anneofingleside

Never been to Mexico and considering going with two little kids. There are so many vacation spots in Mexico, and we don't know which one would be best for families. We like beaches, clean drinking water and no crime. Nightlife is not a priority. Thank you for your input.

TioGringo

Ixtapa.

IMHO, it's smaller and more manageable than the big resorts that are strung along the Caribbean from Cancun down to Playa del Carmen. It's family friendly, very clean and modern (though individual properties can, of course, vary), and it has an excellent beach.

I've never stayed there, but I've heard that the Club Med Ixtapa is the most kid friendly of the Club Med resorts (for what it's worth).

But of course, any place you choose will probably work out just fine. I've been taking my kids to Mexico at least a couple times a year since they were born. My daughter (age 5) prefers Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres above all the others she's been to...can't say as I blame her.

Have fun!
Mark
www.tiogringo.com

anneofingleside

Thanks, I'll look into Ixtapa. Any more suggestions?

Dude

A long time ago we took our kids to Oaxaca City at ages 3 and 5. We stayed at Hotel Mission de Los Angeles. It definateley isn't a beach resort, but they loved it. We took various day trips to ruins, and surrounding towns and had a great time. It had such an impact on my older duaghter that she wrote about the trip in a college admission essay years later. Oaxaca has changed a lot, but crime is still low. Safe water is availible everywhere in bottles, this would be a very different experience than an AI if you are looking for more of an immersion experience.

TC

Cozumel. Great family destination. How old are your kids? Do you want East Coast or West Coast Mexico? How long do you want to fly? A bit more information will help us help you.

anneofingleside

Our kids are 5 and 7. We don't really know the difference between the West and East Coast of Mexico--you're talking to someone completely ignorant when it comes to Mexico vacations. Of course, the less time we have to fly, the better.

I'll also look into Oaxaca and Cozumel. I'd like to know the reasons why locations would be good for those with little ones. I really appreciate your input.

JeanH

I've only been to the Yucatan in Mexico. The water is that stunning Caribbean blue. White sand beaches. Mayan culture and Mayan ruins (which your kids are probably too young to appreciate).

I think with kids it would depend what part of the US or Canada you are flying from. I would narrow down my choices by focusing on that. From the midwest, it's a much shorter flight to the Caribbean side.

The resorts in the Playa del Carmen area are beautiful. Personally, we don't stay in resorts, but there are some real stunners if that's what you are looking for. Also some great small hotels in downtown Playa del Carmen if you're a more independent traveler.

jean

anneofingleside

Thanks for your input about Yucatan. We will be flying from California. Also, aside from location, is summer a good time of the year to go? We're thinking August next year. Thx.

TC

Anne, If you are flying from CA, you would most likely fly to Houston and then on to Cozumel. Flying down the west coast might be quicker and easier, I can't really say. Many direct flights do not operate in low season, so check with the airline to see how easy it is to get where you want to go.

August will be really hot in Mexico.

As JeanH said, the East coast of Mexcio is more caribbean in feel. The Mayan people who live there are very social and family oriented. The cuisine is centered around a lot of seafood. In Cozumel (it being an island) life centers around the water. But most of this is irrelavant with children as young as yours.

If you are staying at an all-inclusive, it doesn't matter where you locate. I'd pick a nice resort with lots of activities for the kids - maybe a Club Med - within easy flying time of your home and at the best price.

Little_Man

Cancun has some of the most beautiful beaches on the Mexican Carribbean -- it doesn't have to be a party place. And it's the only place in Mexico I haven't gotten sick! My kids loved it. If you stay at a good hotel, (check out tripadvisor.com), it can be a great base to explore the area, and eat at some great restaurants. Cozumel has wonderful snorkeling, but IMHO, it doesn't have the same beautiful ocean as Cancun.
Playa del Carmen is another great destination, especially if you want all inclusive...

donjuan

Costa Alegre area south of PV! Maybe La Manzanilla, Melaque, or Barra de Navidad.

anneofingleside

Thanks, everyone, those are all wonderful suggestions. I've decided, after checking on the climate, to postpone my Mexico trip to another year when I can do it in the winter. Thanks for your help.

pepper131

My hairdresser took her 2 year old to the Copacabana resort in Xpu-Ha. It's south of Playa del Carmen on the Carribean side. The water is fairly calm due to a reef breaking the larger waves. There is also a pool and a kids club. Another resort on this stretch is Club Maeva. You can do a day trip to Tulum ruins which aren't large and the kids can play on the beach there. It will take about an hour to get to from the airport.