11 Best Family Things to Do in Mexico City

Six Flags Mexico is Latin America’s most visited theme park and can be found just south of Mexico City, on the edge of Tlalpan Forest. There are numerous rides, with different themed sections for all the family to find something to enjoy.

There’s a DC Universe-themed section of the park to keep the kids entertained, and thrillseekers will be running to get to the front of looping roller coasters like Wonder Woman and Batman: The Ride. These aren’t for the fainthearted though, so if you’d rather stay on terra firma, there are activities like bumper automobiles, laser tag games and teacups for milder thrills.

Parque Bicentenario was once a site of an oil refinery but now boasts beautiful walking trails, large children’s playgrounds and lush gardens. Found north of Mexico City, visitors usually spend 2 hours or more exploring the park’s grounds and relaxing in the sun with a picnic. Littered throughout the park are multiple small lakes with plenty of fishes – make sure to pick up some bread so your kids can feed them.

Papalote Museo del Niño is a children’s museum found in Bosque de Chapultepec, where kids can learn about science, technology and art through interactive displays. As well as this, kids can participate in 20-minute classes on subjects ranging from cooking to pottery. Sections are themed and focus on engaging kids with different exhibits, such as the agriculture of Xochimilco and bubble making. There’s even an IMAX theatre, Lego area, laboratory and ocean room. Spend an afternoon or even a whole day here, breaking it up with a lunch at their impressive food court.

La Feria Chapultepec Mágico is an amusement park found in the center of Chapultepec Park. The rides here are suitable for all ages and guarantee an exciting day out for the whole family. With 4 rollercoasters and over 40 other rides and attractions, you’ll find yourselves exhausted with pleasure at the end of your visit. Tickets come in 3 tiers, with the cheapest giving you access to the smaller, flat rides. To avoid paying steep theme park prices for drinks, bring your own water (you’re allowed up to a liter each). Visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

 Acuario Inbursa is the largest aquarium in Mexico. It’s located in the affluent neighborhood of Polanco, and displays an enchanting collection of sea-life ranging from 5 species of sharks, stingrays, seahorses, several species of jellyfish, living corals, piranhas and many more. Be sure to check out the sea laboratory across the street that’s an impressive interactive display of jellyfish, seahorses and stingray. The aquarium is located in front of the famous Museo Soumaya, so is a great place to visit before or after the museum. 

Churros are a delicious, crunchy fried-dough pastry coated in sugar. You’ll be glad to hear that this sweet snack can be eaten at any time of day, so it’s definitely acceptable to indulge in one in the early hours of the morning. Traditionally made from choux dough, these crispy twirls of delight are said to originate from Spain and Mexico. They can be eaten by themselves or dipped in a warm chocolate sauce. The place to go for churros is the world-renowned El Moro, which is open 24 hours and also serves hot chocolate. They are frequently said to be the best in the world.

Every Sunday morning, Paseo de la Reforma – one of the busiest streets in the city – shuts off to vehicles and floods with people on bicycles, scooters and roller-skates. The leafy avenue becomes a cheerful display of people of all ages enjoying the green scenery. Join these crowds and hop on a bicycle for a few hours and ride from Chapultepec to Zócalo.

If you don’t fancy cycling, you can simply walk or skate. Enjoy the energetic, festive atmosphere where dogs roam free and children learn how to ride their bicycles. Look out for fruit carts, which sell pots of deliciously sweet mango slices covered in lime juice and chilli powder. 

Chapultepec Castle derives from the Nahuatl word chapoltepēc, which means ‘at the grasshopper’s hill’. The Aztecs considered it a sacred hill, which isn’t surprising when you see the spectacular mountain vistas and city views the location offers. The former royal residence still has a regal air which kids will revel in, letting their imaginations run wild. This is a great attraction for parents looking to learn about Mexican history whilst keeping the kids entertained. Kids can play about outside on the castle’s large green grounds.

Dulcería de Celaya, found in the historical center of Mexico City, appears as a golden display of immaculate sweets. The store is full of tradition and romanticism, having started over 140 years ago. Wander around this charming shop and look at the different sweets on offer, some of them boasting truly unique flavors. The sweets range from all over the country and are specially made for the shop. Tester to your hearts content, stopping only when you feel that sugar rush coming along. Pack up some chocolate-covered maraschino cherries to snack on later.

The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco are an amazing look into the area’s pre-Hispanic past. Found in a fairly gritty but magical neighborhood, these famous canals were built by the Aztecs as a water transportation system. It is also the closest estimation to how the Valley of Mexico, in which Mexico City lies, looked before the Spanish arrived. Drive 40-minutes south from the city and board one of these colorful boats, known locally as trajineras. Start your visit at the Embarcadero Belem dock and hop on a boat, which will take you across the dark waterways to artificial islands. The canals can get very busy, so visit on a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Lucha Libre, a.k.a. Mexican wrestling, is a hugely entertaining sport, and it has the second highest spectator rate in Mexico after soccer. Many people consider it a key element of Mexican culture and anticipate these shows when visiting the country. The spectacle is like no other – a mixture of athleticism, and colorful Lycra outfits coupled with a raucous, dramatic crowd. Children will be entranced by the lively atmosphere and you can easily get into the spirit by shouting at your heart’s content. Arguably, the best place in the city to see luchas in action is at the enormous Arena México, the official home of Mexican wrestling. If you can’t catch them there, visit Arena Coliseo or Arena Naucalpan.