Mexico City with Kids
With plenty of UNESCO world heritage sites to clamber over and culinary wonders to unearth, Mexico City truly has something for everyone.
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To visit Mexico City is to step into another world.
This sprawling metropolis built atop an ancient lake combines historic monuments and modern innovation, concrete jungle and pockets of parks. Grand, rotunda-studded avenues give way to sleepy back streets with undulating sidewalks. The deep green foliage of trees and bushes evokes the protection of rainforest cover, while cacti jut out of the most unlikely cracks and crevices. With plenty of UNESCO World Heritage Sites to clamber over and culinary wonders to unearth, Mexico City truly has something for everyone – even the little ones.
Even though it’s a massive city with more than twenty million inhabitants, it still plays second fiddle to the resorts along the country’s coastline. In fact, most international visitors to the country still skip Mexico City altogether. This is changing slowly, with the streets of the city becoming more diverse as people from all over the world gain appreciation for what it has to offer. Foodies and digital nomads have long staked out their posts. But for now, it still flies just under the radar, especially as a family-friendly joint.
Another shift can be seen in Mexico City’s relationship with sustainability. Its waste management practices and reliance on single-use plastics still leave much to be wanted, but the movement has taken seed. In the meantime, there is also a growing awareness around social responsibility and fair trade that shows how much Mexico’s citizens value their own natural resources and cultural heritage. Mexico City was even named the World Design Capital in 2018 for its program built around “Socially Responsible Design.”
At the end of the day, Mexico City may seem to fall in the more intrepid destination category, but this beautiful capital full of art, design, and history can actually be tailored to fit any travel style.
Before You Go
We always recommend doing a little research before a trip, but for Mexico City this step is even more important. Pollution has decreased dramatically in just the last few decades. But as far as integrating sustainable practices into daily life goes, it may feel like stepping back in time. This means that packing items such as reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and anything that will help avoid unnecessary single-use plastic will make a significant difference once you land. When deciding on a hotel, guest house, or short-term rental, ask if they have reusable water dispensers and recycling on the premises, along with any other commitments they have made to reduce their carbon footprint.
The best area to stay in Mexico City depends on the kind of trip you envision. The beautifully historic Coyoacán and San Ángel neighborhoods in the south of the city have cobbled streets and a more relaxed, almost village vibe. Think slow meals, a wander through the food markets and the baroque church in the central square, followed by a visit to the carefully preserved house where Frida Kahlo lived for most of her life.
Further north and closer to the historic center, La Roma and Juarez offer a younger, bohemian bustle with trendier shops and cafés at your fingertips. La Condesa and Polanco, straddling the sprawling Chapultepec Park, feel a bit more posh and upscale.
Those traveling with babies and toddlers might consider skipping the stroller for the trip and packing only a carrier. The most beautiful streets in Mexico City incorporate big bumps and drop-offs, cobble stones, and other impediments. There’s no harm in taking it slow and stopping for frequent breaks. With so much to take in, it’s probably the best way to go anyway.
In terms of when to visit, the seasons are a bit counterintuitive here. If it’s sunny weather you’re after, aim to visit between March and May. The summer months are still warm but tend to be rainier, while September starts to cool off again. Toward the end of October, the sugar skull displays and other preparations for the Día de los Muertos start to pop up before the celebration in the first few days of November. Tourism ebbs during the winter, but with many days still climbing into the seventies, it’s still a great time to visit. Just be sure to bring jackets and other layers for the chilly nights.
And lastly, don’t forget the altitude. Mexico City sits more than 7,000 feet above sea level. It may not be immediately noticeable, but if you like to exercise while traveling, or for bike rides for example, it might be a good idea to ease in slowly.
How to Get Around
We recommend sticking to rideshare apps and other trackable taxis (arranged at the hotel perhaps, or the pre-paid companies at the airport). It’s also a good idea to decide beforehand which areas draw your attention the most so you can plan to maximize your time there rather than schlepping around town in cars all day. The traffic in Mexico City is no joke.
For those bold souls driving themselves, there are some restrictions on when vehicles can move around the city depending on the license plate numbers. Our friends over at Inclined2Travel have put together a great post about how to navigate that system.
Bike culture is on the rise in Mexico City, so more and more streets have bike lanes. It’s still a bit risky to ride on the street most days of the week, especially with kids in tow. But on Sundays, many of the main thoroughfares close to cars and fill up with runners, walkers, and cyclers of all ages. This makes for a fun and different way to see the city. Poray has a few locations throughout the city, with bikes for the whole family and baby seats available as well.
For guided tours, check out the selection of activities on Tours by Locals. This is a great way to support the local economy and get an even deeper experience and understanding of the city and its surroundings.
Exploring with Kids
With its sophisticated design, food, and museum game, Mexico City may be a playground for adults, but it doesn’t disappoint for younger visitors either. The sheer joy and awe of being in such new, different surroundings will knock their socks off, but once they settle in, there’s plenty to explore.
One favorite pilgrimage for all ages includes the Chapultepec Park and Palace. This is a great walk to take on early to get the lay of the land, or even spread over a few visits as there’s so much to see; vendors hawking toys and colorful snacks, boats available to rent, ziplines, a zoo, and many other activities beckon. Bigger kids might appreciate walking through the palace at the top of the hill, while the younger ones might be happier at Parque Infantil la Tapatía, one of the best playgrounds in the whole city. The Anthropology Museum, also located within the park, is a must for all ages. With halls dedicated to each civilization that has lived in Mexico, beautiful artwork and artifacts arranged in impressive displays, and a sweeping inner courtyard with its one-of-a-kind water feature, this museum is a national treasure.
