The Riviera Maya is one of our favourite places in Mexico to visit with kids, thanks to its beautiful beaches, cenotes, Mayan ruins and huge variety of family-friendly activities. But some of our most memorable experiences have been at the Riviera Maya eco parks found around Playa del Carmen, Akumal and Tulum.
What makes these Riviera Maya eco parks so much fun for families is how different they are from one another. You can float down a river and introduce your kids to snorkelling at Xel-Há, swim through underground rivers at Xcaret, explore cenotes at Kantun-Chi, walk through an impressive cave at Aktun Chen or get up close to rescued animals at Croco Cun Zoo and the Akumal Monkey Sanctuary.
We have visited each of the eco parks in this guide with our kids, so we’ll share what our family actually enjoyed, what each park is best for and the practical details parents need to know before choosing one. Some are full-day adventure parks, while others are smaller experiences that are easy to combine with a day in Playa del Carmen, Akumal or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya.
If you are trying to decide which Riviera Maya eco park is best for your family, this guide will help you compare the experiences and choose the ones that are worth adding to your Mexico itinerary. Here are six Riviera Maya eco parks we loved:
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1. Xcaret Eco Theme Park
If you are only going to visit one Riviera Maya eco park, Xcaret is one of the best options for families. It combines nature, Mexican culture, wildlife and plenty of activities for kids, so there is much more to do here than at a typical water or adventure park.
We especially enjoyed swimming through Xcaret’s underground rivers. There are three named rivers at Xcaret: the Blue River, Pre-Hispanic River and Manatee River. You float and swim through caves and tunnels before eventually emerging near the Caribbean Sea, and it was one of the highlights of our day.
There is plenty for families to do outside the rivers too. Our kids enjoyed the animal exhibits, including the sea turtles, along with Children’s World and the Butterfly Pavilion. Children’s World is especially useful for families with younger kids, with water slides, tunnels, hanging bridges and areas designed specifically for children under 12.
Xcaret is a big park, and you can easily spend a full day here. That makes it a good choice if you want one Mexico eco park with a wide variety of activities rather than visiting several smaller attractions.
Xcaret tickets can be expensive, but you shouldn’t necessarily pay full price. You can save 10% by booking online in advance, and Xcaret regularly offers promotions and package deals with savings of up to 25%. We recommend checking the current offers before buying your tickets.
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For much more help planning your day, read our Top 15 Tips to Have the Best Day at Xcaret Park and Have a Fun Day at Xcaret with Kids.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico
If you are planning to visit several Xcaret parks during your Riviera Maya vacation, it is also worth comparing the cost of staying at Hotel Xcaret Mexico.
Hotel Xcaret Mexico’s All-Fun Inclusive program currently includes unlimited access and transportation to Xcaret, Xel-Há, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xenses, Xoxi and Xenotes, along with food and drinks at the hotel and round-trip airport transportation for eligible guests.
For families who already plan to visit several of the Xcaret eco parks, those inclusions can make the higher room rate much easier to justify.
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If you would like more accommodation options, see our guide to family hotels near Xcaret Park.
2. Xel-Há Eco Park
Xel-Há is a great Riviera Maya eco park for families who want to spend most of their day in the water. Located near Tulum, this all-inclusive natural water park is built around a large inlet where freshwater from underground rivers meets the Caribbean Sea.
One of our favourite parts of Xel-Há with kids was floating down the Xel-Há River on inner tubes. Our kids loved the tube ride, but they rarely stayed in their tubes the whole way. They would hop off and swim alongside them, then climb back on when they felt like floating again.
There are also several activities you can stop at along the river, including the Salpichanga aquatic zip lines, rope challenges and the 5 m (16 ft) Cliff of Courage. You can make the river as relaxed or adventurous as you want, which worked really well for us as a family.
Snorkelling at Xel-Há with Kids
Xel-Há was also where our kids tried snorkelling for the first time. The protected inlet made it an easy place to introduce them to wearing a mask and snorkel without committing to a bigger snorkelling excursion.
For our family, it ended up being a great gateway to more adventurous snorkelling outings as our kids got older and more confident in the water.
Snorkelling equipment and life jackets are included with Xel-Há admission, so families can give it a try without needing to bring their own equipment. You can snorkel for as long or as little as your kids want, which takes some of the pressure off when they are learning.
