preloadLatin tourist girl holding a starfish at a tropical beach, Riviera Maya kid friendly

With its alluring blend of white-sand beaches, ancient Mayan ruins Riviera Maya kid freindly resorts are the most family-friendly destinations in the world. This idyllic coastline on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is perfect for aquatic-loving families wanting to snorkel past coral reefs, swim in cenotes and explore eco-parks.

Photo| Gettyimages | AARON HAWKINS

With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve tracked down the best all-inclusive Riviera Maya kid friendly resorts. Covering Puerto Morelos, Tulum, Playa del Carmen and Puerto Aventuras, these luxury hotels boast kid-friendly perks, such as complimentary non-motorised water sports, kids’ clubs, nightly entertainment and beachfront locales.

Why You Should Stay in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos beach boats in Mayan Riviera Maya of Mexico
Photo| Shutterstock | LUNAMARINA

Puerto Morelos is nestled between Mexico’s protected mangroves and colourful coral reefs, offering a laid-back atmosphere. Kick back on its beautiful beaches, discover some of Mexico’s best snorkelling spots or explore crystal-clear freshwater sinkholes.

Must-Do Family Experiences Around Puerto Morelos

Best All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Kid Friendly Resorts near Puerto Morelos

Now Jade Riviera Cancun

Photo| Now Jade Riviera Cancun | Provided by BOOKING.COM

Set on 800 metres of white sand, Now Jade Riviera Cancun offers unique “Unlimited-Luxury” amenities. Enjoy unlimited drinks and top-shelf spirits, as well as pool and beach service, daytime activities and nightly entertainment. Parents can treat themselves to a pampering spa treatment, while kids will love the outdoor pools and water sports.

Even the entry-level Junior Suite Tropical View features a furnished balcony or terrace, as well as two double-size beds and separate living area. Upgrade to the Junior Suite Ocean Front View for beach views or enjoy extra space in a Family Suite Tropical View, which joins two Junior Suites.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • Multiple dining options, including Italian, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines.
  • Runs day trips to Chichen Itza, Coco Bongo and Tulum.
  • A supervised Explorer’s Club for kids with daily activities.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 128 – USD 510
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Unidad 26, Mz. 20, Lote 1-1, SM. 3, Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort

Photo| Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort All Inclusive | Provided by LEONARDO

Along with ocean, pool or garden views, the rooms at Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort feature satellite TVs, stocked mini bars and 24-hour room service. Family Rooms feature private balconies and sofa beds, while one, two and three-bedroom suites have separate living areas.

Cool off at the free-form pool, which features waterfalls, slides and in-water lounge chairs, then refuel at one of the multiple restaurants or enjoy various water sports at the beach. Parents can recharge at the adults-only whirlpool and silent zone with massage services.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • All-inclusive packages including drinks and food, water sports, nightly theme shows, a kids’ club and biking tours.
  • Beach and pool activities for kids, including a children’s area with water slides.
  • Windsurfing, kayaking, Hobie Cats, paddleboards and boogie boards available.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 187 – USD 685
Guest Rating: 8.1
Address: Boulevard El Cid Unidad 15, Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun by Karisma

Azul Beach Resort Riviera Cancun by Karisma is a beautiful beachfront resort minutes from downtown Cancun. Discover a family-friendly Splash Park, kids’ club with cooking classes and kids’ yoga classes. There’s a dedicated spa treatment menu for little ones and complimentary non-motorised water sports.

Family Suites feature master bedrooms with hot tubs for two, separate living areas and sofa beds, while Premium Suite-Up Suites add swim-up pools off their terraces. Travelling in a group? Choose the Two-Bedroom Presidential Suite for a fully-equipped kitchen, private chef, reserved beach bed and beach butler.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • A kids’ club, Splash Park and spa services for kids.
  • The oceanfront Mexican restaurant, Zocalo.
  • A 20-minute drive from Cancun International Airport.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 214 – USD 1,454
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: Carretera Cancun Km 27.5, Puerto Morelos, Mexico

Hotel Location

Why You Should Stay in Tulum

Tulum holds the honor of being the most picturesque archaeological site in the Riviera Maya and the only one to have been built overlooking the ocean. A visit here offers spectacular views of the Riviera Maya beaches, Caribbean Sea and surrounding coastal region.
Photo| Gettyimages | KELLY CHENG

Known for its powder-white sand beaches and well-preserved ancient ruins, Tulum is less commercialised than nearby Cancun. The tucked-away jewel offers a backdrop of azure Caribbean Sea waters and offers a chance to explore cenotes and bio reserves.

Must-Do Family Experiences Around Tulum

Best All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Kid Friendly Resorts near Tulum

Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa

Photo| Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa | Provided by DREAMS TULUM RESORT & SPA

Nestled on a white-sand beach, Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa boasts 17 hectares of tropical gardens. Kids can swim at the pool or beach, then join a snorkelling tour or enjoy a kid-friendly Chocolate Body Wrap at the spa. Adults can find their zen with a beachside massage, while the whole family will love the 24-hour room service.

