14 Amazing Things to do in Oaxaca with Kids

We have traveled extensively throughout Mexico with our kids, and I must say that our visit to Oaxaca with kids was one of our favorite family-friendly destinations in Mexico. Oaxaca is a magical destination that offers a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and fun for families traveling to Mexico. As you’ll see, there are so many amazing things to do in Oaxaca with kids.

Known for its vibrant markets, ancient ruins, and rich traditions, Oaxaca provides endless opportunities for children to learn, explore, and engage with the local way of life. From wandering through the lively Zócalo and watching street performers, to hiking in the Sierra Norte mountains, to marveling at the sheer size of the ancient Tule Tree, there’s something to captivate kids of all ages.

Whether your family prefers outdoor activities, cultural experiences, or simply relaxing in a beautiful setting, Oaxaca offers a rich, immersive experience that both kids and adults will love. This guide to the best things to do in Oaxaca with kids highlights the best activities to do in and around Oaxaca, making it easy to plan a fun and unforgettable family adventure.

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Family-Friendly Activities in Oaxaca, Mexico

1. Monte Albán

After an amazing time in Puerto Escondido with kids, the first thing we did upon arrival in Oaxaca was to visit Monte Albán – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visiting Monte Albán with kids is an unforgettable experience that blends history, adventure, and stunning views of Oaxaca and the surrounding mountains.

It was the day after Christmas and the weather was warm, so we shouldn’t have been surprised by how busy it was. Despite the crowds, the scale and grandeur of Monte Albán make it worth the visit.

There’s a small museum at the very beginning, and our kids were fascinated by the display of battle-damaged skulls found here. They also enjoyed the Zapotec glyphs and the skeleton in a makeshift gravesite.

One of the highlights of visiting Monte Albán was climbing some of the larger structures, which provided panoramic views of the entire complex and surrounding valley. It’s a great way for kids to burn off some energy while engaging with history. The layout of Monte Albán is remarkably well-preserved, allowing visitors to imagine what life might have been like in this ancient Zapotec city.

Although it was busy during our visit, the sense of wonder made up for it. There are plenty of open spaces for kids to roam, and the vastness of the site means there’s always something new to discover around each corner. For families exploring Oaxaca, Monte Albán is a must-see, offering an immersive glimpse into Mexico’s rich past.

Ober the next four hours, our local guide led us through vibrant organic markets and local eateries, sampling everything from tlayudas to handmade chocolate. The interactive experience kept the kids engaged as they tried a variety of new foods, including salsa made with grasshoppers!

By the end of our Oaxaca food tour, we all had a deeper appreciation for the local cuisine and had discovered several new dishes that we now love.

There are many organized tours to go hiking in the Pueblos Mancomunados, but most of them are pretty generic. Looking for something better, we found an adventure tour company that took us deep into the many ecosystems in the area, while still remaining a fun, family-friendly hike.

On our Pueblos Mancomunados hiking tour in the Sierra Norte mountains, we hiked in-between the villages of Benito Juárez and Cuajimoloyas. This 11 km hike winds through misty pine forests, rolling hills, and valleys filled with wildflowers. Given the high altitude, the cool mountain air and peaceful surroundings made it a refreshing escape from the city.

The talent of the street artists is amazing. At every turn, your kids will love discovering hidden paintings of animals, skeletons, and playful characters. Overhead, colorful papel picado (decorative flags) flutter in the breeze, completing the magical environment.

Jalatlaco’s narrow, cobblestone streets are perfect for a leisurely family walk, with cozy cafés and ice cream shops to stop and recharge. Budget quite a bit of time for cool family photos!

5. Calle Macedonio Alcalá

Throughout our family trip to Oaxaca, we repeatedly found ourselves on Calle Macedonio Alcalá  – a bustling pedestrian-only street. We love pedestrian only-streets when traveling with kids as we don’t need to worry about cars.

Exploring the lively Calle Macedonio Alcalá with kids is a treat, offering a mix of history, culture, and fun. It has a completely different character during the day, and at night, so we highly recommend you visit during both.

During the day, Calle Macedonio Alcalá is bustling with street performers, markets, and craft vendors, perfect for souvenir hunting and people-watching. Kids can enjoy ice cream from local stands while wandering past colonial buildings and art galleries.

At night, Calle Macedonio Alcalá street comes alive with bright lights, live music, lit-up churches, and vibrant energy. The whole family can soak in the festive atmosphere, often with parades or celebrations adding to the excitement. We were lucky enough to come across a post-wedding dance celebration one day – it was an amazing cultural experience I’m sure our kids won’t soon forget!

6. Tlacolula Market (Mercado de Tlacolula)

If you are lucky enough to be in Oaxaca with kids on a Sunday, be sure to make a day trip to the nearby Tlacolula Market. This traditional market bursts with action and color, from the bright produce to the traditional outfits worn by female vendors, often featuring intricately embroidered aprons and bold, patterned skirts.

Kids will be fascinated by the lively atmosphere and unique sights, like the goat and pig heads displayed in the butcher section – a fun and eye-opening part of the experience. Sampling fresh tortillas, quesadillas, and fruit juices keeps everyone happy and energized.

