We recently visited as a family of three—Liza (mom), dad, and our curious 9-year-old son Teo—and quickly realized that Querétaro is one of Mexico’s most family-friendly destinations. Between riding through cobblestone streets in a vintage-style electric car, walking through storybook plazas, and spending a day crafting traditional dolls in a nearby artisan town, our trip was packed with meaningful moments and unforgettable memories.

Here are our favorite experiences and why they belong at the top of your list of things to do in Querétaro with kids.

Explore the Historic Center on an Electric Ford T

One of the most exciting ways to introduce your kids to a new city is by making transportation part of the adventure. For us, that meant hopping into a replica electric Ford T for a one-hour guided city tour through Querétaro’s historic center.

The moment Teo saw the vintage-style car, his eyes lit up. “It looks like something from an old movie!” he said as we climbed in. Because the vehicle is electric, it glides quietly through the streets, making it easy to hear the guide’s stories while enjoying the scenery.

As we cruised through the UNESCO-listed historic district, we passed colonial mansions painted in warm yellows and pinks, lively plazas filled with street performers, and grand churches that date back centuries. The guide shared kid-friendly stories about Mexico’s independence movement and the important role Querétaro played in shaping the country’s history.

For families, this type of tour is ideal:

• It prevents little legs from getting too tired.
• It provides a structured introduction to the city.
• It keeps kids engaged with storytelling rather than long historical lectures.

Teo especially loved spotting the iconic aqueduct in the distance and learning fun facts about secret tunnels rumored to run beneath parts of the city. Liza appreciated that the tour gave us a strong sense of orientation on our first day. And for me, it was the perfect way to combine sightseeing with comfort.

If you're planning your itinerary and wondering about memorable things to do in Querétaro with kids, this unique electric car tour is a fantastic place to start (book it with Oh Queretaro).

Take a Guided Walking Tour of the Old City

After getting our bearings from the car tour, we decided to slow things down with a guided walking tour through Querétaro’s old town. Walking the historic center allowed us to notice small details we might have otherwise missed—ornate balconies, hidden courtyards, and colorful tiles decorating centuries-old buildings.

The heart of the city is full of life. In plazas, families gather under shady trees while children chase pigeons and musicians play softly in the background. It feels safe, relaxed, and incredibly welcoming.

Our guide did a wonderful job tailoring the tour for Teo. Instead of overwhelming him with dates and architectural terms, she shared stories—about brave revolutionaries, influential families, and legends passed down through generations. Storytelling kept him engaged and asking questions.

We visited historic landmarks, admired beautiful churches, and paused in charming squares where Teo could move around a bit. That flexibility is key when traveling with children. The city’s walkable layout makes it easy to stop for snacks, ice cream, or a quick break whenever needed.

What makes Querétaro especially appealing for families is how manageable it feels. Unlike larger cities, the historic center is compact and easy to navigate. Parents can relax a little more, and kids can explore without the constant stress of heavy traffic or overwhelming crowds.

For us, the walking tour deepened our appreciation of the city’s culture and architecture. It wasn’t just sightseeing—it was storytelling, connection, and shared discovery.

Acueducto de Queretaro

No visit to Querétaro would be complete without seeing its most iconic landmark, the Acueducto de Querétaro. Built in the 18th century, this impressive pink-stone aqueduct stretches across the city with 74 towering arches that immediately capture kids’ imaginations.

Standing beneath it, Teo kept trying to count the arches while we explained how it once carried water into the city—an easy and engaging way to turn history into a mini engineering lesson. There are several viewpoints where families can walk, take photos, and enjoy open space for kids to move around.

It’s a simple stop, but one that perfectly blends history, architecture, and a little bit of awe for travelers of all ages.

Museo de los Bichos (Insect Museum)

If you’re traveling with curious kids, a stop at the Museo de los Bichos is a fun and educational addition to your itinerary. This small but fascinating insect museum showcases an impressive collection of beetles, butterflies, spiders, and other arthropods from Mexico and around the world. For children, it’s both thrilling and slightly daring—especially when seeing larger specimens up close.

The interactive and approachable setup makes it easy for kids to learn about biodiversity, ecosystems, and the importance of insects in our environment.

For Teo, it was one of those unexpectedly cool experiences that sparked lots of questions and made science feel exciting rather than intimidating.

A Cultural Day Trip to Amealco

One of the most meaningful experiences of our trip was taking a day tour to Amealco, a charming town known for its rich Otomí heritage and artisan traditions. If you’re looking for cultural immersion beyond the city center, this is a must (we booked it with Somos Tours) .

Making Lele Dolls with a Traditional Artisan

Amealco is the birthplace of the famous Lele doll, an iconic handmade doll representing indigenous Otomí culture. In fact, the Lele doll has become such an important cultural symbol that it was officially recognized as cultural heritage by the state of Querétaro.

We had the incredible opportunity to sit down with local artisan women and learn how these dolls are made by hand. The experience was intimate and hands-on. Teo chose bright fabrics for his doll’s dress, carefully stitched simple pieces together, and listened as the artisan explained the meaning behind the doll’s colorful ribbons and braids.

This wasn’t just a craft activity—it was a cultural exchange. Watching Teo interact respectfully and ask questions about traditions and techniques was one of those proud parent moments. Liza loved seeing the artistry and patience involved in each doll. And I appreciated that we were directly supporting local women and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

For families wanting meaningful cultural experiences, this activity stands out among the most authentic things to do in Querétaro with kids.

Visiting a Local Bakery

After crafting, we explored Amealco’s town center, starting with a visit to a traditional local bakery. The smell alone was worth the stop. Fresh bread, sweet pastries, and warm conchas filled the air.

Teo was allowed to choose a treat, which immediately became his highlight of the morning. Sampling local baked goods is such a simple pleasure, but it’s also a great way for kids to connect with a new culture through taste.

We enjoyed our pastries in the main square, watching daily life unfold—neighbors greeting one another, children playing, and shopkeepers chatting outside their doors.

Exploring Town and Visiting a Charro Shop

No visit to Amealco would be complete without learning about Mexico’s charro tradition. We stepped into an authentic charro shop filled with beautifully crafted sombreros, embroidered jackets, leather boots, and intricate belts.

The artistry on display was impressive. Teo was fascinated by the detailed stitching and decorative silver accents. The shop owner explained how charro attire is worn during traditional equestrian events and celebrations. It was like stepping into a living museum.

For kids, seeing traditional clothing up close makes history feel real. Instead of reading about cultural traditions in a textbook, they can touch the fabrics and see the craftsmanship firsthand.

Exploring Amealco added depth to our family trip. It balanced our city experiences with rural charm and meaningful interaction.

Where to Stay in Queretaro with Kids

When it comes to accommodation options in Querétaro, families will find plenty of choices to suit different travel styles and budgets. The downtown historic center is especially convenient, with many boutique hotels set inside beautifully restored colonial buildings, allowing you to step right out onto cobblestone streets and walk to major attractions.

We chose to stay at Hotel Patio Santiago, a charming property that perfectly blended traditional architecture with modern comforts, making it both cozy and family-friendly. 

If you prefer a larger hotel with a more corporate feel, business-style amenities, and predictable international standards, NH Querétaro is another excellent option. 

Whether you’re looking for boutique charm or contemporary convenience, Querétaro offers accommodation to match your family’s needs.

Where and What to Eat

Food is an essential part of experiencing Querétaro, and the local cuisine offers plenty of flavors that both adults and kids can enjoy. Traditional dishes from the region include enchiladas queretanas (often served with potatoes, carrots, and pickled vegetables), gorditas stuffed with cheese or chicharrón, and comforting soups that reflect the area’s rich culinary heritage. 

For families looking for a reliable and delicious dining option, Restaurante La Nación is a great choice. The menu features a mix of regional specialties and familiar Mexican favorites, making it easy to please everyone at the table. 

We loved the welcoming atmosphere and generous portions, and it was the kind of place where we could relax while Teo happily tried new flavors without feeling overwhelmed.

Why Querétaro Is Perfect for Families

What truly makes Querétaro stand out is its balance. The city offers walkable historic streets, engaging cultural tours, hands-on artisan experiences, safe family-friendly public spaces, and easy day trips to charming towns.

Traveling with a 9-year-old means finding activities that spark curiosity without causing exhaustion. Querétaro delivered exactly that.

From riding in a vintage electric car to crafting traditional dolls in Amealco, we experienced a destination that values culture, storytelling, and community. Liza loved the artistic traditions, I appreciated the history and architecture, and Teo found adventure in every corner.

If you're planning a family trip to Mexico and researching things to do in Querétaro with kids, don’t overlook this vibrant colonial gem. It offers the right combination of education, fun, and cultural immersion to create lasting memories for parents and children alike.

For our family of three, Querétaro wasn’t just a stop on the map—it was a place where history came alive, creativity flourished, and we connected in new and meaningful ways. And that, in the end, is what family travel is all about.

Outdoor Adventures

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Tepic, Nayarit with a variety of outdoor activities perfect for kids. Explore the lush green landscapes by going on family-friendly hikes at Cerro de San Juan where you can spot local wildlife and enjoy breathtaking views.

 Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of nearby rivers or try your hand at fishing with your little ones. For a more adventurous experience, consider going on a ziplining tour through the treetops or embark on a gentle rafting trip along the river.

There's no shortage of fun and exciting ways to enjoy the outdoors with your children in Tepic!

Visit La Loma Park

La Loma Park is a beautiful recreational area that offers a variety of features for visitors to enjoy. The park boasts well-maintained playgrounds that cater to children of all ages, providing a safe and fun environment for them to play.

 Surrounded by lush green spaces, La Loma Park is ideal for picnics and relaxation, making it a perfect spot for families to spend quality time together.

 It features scenic walking trails that wind through the natural landscape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors. The family-friendly atmosphere at La Loma Park ensures that visitors of all ages can have an enjoyable experience.

Explore Mexcaltitán Island

Visiting Mexcaltitán Island offers a unique experience rich in history, culture, and exciting boat tours. Steeped in heritage, this island is a hub of fascinating stories waiting to be discovered. For families with children, there are kid-friendly attractions such as museums showcasing the island's past and local art.

When it comes to cuisine, visitors can indulge in delicious local dishes that reflect the authentic flavors of the region.

Mexcaltitán Island promises an unforgettable journey filled with adventure and a glimpse into Mexico's vibrant traditions.

Cultural Experiences

Immerse your family in the rich culture of Tepic, Nayarit through these activities. Discover the vibrant local markets where you can taste authentic Mexican cuisine and shop for traditional handicrafts. Attend colorful traditional festivals that celebrate the region's history and traditions. Visit museums and art galleries showcasing the artistic heritage of Tepic.

Engage in workshops to learn traditional dances or crafts from local artisans. Explore historical sites such as colonial buildings and ancient ruins that offer insight into the city's past.

These experiences will truly deepen your understanding of Tepic's cultural richness.

Visit the Regional Museum of Nayarit

When you step into the Regional Museum of Nayarit, you are greeted with a rich display of exhibits that narrate the captivating history and heritage of the region. The museum proudly showcases archaeological treasures, indigenous artworks, and historical artifacts that offer a glimpse into the past of Nayarit.

One of the highlights of the museum is its interactive displays designed specifically for children. These engaging exhibits not only educate the young visitors about the region's history but also make learning a fun and immersive experience for them.

Attend a Traditional Dance Performance

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Tepic, Nayarit by attending a traditional dance performance. These shows offer a captivating glimpse into the rich local traditions and heritage of the region.

From colorful costumes to rhythmic music, you will be enchanted by the energy and skill displayed by the talented dancers. Moreover, many of these performances are family-friendly, making it a perfect outing for visitors of all ages, including children.

Don't miss the chance to experience the authentic essence of Tepic through these mesmerizing dance shows.

Family-Friendly Attractions

When visiting Tepic, Nayarit with your family and kids, there are several top attractions that are perfect for a fun-filled day out. One of the must-visit places is La Loma Park, a beautiful park with green spaces, playgrounds, and picnic areas.

 The Magical Village of Jala is another great option, where you can explore the colorful streets and enjoy local crafts. Don't miss the Amado Nervo Museum, a cultural spot that offers insights into the life of the famous poet.

These family-friendly attractions in Tepic are sure to create unforgettable memories for you and your loved ones.

Water Park El Salto

Water Park El Salto offers a wide range of exciting features for visitors of all ages.

 From thrilling water slides that cater to adventure seekers to relaxing pools for those looking to unwind, this park has something for everyone. Children of all ages can enjoy specially designed water activities and play areas, ensuring a fun-filled experience for the whole family.

In terms of safety, Water Park El Salto prioritizes the well-being of its guests by implementing strict safety measures, including trained lifeguards stationed throughout the park and clear signage indicating rules and guidelines.

Amenities such as changing rooms, lockers, and on-site dining options enhance the overall visitor experience.

Tepic Municipal Zoo

The Tepic Municipal Zoo is a fascinating destination that offers a wide range of animals, providing an enriching experience for kids. Visitors can explore diverse species from around the world, making it an educational and entertaining trip. The zoo features special exhibits showcasing rare and exotic animals, creating a sense of wonder and excitement among visitors.

Interactive opportunities such as feeding sessions and animal encounters allow children to learn more about wildlife in a fun and engaging way. 

The Tepic Municipal Zoo is a perfect place for families to enjoy a memorable day while fostering a love for nature and conservation.

Shopping and Dining

There's a wide array of family-friendly shopping and dining options in Tepic, Nayarit. From traditional markets offering local crafts and souvenirs to modern shopping centers with popular retailers, there is something for everyone.

Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at charming restaurants and eateries scattered throughout the city.

Whether you're looking for a casual dining experience with delicious street food or a sit-down meal with traditional dishes, Tepic has it all. Enjoy the vibrant and diverse culinary scene that caters to all tastes and preferences.

Visit Plaza Forum Tepic

Plaza Forum Tepic offers a diverse range of shopping opportunities for visitors. You can find stores specializing in children's clothing, with a variety of fashionable and comfortable options for the little ones.

There are shops dedicated to toys, providing a wide selection of fun and educational toys for kids of all ages. If you're looking for souvenirs to remember your visit, you'll find unique options in the souvenir stores at the plaza. 

Moreover, Plaza Forum Tepic is home to a selection of dining options suitable for families, where you can enjoy delicious meals together after a day of shopping and exploring.

Try Local Cuisine at Mercado Juan Escutia

Mercado Juan Escutia is a fantastic destination to explore traditional Mexican cuisine. Visitors can savor authentic local flavors through a variety of dishes such as savory tacos, flavorful tamales, spicy pozole, and refreshing aguas frescas.

 This market offers a unique family-friendly dining experience where both adults and kids can enjoy a delicious meal together. 

For the little ones, there are kid-friendly menu options available, including quesadillas, burritos, and tasty churros. With its vibrant atmosphere and mouthwatering dishes, Mercado Juan Escutia is a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Mexican culinary traditions.

And if you want to eat at a local restaurant offering great, local food in a nice environment, Emiliano Restaurant is a fantastic option.

Where to Stay in Tepic

We'll be the first ones admitting that Tepic does not have a lot of tourism, and therefor does not have many hotels to choose from. But there are a few.

Should you want to stay in a traditional hotel, by far the two best options are Hotel Fray Select and Hotel Fray Junipero Serra.

However if you're traveling with kids you'll probably want some more space for your little one(s) to run around. Or simply leave stuff.

As such, we decided to stay at Apartamentos Mololoa, which are full apartments including 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and everything you might need.

It was definitely a good choice!

Summary

If planning a family trip to Tepic, Nayarit, you'll get a small but  diverse range of activities and attractions that cater to families with kids. From exploring cultural sites like the Nayarit State Museum to enjoying nature at La Loma Park, there is something for everyone.

Families can also visit the charming Plaza Principal or experience the fun and educational exhibits at Amado Nervo House Museum. With its vibrant atmosphere and family-friendly attractions, a day in Tepic is enough time to explore a less visited destination for a memorable and enriching family vacation.

The Suites, with their spacious layouts and panoramic views, offer a heightened sense of opulence. Guests can unwind in luxurious surroundings, appreciating the attention to detail that defines the quintessential Oaxacan hospitality experienced in each room.

For those visiting Oaxaca with kids, it's important to note that the beds are full size double beds, not queen or king size.

The ambiance within the rooms is carefully curated to reflect the cultural richness of Oaxaca. From the choice of textiles to the handcrafted furniture, every element tells a story, creating an atmosphere that encourages relaxation and cultural immersion.