More Things to Do at Xel-Há
The Scenic Lighthouse is another fun activity for kids at Xel-Há. You can climb to the top for views over Xel-Há and the surrounding Riviera Maya, then return to the bottom on one of four waterslides. Kids need to be at least 1.05 m (3.5 ft) tall to use the slides.
Families with younger kids should also make time for Children’s World, which has water activities, slides, climbing ropes and other play areas designed for kids. Our daughter really enjoyed trying to cross the path of lily pads. There is a hammock area nearby for parents too.
There are also optional activities available for an additional cost, including experiences such as Zip-Bike, Sea Trek, Adrenalina and animal encounters. You certainly don’t need to add these to have a full day at Xel-Há, but they are worth looking at before your visit if one is especially appealing to your family.
What Is Included at Xel-Há?
One of the things that makes Xel-Há especially convenient for families is how much is included in the ticket price.
Your Xel-Há All-Inclusive admission includes snorkelling equipment, life jackets, inner tubes, towels, lockers, bicycles and most of the park’s activities. Food is included too, with breakfast, snacks and lunch buffets available during the day, along with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks and a domestic open bar.
Having so much included makes the day easier with kids. You aren’t constantly deciding whether another activity is worth paying extra for, and you don’t need to carry as much gear around the park.
Is Xel-Há Good for Families?
We think Xel-Há is one of the better eco parks in the Riviera Maya for families with kids who enjoy swimming. It is especially good if you want a mix of snorkelling, floating and kid-friendly adventure activities without having to follow a rigid schedule.
It can also be a good first step if you want to introduce younger kids to snorkelling before booking a dedicated snorkelling tour elsewhere in Mexico. That is exactly how it worked for our family.
For much more help planning your day, don’t miss our Top 23 Tips to Visit the Xel-Há Eco Park.
Save on Xel-Há Tickets
Xel-Há tickets are cheaper when you plan ahead. Booking online 7 to 20 days in advance currently saves 10%, while booking at least 21 days ahead saves 15%.
Xcaret also regularly offers promotions and discounts when you combine Xel-Há with another Xcaret eco park. For example, if you are planning to visit both Xel-Há and Xcaret, it is also worth comparing the Xcaret + Xel-Há package against buying the two tickets separately.
3. CROCO CUN ZOO
If your family loves animals, Croco Cun Zoo is a fun alternative to the larger Riviera Maya eco parks. Located in Puerto Morelos, between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, this interactive wildlife experience is especially easy to fit into your itinerary because the guided tour takes about 60 to 75 minutes.
Croco Cun began as a crocodile farm but has evolved into a wildlife rescue and conservation centre. Most of the animals in its care have been rescued, donated or placed there by environmental authorities.
What makes Croco Cun especially memorable with kids is how interactive the visit is. During our tour, we saw parrots, lizards, iguanas, crocodiles, spider monkeys, peacocks, deer, snakes and even Mexican hairless dogs.
Our kids especially loved getting close to the animals. They were able to feed parrots and small deer, and there were some much more adventurous encounters too. Our daughter was only four years old when she bravely held a snake, and both of our kids got to hold a baby crocodile. That hands-on aspect made Croco Cun very different from a traditional zoo for our family.
What to Expect at Croco Cun Zoo
Visits to Croco Cun are guided rather than self-guided. The current tour lasts approximately 60 to 75 minutes and includes opportunities to touch, hold or feed selected animals under the supervision of your guide.
The tours run continuously throughout the day rather than at fixed departure times. Once you arrive, the zoo says you will typically be assigned a guide within about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on how busy it is.
Croco Cun is suitable for all ages, which makes it a particularly good eco park near Playa del Carmen for families travelling with younger kids. You don’t need to commit to an entire day, and there are no minimum ages for the regular guided experience.
After your tour, you can stay longer if you like. There is currently a children’s playground, rest area and café, along with free parking.
Is Croco Cun Zoo Worth Visiting with Kids?
We really enjoyed Croco Cun with our kids, especially because the visit was so different from simply walking around looking at animals.
I would choose Croco Cun if your family enjoys wildlife and wants a smaller, more manageable experience between some of the bigger adventure parks in Mexico. It also works well if you have a half-day to fill around Puerto Morelos or Playa del Carmen rather than wanting another full-day attraction.
