For a family vacation full of adventure, head down to Quintana Roo. Quintana Roo is a Mexican state on the Caribbean coast encompassing the Yucatan, which includes Cancun, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Isla Mujeres. Recently, family travel expert Meagan Wristen from Mommy Travels visited Quintana Roo to search for family activities.
The ropes course at Ventura Park | Photo by Mommy Travels
There is a seemingly endless amount of things to do and places to stay in this area. If you can afford it, stay at an all-inclusive resort. It’s always nice to dine at lots of different restaurants and not worry about the cost because it’s all included. I recommend The Grand at Moon Palace in Cancun or Grand Velas in Riviera Maya. Grand Velas Riviera Maya has an extensive kid’s club and a ton of baby amenities. The Grand at Moon Palace has loads of kid perks like a water park and a FloRider! Parents will love the decadent on-site spa, Awe, at The Grand.
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To fully experience the area, plan to stay a minimum of five days. Five days will allow you enough time to enjoy much of what Quintana Roo has to offer. The area has almost every type of experience imaginable. Luxury spas, theme parks, animal encounters, extreme adventure, and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Ventura Park
Ventura Park Cancun photo by Mommy Travels
Ventura Park is a combination of a water park and an amusement park. Teens will especially enjoy the ropes course, zip lines, go-karts, wave pool, and bungee swing. Parents will enjoy the lazy river and cocktails. It would be incredibly easy to spend an entire day here. They also have animal encounters for an additional cost.
Aquarium Cancun
Sea Trek at Aquarium Cancun | Photo by Mommy Travels
Aquarium Cancun is another fun place for families and is home to 140 different species. Here you can learn all about sea life, touch stingrays, swim with dolphins, and go on an underwater Sea Trek. Near the aquarium is the La Gran Rouda Ferris Wheel with epic views of Cancun. You can purchase an admission that gets you into the aquarium and the Ferris wheel for one price.
Coba Mayan Village
Coba Mayan Ruins | Photo by Mommy Travels
You should not visit this area without visiting at least one of the Mayan Ruins. A trip to the Mayan Ruins is the perfect opportunity to educate children about Quintana Roo’s rich history and culture. At Coba you can climb to the top of a Mayan temple 42 meters high and see what remains of the ancient Mayan city. The views here are magnificent. Tulum is another site that’s worth a visit, if you have time.
Pac Chen
Rappelling at Pac Chen
Pac Chen is an incredible experience that kicks off with a Mayan blessing to protect you during your extreme activities and on your return trip home. Here you will partake in kayaking, zip lining, rappelling into a cave, and swimming in a cenote. They also provide an authentic Mayan lunch that is out of this world good. To experience this, book a visit with All Tour Native. They are the only tour company with access. Keep in mind that, in order to participate in all the activities, children must be at least 6 years old.
Xplor
Zip lining at Xplor Fuego
The chances are high that you’ve never had an experience quite like the one you will have at Xplor Fuego in Riviera Maya. Just the main structure alone is phenomenal, built in and around a cavern. The admission price includes all the activities and meals. Activities include off-roading jeeps, extensive zip lines, swimming in caves through underground rivers, and so much more. They have snack and drink stops around the park with juice and churros as well as an extensive buffet. You can visit Xplor during the day and then again at night. Families will have more time in the park by visiting during the day instead of at night.
Mr. Sanchos
Mr. Sanchos in Cozumel has a gorgeous stretch of beach. There’s something for everyone in the family, from the youngest to the oldest. For the more adventurous people, there’s parasailing, ATVs, scuba diving, and jet skiing. For those who enjoy a more low-key beach day, they also have hammocks, snorkeling, and horseback riding.
Spa Time
Gem Spa at Coral Beach | Photo by Mommy Travels
After all of these activities, the adults in the group might need some recovery time. One of the best ways to recover is with a spa visit. The best hydrotherapy in Cancun is at Gem Spa inside the Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, and the best massage in Cancun is at Awe Spa inside The Grand at Moon Palace.
This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to all the family fun to be had in Quintana Roo. As you can see, there are all kinds of things to do ensuring your family has a blast!
Meagan Wristen of Mommy Travels is an official Travelocity Gnational Gnomad. Gnational Gnomads is an exclusive group of high-profile travel and lifestyle experts who offer tips and inspiration on behalf of Travelocity.
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