Quinta Real Hotel invites guests to not just stay in a room but to embark on a sensory journey through the artistic and historical tapestry that defines the Oaxacan aesthetic.

Common Areas: Old-World Elegance Meets Modern Comfort

The common areas of Quinta Real Hotel are a perfect fusion of old-world elegance and contemporary comfort. The lobby, adorned with historical artifacts and colonial-inspired decor, serves as a welcoming gateway to the hotel's rich history. Guests can- and should- take a leisurely stroll through the corridors, marveling at the architectural splendors of the meticulously restored 16th-century convent.

The courtyard, with its lush greenery and tranquil fountain, is a serene escape within the bustling city. It's a space where guests can unwind with a book, enjoy a cup of local coffee, or simply bask in the beauty of the surroundings. The swimming pool area, surrounded by palm trees and adorned with comfortable loungers, provides a refreshing oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Quinta Real Hotel's commitment to preserving the historical integrity of the building while offering modern amenities creates a unique and immersive stay for every guest.

History of the Hotel: A Journey Through Time

Quinta Real Hotel is not merely a place to rest; it's a living museum that tells the story of Oaxaca's rich history. The hotel is housed within a meticulously restored 16th-century convent, a structure that has witnessed centuries of cultural evolution (learn 40+ fun and interesting facts of Mexico!). Original architectural elements, such as the intricate archways and stone columns, have been preserved to transport guests to a bygone era.

 The convent later became a movie theater, and eventually was bought to become what is Oaxaca's best high end hotel within the city center.

Exploring the history of the hotel is like taking a step back in time, with every nook and cranny revealing a piece of Oaxaca's cultural tapestry. The hotel's commitment to historical preservation is evident in the way it seamlessly integrates the past with the present, creating an immersive environment that educates and enchants visitors.

Guests can partake in guided tours led by knowledgeable staff, gaining insights into the hotel's transformation and its significance in Oaxacan history.

Dining: Culinary Delights at Quinta Real

Food enthusiasts will find themselves in gastronomic heaven at Quinta Real Hotel. The on-site restaurant showcases the best of Oaxacan cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional recipes.

The culinary team, led by experienced chefs, crafts a menu that celebrates the diverse flavors of the region. From the iconic mole poblano to the rich and complex taste of mezcal, every dish and drink tells a story of Oaxaca's culinary heritage.

We did have a delicious dinner the first night that we arrived, but it's the breakfast that really blew our socks off. As you can see in the pictures they have everything you might want and more, scattered as well along different rooms.

For what it's worth I don't really like to eat non sweet food in the mornings, but the tamales I had hear were the best I've had anywhere. Really.

The dining experience at Quinta Real extends beyond exquisite flavors. The restaurant's ambiance is carefully designed to complement the culinary journey, with warm lighting, elegant decor, and attentive service creating a memorable atmosphere. Guests can choose to dine al fresco in the courtyard for a romantic evening under the stars or enjoy a more intimate setting indoors.

Whether it's a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, or a sophisticated dinner, Quinta Real Hotel elevates the dining experience to a cultural celebration of Oaxacan cuisine.

The hotel's commitment to holistic wellness is reflected in every aspect of the spa experience, from the carefully selected ingredients used in treatments to the tranquil surroundings that promote relaxation and rejuvenation.

Events and Meetings: A Venue for Every Occasion

Quinta Real Hotel goes beyond being a mere accommodation; it's also a premier venue for events and meetings. The hotel offers state-of-the-art facilities, expert event planning services, and an exquisite backdrop for weddings, conferences, and social gatherings. The meeting rooms, equipped with modern technology, provide a sophisticated setting for business events, while the lush courtyard and elegant banquet halls offer versatile options for celebrations.

The hotel's event planning team works closely with organizers to ensure every detail is meticulously executed. From intimate family celebrations to large corporate conferences, Quinta Real Hotel caters to a diverse range of events. The seamless blend of historical charm and contemporary amenities creates an ambiance that enhances the significance of every occasion, making it a memorable experience for both hosts and guests.

Local Experiences: Exploring Oaxaca Beyond the Hotel

Quinta Real Oaxaca Hotel not only provides a luxurious retreat but also serves as a gateway to the vibrant city of Oaxaca. The hotel's concierge can curate personalized experiences, from guided tours of historical sites to culinary adventures exploring the local markets. Guests have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the cultural tapestry of Oaxaca, discovering the art, traditions, and flavors that define this captivating region.

Beyond the hotel's walls, Oaxaca offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be explored. Guests can embark on a mezcal tasting tour, visit local artisan markets, or attend traditional festivals.

The hotel's concierge team, with their in-depth knowledge of the region, assists guests in creating a bespoke itinerary that reflects their interests and preferences. 

Quinta Real Hotel not only provides a luxurious stay but also opens doors to the authentic and enriching experiences that Oaxaca has to offer.

Madame Tussaud Wax Museum

Madame Tussaud’s has to be at the top of our list of things to do in New York in summer. Kids will have a wild time meeting their favorite super heroes, fantasy characters and celebrities.

Shake hands with Iron Man and Captain America in the flesh – well, almost; you can keep the wax hand as a souvenir.

They might not be flesh and blood, but these wax sculptures are so life like that the more mischievous parents out there could monetarily convince the little ones they are indeed the real thing.

Kids can comfortably gawk at these ultra realistic works of art for a solid half day. Extend the visit by checking out the Marvel Universe 4D cinema. As the museum’s newest attraction, it’s an on site cinema showing films featuring the superheroes you just saw in wax form.

Be prepared though; the 4D experience means you’ll be soaked with water and blasted with wind as the cinema rocks back and forth. The overall experience is like watching a movie while on a roller coaster, and is an acquired taste for adults.

For overheated kids though, it’s one of the best NYC summer activities.

Bronx Zoo

With over a century of history, the Bronx Zoo has been one of the most popular kid friendly activities in NYC for generations.

As the largest metropolitan zoo anywhere in the country, New York summer activities don’t get much bigger than this. Over 4,000 animals are spread across 265 acres of exhibitions depicting environments as diverse as the plains of Africa to the highlands of the Himalayas.

And best of all, it is free. Yes, you read that right. It's FREE.

The creepy Mouse House will give some kids a thrill, while Tiger Mountain rotates a list of large felines including rare animals like the Malayan and Amur tigers. Meanwhile, the World of Reptiles exhibit alone is one of the most fun things to do in New York in the summer in and of itself.

The heat of summer is the perfect time to see the alligators, crocodiles, turtles, snakes and other cold blooded creatures at their most active.

If you’re visiting New York with kids in summer, then don’t miss this one!

New York Aquarium

This legendary aquarium is another of the more classic New York family attractions.

With over 200 animals and live shows throughout the day, it’s one of the most engaging things to do in New York for kids, especially the little ones.

The Playquarium is a child friendly educational exhibition with some amazing interactive elements, and is perfect if you’re visiting New York with kids in summer.

Kids can role play as a marine biologist hunting for bioluminescent fish, explore the sea floor in a submarine and even get tactile in the touching pool.

Even better, the entire exhibition is bilingual, with Spanish language options available at every step of the underwater adventure.

Coney Island

The afore-mentioned New York Aquarium is just a short walk from the historic Deno’s Wonder Wheel, a century old Ferris wheel that makes for one of the best outdoor summer activities NYC has to offer. Luna Park is like a permanent fairground, with side shows and the famed Cyclone roller coaster.

The Cyclone is one of the world’s few remaining wooden roller coasters, and has been among the most popular kids activities in NYC ever since. Come on weekends, and this place will be crowded with families enjoying a day out.

Better yet, all of these above attractions can be found fairly close to each other in the compact beachside neighborhood of Coney Island. When it comes to things to do in New York City in summer, Coney Island is almost a symbol of the season.

After a day of museums and Luna Park, hit up the boardwalk for a refreshing ice cream with the kids, and stay for sunset if you can.

Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour

New York with kids in summer can get rough in the afternoon, especially if you’re constantly hitting the pavement. Give your feet a rest and consider covering some New York activities for kids with a hop on, hop off tour.

These affordable tour buses allow you to explore the city at your own pace, with frequent tours constantly plying the boroughs.

Most of the things to do in Manhattan with kids, for example, can be reached by using a hop on, hop off tour. In fact, if you’re visiting New York City with kids, then these buses can serve as short breaks throughout the day, keeping your kids from getting too tired.

Take note that you can save a lot by booking in advance. And in case you are wondering, our favorite Hop on/ hop Off bus tour company is Top View NYC as they also have some great themed Hudson River Cruises.

Empire State Building

Arguably the most mandatory of family activities in New York, you can’t leave the Big Apple without experiencing the view from the top.

For much of its history, the 1,250 feet tall Empire State Building was the tallest structure in the city.

Although the building lost that title in 2012, it remains the ninth tallest skyscraper in the country, and provides astounding views of the State of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park. It’s a once in a lifetime experience if you’re visiting New York city with kids.

9/11 Memorial

There are many fun things in NYC for kids, but the National September 11 Memorial and Museum is not one of them. It is, however, an experience they will never forget, and offers a sobering moment of reflection for families visiting the city.

The site sits on Greenwich Street, occupying the former location of the Twin Towers.

Today, white oak trees shade the tranquil, solemn memorial complex. Reflecting pools now trickle where the towers once fell, and the on site museum is very informative.

Statue of Liberty Cruise

Less somber but equally mandatory is a visit is the Statue of Liberty. In terms of family things to do in NYC, Lady Liberty herself is best viewed from one of the regular cruises that run throughout the year.

Sunset cruises are extremely popular, even though many locals swear the best time to view the statue is early morning. Breakfast and brunch cruises are some of the best summer activities NYC has to offer.

Sunset Dinner Cruise on the Hudson

Kid friendly New York cruises are available throughout the year, but best enjoyed in summer, when the evenings are pleasant and mild. Cruises usually include passes of the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, though tickets can be scarce in peak season.

Along with ensuring you don’t miss out on a table, booking ahead can also mean getting steep discounts when compared to same day prices.

And while the dinner is nice, and the cruise is very pleasant, be aware that most of the time they end up being a great party in which the whole boat will have a lot of fun!

Brooklyn Bridge

Walk/ride Around Central Park

New York City in summer is epitomized by a breezy stroll through Central Park. From the main entrance across the road from the American Museum of Natural History you can easily access the more popular walking paths, like the the East and West Drive Loop, which covers many of the park’s main attractions.

Most paths can be done on bike, and given the popularity of this it may well be the best things to do with kids in NYC, especially on weekends when the park really comes alive.

New York City for kids doesn’t get much better than the park.

American Museum of Natural History

Dinosaurs? Check

Wild animals? Check

Birds? Check.

Space entertainment? Check.

The American Museum of Natural History is a nice walk across Central Park from the South Gates, and definitely worth a visit if you have young kids who love dinosaurs or any kind of wildlife.

It's big enough to keep you busy for a couple of hours if you want, and has several exhibitions including the Hayden Planetarium with its own exhibition that everyone- including adults- will love.

Price at time of writing (summer 2022) is 16-23 USD per person depending on age, and you must book your time of entry in advance.

Governor’s Island Bike Trails

If you’ve already covered Central Park, one of the best summer NYC activities further field from the city center.

The island is laced with walking and biking trails, and is chock full of New York City summer activities for the whole family. While on the island, consider taking a pit stop at Slide Hill, which features numerous twirling slides that will keep the kids occupied for an hour or two.

It’s one of the more unusual things to do in NYC, but worth the detour.

Where to Stay

When visiting New York in summer with kids- or during any time of the year, really- your best bet is to be close to where all the action is to keep your little ones from having to walk too much.

Unfortunately this usually comes at a price that many will not want to pay, and either will have to look for a location that is not a convenient or stay at a simpler place.

And you'll probably want space; hotel rooms in New York (specially in Manhattan) are smaller than average in the US.

After some research we chose the Bentley Hotel. It overlooks the Hudson River, the Queensboro Bridge and Roosevelt Island; in other words, it has the quintessential NYC views. It is also in a quiet area but close to restaurants and shops, yet within walking distance to Central Park and many attractions.

Rooms are comfortable and well appointed, and we stayed in a corner suite which has even better views and allowed for Teo to be in his own bed/ room.

If you're not sure if the Bentley is right for you, you can look for other hotels in the map below.

Conclusion

Visiting New York City in summer with kids is a great idea as there is no lack of things to do, temperatures are pleasant, and getting there is simple with several major airports close by connecting cities all around the world.

There is one thing you'll find disturbing though, and that is the price of things in general. New York has become an extremely expensive city, and your money will not yield as much as it would in other destinations. Above all, be ready to pay a lot for hotels.

This aside, you'll have a great time! 

Accommodation in New York

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Flights to New York

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Rental Cars in New York

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RV Rentals New York:

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Yet if you take a deeper look into the traffic, between the gray mush of commuters and classic yellow taxis you may pick out maroon or red buses packed to the brim with comfortable tourists mellowly surveying the chaos around them from a little bubble of serenity.

How Do Hop on, Hop off NYC Tour Buses Work?

Buses run on set routes between major tourist attractions throughout the city, and are accompanied by multi-lingual audio narrations. If a stop interests you, simply jump off the bus and spend as much time as you need at the sight.

Keep track of when the next bus passes using a mobile app, and explore the city at your own pace.

Hop on hop off buses are uniquely suited to New York City, offering good value tours that can really enhance your overall visit. They’re not for everyone, but here we’ll start with some of the best reasons to consider a hop on hop off tour.

1. Prices are very good

For one of the USA’s priciest cities, hop-on hop-off tours are reasonably priced, coming in at between $50-80 for a single day ticket if purchased on the day.

Multi-day passes are available, and typically cost between $100-200 for around three to five days, depending on the company. It’s worth noting that since most tourists don’t book in advance, operators offer regular, steep discounts for online reservations.

The company we used, TopViewNYC, often has discounts of up to 50 percent on their website, so it’s well worth booking ahead if you can.

If you’re a family, the savings can be in the hundreds of dollars. 

2. The tours are fast paced and flexible

The distances between major sights are usually fairly short, and most stops can be covered in an hour or so. This means you’re never on your feet too long, but time spent on the bus never gets tedious. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids, particularly small ones who need plenty of breaks from walking.

3. The audio guides are informative

You’ll be surprised by how much you learn at each stop, and the best part is most operators offer a dozen or so languages.

4. You also get entry tickets to other attractions

Most hop on/ hop off bust tour companies include entry tickets to other attractions saving you money, the time needed to book them, and the time spent in queues.

TopView includes tickets to the Empire State Building, a Central Park Bike Rental, Statue of Liberty Cruise,  entrance to the Museum of New York and more when you purchase a pass of 48 hours or more.

On the other hand, a few reasons you might not want to take a hop on hop off tour include;

1. Generic loops

These bus tours usually cover all of NYC’s most notable sights, but they don’t stray much from the beaten track. There are plenty of reasonably-priced tour operators that provide personalized and specialized tours, such as culinary or historical-focused trips.

2. They are sometimes full of tourists

Lone wolves may dislike the fact that NYC tour buses get very popular during peak season. You may be at risk of making friends with the family next to you.

So unless you’re dead set on avoiding other tourists in NYC, the hop on hop off buses are an excellent way to spend your first day or few days in town.

They’re especially good for families and first time visitors – not to mention those of us who like to put our feet up a bit during a vacation. 

Lastly, don’t forget to book ahead, especially if you’re arriving in peak season.

Which Company Should You Pick?

Throughout the years we have used the three major companies there are in NYC, namely Big Bus Tours, New York City Sightseeing and , during our last trip in summer of 2022 we used Top View NYC.

Big Bus Tours offers hop on hop off bus tours of NYC with the option to join a Statue of Liberty Cruise and, depending on the ticket, a free Central Park bike rental.

City Sightseeing has pretty much replaced their hop on/ hop off bus tickets to make them all access passes to many attractions (museums, etc), including their hop on/ hop off bus service.

Top View NYC though has focused on their hop on/ hop off bus tours, offer entrances to the Statue of Liberty cruises and Central Park bike rentals too, and best of all have themed Hudson River cruises (including dinners!) and bus tours (Octoberfest, fall colors, Christmas, etc) that are updated regularly.  

They have become my current favorite hop on/ hop off bus company in New York.

The dinner is a moment distinct to New York – the city lights reflecting on the water, the fine food, delicate ambiance and sense of place to it all. A cruise in New York City with dinner, drinks and good company will be something to remember for years. 

