fun things to do with kids in mexico - family travel   Travel for Kids
   
     
   

Mexico

Mexico is a multi-layered country where Olmec, Mayan, Toltec, Aztec and Spanish history have created a unique culture. Traveling with kids in Mexico, there's lots of places to choose, from beaches of Baja California, to underground caves, mangrove swamps, Maya ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, and Aztec ruins in modern Mexico City.
  Mexico City
    Yucatan
 
Caribbean Coast
 
Chichen Itza
 
Merida
    Pacific Coast
 

Tip: On our blog, read about Dia de los Muertos celebrations, holiday foods, and childrens books:
"Day of the Dead"

family tours mexico

Mexico is rich in ancient ruins and fabulous wildlife, there's so many multi-sport and cultural activities. Snorkel in a cenote, learn secrets of Mexican cooking, explore Maya ruins, this tour company will arrange an unforgettable trip.

    Quivertree Family Adventures
kids books mexico
     
dia de los muertos  
Dia del Los Muertos
Roseanne Greenfield Thong, Carles Ballesteros

On Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), it’s time go to the cemetery to celebrate lives of departed family and friends. Bring candles and favorite foods such as pan de muerto and chocolate atole drink, spread a path of marigold petals, join a parade of skeletons, dancers and musicians come out to play. In English and Spanish. (Picture book)

 

     
Just a Minute
Yuyi Morales

When Senor Calavera comes to call on Grandma, she's only too happy to go with him, but she has one house to sweep, two pots of tea to boil, three pounds of corn to make into tortillas… An irresistible tale, fabulously illustrated. (Picture book)

 

 
Just a Minute kids day of the dead mexico
     
day of the dead bob barner  

Charming introduction to Day of the Dead, in Spanish and English. Two children prepare for the holiday, and then under the moon glowing bright, they dance and sing. Beautiful paper collage illustrations. (Picture book, Board book)

More books on our blog post:
"Day of the Dead"

 

     
Child of the Flower-Song People
Gloria Amescua, Duncan Tonatiuh

Luz Jimenez, a descendant of the Aztec flower-song people, became a model for Mexico's famous artists in the early 20th century. She found a way to preserve the language, culture and traditions of the Nahua, a living link to the "soul of Mexico."(Picture book)

 

 
child of the flower song people
     
i am frida kahlo  
I am Frida Kahlo
Brad Meltzer

Story of Frida Kahlo, one of Mexico's best-loved artists, who took her tears and painted miracles. She grew up in Mexico City, and painted in the "Blue House." For Frida, imagination was everything. (Picture book)

Also, chapter book: Who Was Frida Kahlo?

 

     

Diego Rivera painted what he saw, people on Day of the Dead, dances and traditions, workers in production line, battles against the Spanish, ancient city of Tenochitlan, Aztec warriors, murals that tell the story of Mexico. (Picture book)

 

 
diego rivera his world and our
     
where is chichen itza  
Where is Chichen Itza?
Paula K. Manzanero

Illustrated history of Chichen Itza, great city of the ancient Maya, life and culture, religion, astronomy, uncovering the ruins, and latest discoveries inner structure inside El Castillo and sacred well underneath the pyramid. (Chapter book)

 

     
The Ancient Maya
Jackie Maloy

Get to know the ancient Maya, their cities, temples (including Il Castillo) and palaces in the rainforest, society, arts and religion, plus fun facts about the ancient Maya – flat foreheads and large noses were considered beautiful, wealthy Maya wore jaguar skins, jade was highly prized. (Picture book)

 

 
The Ancient Maya
     
feathered serpent and the five suns  

Retelling of a Mexican creation myth, Feathered Serpent (Quetzalcoatl, god of knowledge) goes on a quest to the underworld to recover sacred bones, and create humans. (Picture book)

And another myth, The Princess and the Warrior, how two great mountains were formed.

 

     

Choose three different paths for life in the Aztec empire – as a healer in the city, Eagle or Jaguar warrior, or travel with the Spanish conqueror Hernan Cortes. (Illustrated chapter book)

Also, good overview and introduction to the ancient Aztecs: The Aztec Empire

 

 
aztec empire
     
Off We Go to Mexico  
Off We Go to Mexico!
Laurie Krebs, Christopher Corr

A delightful introduction to Mexico in rhymes and pictures – hop aboard a canyon train, climb the pyramids, celebrate festivals, dance to mariachi bands, explore the capital city, swim in turquoise waters, plus simple Spanish words. Two page, colorful illustrations, and perfect for younger kids. (Picture book)

 

     
Living in ... Mexico
Chloe Perkins, Tom Woolley

Spend the day with Rosa, meet her family, eat breakfast (eggs, beans, tortillas), go to school, find out about Mexico's history (Olmec, Maya, Aztec, Spanish), natural wonders, holidays, enjoy typical Mexican meals and snacks. (Easy reader)

 

 
living in mexico
     
mexico our world  
Mexico (Our World)
Cynthia Harmony, Claudia Navarro

Spend the day in Mexico. Buenos Dias! Breakfast is yummy – scrambled eggs rojo, blanco y verde (red, white and green). Hop on a metrobus, play with amigos (friends) at escuela (school), explore Mexico City. Pan dulce con leche (sweet bread with milk) is a tasty sweet. At end of the day, get ready for bed, dulces suenos (sweet dreams). Buenas noches, bebe! (Board book)

 

TfK Blog
TfK Blog