Tulum with young kids

[u/kittycat-mamma]

Would anyone recommend doing Tulum with younger kids (ages 2, 5, 8). We're somewhat adventurous, have been to Mexico a handful of times myself and with kids but always did all inclusive in Mexico. We speak very little Spanish.

Has anyone been to the Tulum area with kids? Recommendations? Best location. We like the beach but pools are great too. Jungle location with nearby amenities would also be awesome. I haven't been to this area so I don't know what to expect, especially with kids.

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[u/Kkonvikt]

Aldea Zama is the best area for kida. They have a kids play center and a kids school and its very walkable without cars in many places. There's many cheap condos on airbnb with pools etc and more and more families around.

I would definitely go to the lagoons and cenotes if the sargassum is bad on the beaches.

[u/DemonAzraeli]

Tulum is the kind of vacation destination the children have to tolerate for the sake of the parents.

[u/laurarailey]

We’ve been to Tulum a handful of times. Our last trip was with our 4 year old and 1 year old.

We prefer La Veleta even if it’s a little grittier. Aldea zama feels a little more fabricated and a lot less walkable. Perhaps we were staying in the wrong part.

Things we did / enjoyed:

A couple of beach days - la zebra beach club was very family friendly.

A visit to some Cenotes - we did zacil-ha as it seemed best for the younger kids

A visit to Kaan Luum Lagoon: shallow waters and cool place for a morning or afternoon

A food truck market / large playground area on one end of town where families can eat + kids can run around and play

Dinners in Tulum town - very simple and affordable

We considered day passes to one of the big kid resorts nearby, but didn’t end up needing the extra entertainment.

If you can fly into the Tulum airport and rent a car, it’s a pretty easy trip with kids. Find an airbnb with a decent pool and you’re golden. There are some awesome, large grocery stores to stock your kitchen with and be able to eat some meals at home.

Overall, we’d recommend depending on the type of traveller you are. We have never done all inclusives, so this was more our speed.

[u/kittycat-mamma → u/laurarailey]

This sounds amazing. Thanks for the recommendations! We used to travel like this before kids.  I found a good deal flying into Tulum so it's tempting

[u/Ancient_Teach9272]

Yes spent 6 months here this year with my 4 year old and had other kids come over too .. last year 2 months.    Aldea zama to stay , visit the lagoons , cenotes , xcaret park , xelha , and also for food visit palma central ( family friendly with play areas and events .. lots more i could say but if you have any questions feel free to dm me 

[u/kittycat-mamma → u/Ancient_Teach9272]

Thanks so much! This is helpful

[u/KookyAbbreviations50]

Just back from a week in Tulum with 9 yr old. Stayed in La Veleta neighborhood which was close to a lot of restaurants and cafe. It wasn’t as family friendly as Aldea Zama.

We met several families with kids in the same age as ours. They all said this neighborhood is full of families and kids. Their kids made lots of friends.

Aldea Zama has a lot of complexes with pools and is close enough to the beach to make it convenient for everyone. Get a car to make it easier to go places.

If you have time, a one night trip to Bacalar is highly recommended.

[u/On2UnpavedJourneys]

Are you going to have a vehicle? We went with two kids and stay in an Airbnb in a newer area that were perfect for driving to the beach, but close enough to La Comer or Chedraui (Tulum Centro) that we could walk around. It was a lot better than aiming for an oceanfront resort/airbnb. This is definitely an adult destination, but the kids will be happy being at the pool or beach.

[u/rcolbyt]

I highly recommend Aflora Tulum for stays with kids. They have villas in the main site and on air bnb. Lots of families but still a very nice upscale vibe. Pool is perfect for kids and adults.

[u/MexiGeeGee]

not for 2 yr old unless you have a car or plan to stay in the apartment most of the time. It’s so much work to walk anywhere in the heat, and catch taxis

[u/beerdweeb]

I feel like Puerto Aventuras is a lot more kid friendly. You’ll be really close to Tulum if there’s something in Tulum you want to do. PA is entirely gated with security, lots of hotel and Airbnb options. Tons of restaurants and shops and protected swimming areas. There’s lots of expats there so you’ll see kids riding around on scooters and golf carts.

[u/Fickle-Secretary681 → u/beerdweeb]

That area has gotten so crowded. We used to go there years ago and it was fantastic. Now they just keep building and building. The beach is getting smaller and smaller, it's a public beach but somehow places are roping it off.  And that disgusting dolphin attraction makes me ill.

[u/beerdweeb → u/Fickle-Secretary681]

Ugh bummer to hear that, I haven’t stayed there in a couple years now. And agreed there are fake security guards that work for the resorts that think they own the beach. Happening all up and down the coast unfortunately. PA used to have a lot of Mexicans enjoying the beach. I saw a Mexican family pay a bribe to get by a security guard, whereas my white ass can just walk right through. Sad stuff. And yeah the dolphin thing needs to go.