What to Wear on a Dinner Cruise in New York?

If you’ve been looking for an excuse to get fancy in New York, this is it. In fact, NY city dinner cruises have garnered a reputation for being sticklers for fine attire, with some operators enforcing strict dress codes.

For example, the well-established Bateaux Dinner Cruise may not allow jeans, sneakers or t-shirts aboard. While you won’t be expected to turn up in a tuxedo, men should wear a tie and jacket with slacks and professional or formal footwear.

Women have a little more choice, with most ladies arriving in either cocktail dresses, smart pantsuits or similar semi-formal outfit.

Other cruises are somewhat less demanding, meaning there is a little flexibility on just how formal you want to go. And as we were traveling with our son, this was the option we went for.

We chose to do our dinner cruise with Event  Cruises, which advises its visitors to aim for business casual, which is more or less what you should expect from most venues. Aim for smart but comfortable, and wherever you go, you’ll fit right in with the crowd.

No matter how dressy you want to go, take note that you will want to bring something warm for later in the evening. Even if its warm in the city, the river can still get breezy at night.

Dinner on a boat NYC style shouldn’t be ruined by chilly weather.

What Food do You Eat During a NYC Dinner Cruise

It of course depends on when you go as the menu changes, but there is one thing I can guarantee: the food will be good.

When we went, our three course menus offered a few options for each, but Liza and I went for the grilled salmon as main course and Teo opted for macaroni with duck meat. 

For dessert we had chocolate mousse and cheesecake with blueberries, all of it delicious. 

How Long is a Hudson River Cruise?

While NY city dinner cruises usually last for between two to three hours, full and multi-day cruises can also be arranged. USA River Cruises offers an eight day luxury cruise to Albany.

Leaving directly from the hustle and bustle of NYC, the cruise spends the first day spoiling visitors with views of the city, while the rest of the week offers visits to historic towns along the river.

If you’d rather something lighter than a multi-day voyage, short day trips are also possible – and they’re more than just dinner cruises. Along with providing a massive nine day river tour, Classic Harbor Line has a brunch cruise on an intimate early 20^th Century yacht. Other cruise lines offer afternoon and lunch options.

Bear in mind all of these meal-oriented cruises are usually at least semi-formal events. For something more casual, dedicated sightseeing tours are also frequent and fabulous. Event Cruises (and most other companies) have good value river tours.

Circle’s tours are between one to three hours; their most popular being the 2.5 hour circle tour, which rings Manhattan and includes a photo stop at the Statue of Liberty. Meanwhile, Skyline Cruises has a longer four hour tour that covers famous sites like the Brooklyn Bridge, while also providing an on-board three course buffet.

Yet Event Cruises has cruises that most other companies do not offer. They have specific whale watching cruises (new in 2022...who would have said that you could go whale watching in New York?), fall foliage cruises, wine and cheese cruises...so if you want your cruise to be more than just any NYC cruise these are the ones to join. Plus kids are welcome in all of them!

So, Is a NYC Dinner Cruise Worth It?

In my opinion, if it's within your budget, it's a definite go. Besides getting the fantastic NYC skyline river cruises are famous for, you'll also enjoy a great dinner with very good food and a bit of a party at the end.

In fact, the DJ said that the party we created during our cruise was something he had never seen before! And if you have any doubts of how the cruise ended, check this out as our wrap up

Santiago's historical center is the cornerstone of modern-day Chile. The plaza is surrounded by beautiful ancient buildings that are central to the local government, including the Central Post Office, the Royal Court Palace, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.

Plaza de Armas was established in 1541. Here, the city held many religious events and was the main venue for political news. The old colonial streets are lined with palm trees that create a strange but lush oasis at the very heart of the city. Nowadays, this is where people gather to spend an afternoon or people watch. It's also a great starting point for your wanderings around the city.

Head up Santa Lucia Hill

Just a few blocks away from Plaza de Armas is a great spot to while away an afternoon: Cerro Santa Lucia. It is a small and intimate park-on-a-hill in the center of Santiago. And although it was a rocky and unkempt hill until the 19th century, it was then later turned into a beautifully manicured plot of land.

It might be a late bloomer in terms of tourist spots, but it does hold quite a bit of importance in Chilean history. This is where Spanish conquistador Pedro de Valdivia founded the city in 1541. Going further back, Santa Lucia Hill is also a remnant of a once-active volcano that explains the richness of the city's soil and natural landscape.

Now, Cerro Santa Lucia is one of the best places for astounding views of the city. The Fuente Neptuno or the Neptune Fountain greets you as you enter the park. And, this is the starting point for many trails that go through and around the gardens.

Another spot worth noting is the Castillo Hidalgo, built in 1816 to protect the city. If you came for the sights, head on up to the very top of the hill where the epic viewpoint is located.

View the City at San Cristobal Hill

For another perspective of the city, take a cable car ride to San Cristobal Hill. It's one of the many must-do's in Santiago because of its equally panoramic.

The hills are located within a Metropolitan Park, which is the largest park in the city. There are also quite a bit to do here. First, there are two open-air pools that are accessible from November through March, which is the southern summer of course.

You can also take the funicular, which opened in 1925 and has since been declared a National Monument. The funicular also brings visitors to the National Zoo, which houses over one hundred and fifty different species. At the summit, you'll find a religious sanctuary commemorating the Immaculate Conception and punctuated by a large statue of the Virgin Mary. There's also a Japanese Botanical Garden that's a great spot to relax in the summer, as well as the Bicentenary Children's Park worth checking out.

Visit La Moneda

The Presidential Palace, also known as La Moneda, is located right in the city center. Its imposing white walls mean it clearly stands out from the ancient structures that surround it. In 1973, the Palace was bombed during a military coup when the president Salvador Andelle refused to surrender. Later that day he apparently committed suicide, although to this day there are many theories of assassination.

Despite its grim history, La Moneda has been beautifully restored to its original grandeur. There are tours held within its premises, but they often sell like hotcakes, sobe sure to sign-up up to a week in advance. Just be aware that there are often events held at the Palace, so it may be closed to the public from time to time. Be sure to check before you go.

One thing that people look forward to is the changing of the guards at 10 AM. It’s definitely worth a peek, especially if you miss out on the tour.

Discover Chile's Art Scene

Santiago de Chile is known as a city of artists. And to get a taste of this you can start your exploration at the Chilean Museum of Fine Arts, which is a work of art in itself. The museum was established in 1910 in commemoration of Chile's 100 years of independence. Entrance is also free from Tuesday to Sunday, so might as well pay a visit.

There are several galleries to pique your interest as well. The most popular in the list is the Centro Cultural Matucana 100, which is an art center that used to be a government warehouse. There are different exhibits within the space. Sometimes, they also host films and concerts that you can check out.

If you're more into contemporary art, the best way to tune into the pulse of the city is the massive and quirky street art. While Santiago's street art may not rival nearby Valparaiso, the city can hold its own with its murals and paintings. Some murals even cover an entire side of sky-high buildings.

Browse through the Markets

Santiago's streets are where all the action is. So, another experience you must not miss are the various markets that pop up on Santiago's streets. While shopping in the various stores and boutiques in the city are a good option, the street markets hold many of the city's local treasures.

Some of the most popular markets are Los Dominicos and Santa Lucia traditional arts and handicraft markets. As the name suggests, these markets have a good collection of handicrafts and souvenirs and reasonable prices too. While most markets are known to be aimed at tourists, there are still many authentic items that provide a glimpse at Chile's folkloric culture. If you're looking for an iconic Chilean souvenir to bring home, be on the lookout for the alpaca wool ponchos

Binge on Seafood at Mercado Central

One of the many things that Chile does best is seafood, thanks of course to its coastline and booming fishing industry. Naturally, these catches make their way to the city and straight to people's stomachs at the Mercado Central.

Dating back to 1872, the Mercado Central has always been a popular haunt for fresh seafood. The selection is many and varied, which locals shop for in the morning and tourists enjoy as meals in the afternoon. The dishes and ways of cooking are as varied as the seafood. You can find anything from ceviche and mussels to king crabs and complex seafood dishes.

The market is open every day, but the hours are never fixed. It all depends on what’s available and how quickly they run out of stock. The busiest time is always in the morning, which is also when you can get the freshest and first picks.

Sample Chilean Wine

Chile produces some of the world's best wines, and this is the perfect time to take a vineyard tour and sample some great bottles.

Cousiño Macul is a mere 15 kilometers away from Santiago, making for an excellent day tour from the center. Many local buses or cabs make the trip to the vineyard, which has been operating since 1856 if you can believe it. The vineyard and the craft of wine-making is currently being run by the sixth generation of Cousiños. They run four tours a day, and you can choose either a standard tour around the vineyard or a premium tour with wine-tasting, souvenirs, and a cheese plate. Personally, I always go for the second option!

Cool off at Emporio La Rosa

There's always space for dessert, and you should leave some room for ice cream at Emporio La Rosa.

Ice cream isn't necessarily an iconic treat in Chile, but the long queues outside this shop will suggest otherwise. Don't be discouraged though, as the line moves quickly. The shop also sells different kinds of sweets, including cakes, candies, and even snacks like empanadas. What people line up for, however, is the ice cream. You can choose to grab-and-go or enjoy your afternoon treat at their al fresco seating. Every now and then, street musicians stop by and serenade guests, which only adds to the local experience!

Take a Day trip to the Andes

The most stunning feature of Santiago is probably the epic views of the distant Andes Mountains. Given their proximity to town there are several great spots you can enjoy mountain biking, hiking and horseback riding, all of which are easy to get to from the city.

The nearest hiking spots to Santiago are Provincia, Manquehue, and Pochoco. There are several trails you can follow, but it will be a difficult trip if you're taking public transportation. The best way to hit the trails is to rent a car and drive yourself up to the trails or join the many tours that head out to these spots.

At winter time, the Andes also make for an excellent spot for snow sports. Just 90 minutes outside Santiago is Valle Nevado, considered one of the best skiing spots in the Andes. It offers a variety of different slopes for every skill level, so even beginners will have a great time here. There are also many shops, bars, and restaurants at this beautiful ski resort, so maybe consider spending a night in one of their apartments.

Exploring Santiago de Chile

There is no one thing to define Santiago de Chile, which is perhaps what makes it such an intriguing and exciting destination. Mixing Latin American flair with European influences make for a truly unique and beautiful setting any time of the year. If you're planning on visiting the city any time soon, drop by the spots on this list for the best the city can offer!

Mexico History Facts

You’ve Got the Name Wrong

What’s the country directly to the south of the USA called? If you answered “Mexico”, then you’re not quite right, mi amigo. Mexico’s official name is the Estados Unidos Mexicanos, which is typically rendered in English as the “United Mexican States”.

Though rarely used in practice nowadays, this has been the official name of Mexico since 1824, when the first constitution was adopted after the collapse of the First Mexican Empire. Speaking of which …

The Olmecs Did it First

Mexico’s first known civilization was the Olmec. Best known for their art, the Olmecs thrived in southern Mexico from around 1200BC. Their culture is believed to have highly influenced successive civilizations.

Some things the Olmecs are believed to have independently invented include the legendary Mesoamerican ballgame, the practice of bloodletting and the concept of zero.

The Toltecs Did it Best

Long after the Olmecs, the Toltecs emerged in the 10th Century. While Europe was locked in the chaos of the Viking Age, the Toltecs were busy building an empire that supposedly exerted influence over most of central and southern Mexico.

The Toltecs were revered by future civilizations as a golden age of Mesoamerican culture. 

One of the more interesting facts of Mexico and its prehistory is that the later Aztecs viewed the Toltecs as not only an inspiration, but also as legendary figures that straddle the line between history and myth.

Because most of what we know about the Toltecs came from fawning Aztec sources, it’s hard for historians to separate fact from myth. There’s some speculation many of the supposed exploits of the Toltecs were more products of the Aztec imagination than anything else.

Either way, the concept of the Toltec Empire played an important role in defining the last few centuries of pre-Hispanic Mexican history.

The Name “Mexico” Comes From the Aztecs

Mexico’s most famous pre-Hispanic civilization, the Aztec Empire, was an alliance of three city states that emerged in the 14th Century. A military powerhouse, the empire spent two hundred years subjugating neighboring peoples. Rather than directly control conquered peoples, the Aztecs preferred to install puppet rulers.

The Aztecs kept these puppet rulers in line by controlling their access to luxury goods, not to mention flaunting their overwhelming military power whenever necessary.

While the Aztec Empire was comprised of many peoples, the dominant ethnic group was the Tenochca. Also known as the Mexica, these people claimed to be partly the descendants of the legendary Toltecs.

The Aztec Empire Was a Carefully Managed Economy

The Aztecs didn’t just control regional elites, they also created a complex, well planned economy. Trade routes were centralized, and the prices of common goods ranging from corn to seashells were fixed to specific quantities of cacao beans.

Mexican Independence Facts

Mexico Was Previously Called New Spain

When Spain conquered what is today Mexico in 1521, they established a sprawling colonial territory. At its height, this political entity, the Viceroyalty of New Spain, encompassed everything from California to Central America.

The Cry of Dolores is typically considered the start of the Mexican War of Independence

On September 16, 1810, the dissident priest Miguel Hidalgo rang the bells of a church and called on the congregation to rebel against Spanish rule. His speech became known as “El Grito de Dolores”, or “The Cry of Dolores”. Today, the Cry is typically recognized as the start of the 11-year-long war for independence.

The Independence War Came at a Very, Very Bad Time for Spain

Mexico’s independence movement was heavily inspired by the liberal, enlightenment ideals of the French Revolution. By the time of the Cry of Dolores though, Napoleon had become emperor of France, and was busy carving his way through Europe.

One country that fared particularly badly during the Napoleonic Wars was Spain, which was devastated by invading French forces.

While the Spanish were fighting for their lives to push Napoleon back, their largest colony in the Americas declared independence.

Mexico Was the Only Spanish Colonial Nation to Have its Own Monarch

Here’s some intriguing Mexico information: Mexico always has to be a little bit different from everyone else, which might be why it made a rather unusual choice when it came to deciding what form of government to adopt after declaring independence from the Spanish Empire.

The Emperor of Mexico Designed the Mexican Flag

Rather than become a republic like other post-colonial states in the Western Hemisphere, Mexico’s first independent government was actually a monarchy. From May 1822 to March 1823, Mexico was ruled by Emperor Agustin I.

Though his reign was short-lived, the emperor left his mark on modern day Mexico, and is credited with designing the first version of the country’s modern flag.

Which Came First – the Mexican or Italian Flag?

One of the first things about Mexico you’ll notice is its flag – and how it’s basically identical to that of Italy. So who copied who? Turns out, Mexico first raised its green-white-red tricolor in 1822 – while the modern, unified nation of Italy didn’t do so until nearly 40 years later.

It’s worth bearing in mind though, that some smaller Italian states (like the short-lived Transpadane and Cisalpine republics) did so earlier.

Also, it’s generally agreed the flags were developed independently.

Mexico economy facts

Mexico City accounts for a huge amount of economic activity.Around 15 percent of Mexico’s GDP is produced in Mexico City, making the capital one of the world’s most productive urban areas.

Mexicans Work Waaay More Than You Do

If you think Mexicans are lazy, then here’s a reality check: the country has the world’s longest work hours, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The OECD data suggests the average Mexican clocks a whopping 2,255 hours on the job a year.

That’s the equivalent of working a 43 hour workweek all year round. Comparatively, Americans work around 1,783 hours a year, while Germans work 1,363 hours.

Mexicans Study, Too.

The National Autonomous University of Mexico is the oldest university in North America, and receives students from around the world who travel here to pursue extended education.

Mexico Geography Facts

Mexico is Bigger Than You Think

One of many cool facts about Mexico that often goes unnoticed is how big it is. Mexico is the world’s 14th largest country by landmass, and is divided into 31 states (plus the Federal District).

Mexico is High

Most Mexicans live on what’s called the “Altiplano” – a vast, largely semi-arid plateau that encompasses many of the central and northern states. While the altiplano has an average height of 1,825 meters above sea level, some regions are much higher.

Orizaba Will Take Your Breath Away – Literally

Mexico’s highest point is Orizaba, a dormant volcano on the border of Veracruz and Puebla. Also known as Citlaltepetl, this peak is 5,636 meters (18,491 ft) high, making it the third highest summit in North America. I actually climbed it in 2016 and did a world record! - Read about my Orizaba climbing adventure

Yucatan Means What?

