kids looking to increase their knowledge bank. It’s called the “Ruins” because it features architectural remains of the ancient Mayan empire.
It’s crucial for a better experience for you and your kids to arrive early to take in the relaxed ambience before the tour buses arrive.
Bike Riding in Tulum
The primary transport medium, one of the best things in Tulum, is to ride bikes. The town features bike paths(with potholes, of course), and the pathway that leads to the beach has a sidewalk shaded by trees.
There’s always a place to rent bikes all over town, but not all feature child seats. Therefore, you must ask questions to find a bike that accentuates your needs.
As you approach the beach, the sidewalk ends, and you’ll be driving with cars. Do not fret yet, as there are several speeds bumps to make sure vehicles don’t go too fast. It’s also crucial to return rented bikes before dusk as the roads aren’t well lit.
Swim in Cenotes
A cenote is a natural pit that stems from the breakdown of limestone bedrock, thereby exposing fresh groundwater. Globally, while cenotes are pretty unique, there are heaps of them at the Yucatan. The area near Tulum features some of the best.
Swimming in cenotes can be so addictive that you’ll spend a day in one without knowing. If you’re on a clock, endeavour to have this event earmarked on your travel calendar.
Here are the names of the best cenotes in Tulum, in case you’d love to visit them with your kids;
- Gran Cenote
- Dos Ojos
- Cenote Car Wash
- Casa Cenote
- Cenote Azul
- Cenote Garden of Eden
- Cenote Cristalino
Look for Iguanas
In Tulum, iguanas are everywhere. For example, the spiny-tailed iguana is a south Mexican native that loves dry and hot places. There are lots of them(usually in their hundreds) at the Tulum Ruins. In contrast, although these iguanas are green at birth, their skin changes to an adult grey colour, usually after a year.
A Day Trip to Akumal
Akumal is the Mayan language that translates to “the land of turtles” in English. It’s a small beach town located between Playa Del Carmen and Tulum and is popular among tourists for its “warm waters.”
Accentuating its name, turtles are the main attraction here at Akumal. Want to enjoy the waters of Akumal to the fullest? Come early to have clear visibility of the water and its turtles.
At Akumal, there are three sheltered bays including the;
- Half Moon Bay
- Greater Akumal Bay
- Aventuras Akumal Bay
These bays are all great places to snorkel, swim and kayak. If you have kids tagging along, you must bring children snorkels as the beach service provides adult sizes alone.
Explore an Array of Wildlife at the Sian Ka’an Biosphere
The Sian Ka’an Biosphere is a world of its own featuring different ecosystems and over 23+ archeological sites from the ancient Mayan empire’s ruins. The scenery here is a nexus of wildlife and architecture combined.
To avoid pricey tour services, families should rent their cars when visiting this particular site. At Sian Ka’an Biosphere, you can take boat rides to see wildlife at its finest. Be on the lookout for those fiery crocodiles!
Visit the Adventure and Water Parks near Tulum
Although water parks aren’t for everyone, it’s a fun activity for kids. Most adventure parks near Tulum feature snorkelling and mind-blowing adventures such as ziplines.
Tickets for water parks are slightly on the high side as a result of the daily dolphin shows. Want to have fun with your kids at a waterpark? Here are some that are sure to tickle your fancy;
- Xel-Ha Park
- Xplore Park
- Xcaret Park
Getting to Tulum with Kids
Worried on how to get to Tulum Mexico? Well, this isn’t cumbersome at all. First off, you’ll need to take a plane to Cancún. When you get there, you can either use a bus or a car to Tulum.
Are you worried about the distance? Well, it’s a 2-hour drive when you drive south. Buses, collectivós (shared taxis), private cars, or rental cars are the go-to options for heading into Tulum from Cancún.
Going Around Tulum with Kids
Most tourists nowadays concern themselves with transportation systems at vacation spots, and that’s something you need to have in mind when kids are tagging along. At Tulum, there are three main parts; the ruins, the town, and the beach.
Since these parts are close to each other, it’s trekkable. However, walking under the Yucatan Sun can be unpleasant, and you might be in for an incredibly long walk to your destination.
The primary transport medium at Tulum is bicycles. Although it’s a means of transport, riding bikes is also a fun activity to engage in when you’re with kids. Not interested in riding bicycles? Taxis are also prevalent, but you’ll need to reach a compromise with the driver bordering on the price before you take a ride.
Family Hotels in Tulum
At any vacation hotspot, accommodation shouldn’t have to be a hassle for tourists. In Tulum, there are many hotels that you can stay with your kids without having to break the bank.
Still worried about accommodation for yourself and your kids? A visit to TripAdvisor will get you the best prices for Tulum-based hotels and family resorts.
Conclusion
For some people, vacations with kids are usually a “once in a lifetime” experience. With the tips above, you can now travel with your kids seamlessly and enjoy the terrific wonders of Tulum!