Families should keep in mind that the exact animal interactions can vary. Croco Cun currently describes the experience as opportunities to touch, hold and feed selected species, so I wouldn’t promise your kids will have exactly the same encounters ours did.
Because visits are guided in small groups, I recommend booking your Croco Cun Zoo tickets in advance, especially if you already know which day you want to visit.
4. Kantun-Chi Park
If you are looking for a smaller Riviera Maya eco park where the focus is on swimming in cenotes rather than a full day of rides and attractions, Ecopark Kantun-Chi is a great option. It is located south of Playa del Carmen near Puerto Aventuras, making it an easy addition to a day exploring this part of the Riviera Maya.
Kantun-Chi now offers several different cenote experiences. The 4 Crossings experience lets you explore four cenotes at your own pace: Kantun-Chi, Saskaleen-Ha, Uchben-Ha and Zacil-Ha. There are also guided options which include five cenotes and, depending on the experience you choose, the underground river.
Our favourite Kantun-Chi cenote was Zacil-Ha. It is almost completely underground, with just a little natural light filtering in. The clear water stretches beneath a low cave ceiling in both directions, making it feel very different from the open cenotes we had visited elsewhere in the Riviera Maya.
The water wasn’t very deep during our visit, and there were large rocks our kids could stand on in the water. This made Zacil-Ha especially fun for us as a family.
Uchben-Ha is completely different. This large, open-air cenote is surrounded by lush vegetation and was a wonderful place to spend some time swimming and kayaking. When we visited, there were two small islands in the middle of the cenote with hammocks, which gave it a much more relaxed feel than Zacil-Ha.
The other two cenotes included in the 4 Crossings experience are Kantun-Chi and Saskaleen-Ha. Both are partially enclosed within large caverns, with openings towards the surrounding jungle. Visiting all four gives you a good variety of cenote experiences without having to drive between several different locations.
Is Kantun-Chi Good for Families?
We really enjoyed Kantun-Chi with our kids. Compared with some of the larger eco parks in Mexico, it is a much simpler experience, which is part of its appeal. If your family mainly wants to swim in beautiful Riviera Maya cenotes and explore the jungle at your own pace, the 4 Crossings option is an especially good fit.
Families should know that children currently need to be at least 6 years old and 1 metre tall to participate. Life jackets are mandatory and included with the 4 Crossings admission. Kayaks, hammocks, lounge chairs, change rooms, showers and restrooms are also available within the park.
Kantun-Chi requires advance reservations, so I recommend booking before you arrive. Check current Kantun-Chi ticket prices and availability, especially if your Riviera Maya itinerary is already starting to fill up.
Kantun-Chi Tips
Kantun-Chi takes protecting its cenotes seriously. Sunscreen, creams and insect repellent are not permitted in the water, so plan accordingly before your visit.
Be sure to bring swimsuits and towels, as towels are not included. You should also arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled reservation.
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If your family loves the water, don’t miss our post on the best Riviera Maya cenotes for families.
5. Akumal Monkey Sanctuary
The Akumal Monkey Sanctuary is a another great option for families who love animals and are looking for something different from the larger Riviera Maya eco parks. Located in Akumal, south of Playa del Carmen, the sanctuary is home to more than 50 rescued species and focuses on wildlife rescue, conservation and education.
The regular Monkey Sanctuary Tour is a guided experience lasting about three hours. Along the way, you learn about the rescued animals and take part in several supervised animal encounters.
The animal encounters were easily the highlight for our kids. During our visit, they were able to feed deer and goats, hold colourful macaws and even hold a boa constrictor.
The spider monkey encounter was especially memorable. We sat down with some seeds and nuts while the monkeys came over to us. One tiny spider monkey climbed right onto our daughter and sat on top of her head. We couldn’t believe how small and light it was, and it is still one of those special travel moments we remember years later.
The exact animal encounters can change, so I wouldn’t expect every visit to be identical to ours. The sanctuary currently includes hands-on experiences with macaws, snakes and primates as part of its educational program, along with the chance to see more than 50 rescued species.
Is Akumal Monkey Sanctuary Good for Families?
We think it is especially good for families with kids who are genuinely interested in animals. This isn’t a huge theme park where you need to spend the entire day. Instead, the focus is on a guided wildlife experience and getting much closer to the animals than you would at a typical zoo.
