5 Reasons To Visit Mexico City With Kids

We recently took our 3 girls to Mexico City for 6 days over spring break. The city is modern, artistic, full of green space and color and super kid-friendly. Despite some preconceptions and false truths (previously from myself included), Mexico City is also quite safe, extremely clean and the locals are generous, helpful and kind — especially with kids. Like any big city, you should be thoughtful and aware, especially when out at night, but my husband Brad went on frequent grocery runs at night and we often walked home in the evenings as a family after dinner and we ALWAYS felt safe.

Where to Stay in Mexico City with Kids:

We stayed in an Airbnb in a charming part of town called Roma Norte which has tons of European influences but is also distinctly Mexico. Wide walkable boulevards, lots of green space and parks, great food and shops all within walking distance to our Airbnb made the neighborhood a dream for our family. The bordering neighborhood of Condesa is also a cultural area that comes highly recommended for families.

Mexico City Facts for Kids and Adults:

• Mexico can be translated to “in the belly button of the moon!” My girls LOVED this translation!
• Mexico City is reported to have the most museums of any city in the world — and nearly all of them are free on Sundays and some are free all week!
• Mexico City has had many nicknames in the past including “City of the Palaces”, “City of Hope” and “Capital in Movement.”
• Mexico City is built on a lake called Texcoco – The city is constantly sinking and has sunk more than nine meters in some areas over the last 100 years.
• Mexico has an intriguing and expansive history including being conquered by the French, the Spanish, having lots of Aztec and tribal history and artists galore!

Here are the 5 best reasons you should take your kids to this amazing city, ASAP:

1. Food

Mexico City is world renowned for its amazing food scene and we were not disappointed. From street vendors to counters inside the markets, to sit down meals, everything was amazing, unique and fresh. Plus, there are plenty of options for kids including fresh fruit or mexican corn from the street vendors, paletas or Mexican popsicles throughout the city, and comfort food options for my picky eater like chicken, bread, simple cheese quesadillas and of course churros from El Moro (we may have gone twice)! We even found a wonderful crepe and waffle spot that my girls loved and an authentic bakery that we had seen featured on the Food Channel which became a daily stop for bread and pastries.

But, our most memorable food experience on this trip was at a restaurant located in a natural cave called La Gruta where we ordered ants from the prehispanic menu! Yes, cooked, crispy GIANT ants. My middle daughter, my husband and I were the only ones who tried them, but it was such a fun experience! (FYI: they tasted good, but I did have a hard time mentally eating them, lol).

2. Art

Mexico City is full of color and art. Unique street art, exquisite murals and brightly colored homes can be seen at every turn. Again, Mexico City has the most museums of any city in the world (estimated at 150) — ranging from history and anthropology to art and food (chocolate!) from pop culture and castles to Frida Kahlo’s famous Blue House! Some are free and some require tickets in advance, so do a little research if you know which ones you want to visit.

3. Playgrounds / Open Spaces

Playgrounds are a must for us when traveling with kids to run out energy, picnic after a long day of sightseeing or simply absorb (and observe) the local community. I was surprised to see so many green spaces, exercise parks and playgrounds throughout the city. We stopped to play and visit a playground at least once a day — not planned, just those that we encountered. Some were hosting outside birthday parties, others were dog parks, some had beautiful fountains and statues, lush fields and walkways and others were just simple play structures in the middle of a busy city street.

4. Teotichuacan Pyramids

On our second full day, we took a tour with ShoreTrips to the Teotichuacan Pyramids in the northern part of the city. Our English speaking tour guide shared the history (and mystery) of these magnificent structures. We climbed to the top of the pyramid of the sun and the pyramid of the moon for amazing views. The girls were intrigued by the history, stories, and adventure of the pyramids — especially learning about the gods, the ancient calendars and the astronomy used here. Plus they loved being able to climb to the top (Note: we learned that these pyramids will soon be closed for climbing, likely in the next year, but the grounds are incredible nonetheless).

5. Xochimilco Canals & Boats

Later in the week, we took another ShoreTrips tour to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Xochimilco tucked away in a corner of Mexico City – (pronounced Say Zo – chee – milko). Known as the “Venice of Mexico,” Xochimilco is famous for its colorful canals and floating gardens and is a popular weekend destination among locals and tourists to explore in the gondola style (no motors) boats called trajineras. These wooden boats are hand-painted in bright colors and float along an intricate system of canals. There is a wonderful festive atmosphere at Xochimilco. Each trajinera fits up to 20 people and visitors can enjoy live mariachi performances while buying traditional drinks, snacks, and souvenirs from local vendors on smaller boats. I recommend bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying the ride. I also recommend using a tour guide to help rent a boat and manage all of the vendors. Plus, our guide heard that my girls had recently learned about a rare and endangered salamander called the axolotl only found in this part of Mexico so he took us to a stop along the canal to see them along with other local reptiles (for a small admission fee).

We can’t wait to go back to beautiful Mexico City! Have you been? What are your favorite spots?