So here’s one of the more fun facts about Mexico: Yucatan – the southern peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Mexico, has a rather odd meaning behind its name. One of the most interesting facts of Mexico is that the world “Yucatan” supposedly means “I don’t understand what you’re saying”.

According to legend, this was the response Spanish conquistadores kept receiving when they asked indigenous people what the region was called.

Fun facts about Mexico City

What’s in a Name?

The capital of Mexico in Spanish is called “ Ciudad de Mexico”, or “CDMX” for short. However, it’s common to also hear people refer to the city as DF, short for “Distrito Federal”.

Mexico City Was Originally Tenochtitlan

Modern Mexico City grew atop the ruins of the former Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. Even today, one of many cool facts about Mexico City is that you can visit the ruins of Tenochtitlan, and is definitely one of those places of interest in Mexico.

Is it a Lake or a City?

Tenochtitlan was built on an island in Lake Texcoco. Over generations, the Aztecs expanded their island with floating gardens called chinampas, thus reducing the lake’s surface area. Today, almost all of Lake Texcoco is gone, buried under the sprawl of Mexico City.

How Big is Mexico City?

Officially, Mexico City’s population is just over 8 million. However, the official city limits represent just part of what is often refereed to as Greater Mexico City. This much larger area of satellite cities, outlying suburbs and an enormous ring of slums is one of the world’s largest contiguous metropolitan areas.

Greater Mexico City has a population of 21.3 million. It is easily the largest North American city, way bigger than New York.

If Mexico City Was a Country …

Sometimes Mexico City feels like a country within a country. This endless city has a culture all of its own, and you would need a lifetime to explore it. It’s so big, that if Mexico City was its own country, it would be the fifth largest economy in Latin America. In fact, its economy would be roughly the same size as that of Peru.

Mexican Food Facts

Mexican Food is Officially a World treasure

Of all the facts about Mexico culture, its the cultural significance of food that really matters.  In 2010, UNESCO officially placed Mexican food on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

This list recognizes cultural practices and expression of critical significance to humanity’s heritage. The only other culinary tradition to be featured on the list is that of France. After all, what is Mexico known for more than its food? 

Chocolate is Mexican

Here’s one of the more delicious Mexico facts for kids, and kids at heart: chocolate is totally Mexican. The earliest known cultivation of the cacao plant took place around 1750 BC in southern Mexico.

Originally, the cacao bean was probably used in the production of an alcoholic beverage, though over time it became valued in-and-of-itself as a luxury commodity.

The Aztecs absolutely loved cacao, and used it to create the earliest version of the hot chocolate. This frothy, bitter drink was likely referred to by Aztecs as “chocolatl”.

The Diverse World of Corn

Corn has been cultivated in Mexico longer than anywhere else in the world, and this humble crop has been responsible for feeding nations from the Olmecs to modern Mexico. Nowadays, 59 varieties of corn are endemic to Mexico.

Mexican independence day facts

Mexican Independence Day isn’t 5 de Mayo

Here’s one of the more interesting facts about Mexican culture that people often get wrong. 5 de Mayo is might be the day most Americans most associate with Mexico, but it’s not Independence Day.

5 de Mayo marks the day Mexican defenders defeated an invading French army at Puebla in 1862.

While important, this event is less significant to most Mexicans than Independence Day, which falls on September 16. Independence Day commemorates the afore-mentioned Cry of Dolores, which took place on September 16, 1810.

Technically, Independence Day Is a Two Day Event

Although the Cry of Dolores took place on September 16, 1810, it’s become tradition for the president of Mexico to recite the famous speech on the eve of September 15th.

This evening event serves as a moment of reflection and patriotism for Mexicans, while the following day is usually more of a celebration.

The Mexican War of Independence Wasn’t Supposed to Start on September 16

Remember how I said the Cry of Dolores is typically regarded as the start of the Mexican War of Independence? While that’s true, there’s a little more to the story than that. Hidalgo had originally planned to kick off his rebellion in October, 1810.

If things had gone according to plan, Mexico would today celebrate its independence on October 2.

Unfortunately for Hidalgo, his planned rebellion got off to a bad start. Throughout late 1810, Spanish authorities cracked down on Mexicans suspected of conspiring to overthrow colonial rule. As his fellow conspirators were being arrested all around him, Hidalgo had no choice but to speed up his timetable and start the rebellion earlier than planned.

While the decision may have saved the independence movement, it also meant Hidalgo’s forces entered the war on the back foot.

Hidalgo Never Saw an Independent Mexico

Hidalgo is today remembered as the father of an independent Mexico, though he himself never saw the fruition of his life’s work. Barely a year into the Mexican War of Independence, Hidalgo was captured by royalist forces after a series of crushing defeats.

On the 30th of July, 1811, Hidalgo was shot by a firing squad, and according to legend his body was later decapitated. His last words to his executioners were, "Though I may die, I shall be remembered forever; you all will soon be forgotten."

He's one of those important people in Mexico who no longer live.

Fun Facts about Mexico for Kids

• The Mexican border shared with the US is the 2nd largest border in the world after the Canadian / US border.
• Mexico is also prone to earthquakes and sits in one of the most dangerous earthquake zones named “The Ring of Fire”.
• One of the smallest dogs in the world the “Chihuahua” is named after a Mexican State.
• The color TV system was invented by a Mexican named Guillermo Gonzalez Camarena in 1942.
• Have you heard about the Raramuri or Tarahumara indigenous people? They are considered to be the best long distance runners in the world (as a group) and can run for over 300 km across mountains and rugged terrains. I actually ran with the Tarahumaras using huaraches, the sandals they use!

So there you go! A fantastic list of Mexico's interesting facts that will make you want to travel to Mexico with kids even more!

Map of Mexico

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When to visit Wyoming

Wyoming is best visited anytime from June through to September, when the weather is at its mildest. The winter months can be shockingly brutal even for seasoned travelers, especially if you’re driving.

Wyoming road conditions are generally best described as quiet, though winter snow can seriously impede traffic. Be aware of driving conditions before setting out.

We were there the third week of September, and weather was t-shirt worthy every day except perhaps at night. The further south we went the warmer it got too, with temperatures being in the mid seventies at noon the last few days.

Getting Around Wyoming

The best and probably only way of getting around Wyoming is by car. There are some bus services but they won't stop where you want it too and you'll miss most of the action anyhow, so I don't recommend you look into any other options.

Car rentals vary in price, and after some online searching I decided to risk and rent upon arrival in Jackson Hole airport. We got the best deal at the Enterprise counter, having already checked downtown with Avis and a few other companies. I wouldn't look anywhere else.

They were also able to provide a car seat for our little one!

There is no shortage of attractions in Wyoming, but they are not particularly close to each other. We traveled around the state for 8 days and it was certainly enough to see a good part of it, though there was plenty of driving during the last three days (these road travel songs will make the journey more fun!).

While there are several options and routes to take, our Wyoming itinerary worked out very well and is the one I recommend if you're flying into the state or driving from the West.

We started off at Jackson Hole and then drove into Grand Teton, Yellowstone, then East to Cody, South to Rock Springs passing the destinations mentioned below, a loop that covers a big part of the state.

Things to do in Wyoming

This article follows our itinerary and points out the best things you can see and do when visiting Wyoming with kids.

We may have missed a few, but for the most part are very happy with the result and certainly recommend you follow the same route for some great views and a fantastic travel experience!

Jackson Hole

This small town is the gateway to Grand Teton, and where we landed on our visit to Wyoming with our kid. The flight is is quite impressive over the Teton mountain range, and the airport is small and about 25 minutes from town.

Jackson Hole doesn't really have much going on by itself. The city is where all the hotels are (quite expensive, by the way) as well as restaurants,  shops and little more. 

We stayed at the 49'er Inn and Suites, one of the more affordable options and the place was quite cozy and offered a good breakfast.

There are though two places you must visit while here: the Town Square, with spectacular horned arches in its four corners, and the Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center where very knowledgeable staff will give you all kinds of tips and help.

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is only around 10 miles (16 km) south of Yellowstone National Park, meaning the two can easily be done in a single round trip. This postcard-perfect park features snowy mountains overlooking open plains of roaming bison.

There is one advantage with Grand Teton over Yellowostone, and in our opinion it plays a huge factor when visiting these parks with kids. Yellowstone is covered with trees and while driving around you don't really see anything, but trees of course.

And there's a lot of driving! Grand Teton, on the other hand, allows for picture perfect views all the time, and there are many places where to stop and go for a walk with your little ones. Because of this I actually preferred Grand Teton over Yellowstone!

Yellowstone National Park

Wyoming’s most celebrated attraction is, of course, Yellowstone National Park. This incredible park has landscapes that are nothing short of breathtaking. The centerpiece of the park is Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts routinely throughout the day.

Contrary to popular belief, eruptions don’t quite happen like clockwork though, with average intervals varying from one to two hours.

Be aware that although this is one of the top Wyoming tourist attractions, you shouldn’t let the kids too close to the geyser while it’s erupting. Water temperatures can exceed 204°F (95.6°C), with over 8,400 gallons (32,000 liters) being blasted out during the average eruption.

Along with Old Faithful, the Grand Prismatic Spring is another unmissable sight at Yellowstone. This multicolored spring owes its rainbow of colors to a variety of thermophile bacteria that inhabit its warm waters. The spring itself is larger than a football field, and deeper than a 10-story building.

Hiking around Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone and its surroundings aren’t just for sight-seeing; they also offer some pretty awe-inspiring hiking opportunities. The most commonly-hiked trail is Mount Washburn, which can be approached from either the north or south.

The south is somewhat easier, but takes longer due to a series of gentle switchbacks.

Hayden Valley

Either before or after Yellowstone, take a side-trip to Hayden Valley, an area rich in wildlife. If you’re lucky, you should have the chance to see bison, elk, coyotes and maybe the occasional grizzly bear.

To get to the valley, either take the Grand Loop Road and follow the signs, or hike the Hayden Valley Trail from Yellowstone Lake. The trail is fairly easy to follow as it hugs the Yellowstone River, and is a very rewarding experience for anyone with a moderate level of fitness.

Cody

Your next stop is the town of Cody, the historic home of one of the Wild West’s most iconic entertainers. Founded in 1896 by showman William Frederick "Buffalo Bill" Cody, the town initially served as a base of operations for his troupe of traveling entertainers.

For three decades, Buffalo Bill toured the frontier, and traces of his glory days remain everywhere in Cody. In terms of things to do in Cody, start by swinging by the old Irma Hotel.

Established by Buffalo Bill himself in 1902, the Irma hasn’t changed much since the days of the famed showman. 

Even today, the Irma puts on classic Western-style entertainment most nights.

Attractions

To really get an insight into the life and times of Buffalo Bill, one of the best things to do in Cody WY with kids is to pay a visit to the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. This sprawling complex of five museums takes a solid day to get through, but is both enlightening and enjoyable.

The centerpiece of the complex, the Buffalo Bill Museum, is an interesting exploration of the old showman’s life, and his impact on the frontier economy.

Meanwhile the Plains Indians Museum offers a fascinating look into the other side of the frontier, and contains artifacts from groups including the Lakota, Crow, Cheyenne, Arapaho, Pawnee and Blackfeet.

Next, head over to the Draper Natural History Museum to learn about the local environment, including the geological formations like the Grand Canyon. Then next door, the Whitney Western Art Museum showcases some excellent examples of local art, and is organized around themes such as the life of a cowboy, horses in the Wild West, and First Peoples.

Lastly, the Cody Firearms Museum is a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in historic firearms, and contains some beautifully maintained pieces from the 16^th Century onward.

Watching a rodeo is also a must on any Wyoming vacation, but watch our for the season. We thought there would be rodeos year round, but it turns out that by mid September the season is over and you won't find any.

Apart from the museums and historic hotel, there aren’t too many other attractions in Cody itself. However, just outside Cody, Old Trail Town is certainly worth a peek. This collection of buildings from the late 19^th Century today serve as a living museum.

Visitors can see first-hand the trials and tribulations of life in the Wild West, not to mention a visit to a frontier saloon. If you’re a fan of old Westerns, then don’t miss the Hole-in-the-Wall Cabin, where Butch Cassidy hid with a band of outlaws in an iconic scene from the film, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

For a slightly less jovial (but nonetheless informative) side-trip, the Heart Mountain Interpretive Center isn’t much further from Cody, but feels like a world away.

Indeed, this center was originally the site where nearly 14,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly interned during WWII.

Today the center serves to educate visitors about the hardships of life for detainees.

Next, if you have the time you should try to stop by the Smith Mansion in the Wapiti Valley. This engineering marvel looks less like a mansion, and more like a game of jenga that’s about to go horribly wrong. The mansion was built by eccentric engineer Lee Smith, and is today maintained by his children.

Lastly, at some point while heading in or out of Cody, make sure you set aside some time for a drive down the Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway. This stretch of road connects Cody to the eastern entrance of the Yellowstone National Park, and is worth a drive for its stunning views of the countryside.

This scenic drive which we took will take you past idyllic lakes and mountain scenery, some funky rock formations and the Pahaska Tepee. The latter was originally a hunting lodge constructed by Buffalo Bill.

Thermopolis with Kids

The next of our Wyoming destinations is Thermopolis, the regional hot spring hub. Indeed, Thermopolis hot springs are supposedly the largest natural mineral springs anywhere in the world.

Attractions around Thermopolis

The highlight of a trip to Thermopolis is a visit to the Hot Springs State Park. Thanks to a specific clause in the 1896 treaty that created the park, entry is free but time is limited to 1 hour. Bathing can be done at the State Bath House, where the spring water is regulated to remain at a temperature of around 104°F.

If you're visiting Thermopolis with kids though I do recommend you head over to  Star Plunge instead. It has an outdoor water slide and some small indoor pools where your little ones can have a lot more fun!

If you’d like to stretch your legs after a bath, consider taking a side trip to the nearby Legend Rock, a petroglyphic site on the far side of the park. Otherwise, head back into town to pay a visit to the Hot Springs County Museum and Cultural Center, where you can learn a bit about local history. Or, dig even deeper with a visit to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center.

This is one of the few museums in the world with active dig sites within driving distance. Over 10,000 bones have been excavated at sites around Thermopolis, many of which have ended up on display at the Dinosaur Center.

The pride of the center’s collection is an imposing Archaeopteryx – the only such specimen on display anywhere outside Europe.

Before leaving Thermopolis, you might also want to pay a visit to Merlin’s Hide Out. Though somewhat expensive, their handmade buffalo products make for great souvenirs of Wyoming.

Where to Eat in Thermopolis

We ate and had a drink at the the One Eyed Buffalo Brewing Company. The food is great and it was interesting to see how locals went quiet and looked at us when we stepped in at 9:30 pm with our two year old.

You don't see them in the Facebook post below, but they were on the right side of the restaurant.

Hotels in Thermopolis

As for places to stay in Thermopolis, choices do fall notably on the hotel-motel side of the scale. Roundtop Mountain Motel is one of the top rated places in town, and their cabins are very much in the theme of the Wild West.

Wind River Canyon

Located between Thermopolis and the town of Shoshoni, Wild River Canyon is a worthwhile pit stop while heading out of town. This scenic canyon is just oozing with Wild West charm, and is an ideal spot to stretch your legs for a while and break up the drive. The scenic drive past the canyon is even worth the side trip in itself.

Wind River Horse Sanctuary

As you drive South, just outside Lander Wind River Horse Sanctuary is worth a visit for any budding cowboys or cowgirls. Mind you the entrance is not easy to find and Google Maps is not very helpful, but eventually you will.The sanctuary offers tours that allow visitors to get up close to wild mustangs.

The on-site visitor center is a wealth of information on local history, including indigenous culture. Speaking of which, you definitely shouldn’t pass up a visit to the nearby Wind River Indian Reservation.

Along with a working ranch, the reservation is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.

The reservation includes cultural centers where you can learn about local tribes, along with a handful of historic sites like the St. Stephen’s Mission. Unfortunately it was closed when we were there.

Red Rock Wyoming

If you’ve seen  Quentin Tarintino’s The Hateful Eight, then you’ve seen Red Rock. This iconic rock formation was historically used by pioneers following the Overland Trail. Many of these travelers marked their trip by signing their names in the rock itself. Today, Red Rock boasts signatures from as far back as the1850s.

Rock Springs

The fifth largest city in Wyoming, Rock Springs began its life breaking rocks as a Wild West mining town. Today, Rock Springs is booming again as the heart of a major oil and gas region.

