How to Plan a Family Trip to Mexico City
Mexico City works great for families with kids 8 and up who can handle some walking. Plan 5-6 days, stay in Roma Norte or Polanco, and mix museums with parks. The metro system makes getting around cheap and easy.
- Budget
- $200-300 per day for family of four
- Duration
- 5-6 days recommended
- Best Time
- October-April for cooler weather, avoid December-January crowds
- Visa Required
- No visa needed for US citizens, valid passport required for all ages
Step by step
Pick your neighborhood base
Stay in Roma Norte for walkable restaurants and cafes, or Polanco for upscale family hotels near Chapultepec Park. Both have good metro connections. Avoid Centro Histórico with kids under 12 - too crowded and chaotic.
Book family-friendly accommodations
Look for hotels or Airbnbs with connecting rooms or suites. Many mid-range hotels in Polanco have pools. Book at least 6 weeks ahead for December-January and Easter week when Mexican families travel.
Plan around kid energy levels
Schedule museums and indoor activities for mornings when kids are fresh. Plan park time or pool time for hot afternoons (2-5pm). Keep evenings light - maybe just dinner and early bedtime.
Download offline maps and translation apps
Mexico City's wifi can be spotty. Download Google Translate for Spanish and offline maps. The metro map app 'Metro CDMX' works offline too.
Prepare for altitude
Mexico City sits at 7,350 feet. Kids might feel tired or get headaches the first 2 days. Pack children's ibuprofen and plan easier activities for day 1.
Questions people ask
Is Mexico City safe for families?
Yes, in tourist areas and middle-class neighborhoods like Roma Norte and Polanco. Use common sense - don't flash valuables, stay in well-lit areas at night, and use official transportation.
What age kids work best for Mexico City?
Ages 8 and up handle the walking, crowds, and cultural sites better. Younger kids can work but need more downtime and simpler itineraries.
How do we get around with kids?
Metro is cheap and efficient but can be crowded. Uber works well for family groups. Walking is necessary but distances are manageable in each neighborhood.
What if my kids are picky eaters?
Mexico City has international food options in Roma Norte and Polanco. Many Mexican dishes are kid-friendly - quesadillas, plain rice and beans, fresh fruit. Street corn is usually a hit.
Budget
Expect $200-300 per day for a family of four including accommodation, food, and activities. Hotels run $80-150 per night for family rooms. Family meals cost $30-60. Museums are mostly free or under $5 per person.
Packing
- Comfortable walking shoes for everyone - you'll walk 15,000+ steps daily
- Light layers for altitude temperature swings
- Sunscreen and hats - high altitude sun is intense
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes for street food adventures
- Small backpack for day trips with snacks and water bottles
Itinerary
- 1 — Dinner in your neighborhood. Early bedtime to adjust to time zone. — Land and settle in. Light exploration of your neighborhood. Find a nearby pharmacy for any forgotten items. — Chapultepec Park - easy walking, playgrounds, and lake. Perfect for jet-lagged kids. — Take official airport taxis only. Metro works but can be overwhelming with luggage and tired kids.
- 2 — Roma Norte for dinner - family-friendly restaurants line Avenida Álvaro Obregón. — National Museum of Anthropology - 2-3 hours max with kids. Focus on the Aztec room. — Chapultepec Castle - kids love the castle setting and city views. Then playground time in the park. — Museum is free for kids under 13. Castle involves uphill walking - bring water.
- 3 — Return to your neighborhood for familiar dinner spot. — Centro Histórico - Zócalo main square and Cathedral. Keep it short if kids get overwhelmed by crowds. — Templo Mayor museum - compact and manageable. Then ice cream at nearby Dulcería de Celaya (since 1874). — Centro gets very crowded after 11am. Go early or skip if your kids don't handle crowds well.
- 4 — Traditional Mexican dinner in Coyoacán - try Café El Jarocho for hot chocolate. — Xochimilco trajinera boats - kids love the floating gardens and mariachi bands. — Coyoacán neighborhood - Frida Kahlo Museum if kids are interested, or just plaza and street performers. — Xochimilco boats are priced per hour regardless of group size. Bring snacks and drinks.
- 5 — Farewell dinner at a nice restaurant - kids will have found their favorite foods by now. — Soumaya Museum - unique architecture kids find interesting, and free admission. — Polanco shopping if needed, or return to favorite park for relaxed play time. — Soumaya has elevators and is very kid-friendly. Good backup plan if weather is bad.
- 6 — Pack and departure prep. Maybe one last neighborhood walk. — Departure — Allow 2+ hours to get to airport during rush hour. Airport has good family facilities.
Related: the Mexico City field guide, more family trips and how to eat in a new city like a local.