Rose's Picks
Rose's picks for families in the Riviera Maya, from toddlers to teens
Picked by Rose Medina, House Manager, Mayan Mansion
The short answer
For families near Playa del Carmen, Rose Medina recommends Xcaret for all ages and its evening show, Xel-Há's calm lagoon for younger children, Xplor's ziplines and underground rafts for teenagers, the shallow Cenote Azul for a first cenote swim, and snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal.
Multi-generational trips are some of my favorite groups. Grandparents take the ground-floor bedrooms, the kids take over the pool, and everyone finds something to do. Here is what I suggest by age.
1. Xcaret (all ages)
A large eco-park just south of Playa del Carmen with underground rivers, a butterfly pavilion, an aquarium, a beach and a big evening show about Mexico.
Why Rose picks it: Make it a full day and stay for the show at night.
2. Xel-Há (younger kids)
A water park built around a natural inlet, with calm water for snorkeling, floating and slides.
Why Rose picks it: Easy, safe water fun for the little ones.
3. Xplor (teenagers)
An adventure park with ziplines, amphibious vehicles and rafting through caves.
Why Rose picks it: The day teenagers remember. Minimum heights apply, so check before you go.
4. Cenote Azul (first cenote)
An open-air cenote with shallow areas.
Why Rose picks it: The gentlest introduction to cenotes for kids.
5. Akumal (sea turtles)
A bay where sea turtles graze, snorkeled with a certified guide.
Why Rose picks it: Seeing a turtle in the wild beats any park.
Places change. Before your trip, Rose confirms what's open and what she'd recommend for your group that week.
More of Rose's picks
- Rose's favorite cenotes near Playa del Carmen
- Where Rose sends groups for dinner in Playa del Carmen
- Rose's rainy-day plan in Playa del Carmen
- Rose's guide to golf near Playacar and Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite day trips from Playa del Carmen
- Rose's favorite beaches and beach clubs near Playa del Carmen
- Rose's picks for couples, inside a group trip
- Rose's night out in Playa del Carmen, starting at home
- Rose's four perfect days at Mayan Mansion
Have another question? Ask Rose.
Rose Medina answers every question personally, usually the same day. If it's a question other guests will have too, her answer may end up on this page.