Things to do in Rock Springs with Kids

If you didn’t get your fix of dinosaur bones over at Thermopolis, then don’t miss Rock Springs’  WWCC Natural History Museum. Here you can’t quite walk with dinosaurs, but you can grab a selfie with the five life-size replicas on site. The museum also features ancient pottery from some of the region’s early human inhabitants.

The Rock Springs Wild Horse Holding Facility is the place to go to if you want to see these animals run loose. There is a loop you can drive that will almost guarantee you get to see them but it does take time and ideally an SUV. Teo was happy enough by seeing those within the fences, so we didn't venture doing the loop. 

Speaking of history, Rock Springs is just near one of the most intact stretches of the famed Oregon Trail. From 1846 to 1869, an estimated 400,000 settlers followed the Oregon Trail through here. You can see the same unforgiving landscape pioneers faced in the 19^th Century, with the area making for great hiking.

The Rock Springs segment of the Oregon Trail can be accessed from the Fort Bridger State Historic Park, which is just outside town. The park is also home to a restored section of the Pony Express Route.

In its heyday, the Pony Express utilized a series of horse rotation stations to keep riders constantly supplied with fresh steeds, allowing for a massive reduction in communication times in the late 19^th Century. Some of the other popular hikes in the area include the Outlaw Trail, Moron Trail and the hike to Pilot Butte Outlook.

Adobe Town

Deep in the badlands to the south-east of Rock Springs lurks one of Wyoming’s more surreal attractions. Reachable only by dirt road, Adobe Town is more of an experience than an actual place. This largely uninhabited region of martian landscapes plays all kinds of tricks with your mind.

The rock formations twist into sophisticated architectural wonders, while the land transforms into a Salvador Dali painting. Come here with the expectation that you’ll get lost, and have no idea what you’re doing in the middle of nowhere.

Give the desert time though, and Adobe Town will creep up on you.

Due to the remoteness and outright weirdness of Adobe Town, it’s perhaps not the best destination for bored kids. If you do come though, make sure to have some sturdy tires, and aim for sunset if you can. Bring water, and brace yourself for uncompromising weather at times.

Where to Stay in Rock Springs

Rock Springs is a medium sized city and therefor has a quite a few hotels where to choose from (as well as Airbnb options of course) .

We stayed at the Hampton Inn on Dewar Dr, which was quite convenient and has a Wendy's just a two minute walk away if you need a quick byte.  The rooms are pretty straight forward and the breakfast well sorted and plenty.

One thing we loved about this hotel was that checkout is at 11 AM, unlike 9 AM like there rest we had been staying at. We also later found out that on the opposite side of the hotel there is a doughnut specialty store called Cowboy Donuts, a must visit for somebody with a sweet tooth like me.

Unfortunately I learned about it when we were gone.

Flaming Gorge

After Rock Springs, the final stop in Wyoming should be the famed Flaming Gorge. The largest reservoir in Wyoming, Flaming Gorge also represents one of the largest construction projects in the state’s history.

1958 and 1964, thousands of workers labored to complete this massive undertaking, which today stores just under 4 million acre feet of water. It’s also a popular spot for locals to relax on weekends.

Fishing, boating and hiking are all popular activities around Flaming Gorge, not to mention camping. If you’re short on time at this point, then don’t worry too much; even from the highway, the views of the gorge are pretty gorgeous.

Devil’s Tower National Monument

Located on the far side of the state, Devil’s Tower National Monument doesn’t get quite as much love as the Tetons or Yellowstone. Having said that, this odd rock formation was the first national monument to be declared in US history for a reason; it leaves one serious impression on the visitor.

This eerie site is rich in local lore, not to mention a great place for hiking and nature photography.

Bighorn Medicine Wheel

Another less-visited location, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel is one of Wyoming’s more elusive attractions. For one, it’s covered by heavy snow most of the year, and the rocks that make up this site only become exposed during the warmer months of the year.

Over 80 feet across, this gigantic rock wheel consists of 28 spokes stretching outward from a cairn. Hundreds of similar sites exist across the United States, though their exact purpose is somewhat unclear.

The medicine wheel at Bighorn is arguably the best preserved anywhere in the country, and is suspected to hold some kind of astronomical significance.

The wheel can be reached from the nearby town of Lovell, though bear in mind the road is closed from October to May due to heavy snow.

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What to Expect When Visiting Los Cabos

You may be wondering where is Cabo San Lucas. Los Cabos is the name of a municipality that encompasses much of the extreme southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Sur peninsula.

Once a backwater of fishing villages and surf hamlets, the Mexican government first began to develop the region as a tourism hub in the late 20th Century.

Today, Los Cabos is easily one of northern Mexico’s most popular international tourist destinations. Its close proximity to the US and competitive accommodation prices means Los Cabos has garnered a bit of a reputation as a party hotspot.

Indeed, it can be; if you’re looking for a wild weekend of drinks and beaches, then a Los Cabos vacation passes with flying colors.

However, there’s more to this beautiful corner of Mexico than just binge drinking and wasted gringo college students, as you will have access to amazing Cabo adventures and excursions.

Los Cabos boasts some amazing wildlife and adventure tourism opportunities, not to mention plenty of family-friendly resorts that are perfect for a decadent vacation.

Is Cabo safe? Generally speaking, yes. Just take the typical precautions you'd take anywhere and you will be fine.

Further reading: interesting facts of Mexico

Guide of Cabo San Lucas Beaches

When you visit Cabo, you must visit its stunning beaches. Not only is there a plethora of top-quality hotels scattered along the beach, but there are also a variety of activities, from snorkeling to surfing.

The beaches of Cabo are some of Mexico’s most sought-after beaches, and you will not leave disappointed.

However, do note that  Cabo San Lucas swimming safety is not the best as many of the beaches- if not most- have strong riptides and a dangerous shorebreak, making all these Cabo beaches unswimmable.

So, what are the best beaches in Cabo San Lucas?

El Arco

The symbol of Cabo San Lucas, El Arco is, as its name suggests, an impressive rock arch formation just off the coast. Head down to the Playa del Amor, then walk towards the nearby Playa del Divorcio.

Just between these two beaches, you should see El Arco rising out of the water just off the coast. It’s a nice spot at sunset, though if you want a closer look day tours are available.

These tours take visitors right up to the rock formations via water taxi, where you can get up close and personal with some of the local wildlife. Sea lions are commonly seen lazing on the rocks, and the kids will love it.

Bear in mind, however, that the waters around El Arco and the stretch of shoreline between the Amor and Divorcio beaches are not suitable for safe swimming. In case you're doubting this statement just watch this video.

Playa del Amor

Playa del Amor ( Lovers Beach Cabo ) draws visitors by the dozens with its stunning views and smooth sands. During peak season, you’d better arrive early and stake your claim, as the shoreline fills up fast.

Some travelers have also reported issues with irritating flies, so be sure to pack insect repellent.

The beach is perfectly suitable for children, though be warned: despite it being one of the best beaches in Los Cabos only swim on the Bahia de Cabo San Lucas.

As previously mentioned, the stretch of San Lucas beaches in the direction of El Arco isn’t safe for swimming due to rough waters.

Playa Medano

Easily the most popular beach in town, Playa Medano – or Medano Beach Cabo – fills up even faster than the nearby Playa del Amor. It’s certainly one of the most unmissable of Cabo San Lucas attractions, with its great vibe and plethora of beach-side activities.

Along with the ubiquitous cocktail bars that line the beach, there’s also volleyball, jet ski and kayaking facilities. It’s also possible to catch water taxis from here to El Arco.

Unlike Playa del Amor, Medano is completely safe and one of the best Cabo beaches to swim in, and tourists consistently report the waters to be surprisingly clean given the number of visitors.

The only one issue is that some travelers have complained of the occasional sticky vendor trying to sell souvenirs.

Playa Santa Maria

This expansive, horseshoe shaped beach, is a breathtaking spot to spread a beach towel and lather on sunscreen.

The best time for swimming and snorkeling at Santa Maria Beach Cabo is in the morning because boat cruises with large groups of divers and snorkelers usually populate the area in the afternoon.

You should also explore the bay, which overlooks a protected marine sanctuary teeming with colorful sea creatures and plants. If you plan to lounge in the sun, ensure you bring plenty of sunscreen as there are few shaded areas. You can also rent an umbrella, along with snorkeling gear, at the beach’s entrance.

Also plan to bring any food you may need because there are few vendors and restaurants along this Cabo beach.

Playa Chileno

Chileno Beach Cabo is another wonderful destination for swimming and snorkeling. Chileno Beach is the most popular beach along the coastal corridor because it is surrounded by Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo.

It is also one of the cleanest beaches in Cabo. In fact, this Los Cabos beach has a Blue Flag certification.

You can be sure to lounge under the shade-giving palapas and take a dip into the pacific ocean’s warm, blue water.

Playa Solmar

Solmar Beach in Cabo San Lucas has expansive stretches of white sand beach. This is also not a swimmable beach as the currents and waves are very strong. The beach, however, is perfect for sunset watching, long walks along the smooth sand, and lovers of whale watching.

Playa Palmilla

If you are looking for calm water and a family friendly beach, Palmilla Beach is the one from you. Here you will be surrounded by luxurious ocean front homes and the world-renowned Jack Nicklaus Ocean Nine golf course.

On weekends, I recommended you arrive early if you plan on snagging a palapa or bring your own umbrella for shade. There are also activities like kayaking, volleyball, and fishing.

When to Visit

Deciding when to visit depends somewhat on your priorities.

If you’re in town for whale watching, then mid-December to March is your safest bet.

Otherwise, May to June is usually considered the ideal time to plan your trip as Los Cabos’ weather can create some amazing bargains. These months fit nicely between the vacation peak season and the worst of summer, when the region usually gets pummeled by storms.

During these months, some all-inclusive resorts in Cabo offer steep discounts, so the savvy traveler can pick up some serious bargains.

Likewise, most tour operators become far more flexible during this period, and prices are always up for negotiation. Even if you do visit during the stormy season, there will still be many things to do in Cabo.

October and November aren’t too bad, though you’ll be well-advised to book ahead, as this period can still be quite busy. 

Sports fishers should aim to arrive anytime just after the summer storms, or in early fall.

If you can, try to steer well clear of college vacation time, when spring breakers descend on Los Cabos in full force. Unless you’re a spring breaker yourself, this time of year is arguably the worst time to visit. So stick to off-season trips to Cabo when you can.

For what it's worth we decided to visit Los Cabos the second week of September and were there for 4 days. Plenty of sunshine, our hotel wasn't crowded at all, and generally speaking prices were better than during the winter months. We did get a pm shower one day though.

Cabo San Lucas vs San Jose del Cabo

Your first decision to make when planning a Los Cabos trip is where to stay. The Los Cabos municipality encompasses two main towns: San Lucas and San Jose. Between the two towns, a corridor of resorts runs along the coast.

Unless you’re staying in one of these resorts, odds are you’ll end up in either San Lucas or San Jose. Generally speaking, San Lucas is more geared towards party animals, while San Jose is more laid back.

Regardless of where you stay, however, make sure you visit Los Cabos' many points of interest.

Cabo San Lucas Activities for Families

The better known of the Cabos, San Lucas is a party town at heart. There is no shortage of things to do in San Lucas, and the area is extremely popular among spring breakers.

San Lucas is all about letting loose and having a few too many drinks. Having said that, the town isn’t completely off limits to families. Despite what you may hear, there are in fact plenty of great things to do in Cabos San Lucas with family members of all ages.

Downtown San Lucas area has a number of great beaches, and is an excellent base for adventure tourism in the surrounding area.

Iglesia de San Lucas

The Iglesia de San Lucas is one of Cabo San Lucas’ few historic sites. This 18th Century church has remained largely unchanged since it received a face-lift in the 1800s. Today, it’s the centerpiece of Cabo San Lucas’ main square, which is likewise a pleasant spot for a meal or margarita. Bilingual mass is held on Sunday.

So what other attractions does Cabo San Lucas offer aside from its glamorous beaches? From a vibrant nightlife to a wealth of water activities, you are sure to find something for every member of your party.

El Centro Nightlife

In downtown Cabo San Lucas, the party never ends – and that’s not an exaggeration. During peak season, Cabo San Lucas is a permanent party town, and El Centro is on fire 24 hours a day. Florescent shots of mystery booze flow freely from dusk to dawn, and back to dusk again.

Cabo San Lucas isn’t particularly child friendly once the sun goes down. If you’re visiting Los Cabos with kids you’ll want to get a babysitter for your night on the town. It can be worth the hassle though; nightlife here is, without doubt, one of the most fun things to do in Cabo.

Trying to pick out a few highlights here is no easy task.

Every bar and club packed into El Centro is an adventure in itself, with most offering solid entertainment.

The Cabo Wabo Cantina is arguably the most well known venue in town, and tends to offer some of the best live music in town. Meanwhile, down the street, Happy Ending Bar is a favorite among spring breakers for its dirt cheap drinks and generous servings of local fare. The nearby Giggling Marlin is another popular dive, while El Squid Roe is the place to be for out-of-control dancing. If you’d rather something more luxurious though, try the more relaxed Bar Esquina.

Whale Watching

If you’re looking for something to do around Los Cabos with kids, then it’s hard to beat a whale watching tour.

From December to April, whales frequent the waters just off the peninsula, and tours are extremely popular. Be sure to book ahead to avoid missing out. If you can, try to get a tour in January, February or early March, when whale calves are occasionally sighted. 

Whale watching is definitely one of the top things to do in Cabos, so do try to get a tour if you arrive in season.

Things to Do in San Jose del Cabo

The quieter of the Cabo siblings, San Jose is a little more refined than the more boisterous San Lucas. Instead of bars and booze, you’ll find more art galleries and hipster seafood restaurants. For families, there’s definitely more things to do in San Jose del Cabo that are child-friendly.

San Jose del Cabo Art Walk

During peak season from November to June, the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk presents some of the best local art each Thursday night. Galleries throughout the art district remain open late as throngs of visitors crawl from gallery to gallery. It’s a great opportunity to see some local talent, and is family friendly.

Frank Arnold Gallery

There’s a lot of great art in San Jose, but the Frank Arnold Gallery is perhaps among the most worthwhile. This house-turned-gallery is loaded with wonderful works by local painter Frank Arnold. His enthusiasm and passion makes visits particularly memorable. The best time to visit is during the San Jose del Cabo Art Walk.

Ivan Guaderrama Art Gallery

In terms of things to do in San Jose del Cabo with kids, this place should be top of the list. This small gallery is full to the brim, and takes a surprisingly long time to get through. It’s also one of the few interactive art galleries in town, and kids will love the hands-on approach.

Zippers/Costa Azul

San Lucas might have the loudest beaches on the peninsula, but that doesn’t mean San Jose doesn’t have its fare share of idyllic shoreline.

Officially known as Costa Azul but referred to by locals simply as the Zippers, San Jose’s best stretch of beach is the perfect spot for a surf. Zippers attracts surfing enthusiasts from all over the world, especially during the annual Los Cabos Open of Surf.

If you didn’t bring your board, then don’t despair: just across from the beach, the Costa Azul Surf Shop offers rentals. There’s likewise no shortage of tour operators offering surf classes throughout San Jose.

Baja Brewing Company

A decade ago, craft beer was virtually unknown in Mexico, but Baja Brewing changed that. Since 2007, this artisan brewing company has been pushing out some of Mexico’s best craft beers.

Along with offering tastings, they also serve great food in their outdoor beer garden. 

Don’t miss the pizzas fresh from the wood-fired oven.

Wirikuta Garden

The Wirikuta Garden is a 12 acre botanic park loaded with over 1500 varieties of desert plants from all over the world. It’s also home to a collection of sculptures by local artists.

The owner, Juanito, is full of interesting factoids about his botanic collection, and is particularly passionate about cacti.

Come early to beat the sun, and don’t forget to bring along plenty of water.

Iglesia de San Jose del Cabo

San Jose’s main church dates back to the early 1800s, but was heavily damaged during the Mexican Revolution a century later. The current building is the result of a major restoration in the 1940s. It’s one of the more popular historic sites in downtown San Jose. Mass is held in Spanish on Sundays.

Plaza Mijares

This artsy little square is surrounded on all sides by art galleries and souvenir shops. In fact, it’s probably the best place in town to stock up on souvenirs, not to mention a pleasant option for an afternoon stroll.

Around Los Cabos

The countryside around Los Cabos is bursting at the seams with adventure tourism options. With excellent weather and a well-established tourism infrastructure, it’s easy to get around and enjoy all that the peninsula has to offer.

