Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Mexico for a Safe Vacation

Many travelers often look to locations throughout the globe that offer incredible adventures, fascinating new experiences, and daring escapades. But when you're vacationing with a family, your parameters might change slightly and you no longer throw caution to the wind. Vacations become a bit more about safety.

Security and protection should always be a top concern anywhere you travel. When you head to Mexico, a popular vacation destination for many families renowned for its beautiful beaches, exciting excursions, and historical expeditions, safety is still something to consider. Some areas of Mexico are considered unsafe for tourists while many other areas are safe and family-friendly, and it's important to find out which places are the safest.

Like any country you travel to, it’s vital to be aware of your surroundings and take proper safety precautions on your trip. These top family-friendly destinations in Mexico for a safe vacation will be sure to leave you and your family with a lifetime of outstanding memories.

Playa del Carmen is often considered one of the safest places in Mexico for tourists to visit. It has a relatively low crime rate compared to other areas and is a common location even for solo travelers. Like many popular tourist areas, there are scams to be aware of, but these can be avoided if you use caution, especially when getting money from an ATM or renting a car. 

When you visit Playa del Carmen with your family, there are numerous things to do. As a popular beach town, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches to visit in Playa del Carmen. There are also plenty of places to shop as well as two malls in the area.

Although Cancun is known as a popular spring break destination, it’s also a great spot for families to visit. Since Cancún relies on tourism for much of its revenue, law enforcement is doing everything possible to keep this area safe.

While there is crime in Cancun, much of it is property-related rather than violent crime. Additionally, in recent years, the city has installed more security measures to prevent crime in the area. There are many family-friendly beaches in the area as well as attractions such as Ventura Park, a family-centered amusement park.

Calakmul is a great place for families to visit when you’re traveling to Mexico. This city is home to a Mayan archeological site and is the perfect place to explore some of the history of the Mayan civilization.

Local law enforcement has implemented additional security measures in Calakmul to ensure it’s a safe destination for visitors. Reports from 2023 have also shown that the majority of crime in the area is property crime, not violent crime.

Mérida is the capital city of Yucatán in Mexico. If you’re interested in learning about the culture of Mexico, Mérida is the perfect place to stop. Out of all the states in Mexico, Yucatán has the lowest travel advisory level according to the U.S. State Department.

Mérida is also a safe place to visit because the U.S. has partnered with officials in Mérida to reduce the amount of violent crime in the area. One of the activities for families visiting Mérida is the daily cultural activities and performances in the city.

San Francisco de Campeche is a city in Campeche, Mexico. According to the Department of State, the travel advisory for this area is the lowest possible level. Local law enforcement has installed security cameras to prevent criminal activity in popular areas of Campeche.

Traveling to San Francisco de Campeche with your family is considered safe, but it’s best to stay in populated areas, especially if you’re traveling at night.

Valladolid is a popular city to visit for those who want to experience the history of Mexico and specifically, the Yucatán. There are many things to do with kids in the area, such as the numerous caverns and caves, wildlife areas, landmarks, and amusement parks.

Valladolid is in Yucatán, which as a state has the lowest travel advisory in Mexico. When you visit this city, you may notice military personnel in the city, which is part of their efforts to keep the area safe for tourists.

Tulum is a popular tourist destination in Mexico located on the Caribbean Coast. This area is considered safe for tourists although you should use your best judgement and avoid traveling alone at night. There is crime in the area but the majority of the crime is not directed at tourists.

There are many family-friendly activities in Tulum, such as snorkeling, hiking, and visiting the Mayan temples. Like many of the popular vacation destinations in Mexico, there are also plenty of beautiful beaches and historical sites to explore there.

As a resort town in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta is a popular place for tourists and families to visit. Located in Jalisco, Mexico, there are many things to do in the area. Families can visit the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, take a trip to the Malecon Boardwalk, or experience the culture of the town at the Cuale River Island.

The crime rates in Puerto Vallarta are low, with most of the crimes related to property. It’s wise to exercise the same precautions in Puerto Vallarta as you would in any other area to avoid these types of crimes.