Best Family Resorts in Cancun

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Mexico is a great short-haul option for US families and a place of beautiful sandy beaches for those flying in from the UK. The best time to visit is spring, with the worst times to visit being September and October during the peak rainy season.

Mexico is a popular destination for spring break in the US and half-term or Easter holidays in the UK. However, even if you have a rainy shower or two, these family resorts in Cancun are well-placed to entertain the kids!

From the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun to answering “What is the best family resort in Cancun?” we covered it all, so you can find the perfect place which suits your family’s needs. Also discover the best family beaches in Cancun and their facilities too!

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Best Family Resorts in Cancun

Villa del Palmar Cancun Luxury Beach Resort & Spa

One of the best Cancun resorts for families is the Villa del Palmar Luxury Beach Resort, thanks to its five outdoor pools, four hot tubs, and its kid’s room where your little ones can socialise with other children and play till their heart’s content. And what’s even better is that the resort is located directly on the beach, so an afternoon on the sand is just a short walk away!

The Villa del Palmar offers various rooms suitable for families, with the largest two-bedroom suite sleeping up to six adults and two children. No matter which room you choose, however, you’ll be greeted with the essentials, including a microwave, fridge, and toaster, so you can stock up on snacks and heat up bottles whenever needed. 

The Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort Villas & Spa

Families who love the beach should look no further than the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort, as the property lies conveniently in Cancun’s hotel zone with a large stretch of private sand directly next to one of the resort’s two outdoor pools.

With tennis courts, impeccable views of the ocean, a shaded kids’ play area, and even an onsite mini golf course, the Westin Lagunamar Ocean Resort is one of the best family hotels in Cancun. On top of that, all rooms in the resort come with kitchenettes and bathtubs, which I personally find a godsend when holidaying with little ones. 

Nizuc Resort & Spa

Another of the best Cancun family resorts is the Nizuc Resort and Spa, which has an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, six onsite restaurants, and even an area for kids to play table tennis and air hockey. 

The Nizuc is definitely the resort for you if you’re looking for a more luxurious family getaway, as the rooms in the Nizuc are truly magnificent, with some even coming with their own private pools.

Emporio Cancun

The Emporio Cancun is nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupté Lagoon, giving you access to water in both directions. Aside from the gorgeous beach that is just a stones throw away, the Emporio has an extensive outdoor pool with slides that your kids won’t want to get out of, as well as an indoor kids club for children to hang out and play and foosball tables that will keep them entertained for hours. 

Unfortunately, however, the rooms at the Emporio don’t come with kitchenettes, but there are onsite restaurants and nearby stores for your convenience.

Hyatt Ziva Cancun

The Hyatt Ziva Cancun may just be one of the best family hotels in Cancun, as it has an onsite ice cream parlour, a mini splash park for kids, giant pools, beach access, and a restaurant where you can eat in vintage cars. Need I say more?

With so many rooms to choose from, the Hyatt Ziva has something for every family as there are simple king bed rooms, rooms with beautiful ocean views, and even rooms that back directly onto the pool so you can take a dip as soon as you wake up.

The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton is known for its extravagant hotels, and their resort in Cancun is no exception. Its beachfront location, giant kid-friendly pools, and onsite restaurants make it the one of the best Cancun hotels for kids. 

With so many modern and elegant rooms to choose from, families of up to six people can enjoy lounging around in the sun or sipping their morning coffees on the ocean-facing balconies. 

Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

Hard Rock just knows how to entertain kids, which is why their Cancun property is one of the best family resorts in Cancun, with a waterpark. At the Hard Rock, you can enjoy a huge pool overlooking the ocean, a miniature kids’ waterpark, a fully equipped gym, beachfront access,  and two tennis courts. And the best part they have a kids and teens club so mum and dad can have some much-needed R&R.

With five onsite restaurants, nightly entertainment, and all rooms fitted with hot tubs, you won’t ever need to leave the resort. Pretty great, isn’t it?

JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

The one thing I love most about Cancun is that there are so many hotels and resorts right on the beach, and the JW Marriott Cancun is one of them. This hotel is a AAA Five Diamond Award winner with three expansive pools, clean, modern rooms, and superb onsite restaurants, making it a great choice for families looking for an elegant Cancun break.

Presidente InterContinental Cancun Resort

Next on the list of great Cancun resorts for kids is the Presidente InterContinental Cancun Resort, which has a private white sand beach alongside its two outdoor pools and five outdoor hot tubs. 