Horse riding is a popular option for day trips into the countryside, while the whole region is renowned for its surf and golfing.

Golf

Probably the last thing your kids want to do on vacation, it’s nonetheless worthwhile to try to set aside half a day to take a peek at Cabos’ famed golf courses.

The region is renowned for boasting some of the world’s best greens, not to mention perfect weather all year round.

Club Campestre San Jose is one of the best known names in town, while Palmilla Golf Club is popular among both pros and tourists alike. Most clubs offer beginner classes.

San Jose Estuary

Just outside San Jose, these wetlands make for some of the region’s best eco-tourism.

The San Jose Estuary is a 2,000 acre freshwater lagoon that draws a wide variety of wildlife, including migratory birds. It’s a bird watcher’s paradise, and a good spot to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. 

Tours of the estuary are available from San Jose, though the estuary can be visited for free if you have private transport.

Horseback Riding in Los Cabos

With great weather and striking coastal views, Los Cabos is best explored on horseback. Los Cabos Horses offers tours with equestrian professionals who are both well-trained and very friendly.

English is available. It makes for a great day trip, and one of the best Cabo San Lucas activities for families. Our son Teo loves horses for some reason, and this was his first horse riding experience ever.

I wasn't sure he would last the hour long trip , but he enjoyed every single minute of it with a grin.

Sports Fishing

Sports fishing has to be one of the best top things to do in Cabo. In particular, this is the place to be if you’ve ever wanted to catch a marlin bigger than you are. There’s plenty of charter operators in both San Lucas and San Jose.

Todos Santos

Barely an hour from Cabos San Lucas, a trip to Todos Santos is easily one of the best things to do around Los Cabos – and nobody really knows about it!

That’s right; despite the persistent popularity of Los Cabos, somehow this tiny surf town has managed to keep things surprisingly mellow. There’s a few museums around town, along with a smattering of art galleries and good restaurants around the center of town.

However, the real reason to come here is to escape the crowds and enjoy the picturesque beaches.

Expect to have the place to yourself in low season.

Accommodation in Los Cabos

As a major tourist destination, there’s never any shortage of stunning Cabo San Lucas resorts. From sand-strewn budget hostels to luxury beach side resorts, there is a great variety of Cabo San Lucas hotels for pretty much any budget, as there are in San Jose del Cabo.

Much of the beachline between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo is dotted with resorts. If you're looking for full indulgence, there are plenty of luxury all-inclusive resorts in Cabo, but if you're looking for something mellower, consider San Jose del Cabo or even head off to La Paz, where there are other attractions you shouldn't miss anyhow.

So, what's the best hotel in Cabo San Lucas? This is of course a matter of personal preference, and there is no single one.

In the end chose to stay in San Jose, which is generally cheaper than San Lucas overall. Our pick was Posada Real Los Cabos, a budget friendly beachfront resort with incredible food and a laid back Mexico themed atmosphere. 

Posada Real Los Cabos was our Cabo all inclusive hotel during the trip. As you can see from the pictures it is definitely different, with an atypical desert look-a-like courtyard and the beachfront swimming pools.

The beach in front is not one of the swimmable beaches in Cabo, but it is great for walking, horse riding, playing and many other activities.  

While the food at the pool snack bar was not very good, the meals served at the main restaurant were all delicious, definitely one of the highlights of the hotel. 

Great staff and budget friendly prices make it a fantastic option, and while there are plenty of Cabo resorts you can stay at not many offer as much value for money.

Los Cabos Mexico Map

Plan Your Los Cabos Trip

Accommodation in Los Cabos

Booking.com has over 500 hotels in Los Cabos including apartments and resorts. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee. Check prices.

Ground Transfer in Los Cabos

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Flights to Los Cabos

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Conclusion

Los Cabos might be famous for it's wild nightlife and crazy parties, and while this may be true there are many family friendly activities to enjoy during the day.

Perhaps its biggest drawback is that the beach in front of most of the hotels is not open for swimming, but they all have pools to compensate. 

Throw in good food and many outdoor activities and you've got a great family friendly vacation to enjoy with your kids in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Understanding La Paz

La Paz is the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, which encompasses the southern portion of the Baja California Peninsula in Mexico. Historically, the city was little more than a small town until the population explosion of the early 2000s. 

On the back of a booming tourism industry, the new century turned La Paz into one of northern Mexico’s most prosperous cities, with living standards comparable to that north of the border.

Indeed, La Paz has a long, complicated history with the United States. In fact, in the mid-19^th Century, the city was the capital of the short-lived American-founded Republic of Sonora.

Seeking to emulate the Texas Revolution, American mercenary William Walker proclaimed the republic in 1853, after seizing a sizable but sparsely inhabited chunk of the peninsula from Mexico.

Walker’s invasion was never approved by the US government, though he managed to fend of legal challenges in his homeland and even sell bonds for his self-proclaimed republic.

The Republic of Sonora collapsed a year later amid internal chaos and a fierce counteroffensive by Mexican authorities.

Today, La Paz continues to entertain its fare share of adventurers from the north, but in the form of eco-tourists and whale watchers instead of grizzled mercenaries or wild party seekers from Cabo San Lucas.

The city is famed for its gray whale and whale shark tours, not to mention a good mix of heritage sites and some of the best beaches in northern Mexico. As a major commercial port, La Paz can have a bit of a city feel to it, and is busier than most of the otherwise relaxed Baja California Peninsula.

Luckily, there’s a good variety of surf towns and historic villages within a stone’s throw of the city, not to mention pristine island hideaways and all-inclusive resorts.

Read more fun and interesting facts of Mexico

La Paz (Mexico) Map

When to Visit La Paz, Mexico

Peak season is December through to around March, with New Year being a particularly popular time to visit.

During peak season, expect prices to surge and all but the most remote beaches to be crowded. Whale watching season runs from January to March, when the temperatures tend to be mild.

The summer months can be unpleasant, with hot days and occasionally brutal storms. It is at this time of the year that La Paz (Mexico) weather is toughest, but because of this prices tend to bottom out around August, when discounts try to woo in travelers despite the lousy weather.

 By September, expect plenty of rain and gray skies (which is, nonetheless, the time of the year when we visited. We were lucky and had decent weather during our five days).

November, on the other hand, makes for a good shoulder just before peak season hits. This is a good month for scoring reasonable prices before vacation season kicks in, while avoiding the worst of La Paz’ weather.

So if you’re after a serious bargain, aim for August, but otherwise November is usually the best time to visit La Paz.

Things to Do in La Paz Mexico

While La Paz is quieter and not as popular as Los Cabos, there is no shortage of outdoor activities to do in the area. In fact, now that we've been there too, I'd venture to say that this area is friendlier for families visiting Baja California on a family vacation. Why?

Perhaps the calmer ocean makes everything easier. There's no shortage of beautiful beaches where kids can play in knee deep water, and there's also plenty of fantastic Mexican food to indulge into.

Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz

La Paz isn’t Mexico’s best destination for cultural or historic tourism, though the city’s main cathedral is worth a bit of a peek and perhaps the most popular of La Paz attractions.

The Catedral de Nuestra Senora de La Paz was constructed in 1861 by Dominicans, and is today often used as the site for both religious and the occasional classical music event.

The cathedral dominates the Jardin Velasco, and is unmissable if you’re strolling through central La Paz.

Museo de la Ballena

If you don’t have time for a whale watching tour during your time in La Paz, then make sure you visit this enlightening museum. The La Paz Whale Museum is both a wealth of information on all things whale related, though it has a particular focus on the gray whales that frequent the local seas.

To add to the atmosphere, the museum features a soundtrack of whale noises that follows you through the five exhibition areas. On top of this, the good mix of images, videos and displays makes the museum colorful and interactive enough to keep kids occupied.

Moreover, the museum itself manages a foundation dedicated to the study and preservation of whales, so you know your money is going to a good place.

The Malecon

The Malecon is La Paz’ main waterfront area, stretching over 5 kilometers along the city’s coastline. There isn’t anything in particular to see here, except perhaps those incredible sunsets.

Head down to the waterfront in the late afternoon, and join locals as the sun’s rays start to bronze.

On weekends, the entire walk becomes inundated with artists peddling their work and vendors offering ice cream and snacks. The whole walk is lined with restaurants and cafes, so it’s likewise a good place to get a meal overlooking the water.

While most people visit the Malecon in the afternoon for sunset, the area is actually quite nice in the mornings. The afternoon atmosphere is definitely nice, and nothing beats a full Mexican breakfast as the morning sea breeze comes in to clear away the summer heat.

Bear in mind the waterfront began to undergo a series of renovations last year. The Malecon is still very much open to the public, but don’t be surprised if your walk is interrupted by a stretch of wet concrete.

Museo Regional de Antropologia e Historia

This sprawling but logically organized museum serves as a good orientation to La Paz and its surroundings. The various exhibitions here follow the history of the peninsula from prehispanic times through to the revolutionary period of the early 20^th Century. Much of the museum is in Spanish, though some English is available.

Ibarra’s Pottery Workshop

This pottery workshop has been churning out some of Mexico’s most prized ceramics since 1958. For Mexican tourists, a visit to Ibarra’s is pretty much mandatory during a trip to La Paz.

Known throughout the country for their high quality products, Ibarra’s also makes for a good hour of entertainment with their workshop tours. Watch the potters as they carefully craft ceramics – then stock up on a few of your own.

Teatro de la Ciudad

As previously mentioned, La Paz isn’t really known as a cultural destination, but that doesn’t mean the city is devoid of a lively performing arts scene. On the contrary, the City Theater puts on regular theatrical and musical shows, with most top performers from across Mexico passing though here at some point.

So if you’re feeling a bit starved of culture, then consider checking out one of the weekend performances at the City Theater.

Dove of Peace

Anyone coming in or out of La Paz will undoubtedly run into this gigantic monument. The symbol of the city, the Dove of Peace can be viewed as either a pair of doves or a whale’s tail. There’s a short walk around the monument, but not much else here. Your best bet is to take a quick selfie stop here on your way in or out of town.

Activities in and Around La Paz

Explore Isla Espiritu Santo

This tiny island in the Sea of Cortez is home to a thriving population of sea lions, not to mention a colorful variety of other wildlife such as sea birds. The volcanic scenery makes for a stark contrast with the rest of the peninsula, and there are numerous trails for hikers.

Getting to the island is easy: just jump on a boat from the Malecon, and be prepared to return sometime in the afternoon. Tours are easily organized from the waterfront, not to mention adventure tourism options. It is one of the top La Paz (Mexico) tourist attractions.

Indeed,  Espiritu Santo island is something of a hub for scuba and snorkeling trips. It’s also possible to swim with sea lions here.

Espiritu Santo is a protected UNESCO site, and locals are pretty keen to keep it that way. Don’t litter or disturb wildlife, and keep on the trails.

Hit up the Beaches

The city of La Paz itself doesn’t have much in the way of surf or swim beaches attractive for family travel. While pretty, the waters off the Malecon are generally snubbed by locals. La Paz is an important commercial port, which unfortunately means the waters immediately off the city’s shoreline can be polluted and unfit for swimming.

Having said that, there’s no shortage of shoreline outside town that’s perfect for surf, snorkeling, swimming or just lazing on the sand. The most well-known of these La Paz Mexico beaches is Playa Balandra, which can be reached by bus from the station at the corner of Independencia. It’s about 30 kilometers out of town, and buses run from around 8 am to 5:30 pm.

Take note that the bus probably won’t take you all the way to the beach. Instead, you’ll probably end up being dropped off at the final stop near Playa Pichilingue. From there, you’ll need to flag down a cab for the last 10 minutes or so.

During peak season, Balandra can get extremely crowded, so arrive early if you can.

The Best Beaches in La Paz, Mexico

If you’d rather avoid the crowds, then consider heading out to one of the lesser-known beaches outside La Paz. Just up the road from Balandra you’ll find Playa Tecolote, a quieter stretch of beach with good views of Isla Espiritu Santo. There’s a few good lobster restaurants in the area, too.

Closer to town, the same bus that runs out to Balandra and Tecolote also passes by the quiet beaches of Caimancito, Coromuel, Tesoro and the afore-mentioned Pichilingue.

All are good bets for anyone looking for a lazy beach day. Most are reasonably chilled even during peak season, with the exception of Tecolote, which can get even busier than Balandra beach(this was the case when we were there and ended up in a smaller and quieter beach).

Still, if you’ve got your heart set on  Balandra or Tecolote, just try to visit mid-week during low season. You’ll be surprised by how empty these stunning beaches can be once the tourism season ends.

Lastly, if you’re not keen on taking a trip out of town, then luckily La Paz does have a few stretches of shoreline that are suitable for swimming. Right on the edge of town, La Concha Beach Resort maintains its own private beach.

Nonguests can hire equipment and make use of the resort bar and restaurant.

Kayaking

Those azure waters off the coast of Baja just scream for a kayak adventure. Kayaking is extremely popular across the region, and for good reason. The generally calm waters around La Paz make gliding across the sea in a kayak an absolute breeze and is an ideal activity in La Paz and Baja California's Sea of Cortez to do with kids of all ages.

Most beaches mentioned here have plenty of kayak hire options. Usually, it’s a simple matter of paying a few bucks, leaving behind a deposit and hitting the water for a few hours.

Likewise, virtually all established tour operators in town offer guided kayak trips, sometimes combined with camping or wildlife trips.

Swimming with Sea Lions

While exploring La Paz's  surroundings, you’ll no doubt eventually run into some of the region’s friendliest denizens, the sea lions.

Throughout most of the year, there’s no shortage of these adorable, playful creatures, and sooner or later you’re going to want to acquaint yourself. To get up close and personal with these critters, consider a day trip of swimming with sea lions, one of the most fun La Paz activities you can do.

The most popular place to swim with sea lions is Isla Espiritu Santo, where a thriving colony of the animals live. This colony is pretty accustomed to human visitors, and don’t be surprised if they swim right up to your face.

Most tour operators around La Paz can arrange a sea lion swim throughout the year. Cortez Club is a reputable option that’s generally well regarded among locals and visitors alike, and it's the one we went with.

 We met at the dock and made our way to another well known spot where you can now only spot sea lions but giant manta rays as well: Los Islotes.

As soon as we got there we got the chance to see some manta rays while were were getting our snorkeling gear on, however once we jumped into the water we didn't see them again (the group members who were diving did).

What we did see were the sea lions, who didn't mind us at all and even came to check us out every now and then. All three jumped into the ocean, and at two years old Teo has already swum with sea lions!

Whale Watching

La Paz is one of the most popular places in Mexico for whale watching, though your window is fairly short. For three months from January to March, gray whales migrating from Alaska spend time frolicking in the waters off La Paz.

If you do arrive at the right time of year, your chances of seeing a few whales are extremely good. Reviews for tour operators are generally good across the board, and few tourists complain of being let down during whale watching trips.

There is, of course, always some degree of luck involved, but at least La Paz has a reputation for reliable oceanic mammals.

The whale shark season usually starts in early to mid October, and can last until the following March. Ideally, the mid point of the season is the best time, particularly around December.

However, the long season means a whale shark tour can make for a good consolation prize if you happen to miss the gray whales – and what a prize it is. If you’ve ever wanted to swim with a fish the size of a school bus, then this is your chance.

Quad biking

For all ye landlubbers out there, Baja is more than just about the ocean. Inland lies vast swathes of sparely inhabited, open flatlands. It’s some of northern Mexico’s most beautiful, pristine countryside – and it’s just begging to be shredded by quads.

Off-road quad biking is extremely popular around here. As with other popular activities, most tour agencies around town can arrange quad trips, it’s just a matter of finding a place with a bunch of bikes parked outside. Typically, day trips take small groups just outside of town for a few hours.

Expect transport costs to be included, along with possibly a packed lunch. Multi-day tours are also possible.

Conclusion

Things to do in La Paz (Mexico)   range from the wild and crazy to mellow and  easy. We found it to be a very quaint and easy town, with almost of all of its attractions being nature related, something we appreciated.

Plan ahead, consider possible hurricanes if visiting during low season (prices are half or less than during high season) and plan on spending at least three or four days with your family to see the best of the area.

Places to visit in La Paz (Mexico) are varied in nature, making it a great destination if you want to mix outdoor and indoor activities.

Accommodation in La Paz

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Flights to La Paz

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Getting to know San Miguel de Allende

Once a quiet backwater, in the mid 20^th Century San Miguel de Allende began to draw a trickle of vagabond artists from across North America. Finding a pleasant climate and peaceful community, these interlopers settled down in the town, living on a shoe-string and giving the town a rather international flavor.

