6 Can’t-Miss Experiences for a Tulum Family Vacation

If you’re looking for a peaceful tropical paradise where you can rest and recharge, consider a Tulum family vacation. This beautiful area in Mexico has everything from gorgeous beaches to serene cenotes. Yulia Ambrosio recently visited Tulum with her husband and 1 ½ year old son, and is sharing her can’t-miss experiences here.

DESTINATION...

Tulum, Mexico

THROUGH THE EYES OF...

BEST TIME TO VISIT TULUM WITH KIDS...

October-December

YULIA'S TULUM HIGHLIGHTS...

Peaceful beaches, sunrise breakfasts and passion fruit margaritas

TULUM HIGHLIGHTS FOR KIDS...

Playing in the sand, splashing around in cenotes

BEST TULUM HOTEL FOR FAMILIES...

Los Lirios Hotel (breakfast and dinner included, kids’ swimming pool and beach playground)

1. CALETA TANKAH BEACH

“Caleta Tankah beach is Tulum’s best-kept secret for many reasons. It’s away from the crowds, and it boasts a peaceful and shallow shoreline in a quiet bay that’s perfect for nuggets. There’s also a playground for little ones and hammocks that both grown-ups and kids would enjoy. It’s one of the best beaches in Tulum for families.”

2. DINNER AT AHAU TULUM HOTEL

“It’s almost impossible to go wrong with food in Tulum, whether you choose a local street stall with tacos or a fancy restaurant at the beach. One of our favorite places to eat and hang out is Ahau Tulum Hotel. Try their grilled fish with veggies and rice—it’s as delicious as it is photogenic.”

3. BACALAR

“Bacalar is a half day’s drive from Tulum but it’s well worth it. The color of the lagoon is surreal, and you are guaranteed to have a peaceful relaxing day away from the crowds. We recommend taking a boat tour to explore the turquoise horizons; there is a lot of wildlife to discover. It’s the perfect addition to any Tulum family vacation.”

4. SWIMMING IN CENOTES

Cenotes are not only visually breathtaking, they are such great places to spend a hot afternoon. These underground caves are surrounded by lush greenery, and water in cenotes is usually refreshingly cold. It’s also nice to swim in fresh water after you’ve mostly been swimming in the ocean. Most of the cenotes are somewhat infant- and kid-friendly—they’re usually equipped with shallow areas, steps into the water and areas to rest in the shade. They provide life jackets for older infants. It’s a fun way to enjoy the underground waters with your little one without too much effort or stress. We visited Grand Cenote, Dos Ojos, Caleta Tankah, the Coba cenotes and Cenote Zaci in Valladolid with our 1 ½ year old during our Tulum family vacation. All of them were extraordinary and worth the time.”

5. MARGARITAS AT CASA BANANA

“The passion fruit margaritas at Casa Banana are so fresh and delicious, I came back for one every day! The setting of this jungle eatery is charming and kid-friendly. Your little ones will enjoy their trademark pizzas. Don’t forget to bring mosquito spray, though, as this restaurant is located away from the ocean breeze on the jungle side of the road.”

6. SUNRISE BREAKFAST AT ZAMAS HOTEL

“It’s worth it to wake up early and enjoy beautiful sunrise while having breakfast at one of the beachfront hotels (most of them open really early). This picture was taken at Zamas Hotel. It’s the perfect spot with an 180-degree view over the sea and friendly pelicans that don’t mind being chased by curious toddlers.”

Discover more travel ideas south of the border with these mini-adventures around Mexico.