Budget-conscious families can stay in a Deluxe Garden View, which features two double-size beds and a furnished balcony or terrace with a hammock. Alternatively, the Deluxe Junior Suite Ocean View offers a spacious living room and furnished balcony or terrace with ocean views.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • Unlimited natural fruit juices and soft drinks, fun daytime activities and live nightly entertainment.
  • A water park with water slides, giant buckets and outdoor wet play area.
  • Has a kids’ club, kids’ spa menu and water sports.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 176 – USD 1,392
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Carretera Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km. 236.7 No.1, Tulum, Mexico

Grand Velas Riviera Maya

Grand Velas Riviera Maya kid freindly resort hugs the coast where the Caribbean Sea meets the Yucatan jungle, boasting a sparkling outdoor pool and holistic spa. Kids can enjoy beach volleyball or supervised activities at the Kids Club, while snorkelling and kayaking tours are organised on site. Duck into Azul restaurant for flavourful grilled dishes, pizza and burritos.

Savour Caribbean Sea views from a private terrace in an Ambassador Suite Ocean View, which also has a Jacuzzi and sitting area, or upgrade to Ambassador Pool Ocean Front for an oceanfront plunge pool. For a Baby Concierge, stay in the Ambassador Two Bedroom Family Suite Ocean View.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • The Kids’ Club’s arts and crafts and Teens’ Club’s karaoke and video games.
  • A pool and beach concierge with food and drinks service.
  • Non-motorised water sports, such as kayaks and boogie boards.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 956 – USD 2,282
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: Carretera Cancun Tulum Km 62, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hotel Location

Why You Should Stay in Playa del Carmen

Photo| Shutterstock | LUNAMARINA

The beautiful stretches of white sand in Playa del Carmen will impress even the most avid beachgoer, while active types will find plenty of opportunities for windsurfing, jet skiing and snorkelling. You’ll also find several blocks of shops and restaurants along the beachside boulevard, Quinta Avenida.

Must-Do Family Experiences Around Playa del Carmen

  • Explore the underground river and collection of caves at Rio Secreto.
  • Take a day trip to the aquatic Xel-Ha Park for snorkelling and zip-lining.
  • Discover the aviary, aquarium and Mayan ruins at Xcaret Eco Theme Park.

Best All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Kid Friendly Resorts near Playa del Carmen

Occidental at Xcaret Destination

Photo| Occidental at Xcaret Destination |Provided by ICE PORTAL

Lush gardens surround Occidental at Xcaret Destination, which features multiple swimming pools and a bay for sunbathing. HotelsCombined visitors rave about the hotel’s dining options, which include 11 on-site restaurants, while an 18-hole course, game room and live entertainment are added perks for families. Parents can take advantage of the babysitting service and enjoy live music in the theatre.

Families can unwind in a cosy Deluxe Room, which features two double-size beds and a private terrace or balcony, or enjoy a VIP experience in a Royal Level Suite with its separate lounge and dining room. Families also have the option for two interconnecting rooms for two double beds and one king-size bed.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • A private cove for sunbathing and snorkelling.
  • Multiple outdoor pools, including a kids’ pool.
  • A five-minute drive from Xplor Park and Xcaret Eco Theme Park.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 166 – USD 736
Guest Rating: 8
Address: Carretera Federal Chetumal, Puerto Juárez Km. 282, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Riu Playacar All Inclusive

Offering 24-hour all-inclusive service, the beachfront Riu Playacar All Inclusive takes care of all your vacation details. You can cool off in the pool or head to the beach for snorkelling and windsurfing, while fun is guaranteed for little ones at RiuLand Kids’ Club. On-site dining is highlighted by Italian cuisine at Traviata and Asian fare at Jade restaurant.

Rooms boast satellite TV, air conditioning, mini bars and balconies or terraces, while Family Rooms feature king-size beds and sofa beds. For two double-size beds and a sofa bed, upgrade to a Junior Suite.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • A children’s swimming pool with water slides.
  • Complimentary sun loungers by the pool and on the beach.
  • A daytime entertainment program for kids and live music shows in the evening.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 558 – USD 946
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Avenida Xaman-Ha, Manzana 6, Lote 6, Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen

Photo| Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen | Provided by PANAMA JACK RESORTS PLAYA DEL CARMEN

Panama Jack Resorts Playa del Carmen is nestled on the Caribbean Sea near the famed Fifth Avenue. Join the beach volleyball action or lounge at the oceanfront pool, while kids can enjoy water sports and games at Camp Jack or ping pong and air hockey at #Hashtag. Dining and drinks are included, so dine on Mexican cuisine at Zarape or buffet favourites at Ventanas.