Today, somewhere between 20,000 to 25,000 foreigners live in this town, making up a sizable chunk of the municipality’s 140,000 inhabitants. Over half are from the United States, and San Miguel de Allende nowadays has a bit of a reputation as a retirement village for Americans. Having said that, San Miguel de Allende’s unique demographics are an asset not a liability, and you’ll find locals of all origins more than welcoming. The end result is a pleasant town that cherishes its unique culture, and has gone to great pains to preserve its idyllic colonial center. This also happens to be one of the best places in Mexico for international cuisine.

San Miguel de Allende has perfect warm weather year round, with of course the odd cold days in winter and very hot summer afternoons. The streets are OK for your stroller (many had narrow sidewalks, some streets have cobble stones) and if you forget anything important you'll probably find it here. In any case these are items you may want to arrive with:

Things to Do in San Miguel de Allende with Kids

Most of San Miguel de Allende’s main attractions are located in the colonial center, and are reachable by foot from one another. Taxis to or from anywhere in town shouldn’t cost you more than MX$50. Weather in San Miguel de Allende is good all year round, making the town great for exploring on foot.

While there aren't many activities for kids, most of those that will spark interest to adults are also child friendly and make up for a great family visit.

El Jardin

This central garden effectively serves as San Miguel de Allende’s main plaza, but is significantly leafier than the average Mexican zocalo. During the week, this is a mellow spot for a coffee or lunch, and a perfect location for a bit of people watching. On weekends and during school vacations, el jardin explodes with activity, as day trippers from across central Mexico pour in to explore the colonial center. Whatever time you arrive, expect to end up here at some point, as it’s a good spot to get your bearings.

Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel

This imposing Catholic church is immediately recognizable for its unique architecture. According to local lore, the church’s distinct neo-Gothic facade was designed in 1880 by local architect Zeferino Gutierrez, who drew inspiration from a faded postcard from Belgium. The church can be found on the southern flank of el jardin, and is impossible to miss.

Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano

Located a few blocks uphill from the main plaza, the Museum of Popular Toys should be a first port of call for anyone visiting San Miguel de Allende with kids in tow. This cute little museum has some wonderful exhibits of classic Mexican handcrafted toys. The museum is interactive at every step, meaning the kids will constantly have something to keep their hands and minds occupied. If you can, try to make time to join in one of their regular workshops with local artisans. These are fairly regular events during peak season, though you’ll have to inquire on-site for details.

Parque Benito Juarez

Named after Mexico’s influential 19^th Century liberal president Benito Juarez, this park is a great place to take the kids to burn some energy. There’s a good playground at the heart of the park, which gives way to a network of jogging trails further afield. If you come mid-week, you can expect peace and quiet, but not so on weekends. Sundays in particular tend to be quite lively, with local artists lining up to peddle their works to the hordes of tourists who come here for picnics.

Museo de la Mascara

The San Miguel Mask Museum shows another face of Mexico – literally. This private collection of over 500 ceremonial masks highlights Mexico’s cultural diversity, and is a must-see for anyone passing through San Miguel de Allende. Curators Bill and Heidi are extremely knowledgeable, and are a wealth of information on the masks themselves. Best of all, the proceeds from the museum go towards funding a local day care center.

El Charco del Ingenio

El Charco del Ingenio is a botanic garden just outside the colonial center. Spread over 170 acres, these gardens include native scrubland, wetlands and a few short hiking trails. The big deal here, however, is the cactus garden. They have dozens of cacti of every shape and size, and by the time you leave you’re guaranteed to have a newfound appreciation for these prickly plants. The gardens tend to be quiet during the week, but fill up fast on weekends. Try to arrive early to beat the crowds and the afternoon sun, and don’t forget to pack plenty of water.

Instituto Allende

Mexico’s oldest art school, the Instituto Allende offers art classes in both English and Spanish. These classes are available for even short stay visitors, with some courses being doable over a week or two. Anyone with a twinkle of artistry and a bit of time in San Miguel de Allende should consider hitting this place up.

Biblioteca de San Miguel de Allende

This historic library is a favorite haunt for university students and the afore-mentioned expats alike. They have a wide range of both Spanish and English language books, and a pretty good on-site cafe. This is by no means a mandatory site, but serves as a quiet haven of tranquility for when the crowds around El Jardin get a bit too much. Retreat here in the afternoon, and enjoy this oasis of peace and quiet.

Festivals

San Miguel de Allende is beloved by Mexicans for its colorful tradition of festivals, which draw visitors from all over the country. During festival season, expect accommodation to be booked out, so make travel arrangements well in advance.

Fiestas de San Miguel de Allende

The last week of September is known by locals simply as las fiestas. The festivities are centered around the Feast Day of St. Michael, which falls on September 29. However, the entire week is one massive party, celebrating local culture and tradition. Each day of las fiestas is packed with parties, cultural events, indigenous dances and religious rituals. It’s a melange of culture and celebration that’s hard not to love, and well worth your time if you can time your visit well. The week of celebrations culminates in the procession of St. Michael, where the image of the saint moves through town to the main church.

Where to Eat in San Miguel de Allende with Kids

San Miguel de Allende has no shortage of restaurants, and is arguably one of the best spots in Mexico for anyone hanging out for some international cuisine. Most of the restaurants are huddled around El Jardin and surrounding streets. The main drags of Avenida San franscisco and Correo are both splitting at the seams with good eats, along with small coffee shops and a smattering of bars.

Half a block south west of El Jardin, keep an eye out for the highly rated Restaurante la Azotea which serves up a good selection of Mexican fare, and boasts one of the more generous happy hours in town. During the evenings, their margaritas are second to none. Also, don’t miss out on their tasty jicama shrimp tacos...and great views!

Where to Stay in San Miguel de Allende

As with eating, accommodation is easily found around El Jardin and surrounding streets. As one of central/north Mexico’s biggest tourist destinations, San Miguel de Allende sure has a lot of options. Throw a stone, and odds are it’ll land in front of a hotel, retreat or boutique posada. While some budget options do exist, San Miguel is more geared towards mid and upper range accommodation, particularly health spas and the like.

If you’re looking for something with a little distance from the hustle and bustle, I definitely recommend delightful Hotel La Puertecita. This retreat just outside the colonial center is located in a historic building overflowing with verdant gardens and a fantastic pool kids will love. Their biggest claim to fame is their excellent health spa and alternative therapy services. They offer massages, hot stone chakra treatments, facials and more. On top of this, their rooms are some of the most peaceful in town, and immaculately furnished with carved timber furniture (you may want to read my full review) and some perks if you're traveling with toddlers (they do have cribs available which will come in handy if you don't have one of your own or travel bed rails). While getting to it is not easy without wheels, the quiet nights will more than make up for the 50 MXN ride.

I had heard about San Miguel de Allende for years, about it's cobbled streets, fine weather, good restaurants, and how all these factors had made it a favorite city among expats, mostly from USA and Canada (though there are many from Europe as well). I was eager to visit it, and draw my own conclusions.

I have to agree with most of the reasons that attract long term residents, as well as short term visitors. There's no lack of restaurants, great hotels, and a peaceful and safe vibe...everyone seems to get along. Families visiting San Miguel de Allende with kids will find it a place where they can walk around safely and enjoy high quality family fun. 

This said, while the city does have some points of interest and activities for families with young kids, you'll probably run out of things to do after two or three nights so I'd limit a visit to a couple of days or three to really enjoy the town.

Best of all though, San Diego is relaxed and welcoming. People here tend to be extremely tolerant of children, and will help you when they can.

There are many popular kids activities in San Diego for toddlers you've probably heard of including the San Diego model railroad museum, Legoland Water Park (inside Legoland California), the Fleet Science Center (and Kid City San Diego within), Sea World, the Zoo and more.

But you'll need time... and money. We were busy the whole week we were there and still couldn't cover everything- but had a blast anyhow!

San Diego things to do with kids range from free to very expensive, outdoor and indoor.

To get the most out of your trip the best thing you can do is to plan your San Diego Trip in advance and spend time enjoying a bit of everything. In other words don't focus on museums, or parks only. Touch several bases, and you'll have a blast with your family.

PIN for Later

Ocean Beach

A little north of the peninsula, Ocean Beach is another great spot for a relaxed walk. The beach walk here is definitely one of the best free things to do with kids in San Diego, and is less physically demanding than the mild Point Loma walks.

Known to locals simply as OB, Ocean Beach itself is a pretty neighborhood with nice views and a mellow vibe. The beach-side walk makes for a pleasant family outing, and is very accessible even for strollers.

Apart from soaking up the sun and enjoying the walk, there’s not much else to see here. History buffs will enjoy meandering around the Ocean Beach Cottage Emerging Historic District, where locals have preserved a handful of structures from the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. The Ocean Beach Library and Strand Theater are both considered good examples of turn-of-the-century architecture, and are worth a peek if you have a burning interest in historic buildings.

La Jolla

The affluent community of La Jolla is easily among the top places to visit in San Diego, though not necessarily the most affordable, so we decided to make it a one day visit. With its back to the slopes of Mount Soledad, Jolla Shores boasts a dramatic coastline with stunning views.

La Jolla is consistently rated one of the best beaches in the world, and it’s pretty easy to see why.

USS Midway

Of all the places to visit in San Diego, this one is perhaps one of the few things to do in San Diego with kids that can truly be considered totally unmissable. The USS Midway was the world’s largest aircraft carrier for around a decade, and saw action during the Vietnam War.

Seaport Village

Sooner or later, a San Diego trip with kids will inevitably end up at Seaport Village. This seaside shopping and dining center is popular among locals, particularly on weekends. It has a bit of a mall vibe, but has nice views of the harbor.

Find a nice spot to have a coffee, and it’s all-too-easy to whittle away an afternoon watching the ships come in.

During peak season, this area is packed with street performers and other entertainment, including the historic Looff Carousel and a pond where kids will love looking at the ducks and ducklings.

The shops here are good for souvenirs, and there’s a wealth of family restaurants that cater well to kids.

Most of the restaurants have water views, so make sure to get a window table

Where to Eat

There's no lack of places where to eat at Seaport Village, and in fact I recommend you head here at some point during your San Diego visit just because of this.

You'll find all kinds of restaurants and snack shops, but if you're ready for some great seafood close to the ocean Edgewater Grill can  be your place. Our bill averaged 22 USD/ person, not bad, and as you can see we enjoyed some great food.

Of course there's always space for something sweet as a dessert, so we headed straight to the Fudge Factory to pack up some calories! I have a sweet tooth (very) but mind you, I don't think I can handle something sweeter and heavier than this! The fudge bars don't come cheap either, at around 6 USD each, but worth a one time splurge!

If shopping isn’t your thing, then Seaport Village’s biggest draw card may end up being its pleasant water-side walk, or just the family atmosphere on weekends. It’s good for people watching, there's an artificial pond that has some ducks and ducklings kids love to watch, and there’s always something interesting happening around Seaport Village.

The New Children's Museum San Diego

If the kids are starting to get a bit rowdy, then it’s time to treat them to the New Children's Museum. This incredible San Diego museum is packed with arts and crafts, stuff to climb on, puppet making classes, building blocks and more.

Your kids can easily lose a day here, and the staff are nothing short of a godsend. While the kids burn energy, you can kick back at the on-site cafe, which does a respectable cappuccino.

Expect to receive your children exhausted, and more than ready for an early night (woohoo!)

More info at https://thinkplaycreate.org/

Gaslamp

Another historic district, Gaslamp was once the commercial heart of San Diego. Today, it’s a popular spot for evening entertainment, including great restaurants and bars. If you’re staying in San Diego for more than a few nights, then odds are you’ll end up eating out here at some point. Kids won't find the area particularly interesting so a quick walk will also do- you can head on to the USS Midway from here.

San Diego Botanic Garden

North of San Diego towards Encinitas is the botanic garden. At 37 acres, the garden includes rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rainforest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, and a subtropical fruit garden.

This might not be as entertaining for kids, and while we didn't go it could be a good place where to let your toddler run around safe and free.

San Diego Natural History Museum

This San Diego museum is huge, entertaining, and well worth a visit if you have the time. The San Diego Natural History Museum (known as the NAT) studies and catalogs the evolution and diversity of southern California and the Baja peninsula.

Parts of their enormous specimen collection are scattered throughout the Museum to highlight cool discoveries and inspire visitors to respect nature.

While it’s totally reasonable to pop in for an hour, I’d suggest a minimum of 2 or3 hours with a movie and a snack break, if your San Diego itinerary permits. 

San Diego Children's Discovery Museum

Located in Escondido this is one of the best museums in San Diego for families with young children for two reasons. First, it’s inexpensive so you can go a lot. And second, it involves playing and participating in a way many museums are not.

Learning here is definitely rooted in play, and kids are encouraged to touch, imagine, explore, and experiment to learn more about the natural world, science, math, engineering, art, and history.

Children from the toddler years through grade school just love it! As with many of our local museums, this San Diego museum is free for kids in October. 

San Diego Zoo

Another of the places to go with kids in San Diego, the zoo is some seriously good fun for the whole family.

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most prestigious in the world and a must San Diego kids activity. It’s widely credited with being a trailblazer, revolutionizing the use of open air exhibits.

It’s also one of the only zoos in the world to successfully breed the giant panda in captivity. Today, the zoo boasts around 3,700 animals, and can easily be done as either a half or full day outing.

The visit to the zoo can easily keep you busy for a full day, specially if you're visiting San Diego with younger kids.

There are a few places where to eat (food isn't really very good anywhere in the zoo) but I do recommend you get one of the soda refill cups for you to use all day; you'll save some money and will be able to drink at any time if the weather is hot. 

I recommend you get your tickets online to save some time upon arrival.

Please note that there is a separate Zoo Safari Park you may want to visit as well, but as we had recently been in one (in Puebla, Mexico) we decided to visit just the zoo.

SeaWorld

For wildlife of the marine persuasion, don’t miss out on SeaWorld San Diego. Bigger than Birch Aquarium (and more expensive), SeaWorld has great shows with killer whales (note: the Orca breeding program has been cancelled, meaning that the current Orcas will be the last to be part of the shows), dolphins, sea lions and more.

SeaWorld has received a lot of bad press in for quite some time now, and I must admit I was hesitant about visiting. At the end I decided to go for it, as SeaWorld does in fact have many good things on its side including conservation and rescue programs, plus I had vague memories if when I had been here is a little boy, about Teo's age.  

The kids will particularly love the petting pools, where they can touch all kinds of oceanic creepy crawlies. Bear in mind this place gets absolutely packed during peak season.

Old Town

See what San Diego was like back in its days as a Mexican frontier town. Founded in 1769 by Spanish explorers, this was the first permanent European settlement in modern-day California.

However, the settlement struggled for much of its history, largely due to its lack of direct access to critical oceanic trade routes. Today, Old Town features a rich heritage of colonial architecture, and the free tours are highly recommended.

There aren’t too many must-see sites, though if you have the time it’s worth visiting the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Presidio Park. Both are great spots to check out California’s rich colonial history, and the laid back atmosphere makes for a solid day trip.

Free Kid-Friendly Things to Do in San Diego: Parks

If you’ve already hit up all San Diego’s big tourist sites, then consider visiting a few of the city’s free parks. San Diego has a great array of public parks, which have traditionally served as the backbone of local social life.

Expect them to be quite lively on weekends, when the barbecues go into overdrive. Some good options include the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden, Balboa Park and the Nobel Leash-Free. The latter is geared towards pet owners, and ideal for anyone with a canine buddy itching for a bit of a run.

These parks are definitely one of those free things to do in San Diego you cannot miss.

Maritime Museum

The San Diego Maritime Museum is dedicated to the preservation of California’s rich history of Pacific shipping, trade and exploration.

Their painstakingly well-produced exhibits will bring out the grizzled sea captain in anyone, and it’s hard to not leave this place with a newfound passion for the ocean. To really sate this passion, consider taking one of the museum’s on the water family adventures in San Diego.

These range from relaxed cruises across the bay, to thrilling open-ocean adventures aboard historic, immaculately preserved tall ships. The latter makes for a truly memorable experience, where you can live out your fantasy of life in the age of sail.

For more details visit https://sdmaritime.org/

Getting Around San Diego with Kids

San Diego does have an interesting network of buses and a trolley which can be of use if you're staying in or near downtown, but, truth be told, you will need a car if you want to be able to go anywhere without having to rely on taxis or Uber. This become even more mandatory if you're traveling with a baby or kid that needs a car seat; most taxis don't have one.

