The Best Things to Do in Mexico City with Kids

Now that you know where we love to stay in Mexico City with kids, let’s talk about what to do.

This was my third visit to the city but the first for the rest of my family. Rather than trying to plan every detail ourselves, we partnered with NUBA Mexico, a destination management company that I also trust with many of my clients’ itineraries. Their expert local guides, private transfers between airports and faraway sites, exceptional service, and deep knowledge of the city transformed a great vacation into an unforgettable one.

Whether you’re visiting for three days or a full week, here are some of my favorite experiences in Mexico City.

1. Explore the Pyramids of Teotihuacán

No first trip to Mexico City is complete without visiting the ancient city of Teotihuacán. Walking along the Avenue of the Dead and standing beneath the impressive Pyramids of the Sun and Moon is an unforgettable experience for both adults and children.

Going with a knowledgeable private guide makes all the difference. There’s so much history and stories and legends you’d not learn on your own so a guide really brings all this out. And you can ask as many questions as you want to! What we also liked about this tour from NUBA was that it included a private driver out to the pyramids. Dealing with Mexico City traffic is not for the weak!

2. Spend a Day at Chapultepec Park

One of the largest urban parks in the world, Chapultepec Park has something for everyone. Families can spend an entire day exploring its beautiful walking paths, lakes, museums, gardens, the zoo and Chapultepec Castle, a portion of which is shown above. This place features a ton of Mexican history and it was so enlightening. We didn’t use a guide for this and that was totally fine. Our favorite part of visiting the park was buying changuito dolls (little monkeys) to wear on our heads. They also spit water. Lol.

3. Experience Lucha Libre

Even if you’re not a wrestling fan, this is one of the most entertaining nights you’ll have in Mexico City. The colorful masks, energetic crowds, and theatrical performances make for an unforgettable evening. It’s exciting, uniquely Mexican, and surprisingly family-friendly, on certain nights.

This is where NUBA really shined for us because we had a guide sit with us during the show and he knew every performer and act. He also helped us navigate the entry, which was chaotic, and the souvenir stands outside.

Note: This show is loud and intense but hilarious. That said, it was a little too much for our 8-year-old at times. However, our guide ran out and got him earplugs to make it more bearable.

4. Cruise the Canals of Xochimilco

One of the city’s most iconic experiences, Xochimilco is a colorful network of canals explored aboard traditional trajineras. It’s located about an hour from the city proper and it’s very popular park for parties, day trips and also, environmental studies.

Working with NUBA for a client, we made it a full-day environmental excursion for a family of 5, including renting a private trajinera and visiting a chinampa, a “floating garden” pioneered long ago by the Atzecs. There the family learned about the important eco system of Xochimilco and were able to plan their own seeds using a traditional El Chapín technique. Later, they had lunch at the Smoke Kitchen which uses fresh ingredients from the orchards nearby all cooked over an open fire.

5. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum

This obviously at the top of everyone’s To Do list for Mexico City and it does not disappoint. Located in the charming neighborhood of Coyoacán, the famous Blue House offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Honestly, I could have spent hours in here. It’s that incredible seeing so many personal effects of her life up close. And when you’re finished, you can pop over to the Coyoacán market across the street for everything from food to toys to decorations and party supplies.

That said, reservations are essential and tickets sell out weeks in advance. As soon as you book your trip to CDMX, you should book your tickets here.

7. Let the Kids Play at Parque Lincoln

Located in the heart of Polanco, Parque Lincoln has one of the city’s best playgrounds and became a favorite stop during our trip. This park is one of the best playgrounds and parks we’ve seen yet! After mornings filled with museums and sightseeing, we’d often take the kids here to just run around and have some fun. And on the weekends, little remote-controlled motor boats were available to rent in one of the park’s reflection pools. It’s also surrounded by wonderful cafés and restaurants, making it an easy place for parents to relax while the kids play. We stayed at the JW Marriott Mexico City, which was an easy two block walk from his park.

Planning a Trip to Mexico City?

Every itinerary I plan is customized to my clients’ travel style, whether they’re looking for family adventures, luxury hotels, or cultural experiences.

For Mexico, I work closely with trusted local partners like NUBA Mexico, whose exceptional guides and personalized service consistently create unforgettable experiences. Every moment is curated to your needs and with expert local knowledge. This is not some ChatGPT itinerary.

If you’re thinking about visiting Mexico City, I’d love to help you build the perfect itinerary—from choosing the right neighborhood and hotel to arranging private guides, unique experiences, and exclusive hotel perks. Please see more about my travel planning services here.

All photos by Trips + Giggles