When the kids get bored of swimming or splashing in the ocean (do they ever?), the resort can arrange for water sports activities which will definitely tire them out before you head up to your air-conditioned room.

Renaissance Cancun Resort & Marina

If you’re looking for a hotel that’s close to activities for kids in Cancun, then the Renaissance Cancun Resort and Marina is one of the best family resorts in Cancun. Located just 10 minutes from downtown Cancun and right next to one of Cancun’s largest shopping centres, you’ll be spoilt for choice of things to do and restaurants to eat at. 

The Renaissance Cancun Resort is one of the smaller hotels on this list, but if you’re a family who’s always on the go, then the rooms might be just what you need. 

All-Inclusive Family Resorts

Wyndham Alltra Cancun All Inclusive Resort

In my opinion, the Wyndham Alltra Cancun All-Inclusive Resort is one of the best all-inclusive resorts in Cancun for families. Not only are the rooms clean and modern with beautiful views (some even come with adorable bunk beds for kids), but the hotel has access to the beach, a mini golf course, two swimming pools with slides and a pirate ship, and a kids and teens club with indoor play equipment and activities. 

On top of all of that, the resort offers daily and nightly entertainment, five onsite restaurants, and recreational outings like snorkelling and bicycle tours.

Villa del Palmar Cancun All-Inclusive Beach Resort and Spa

I previously mentioned the Villa del Palmer Cancun Beach Resort as it is one of the best family resorts in Cancun, Mexico, but, what makes it even better, is they also do all-inclusive packages!

Moon Palace Nizuc

The next best family all-inclusive resort in Cancun is the Moon Palace Nizuc which has a giant pool with a slide for kids, numerous bars and restaurants for mum and dad, and an indoor kids’ play area for the little ones of the family. 

All rooms at the Moon Palace Nizuc come equipped with an indoor hot tub as well as a mini fridge and gorgeous views of the resort or the ocean.

Riu Palace Peninsula

If you haven’t already, then add the Riu Palace Peninsula to your possible Cancun all-inclusive family resorts list, as the property has pool and ping pong tables, various outdoor pools to choose from, onsite restaurants, evening entertainment, and a kids club. 

Although rooms at the Riu Palace Peninsula can only sleep up to four people, smaller families can enjoy the rooms private hot tubs and balconies that overlook the ocean.

Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun

One of the next spectacular all inclusives in Cancun for families is the Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach, which was designed with kids in mind. The outdoor pool that overlooks the ocean is massive, and there is even a splash pad and a slide for toddlers and young children. When your kids have had enough of the sun, they can head indoors and play in the kids club, which has various rooms that are dinosaur-themed, jungle-themed, and futuristic-themed. 

On top of all the incredible activities for kids, parents can enjoy a drink at the bar before heading up to the room that comes equipped with ocean views, full bathtubs, mini-fridges, and a balcony.

Royal Solaris Cancun

The reason why the Royal Solaris Cancun is one of the best all-inclusive Cancun resorts for families is because of its beachfront access and its large outdoor pool. The indoor kids club, outdoor waterpark, daily nighttime entertainment and watersport rentals also play a major part, which is why I highly recommend considering the Royal Solaris for your next family holiday. 

All rooms at the resort have beautiful ocean views and come with mini-fridges, TVs and air conditioning which is perfect after a long day in the sun. 

Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancún

The Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun is located in Cancun’s hotel zone, right next to the beach. With an elegant outdoor pool, several restaurant options, with one being pirate themed to entertain the kids and gardens for the little ones to run around, the Fiest American Condesa is one of the best family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Mexico.

The Grand at Moon Palace

The Grand at Moon Palace is up there with the most kid-friendly hotels in Cancun because this resort not only has an outdoor pool with numerous waterslides but it also has an indoor play area, an arcade, an indoor pool and private beachfront access. 

You’ll find that the rooms at The Grand at Moon Palace all come with an indoor private hot tub, and on-site there are restaurants, gardens, and seating areas. 

Crown Paradise Club Cancun

The next all-inclusive Cancun family resort comes equipped with an onsite waterpark, a mini golf course, two tennis courts, a games room, and a large outdoor pool. 

You’ll find that rooms at the Crown Paradise Club Cancun are spacious and modern, with ocean views and comfortable beds that are even better after a cocktail or two.