You'll find all the major car rental companies in San Diego and then more, but the cheapest one we found by far was Dirt Cheap Car Rental. They have a decent enough variety of cars, most of which do have some signs of use, but are definitely worth renting should you want to save some money. Their office is very close to Hotel Circle, and will come and pick you up at you hotel if needed.

Which brings me to an important point: if you have a young kid make sure you arrive to San Diego with a car seat, or be prepared to buy or rent one as soon as you arrive.

Even getting to our hotel from the airport proved to be tricky as we didn't have a car seat. Thankfully a friendly Uber driver was willing to risk a ticket and took us to our hotel (the Hilton DoubleTree recommended above). As soon as we got there I headed to Target and bought the Graco 4-in-1 Car Seat which I already had the intention of buying (it's the only car seat you'll ever need!

Our son was 2 at time of writing, but this would avoid us having to buy a booster in the future).

If you want to rent a car seat head over to www.babyquip.com  or  www.toddlerstravels.com. Prices run between 45-75 USD/ week plus some kind of cleaning/ pick up fee if needed.

Summary

Is San Diego for kids? Definitely.

San Diego is a great family destination and ideal to visit with kids year round. Temperatures will definitely get chilly in winter, and I even had to buy a sweater when visiting in June, but there are many things to do throughout the year.

Of course the summer months are the most interesting as being outdoors is what you want to do- and your kids too, but hotel prices increase significantly and do fill up!

I do recommend you rent a car to get around, visit as many spots mentioned here as you can, but do remember that many attractions are great for both kids and adults. I'd say that one of the most often overlooked but definitely worth checking out is the maritime museum. If here on a weekend you can hop on one of the larger clippers for a unique family experience at sea.

The San Diego Zoo and Sea World need no introduction, and will probably be on your list anyhow, but make sure you also check several of the San Diego kids activities I have shared with you here.

 Finally remember there are a few side trips you can take while here. Head over to La Jolla and spend another afternoon at Ocean Beach for the quintessential California family experience you and your kids will love.

San Diego Map

Plan Your San Diego Trip

Accommodation in San Diego

Booking.com has over 500 hotels in San Diego including apartments and resorts. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee. Check prices.

Flights to San Diego

Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).

Rental Cars in San Diego

RentalCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Alamo. Check prices for San Diego airport.

RV Rentals San Diego:

Outdoorsy is the largest RV rental marketplace on the planet. They offer ease, flexibility and some unique and cool campervans for your San Diego road trip. Find your RV rentals for San Diego here. 

Tours in San Diego

Get Your Guide offers small group tours and activities in San Diego including tickets to the popular San Diego attractions.

The geyser (or volcano, if you prefer) is apparently cursed. According to local lore, Cuexcomate was used by indigenous people to dump the bodies of suicide victims.

Today though, the interior of the geyser is more like a cave than a crypt. The kids in particular will enjoy this one.

Fabrica La Constancia

Ex Fabrica La Constancia is a former fabric mill that has become a museum- four of them actually.

The Paseo de los Gigantes will walk you through a maze of world famous landmarks that adults and kids will love to recognize.

There's a fantastic interactive children's museum, a museum about music from Viena and a traditional mexican puppet museum (Museo del Titere)as well. 

There are also a few night tours available which offer you the chance to see Puebla once the sun is down.  They all start at the zocalo, and last roughly around 2 hours.

Where to Eat in Cholula

​​​​Food in Atlxico de las Flores

Should you visit Venice Beach or Santa Monica? California is lucky enough to have its own “Twin Cities”, each with its own character but both worth a visit: the beauty of the Pacific, walking to the beach in less than 5 minutes, eclectic people, and tons of fun activities.

However, first time visitors to the area may be confused about which “city” is the right one to visit. To help you make the right choice and get the most for your money, here's a short list of the pros and cons of these two incredible beach towns.

The good news is that it’s like choosing between a hot dog with the works or a frankfurter with the works – you really can’t choose wrong.

Riding prevents vendors from approaching you while giving you an ideal self-directed tour of the entire Venice Beach area.

You’ll ride past famous Muscle Beach, right along the sand and Pacific Ocean, past the general chaos, crowds, and excitement of the Boardwalk area and to the skateboard park.

You can also ride out to the famous Venice Canals, which are only a short distance away.

It’s easier to pick and choose which “must see” destinations you prefer by riding by and then coming back later. Walking is possible, but it will take you about 30-40 minutes to walk from Venice to Santa Monica and I am in excellent health.

It’s an easy jog or walk since the path is nicely marked and paved, but I think you’ll prefer the feel of the sea breeze on your face as you speed by the pedestrians on your rented beach cruiser!

Watch a Free Street Show, But…

Leave before the money appeal! There are quite a few talented performers in Venice Beach, particularly in the area of famous Windward Avenue. They take great pains to put on very elaborate and entertaining shows. However, life in Venice is expensive (as they will tell you).

Enjoy the show and slip away just as it’s near the end. If you’re feeling charitable, carry several $5’s so you look like a huge donor, then slip away. DO NOT USE THE ATM’S located in the vending area. They are unmarked and not associated with any bank, plus you will be charged huge fees for using them.

“Free” means something different in Santa Monica. If you’re on foot, you won’t find as many free things as if you go by car or the famous “Big Blue Bus.” There are free musical performances in the Promenade area and plenty of places to sit down.

If you're into photography bring a professional camera for the many photo ops, and if you're not remember these 10 simple tips for taking much better pictures.

Many vendors in Venice Beach have posted signs discouraging photo taking, but you can take photos in Santa Monica. Stop by the library to get bus schedules or advice on what other free things may be nearby.

What To Wear

Along the Venice boardwalk, beachwear with cover ups and comfortable shoes or sandals will do. When it gets hot, it feels oppressive away from the water, so dress cool.

I don’t suggest strolling down the Boardwalk in a bikini or other half-naked state, especially if you are a woman traveling alone. You CAN, but it probably isn't wise.

If you go to into downtown Venice or Santa Monica, it’s best to be dressed. You can still be very casual, but you’ll look out of place if you are too sloppy or too flashy. Santa Monica is a bit more reserved so shirts and shoes are required.

If you want to add a touch of style to your outfit, consider adding some travel custom clothing accessories, such as custom pins. Custom Metal Pins can be customized by you to express everything about you. There are a variety of upgrade options, including glitter colors, multi-transparent colors, pearlescent multi-colors, fluorescent pink, transparent colors, rhinestone colors, and luminous enamel colors that can make custom pins unique.

About the Beaches

The beaches are basically one long magnificent beach all the way from Venice Beach to Santa Monica Pier and beyond. Frankly, the beaches are fantastic.

The Pacific is always a bit bad-tempered and chilly, but the warm sand more than makes up for it. It’s easy to walk up the beach or bike to Santa Monica Pier and turn your beach day into a carnival day.

More Free Stuff

Echoing the romantic canals of Venice, Italy, the famous Venice Beach canals are beautiful, complete with lovely arched bridges that connect to pricey residential homes.

It’s off the main Venice Boardwalk area (you will have to cross a fairly busy street) but very peaceful. It’s a wonderful calm contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Boardwalk.

Plenty of photo ops in this area and its well-patrolled so you will be very safe.

Santa Monica has lovely parks that you can duck into and eat lunch and just people watch. Santa Monica Place (the Mall located near the Promenade) has several open areas where you can rest and take in an incredible view from the highest level (take the elevator).

Which then: Venice Beach or Santa Monica?

Although I feel I got the best of both worlds, if you're traveling with family and want it easy and clean I do lean towards the suburban tourist enclave of Santa Monica. However, the gritty beach realism of Venice can’t be missed.

Many “native” Angelenos shun Venice, but I think it’s a great day trip away from the city. For tourists from abroad, Venice Beach is quintessential California.

It’s super casual, budget conscious, and has something for everyone. Santa Monica is definitely for tourists with nice sized credit limits and spare cash, but feels welcoming as long as you dress well and don’t make a scene.

These twin cities may have different personalities but are so close that when you get tired of one, you can go visit the other one.

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Just a week before our outbound flight was due the weather forecast changed, and the first snow of the season in New York was expected...on the same day we were landing. This also meant freezing temperatures, and of course all the inconveniences one might expect when doing tourism in cold weather with a baby. At four months old Fedi had never been below 20 C and had never been sick. This was going to be the first big trip of his life, but how was he going to cope with all these big changes?

You'll have to find accommodation that is be well located, hopefully meet several requirements and is also good value.

The two very different places we ended up staying were great: a hotel in the financial district and an apartment in New Jersey, just across the river. 

Traveling with a baby is a completely different ball game, let alone in winter.

You need winter clothes and weather protective gear that are bulky and take up a lot more space.

What does this mean in terms of accommodation?

It is definitely possible and worth visiting New York in winter (December) with kids. It requires some more planning, a lot more clothes and gear, and you need to be willing to cope with the snow and cold weather. 

Our son did very well with everything; the days were long and we were always rushing from one place to the other, but he had fun looking at all the lights and slept often in the stroller.

Once we reached the hotel he would fall asleep soon after and  all through the night, something he had not done before. We made sure we fed him at his usual times, kept him warm, and took breaks to play with him outside the stroller.

Let me know if you'd like any more tips and if you have any questions. If this trip is something you're planning, go ahead and enjoy!

Plan Your New York City Trip

Accommodation in New York

Booking.com has over 500 hotels in Los Cabos including apartments and resorts. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee. Check prices.

Flights to New York

Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).

Rental Cars in New York

RentalCars.com is the world’s biggest car rental booking service that compares all the major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Alamo. Check prices for New York airport.

Tours in New York

Get Your Guide offers small group tours and activities in New York including tickets to the popular Manhattan attractions.

Now more than ever, the opportunity of traveling to Cuba from the US is pulling in adventure lovers eager to catch a glimpse of one of the world’s most unique countries. With US/Cuban relations better now than they have been for decades, Americans traveling to Cuba are flocking en masse to the island nation, and travel between the two countries is easier now than it has been for half a century. Nonetheless, there’s still a few things US citizens should know before you head to Havana. It’s not particularly difficult to travel to Cuba as long as you’re aware of Cuba’s unique situation, and the unfolding renewal of relations with Washington.

Note: This is an update of the original post which was written several years ago, the purpose being to include information for Americans who want to visit Cuba  now that travel to Cuba from the US is possible.

How to Travel to Cuba

In this post I've tried to cover some of the most frequent topics of confusion for Americans bound for Cuba. Get past these, and you’re ready for one of the most exciting, unique trips you’ll ever have, though make sure you don't overstay your visa!

Can Americans Travel to Cuba? Yes...if You Get Prior Authorization

This is by far the most difficult aspect of US citizens who want to travel to Cuba, though it’s not really that tough once you understand the process.

Technically speaking, the US government still bans its citizens from traveling to Cuba. For years though, eager Americans circumvented this ban by traveling via a third country (typically Mexico or Canada). Cuban officials were even happy to leave passports unstamped, thus ensuring you wouldn’t have any problems on return to the US. Nowadays, things work a little differently, and this old approach is no longer needed.

Since the thaw in relations in December 2014, travel restrictions have been significantly rolled back. Currently, there are 12 categories that allow us citizens to travel to Cuba. According to the US embassy in Havana, these categories include: “family visits; official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations; journalistic activity; professional research and professional meetings; educational activities; religious activities; public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions; support for the Cuban people; humanitarian projects; activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes; exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials; and certain authorized export transactions”.

If you don’t immediately see yourself fitting into any of these categories, don’t panic! Most reputable travel agencies can make all the arrangements you’ll need to get the green light, such as Insight Cuba and Intrepid Travel. Usually, you’ll be officially listed under a people-to-people visitor. However, if you really want to, you can list yourself under whatever category tickles your fancy. On paper, you’re still supposed to carry documentation to prove why you’re traveling. For example if you decide to call yourself a professional researcher, you’re supposed to have some kind of evidence to show you’re actually planning on engaging in some kind of research – not just tourism. In reality though, neither US nor Cuban officials were enforcing this at the time of writing. All you really need to do is sign an affidavit, and keep it with you This process is now all done with computers and kept by the airline. However, given the still precarious political situation between the two countries, it’s worth seeing what other Americans traveling to Cuba have recently experienced, and try to at least have some kind of credible story in your back pocket. In my case I didn't have a problem, and I visited Cuba even before the ban was lifted.

Getting Authorization Yourself

If you’d rather obtain travel authorization yourself, it’s easy enough to simply hit up the Cuban embassy in Washington. It’s also possible to purchase authorization at the airport before departure, which is by far the simplest option. It means you’ll need to fill out your details on the spot, but so far there’s no reports of travelers having any serious problems with this last minute option.

Purchasing a Visa

Now that we’ve covered travel authorization, let’s look at the Cuban visa system. If you go with an organized tour, your travel agency should get your visa for you. Double check this is the case though. You also shouldn’t need to worry about this if you take a direct charter flight between the US and Cuba. However, if you travel to Cuba from Canada or Mexico then you need to pay attention to this section.

The price of a visa for Americans who want to visit Cuba depends on which airline you fly with, and some carriers will even mail you the documents ahead of time. As a point of interest, the Cuban Tourist Visa (and Cuba considers everyone a tourist, regardless of the definition applied by other countries) issued in the U.S. is pink, while all other countries use a green form. For a sample though, here’s a few of the prices at the time of writing:

Money in Cuba

The golden rule here is bring hard cash, and bring plenty of it. US credit and debit cards can’t be relied on to work in Cuba. However, there’s some discussion about which currency to bring. US dollars are easily sold at official exchange houses (CADECA) and unofficial establishments (read street), but also attract some pretty heavy taxes (around 13 percent). Canadian dollars and euros are taxed at a lower rate by the Cuban government, but you might struggle to change them through unofficial channels, such as in your hotel or on the street. For anyone who doesn’t feel particularly confident, the easiest option is to just bring US dollars, and swap a few at the airport. Then, exchange more through your hotel. To get a better understanding of how the currency situation works, check out this extremely useful primer.

Other Tidbits

Like in any country, and despite the relaxed Cuban lifestyle, Americans traveling to Cuba should be aware of the local laws and customs. The Cuban embassy has a wealth of information on everything from what to wear, to how many cigars you can bring back (50 at the time of writing).

A few highlights include:

It’s worth reading their page on advice for travelers to Cuba in full, and taking all their recommendations seriously. Most importantly though, have fun! Cuba is an amazing country, and well worth your time.

I'm an American in Cuba Already. What Should I Visit?

Cuba is a very large island and there's not shortage of things to do and places to visit, and while one can wander around for endless weeks there are at least two things I highly recommend you do: explore Old Havana and visit at least one of the island's beaches, my recommendation being Varadero.

Old Havana is like a step back in time. American cars from the 1950's cruise up and down crowded streets aligned with houses that for some obscure reason aren't falling apart, while locals go on with their everyday chores. An owner may invite you to see his or her house- make sure you do, there's nothing to fear and you'll get a better idea of the conditions they live in. You may also be offered lunch, and while this isn't a completely legal business authorities overlook this practice as it's a source of income for families.

Cubans are very friendly and like to talk (males in particular, sometimes too much in my opinion) about themselves, the country, its history and -in some cases- share their political thoughts. One way or another this will be an unforgettable moment.

By the way, as you're already in Cuba, in addition to visiting places of interest you should also try everything which is special in Cuba. Cuba is famous for its cigars, Ropa Vieja and Pan con Lechón for example. Cuban cigars are known around the world and extraordinary (so do smokers say), with different tastes and smells. If you can't visit shops for buying them you can also order Cuban cigars online.

The beaches in Cuba are, without a doubt, spectacular. They're what Caribbean beaches are famous for and then more, with turquoise water and white sand. Un crowded yet alive, you'll often find fantastic snorkeling areas just a stone's throw away from the dry sand. Expect to find plenty of starfish and tropical fish just about everywhere as long as there are rocks nearby.

But there's much more to Cuba than these two spots. Other favorite areas in the island are:

Can Americans visit Cuba?  Visit Cuba with kids? Yes you can, and while it's certainly much easier than what it was a few years ago (after all Americans have been traveling there for years, though it wasn't legal) you still can't book a ticket and not consider anything else. This said, despite the extra steps to be takes Cuba is certainly worth visiting, and I recommend you visit Cuba before its essence is lost for good.