6 Things to Avoid in Playa del Carmen with Kids
Unpopular opinion alert! Most parents won't want to hear this: Playa del Carmen with kids is not super fun. Everyone imagines from photos that this place is a tropical bubble of Mexican culture perfect for families, but the reality is - it is not what it used to be.
Once upon a time it had those old school Tijuana vibes - hawkers and colorful vendors, authentic experiences (including food poisoning!) and gritty but cool vibes.
Now - Playa del Carmen may as well be a gringo port - full of malls including H&M and all your favorite stores, overpriced restaurants aiming for the stars (Michelin, that is) and a whole lot of drunks getting fed tequila shots by their waitresses in a conga line.
Playa del Carmen may be a good launching off point for some families, or nice for those who like to shelter into an all-inclusive resort, but if you are planning your Cancun Itinerary with kids in mind I have some first-hand advice for you.
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Don't Stay Too Long
In my opinion, Playa del Carmen is no different than Bourbon Street in New Orleans or the main drag down in Key West. It's crowded, full of disrespectful visitors and drunks, and often smells like vomit.
You'll walk past piles of vomit (or people actually vomiting) and drunkards peeing on walls. If anyone tells you differently, then they haven't seen the Playa del Carmen that I've seen.
Don't get me wrong - Playa del Carmen has its place. It's good for an overnighter before a plane home the next day from Cancun's airport. Or, it's good for a quick stop for lunch and a long stroll down the avenue. But a whole vacation there? With kids?
Think twice.
Check Tripadvisor's recommendations for the best family hotels in Playa del Carmen, or consider booking your favorite Hilton or Marriott property on points. We stayed at The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton on our last trip and felt safe and 'at home' with our favorite hotel brand.
Don't Buy Souvenirs Off Street Vendors
You will be price gouged, and they don't haggle anymore like they used to. Your best bet with kids is to take them to the massive souvenir emporiums.
These places are actually pretty fun to browse, and there's dozens of them.
You can get great souvenirs like painted wooden maracas and the classic Mexican toys I grew up with, for as little as $1 or $2.
This is also a great place to pick up kitschy gifts, tshirts, etc.
Don't Buy Tours from Street Sellers - You Can Do It On Your Own!
Take the ferry from Cancun over to Cozumel, or rent a car and head out on your own. (Advice on renting a car in Mexico here).
There are great nearby options for off-the-beaten path fun in Cancun with kids, or further into the Yucatan Peninsula.
You'll get a fuller, more authentic Mexican experience, and one that your children will love.
Here's some advice to get you started:
For the more conservative traveler, try a Go City Cancun pass for all-inclusive fun with kids in Mexico. These passes are a one price for everything admission ticket into all the activities you may be looking for in your Mexican vacation.
Don't Expect to Swim at the Beach
Unless you like crowds and drinkers, cigarette butts in the sand, etc - the main beach in town is best for strolling toes in sand - not for swimming.
For swimming, stick to your hotel or resort pool.
Skip the Street Level Dining - Go for Second Floor Views
Along the main strip of bars and restaurants look up for the best options with kids. You'll find serene second-floor patios overlooking the madness.
These restaurants are great for getting a birds eye view of the tourism happening below, including (a positive note) some street performers that often pass by.
My daughter got to see the monkey man, some parade people, bands and dancers, and we all had a great view from above.
It's a different experience for the family, and much less chaotic than street level!
We enjoyed excellent palapa-roof decor and vibrant seafood dishes at a restaurant called Tropical.
Avoid Getting a Massage on the Beach - I'm Talking To You, Mom
Moms - I know you want to relax, and I know that the hollers from beach vendors yelling "$20 for a beach massage!" sound amazing, but just don't do it.
I've done this many times over the years, and the sum all of my beach massage experiences were mixed. If you must relax while the kids play with Dad in the sand, consider a couple of things:
Look for an abuelita - get that grandma to do it, not the skeezy man offers. I had one or two very uncomfortable experiences with men on the beach. I'll leave it at that.
Have someone watch your belongings - you aren't sitting in a spa, you are exposed on a beach.
Note that if you do find yourself in a less than ideal situation when you are visiting Mexico, having protection in advance from trip insurance programs like EKTA or VisitorsCoverage is not a bad idea.
Depending on the plan they'll typically cover theft, medical needs, and even food poisoning costs. Something to have in your back pocket!
Playa del Carmen with Kids: Overall Opinion
I'm clearly not the world's biggest fan of Playa del Carmen, but it IS fun for a night with kids. Keep the itinerary simple - go for a walk down the pedestrian lanes, stay in well lit areas, do some shopping and get a vibrant meal on a roof terrace somewhere.
It's not particularly unsafe, so much as just unpleasant with kids.
Take my advice and spend just one night and move on.
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