It also works well as one of your Akumal activities if you are already spending time in this part of the Riviera Maya.
Akumal Monkey Sanctuary Tips
Tours are guided and space is limited, so we recommend booking in advance rather than simply showing up. The sanctuary currently asks visitors to arrive at least 20 minutes before their scheduled tour.
If you already know you want to visit, it is worth comparing the current ticket options and booking before your preferred tour fills up.
If you want to eat in Akumal after your visit, we really enjoyed El Taco Maya. It’s one of those amazing, a simple local restaurants with red plastic chairs. The pork tacos were excellent!
6. Aktun Chen Natural Park
Aktun Chen Natural Park is a great Riviera Maya eco park for families who want to combine caves, cenotes and ziplining without committing to a huge theme park. It is located just south of Akumal, about 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen.
One of the things we liked about Aktun Chen is that you can choose which activities you want to do rather than paying for everything. The park currently offers three main experiences: the Cave Tour, Underground River and Zipline, along with a combo ticket if you want to do all three.
Aktun Chen Cave Tour
We chose the Aktun Chen Cave Tour with our kids, and it was the highlight of our visit.
The guided walk takes you through a 650 m cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and other limestone formations. We thought the cave lived up to its reputation. The formations were impressive, and the lighting made it easy to see the details as we walked through.
At the end of the cave tour, we reached a beautiful underground cenote. The clear blue water reflected the cave formations overhead and was easily one of the most memorable parts of the experience.
You don’t swim in this particular cenote. Aktun Chen protects it as a sanctuary, so you simply enjoy it from the cave walkway.
The cave walk was also manageable with our young kids. They were able to walk most of it themselves, with just a little help from us here and there. The current tour takes about an hour and is suitable for visitors who can walk independently, making it a good option for families who want a cave experience without anything especially technical.
Ziplining at Aktun Chen with Kids
Aktun Chen also stood out to us because younger kids could try the zipline. Our daughter was only four years old when we visited, and she did the zipline course with Celine. The park staff were excellent with her. They were a little concerned that she might be too small to go independently, so a supervisor offered to accompany her around the course. She had an amazing time!
The current Aktun Chen zipline experience has 10 zip lines and two hanging bridges through the jungle canopy. Children can currently participate from age four, provided they are at least 90 cm (3 ft) tall and weigh at least 15 kg (33 lb).
For families travelling with younger adventurous kids, that relatively low minimum age is one of the reasons Aktun Chen is worth considering.
Other Things to Do at Aktun Chen
The third main activity is the Underground River, where you can snorkel in a clear underground cenote surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites.
As we had already done the underground river at Xcaret, we didn’t do this activity, but it could be a good addition if your family wants more time in the water. Snorkelling equipment is included, and visitors can spend time swimming rather than following a short fixed tour.
If you want to do the Cave Tour, Zipline and Underground River, Aktun Chen also sells a combo ticket covering all three activities.
Is Aktun Chen Good for Families?
We think Aktun Chen is a particularly good option for families who want some adventure but don’t necessarily want another full-day Riviera Maya eco park.
You can choose one or two activities based on your kids’ interests and ages, or make a longer day of it by doing all three. For our family, combining the cave tour with the zipline gave us a really nice mix of exploring and adventure.
It is also worth considering if you are already planning to visit Akumal, since Aktun Chen is only about 4 km south of town.
Aktun Chen Tips
Each activity takes approximately an hour, so your latest arrival time depends on how many activities you plan to do. Aktun Chen currently recommends arriving by 3 p.m. for one activity, 2 p.m. for two activities or 1 p.m. if you want to do all three.
Guides, activity equipment and lockers are included, but towels, food and drinks are not.
Plan a Family Trip to the Riviera Maya
If you are currently in the Riviera Maya or are planning a trip there, don’t miss our complete guide to planning a family trip to the Riviera Maya. It’s packed full of planning tips, exciting family activities and links to all of our Mayan Riviera blog posts. It’s sure to help make your family trip a memorable one!
Our Travel Journal for Kids
Based on our family travels, our kids helped us design this Travel Journal for Active Kids! This engaging travel journal encourages kids to document their adventures, spark creativity, and stay entertained on the go – grab yours now on Amazon!
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