There’s nothing like a trip to Mexico to reset, reconnect, and, yes, even get some work done. As a travel advisor, I’m lucky to call research “part of the job,” but this time, I brought my favorite travel companions with me, our kids (and my husband for part of it), for a 2-week Mexico family vacation that was equal parts fun and fulfilling, and a solid reminder that “kids are kids no matter where you are”. IYKYK 😂
If you’re new here, I’m Dana, owner of DWD Travel & Destination Weddings. I’m a wife and mom of boy/girl twins, so naturally I don’t just plan luxury getaways or once-in-a-lifetime honeymoons, I help families craft vacations too! Whether it’s wrangling resort logistics, finding family-friendly adventures, or making sure everyone from toddlers to grandparents is happy, I handle the details so you can focus on making memories. This trip was not only a chance for me to travel with my own family, but also market research for you!
We stayed at 5 different family-friendly resorts along the Cancun/Riviera Maya Coast, soaked up the sunshine, drank all the virgin daiquiris, and made memories I’ll hold close forever (even the messy ones… especially the messy ones).
When Travel is the Job and the Joy on our Mexico Family Vacation
This trip was a blend of business and vacation. I visited resorts to keep up with the latest offerings, staff changes, and service levels. All things that help me better guide clients when they ask, “Where should we stay?” But having my family there with me made it all the more rewarding. Because while I was checking in on room categories and beach conditions, I was also getting firsthand feedback from the real VIPs: my kids.
And spoiler alert, they had a blast.
Tulum Ruins & Cenote Magic
Our trip started in Tulum, flying into the new airport there, so I could take the kiddos to the Mayan ruins. They learned about the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans in school, and knowing I could take them to real life ruins made me so giddy! So, our visit to the Tulum Mayan ruins was a mix of awe and adventure. Wandering through the cliffside ruins overlooking the ocean, it felt like walking through history with a view. The kids asked a million questions, which somehow made it even more memorable. After the ruins, we cooled off with a refreshing swim in a nearby cenote—one of those surreal, only-in-Mexico experiences. I was so proud of these kids from jumping right into the cenotes as well! The turquoise water, lush surroundings, and echoing giggles from our family made it a day we’ll never forget.
AquaNick Adventures
One of the biggest highlights for the kids (and let’s be honest—me too!) was our full day at AquaNick, the Nickelodeon-themed waterpark in the Riviera Maya. From splash zones to lazy rivers, and waterslides big enough to give even grown-ups a little adrenaline rush, it was nonstop fun. The park was clean, colorful, and surprisingly well-organized, with plenty of space to relax between thrills. The kids were obsessed with watching the slime zone and the massive slides, and we loved seeing them light up all day long. It was the kind of family fun that wears everyone out in the best way possible. Bonus—my partners at Lomas Travel hooked us up with an awesome ride for the drive there!
Master Chef Junior at Dreams Natura
One of the biggest wins of the trip was choosing Dreams Natura. I specifically wanted to visit this property because of the Master Chef Junior experience offered at the Explorer’s Club, and, let me tell you, it did not disappoint!
Our kids had been watching Master Chef Junior on TV and helping me cook HelloFresh meals at home, so this was right up their alley. Since Dreams Natura doesn’t allow parents inside the kids club, I didn’t get to see it firsthand, but the amazing staff took photos and videos for us. They made crepes with toppings of their choice (pickles included… don’t ask), and the confidence and joy they walked out with was unforgettable.
It was such a powerful reminder of why family travel matters—it empowers kids just as much as it brings everyone together.
What Our Other Days Looked Like
No two days were quite the same. Some were spent touring the resort we were staying at, gathering insight for my destination wedding and family travel clients. Others were all about the pool, beach walks, and lounging in the shade while the kids played. The kids also loved visiting the kids clubs at each and every resort, and making new friends along the way. We discovered new food, learned what amenities actually work well for families, and recharged in a way only Mexico allows.
Sure, it had its wild moments (traveling with kids always does), but this trip was joyful, meaningful, and so worth it.
Why I Love Mexico for Family Vacations
Mexico just makes sense for families. The flight is easy from most U.S. cities, the all-inclusive resorts simplify everything (no stressing over meals or activity planning), and the people? Some of the warmest and kindest you’ll ever meet. From the kids club staff to the restaurant servers who took time to joke with our little ones, we felt welcomed at every step.
It’s this mix of accessibility, affordability, and true hospitality that makes Mexico my top pick for family getaways.
Thinking of Your Own Mexico Family Vacation?
If you’ve been dreaming of a sun-soaked escape that blends fun for the kids with actual rest for the grown-ups, Mexico should be at the top of your list. And if you’re unsure where to start, what resort fits your needs, or how to handle all the moving parts—I’m here to help.
Let me take the stress out of planning, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
Ready to plan your Mexico family vacation?
Let’s find the perfect resort, activities your kids will love, and make your next getaway as easy (and fun!) as it should be. Schedule a planning call, and let’s plan together!