Standard rooms feature two double-size beds and a semi-private furnished terrace, while stunning oceanfront vistas can be found in the Junior Suite Oceanfront. For twin bunk beds and a trundle bed in addition to two double-size beds, upgrade to a Family Junior Suite Oceanfront.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • Face painting, hula-hula and mini golf for parents and kids at Camp Jack.
  • Live music in Lobby Lounge, nightly shows and Taco Fest at the pool.
  • Multiple restaurants and bars and a laid-back coffee shop.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 183 – USD 994
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Constituyentes 1, Gonzalo Guerrero, Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Hotel Location

Why You Should Stay in Puerto Aventuras

Photo| Shutterstock | PHORTUN

Get away from it all in Puerto Aventuras, a private community with white-sand beaches, two big marinas, golf courses and aquatic activities. Nestled between Tulum and Playa del Carmen, this off-the-tourist-trail destination offers a quiet holiday experience for families.

Must-Do Family Experiences Around Puerto Aventuras

  • Join a dolphin-spotting tour that includes snorkelling.
  • Hire a catamaran and set sail on the Caribbean Sea or join an ATV jungle tour.
  • Tee off at the golf course at Puerto Aventura’s Golf & Racquet Club, which also has tennis courts.

Best All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Kid Friendly Resorts near Puerto Aventuras

Barcelo Maya Colonial

Photo| Barcelo Maya Colonial | Provided by ICE PORTAL

Barcelo Maya Colonial is a beachfront resort with all-inclusive perks that extends to specialty restaurants, swimming pools and sport facilities. Families can enjoy the terrace or balcony with garden views and two double-size beds in a Superior Room or choose a Family Room for a separate living and dining room.

Take advantage of the six swimming pools, including a shallow area for children and Barcy Water Park with slides and waterfalls. Adventurous water lovers can try surfing in the Surf Rider wave pool, while an 18-hole mini-golf course, snorkelling gear and four-lane bowling alley are also available. Nightly live shows feature professional dancers and on-site dining includes Asian fusion and Mediterranean restaurants.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • A sun terrace area with sun loungers, games area and beach shop.
  • Multiple outdoor pools, a kids’ pool and water park with slides.
  • Music and non-alcoholic drinks at One Disco Club for teens.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 165 – USD 440
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Ctra. Federal Chetumal – Puerto Jurez, Km 266,3, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico

Barcelo Maya Caribe

Photo| Barcelo Maya Caribe | Provided by ICE PORTAL

With Mayan-inspired architecture and family-friendly facilities, Barcelo Maya Caribe boasts a water park, 18-hole mini-golf course and luxury spa. Families have a choice of seven swimming pools, as well as tennis courts, volleyball and water sports. Barcy Kids Club offers supervised kids’ activities, while live entertainment is available nightly.

Save money by staying in a Superior Room, which features two double-size beds, a sitting area and balcony or terrace, or upgrade to a Suite Ocean Front for premium beach views. For private direct access to the pool and a hot tub on the terrace, stay in a Junior Suite Swim Up.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • A beachfront location and multiple pools and water slides for kids.
  • Delicious sandwiches and informal buffet-style cuisine at the poolside Captain Morgan restaurant.
  • Only 1.3 kilometres from the cenotes and grottos at Ecopark Kantun Chi.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 187 – USD 685
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: Ctra. Federal Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km. 266, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico

Barcelo Maya Tropical

Photo| Barcelo Maya Tropical | Provided by ICE PORTAL

Offering direct access to a white-sand beach, Barcelo Maya Tropical boasts multiple restaurants and bars, outdoor pools and water sports. Let the kids make a splash in the children’s pool or visit U-Kids Spa for child-friendly treatments, then fill up with buffet-style cuisine at Palmeras Restaurant. 

The 68-square-metre Family Room can accommodate five guests and features a separate living and dining area, flat-screen TV, coffee machine and mini bar. For two double-size beds, stay in a Junior Suite Ocean Front, which also comes with exclusive Premium Level benefits, such as welcome gifts.

Top Family-Friendly Perks

  • A water park with water slides and waterfalls and multiple swimming pools.
  • Snorkelling sessions and jet skiing available at Dressel Divers Club.
  • The wellness centre’s fitness centre, saunas, steam rooms and kid-friendly spa treatments.

Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 187 – USD 431
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: Centra Federal Chetumal, Puerto Juarez Km. 266.3, Puerto Aventuras, Mexico

Hotel Location

Experience a Memorable Family Holiday in Riviera Maya Kid Friendly Resorts

Families all over the world flock to Riviera Maya’s gorgeous Caribbean coastline for beautiful beaches, cultural attractions and exciting outdoor recreation. Offering a convenient all-in-one vacation experience, these top all-inclusive Riviera Maya kid friendly resorts cater to families with outdoor pools, water sports, daytime activities and kids’ clubs.

Which Riviera Maya kid friendly resort would you want to visit? Let us know in the comments below.

About the author

Charity De Souza Born and raised in Orlando, Florida, I have been travelling with my battered backpack full-time for over a decade. My favourite travel memories include skydiving in Switzerland, wine tasting in Portugal, road tripping through Iceland, snorkelling in Indonesia and watching a sunset in the Sahara Desert.

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