Mexico's Riviera Maya is a great place for a family vacation.

Riviera Maya

Less 'touristy' and crowded than Cancun in Quintana Roo, Mexico's most eastern state, it has the same white sand beaches and turquoise waters, plus archaeological ruins, jungle tours and eco-parks that let you experience nature as well as the ancient culture of the region.

Most hotels in this area offer all-inclusive plans, which can be a real money-saver for the family.  All-inclusive plans provide all meals, snacks, and  beverages (including alcohol).  And, hotel activities, like non-motorized water sports, are also included - this means everything from aerobics classes to snorkeling on-site are included in your room cost.  An all-inclusive hotel is more expensive than a European plan at first glance, but it is a great value because it covers almost everything a family would need on a vacation.

Beyond the hotel, though, Riviera Maya has so much to offer for kids of all ages!  Water activities are most popular, and because most activities require a life vest, even a toddler can enjoy them.

Learn Scuba diving. 

Most all-inclusive resorts offer an introductory scuba lesson in the pool and older children can take a lesson with you. Then you can arrange a dive with a local dive shop in the reefs off Cozumel. Exploring the varied marine life deep under the ocean surface is a wonderful family activity.

Snorkel in an underwater cave in the jungle. 

There are opportunities for snorkeling everywhere along the Caribbean, but a jungle tour that includes a hidden underwater cave at Tak Be Ha is a special treat.

Horseback riding on the beach. 

This is not your cowboy experience, but what fun it is to ride through the surf and the jungle!  You can stop and swim, and take your horse with you.

Visit the ancient walled city of Tulum. 

This archaeological site is smaller than the pyramid at Chitchen Itza, and it is located on a bluff above the waters of the Caribbean.  A tour takes less than an hour, and is a treat for the history buff of the family.

Spend an afternoon at Xel-ha. 

Xel-ha, an eco park close to Tulum is a great place to snorkel, and you can take a relaxing trip down a lazy river on an inner tube. Combining this with your visit to tulum makes for a great day.

Visit Xcaret.

This is a full-day activity - there is so much to do!  In addition to swimming and snorkeling in the sea, there are 2 'underground' rivers to swim through.  The rivers run below the surface of the park, through connected cenotes (water-filled sink holes).  Xcaret also has a turtle farm, butterfly farm, aviary, botanical garden, and aquarium.  There are restaurants and cowboy shows, culminating in an evening spectacular detailing the history of Mexico.

Swim with dolphins.

Take a tour to a lagoon where dolphins swim right up to you and kiss you on the cheek!  Appropriate for all ages, there is a dolphin show as well.

Ride an ATV along the beaches, and into the jungle. 

ATV (All Terrain Vehicles) tours are fun for all ages.

You can also just relax on the beach with a good book and let the kids build sand castles - but don't pass up the opportunity to experience all that the Riviera Maya has to offer.

If you are staying in one of the Riviera Maya's hotels, then your hotel concierge or activity desk can arrange any of these activities, and most include transportation from your hotel.

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