Occidental Costa

The Occidental Costa is a great all-inclusive hotel for families, being slightly more affordable than other hotels in the area. Despite its lower price, you’ll still have everything you could possibly need onsite, with clean, equipped rooms, a large outdoor pool, access to the beach, a kids club, and daily activities. 

Best Beaches in Cancun For Families

What makes Cancun one of the best holiday destinations for families is the amount of picturesque beaches that are a short distance away from the resorts and hotels. Here are some of the best beaches in Cancun for families that you’ll definitely want to check out during your trip. 

If you’ve never been to Cancun before, then you may not know about the seaweed problem that the holiday destination faces during the summer months. Generally, from May to October, tons of seaweed wash up on the beaches of Cancun, ruining the beauty of the turquoise water and white sand.

To avoid seaweed altogether, head to Cancun between November and April, however, at the end of the day, it is only seaweed, and it isn’t going to hurt you. 

Playa Delfines

Playa Delfines is one of the prettiest beaches in Cancun, largely because there isn’t a towering hotel acting as a backdrop. With turquoise waves, soft white sand, a kids’ play area and free, permanent umbrellas, Playa Delfines is a fantastic beach for families who want to build sandcastles and splash in the shallows.

One important thing to mention, however, is that the currents in the water can be strong at times, so listen to the lifeguard’s directions and don’t head too far out into the water with kids. 

Playa Norte Isla Mujeres

When you think of a beach that belongs on a postcard, one that looks like Playa Norte Isla Mujeres will show up. This beach, with its palm trees, white sand, and water so clear you can see for miles, is one of Cancun’s best beaches and should undoubtedly be on your Cancun bucket list.

You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas from vendors along the beach, grab a snack at one of the beachside bars, and watch your kids splash around in the calm, warm shallows.

Playacar Beach

Playacar Beach has stretches of white sand that greet the beautiful blue ocean making it the perfect location for a day out at the beach. For the most part, Playacar Beach is reserved for hotel guests from the nearby hotels, so aim to pitch up on the sand north or south of the beach umbrellas. 

Playa Marlin

Playa Marlin is a top choice for families in Cancun as it comes equipped with deck chairs, umbrellas, tables, and, more importantly, lifeguards. Like many other beaches in Cancun, you won’t be disappointed with the white sand and turquoise water, but be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks, as there are no stores, bars, or restaurants nearby. 

Playa Chac Mool

The water at Playa Chac Mool is that typical Cancun dazzling shade of blue with accompanying soft white sand. Similar to Playa Marlin, there aren’t any shops or amenities nearby, so pack a backpack full of snacks and set up a picnic right on the sand. 

Playa Langosta

Playa Langosta is ideal for small children as the waters are calm, shallow, and have practically no waves. The family-friendly beach has bathroom facilities, a playground, beachside bars, as well as umbrella and deck chair rentals.

X’cacel Beach

For a chance to spot a turtle or two, head to X’cacel Beach. X’cacel Beach is the number one beach in Cancun where turtles go to nest, and although you have to pay an entrance fee and remain 10 feet away from the turtles at all times, it’s still an incredible experience seeing turtles going about their daily routines. 

I’d only recommend visiting X’cacel if your children are well-behaved and listen to instructions as turtle nests line the beaches. If your children kick or trample on the mounds of sand, then they could end up squashing the eggs and killing the baby turtles.

Akumal Beach

Akumal Beach, which actually consists of five beaches, is another great spot to potentially see turtles. All areas of the beach have some of the finest white sand in Cancun, along with nearby amenities and picture-perfect palm trees. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of Cancun is best for families?

The best part of Cancun for families is either the Riviera Cancun or Isla Mujeres. Riviera has many family-friendly resorts and activities close by that will keep children entertained for hours on end. Isla Mujeres, on the other hand, has some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, which is ideal for kids who want to splash around in the shallows. 

Is Cancun a good place for a family vacation?

Yes, Cancun is a great place for a family-friendly vacation, as there are so many family-friendly resorts, various activities for kids of all ages, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Is Cancun or Playa del Carmen better?

Whether Cancun or Playa del Carmen is better depends on you and your personal preferences. Playa del Carmen has a far more laid-back beach town feel as opposed to Cancun, which has both the city and beach combined. 

Is it better to stay in Cancun or Tulum?

Cancun is better for people who want pristine beaches, nightlife, and daily activities, whereas Tulum would be superior for people who prefer nature and a quieter atmosphere.

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