A visit to the Tlacolula Market is a great way to introduce children to Oaxacan culture while exploring one of the region’s most authentic markets. It’s only an hour’s drive from Oaxaca and there are many other attractions in the area, making your trip worthwhile.

7. Tule Tree

It may be hard to imagine a tree as a major tourist attraction, but the Tule Tree is just that. Located just outside of Oaxaca (about half-way to the Tlacolula Market), visiting the Tule Tree with kids is a an awe-inspiring experience that brings nature and legend to life.

The legendary Tule Tree is an ancient Montezuma cypress, estimated to be over 2,000 years old. Also known as El Árbol del Tule, it’s famous for having one of the widest tree trunks in the world. Its immense size and impressive age, captivate visitors of all ages.

Kids will love wandering around the tree and trying to spot the hidden shapes that appear in the bark. Local guides enthusiastically point out animal figures such as elephants, lions, and jaguars within the twisted roots and branches, sparking children’s imaginations.

Beyond the smoky corridor, we enjoyed walking the aisles looking at stalls offering local sweets, chocolate, and freshly baked bread.

The Mercado 20 de Noviembre was just steps from our hotel, so we visited first thing in the morning and it was bursting with locals enjoying a hot breakfast. This fun Oaxaca food market is a great way to introduce children to authentic Oaxacan cuisine in a lively, casual setting.

9. Mercado de Benidito Juarez

Another vibrant Oaxaca market, the Mercado Benito Juárez is conveniently across the street from Mercado 20 de Noviembre, making it easy to visit them back-to-back. This fun Oaxaca market is likely to be more fun for kids as it is filled with colorful stalls selling everything from handmade crafts to local sweets and fresh produce.

Our kids especially loved exploring the toy stands, trying to find the perfect souvenir to bring home to their friends. The lively atmosphere and friendly vendors make Mercado Benito Juárez a fun stop for families out exploring Oaxaca.

10. Zocalo and Alameda de León

Oaxaca’s two main squares, Zócalo and Alameda de León, are side-by-side in the very heart of Centro. Visiting these two squares with kids is a lively experience, perfect for family fun.

During the day, the Zócalo buzzes with street vendors, balloon sellers, and marimba players. Kids can chase pigeons, enjoy ice cream, and watch local performers. The shady benches and fountains make it a great spot to relax and enjoy ice cream from the nearby vendors.

At night, the atmosphere at Zócalo transforms with glowing lights, live music, and families strolling under the stars. The vibrant energy, bustling markets, and occasional parades make evenings magical.

We visited Zócalo often, and it was a great place to show the kids the very heart of this incredible Mexican city.

11. Explore the Xochimilco Neighborhood

We were introduced to Xochimilco, Oaxaca’s oldest neighborhood, on our food tour. Similar to Jalatlaco, Xochimilco is like stepping into a living art gallery. The streets are filled with vivid street art that tells stories of Oaxaca’s culture and history.

12. Lucha Libre

If your kids love professional wrestling, then you can’t miss watching a Lucha Libre show in Oaxaca. Mexican wresting is an unforgettable, action-packed experience that immerses families in one of Mexico’s most entertaining traditions.

These Mexican wrestling matches are more than just a sport – they’re a spectacle filled with dramatic flair, colorful masks, and high-energy performances. The vibrant atmosphere and lively crowd make it a thrilling outing for kids, who will be captivated by the over-the-top characters and the exciting back-and-forth between the tecnicos (heroes) and rudos (villains).

While the evening Lucha Libre shows can get lively, the atmosphere remains family-friendly, making it a perfect cultural activity for visitors of all ages. Arriving early ensures good seats in the special kid-friendly section, and snacks like tacos and churros keep everyone happy throughout the night. Lucha Libre is an exciting way to experience Oaxacan nightlife while creating lasting memories with your kids.

13. Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán

When you visit a city like Oaxaca with your kids, it’s easy to expose them to a little culture along the way. Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán is one of the most striking buildings in Oaxaca and is worth a quick visit.

Parents will admire the stunning Baroque architecture, while even kids can’t help but be impressed by the flashy, intricate gold interior. That said, we find that churches don’t captivate our kids, so our visit wasn’t longer than just a few minutes.

14. Catedral Metropolitana de Oaxaca Nuestra Señora de la Asunción

Similar to the Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán, a visit to the cathedral is an easy way to sneak in some culture on your family trip to Oaxaca. It likely won’t be the highlight of their trip, but they’ll appreciate your efforts to squeeze in a tiny bit of culture.

Where We Stayed in Oaxaca with Kids

For our four nights in Oaxaca with kids, we stayed at the Suites de la Parra and we loved it. There are so many reasons why the Suites de la Parra is the best family-friendly hotel in Oaxaca.

The hotel has a wonderful rooftop terrace, complete with a swimming pool, a dining area and amazing views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Breakfast was included in our room rate, and is typically eaten in the rooftop terrace, but we were often up so early that it was chilly out, so the staff happily brought us our made-to-order breakfast to our room each morning!

We stayed in a Suite Superior which has a great set-up for families. For the parents, we had our own bedroom with a king-sized bed, which the kids each had their own bed in the main living area. I love this arrangement when we travel as the bedroom gives us some privacy after the kids go to sleep, while the kids each have their own bed, which helps everyone get the best night’s sleep possible.