For those with a love for design, the houses of legendary architect Luis Barragán around the periphery of the park offer little oases of beauty and peace in the middle of the city. Look for the eponymous Casa Luis Barragán – the only private residence in the world with UNESCO status. A stroll around the house and grounds offers plenty of photo ops and a pleasant refresh after the buzz of the surrounding city. If you just can’t get enough of Barragán’s iconic mid-century modern design, his last project Casa Gilardi – also open to the public – is just a short walk away.
Xochimilco, yet another of Mexico’s 33 World Heritage sites, has long drawn crowds of tourists and locals alike with its colorful boat tours through a vast canal system in the south of the city. These days, the land surrounding the canals has become fertile ground for eco-minded projects, adding a whole host of food and farming possibilities to the experience. Arca Tierra has a great selection of activities for those who want to get their hands dirty and enjoy locally grown food (and cocktails!) prepared in situ. A day trip down to Xochimilco can also be combined with a stop in Coyoacán along the way.
Architecture and archaeology fans will also love the main square in the historic central square, known as the Zócalo. Take a walk around the UNESCO world heritage Templo Mayor, an Aztec pyramid unearthed in the 1960s, and peek inside the extravagant cathedral next door. If you still have time afterwards, the whole area is full of majestic old buildings, such as the Museo de Bellas Artes, and dramatic urban contrasts. For a snack with a view, check out the rooftop restaurant at the artfully restored Downtown Hotel. The adjoining handicrafts gallery is also worth a perusal.
If you have time, save a day to visit Teotihuacán, the site of the ancient pyramids dedicated to the sun and moon. Nobody knows who built the pyramids and the city that once surrounded them, but the lasting fruits of their labor still harbor plenty of history, enigma, and soul. Bring hats and sunscreen and get ready for a leg work-out, but also be prepared to feel a haunting connection to these UNESCO world heritage structures and the sweeping views in every direction. Satiate hungry stomachs at La Gruta, a nearby restaurant built into a cave. So cool!
Playground Pitstops
The city is big and who knows when the need for a swing might strike. This list of playgrounds breaks them down by neighborhood:
Jardín Ramón López Velarde – La Roma
Parque España – La Condesa
Plaza Rio De Janeiro – La Condesa
Parque Lincoln – Polanco
Parque Ecológico Loreto y Peña Pobre – San Ángel
Víveros de Coyoacán – Coyoacán
Shopping and Design
Because Mexico’s sustainability efforts shine brightest in this area, treasure troves of beautiful stores and shopping galleries abound. Hilo de Nube is just one perfect example, with stunning traditional shirts, dresses, and textiles made by members of a women’s cooperative in Oaxaca. We also love Utilitario Mexicano – located in the same up-and-coming neighborhood of Juarez – both for their dedication to paying their suppliers fair prices and for their flawless selection of traditional Mexican items. These timeless pieces, from housewares to apparel and jewelry, come in minimal packaging. If you’re in the area, stop by Olivia Eco to stock up on bulk snacks and other zero-waste supplies.
For shopping and wandering further afield, La Roma, La Condesa, and Polanco are chockful of options. We love Ikal for the home, Loose Blues for all things Mexican-Japanese fusion (including food), and the plant store next-door, Querencia, for their selection of beautiful planters, jewelry, and other earthy goodies. Coyoacán and San Ángel have more space for sprawling shops with slightly more eclectic offerings like hand-painted dishes and colorful wooden animals. La Ciudadela – centrally located near Juarez – offers a more authentic market experience with narrow passageways and stalls piled high with everything from toys to tortilla presses.
What to Eat
If you’re planning a trip to Mexico, you probably already know a little about the culinary wonders that await. Every region of the country has its own specialty, and while nothing beats eating those delicacies in their local setting, Mexico City offers a little bit of everything in one place. That said, the scene is constantly shifting and evolving, with new projects popping up every day.
One of our current faves, Quentin Café, has a few locations with a relaxed atmosphere and a small, artful menu that changes daily. Stop by Panadería Rosetta for scrumptious pastries and coffee. The bakery fills up fast, so try to avoid peak times if you want to sit. For a more exhaustive selection of some of the best sustainable eateries across the city, from fine dining to taco trucks, check out this guide from Culture Trip.
Generally speaking, tacos have made a name for themselves the world over – and for good reason! The mouthwatering fillings from cochinita pibil to birria are often prepared according to the nose-to-tail philosophy, and where better to try these concoctions than close to the source of all the local bounty?
That said, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try new things and even explore some lesser-known vegetarian options. Quesadillas are always a good option for fledgling foodies, with fillings ranging from flor de calabaza (squash blossom) to a uniquely delectable Mexican fungus called huitlacoche. For family-style meals, molcajetes, a kind of “fajita” concept served in a large lava bowl, bring together all kinds of treats from cactus (nopales) to cheese and meat in a mouthwatering sauce. The combinations and possibilities are truly endless, so get curious and share that enthusiasm with the little adventurers in your life. Learning to eat with an open mind is part of becoming an empathetic, inquisitive global traveler.
Last but not least, for a little something sweet, stop by El Moro for their world-famous churros.
Where to Stay
While the sustainability movement in the hospitality industry is taking off in more remote areas of the country, Mexico City is still dominated by big chains prioritizing luxury and design. And many of the smaller, boutique properties don’t accept children. That said, some gems do exist. El Patio 77 combines stunning design with an eco-minded approach in a central location. Casa Jacinta is a peaceful, friendly home-base option in Coyoacán. And for ease and budget-sensitivity, there’s always Airbnb.
If you do choose to go the vacation rental route, be aware that gentrification and a fast-growing digital nomad community, while they do boost local development on many levels, also contribute to housing problems. With this in mind, it’s always a good idea to seek out hosts who live in and support the neighborhood so that your tourist dollars keep circulating to benefit the community rather than an absent corporation.
