As a family, you’ll know that there’s nothing more important, nothing more precious than spending quality time together. Making memories that everyone will always cherish, and having hilarious and amazing stories to recount over the dinner table and at every special occasion for the next 30 years is one of the best things about sharing these special experiences! Sadly, with modern life being so busy and so restricted by schedules, the importance of family vacations and quality time spent away from the everyday has never been more important.
Enjoying a vacation together is a wonderful experience that everyone should look back on with happiness. And if you’ve chosen a great family-friendly destination like Tulum to enjoy a week or so together, then you’re in for a real treat. White sandy beaches, sparkling waters, and family-friendly experiences are making Tulum a favorite destination for families of all sizes and budgets. Whether you’re thinking of a luxury family getaway or you want to find the best deals on flights to Tulum so you can save your money for other vacation treats, then Tulum can cater to both.
So, how should families with children spend their precious family time in this breathtaking place? Let’s take a closer look at how you can enjoy family adventures in Tulum and the amazing activities that your kids will love.
Explore the Tulum Ruins
One of Tulum’s greatest attractions, the Tulum Ruins offers an incredibly unique combination of history, nature, adventure, and culture! Spending an entire morning or afternoon at this amazing historical site that is perched on a cliff, overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea, is easy. It’s a view like no other and if you’re up early (let’s face it, what parents aren’t on a family vacation?) you might like to head out together and watch the sunrise over the ruins.
This site is easy to navigate and quite compact, so kids can easily enjoy it as much as adults. You might want to consider hiring a guide who can explain the historical significance of the ruins and give your family insight into ancient Mayan civilization, bringing it to life with stories, legends, and facts that are tailored to young ones.
Tips for Visting the Tulum Ruins
- Arrive Early: Arriving early at any tourist spot is always recommended. Visiting the ruins in the morning also means avoiding the intense midday heat.
- Pack Smart: Always bring plenty of water, good sensible walking shoes, and hats to keep everyone safe from the sun.
- Bring a Stroller: If you have younger children, consider bringing a compact stroller or carrier for little ones who might get tired.
- Head to Playa Ruinas: After you visit the Tulum Ruins, head down to the gorgeous beach, Playa Ruinas which is just below them. Kids can cool off in the calm waters and parents can relax and take a breather while everyone enjoys the sand.
Swim and Explore the Cenotes
You simply cannot visit Tulum without exploring one of the many breathtaking Cenotes that the area is famous for. These natural sinkholes, filled with cool, crystal clear water are surrounded by mesmerizing rock formations, all against the backdrop of a tropical forest – making the entire experience a truly magical one.
With hidden crevices, underwater caves, and the sights and sounds of the jungle around you, children of all ages will marvel at the scenery, whether they spot tiny fish in the water, paddle with mom and dad in the shallower areas or leap from the highest points into the cool water below with older siblings the memories you make here will last a lifetime.
Tips for Visiting the Cenotes
- Choose the Right Site: There are three main Cenote areas that will appeal to different families. Gran Cenote is ideal for families with younger children, as there are shallower areas, maintained facilities, and plenty of opportunities to spot turtles and wildlife. Cenote Dos Ojos is good for slightly older kids who might like to try snorkeling or exploring the caves with guides. Cenote Azul has an open layout with shallow sections perfect for younger children who want to paddle and parents who want to relax.
- Always Supervise: Always supervise your children in these areas. There are uneven depths and small children who want to explore can easily wander off into deeper areas.
- Use Lifejackets: If your children can’t swim or aren’t confident, consider hiring lifejackets or bringing floaties along so they can enjoy the water too.
- Respect the Environment: Use reef and marine life-friendly sunscreen to help protect the delicate ecosystems in the cenotes. Don’t touch wildlife and take your litter home with you.
- Bring the Right Footwear: Water and rocks can make a lethal combination! Make sure everyone is wearing water or beach shoes so they’re stable when moving around the area.
Discover Wildlife at Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
Moms, dads, and children of all ages will enjoy a trip to the incredible Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. This magical place is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a haven for wildlife and biodiversity. From lush trees and mangroves wot coral reefs. With lagoons and tropical rainforests, this sprawling area is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species that you’ve probably never seen up close before. Kids and grownups of a curious nature will love spending hours here.
Tips for Visiting Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
- Choose Family-Friendly Tours: Choose guided tours designed with kids in mind that involve spotting dolphins. Gentle manatees and tropical birds. You might even spot some sea turtles!
- Pack all the Essentials: Make sure you bring plenty of water and snacks as you’ll be spending a few hours here.
- Bring Binoculars: Bringing along some binoculars means that even the younger ones won’t miss out on spotting some incredible creatures.
- Wear Sensible Clothing: Lightweight clothing with long sleeves is ideal for this environment and protects little ones from the sun and any insects.
Final Thoughts…
With so much to see and do in Tulum, this is a vacation that is sure to keep everyone happy. We’re confident that you’ll be able to fill your days with breathtaking and incredibly memorable experiences. Make sure you take plenty of photos and videos too!
