If you’re serious about getting to know Mexico City then you can’t miss out on visiting one of the very best parks in Mexico City: Bosque de Chapultepec. This ancient and enormous park not only serves as the lungs of Mexico City, it also offers locals and visitors alike huge amounts of pleasure as they take time to enjoy it. From museums and restaurants to boating and play spaces, you could spend an entire week hanging out in this park and never get bored.

In this article we’ll examine a little of the history of Parque de Chapultepec, discuss if Chapultepec is safe and then look closely at everything there is to do in the park:

📌 Museums

📌 Cultural activities

📌 Playgrounds and more for the kids – if you’re wondering what to do with kids in Mexico City, exploring this park is right at the top of the list.

📌 Lakes and more

“Bosque”, by the way means “Forest”. You’ll see this park referred to as “La Bosque de Chapultepec”, “La Parque de Chapultepec” and even just “Chapultepec.

Over the past six years I’ve taken the time to get to know the incredible Chapultepec Park. I’ve explored with intention, pouring over maps and reading articles as well as asking Uber drivers to drop me at various weird points so I could see what’s what. I’m so excited to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for this gorgeous park with you so that you, too can have an incredible time in Mexico’s best urban park.

_{There are affiliate links in this article. If you click and make a purchase I could make a small sum at zero cost to you. Thank you!}

Where is Bosque de Chapultepec?

🧭 Bosque de Chapultepec (Chapultepec Forest) is located in the west of Mexico City, near to popular areas including Roma Norte, La Condesa and Polanco. It is also the start of the incredible and beautiful Paseo de la Reforma, the avenue that runs from the park through the city to Alameda Central and beyond.

🧭 While bosque actually translates as ‘forest’, this really is, for the most part, an enormous city park. Chapultepec is one of the largest city parks in the world and is the second largest park in Latin America.

❗️ If you’re wondering if Chapultepec is bigger than Central Park then you may be surprised to know that it’s actually just over twice the size of Central Park!

Around 15 million people visit the park each year.

History of Bosque de Chapultepec

📌 Chapultepec translates from Nahuatl as “at the grasshopper hill”, a name which came to the Aztecs from the Toltecs, the people who lived in the region before the Aztecs. There are even remains of a Toltec altar in the park. 

📌 Chapultepec was an important location during the Aztec period when it was seen as a sacred place and used as a repository for the remains of rulers. Later it became a retreat for the Aztec rulers. The Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan took its water from the springs in the area, something that continued for years after the Spanish invasion. In the fifteenth century Aztec ruler, Emperor Montezuma Xocoyotzin, built a palace and altar in the area, on the hill in the park.  

➡️ Did you know that nearby Cholula in Puebla State is not only the oldest city in Mexico but it’s also home to the biggest pyramid in the world?

📌 This hill, named Chapultepec Hill, saw one of the last battles between the Spanish and the Aztec Empire in 1521. When the Spanish defeated the Aztecs, a Franciscan hermitage was then built over the Aztec altar (yawn, yet another example of Europeans behaving appallingly – see also Izamal and Mérida for examples of European Christians thinking they could construct their buildings over Indigenous religious sites).

📌 Eventually the hermitage was demolished and Chapultepec Castle, the building we know today, was built in 1785. In 1821 the castle became the official residence of the Mexican head of state and remained so until 1940 when Los Pinos was built and the castle was converted into a landmark museum. 

📌 While researching for this article I learned that the park was not always the wonderful place that fills me with so much joy. Like so many other urban areas around the world, it has undergone serious regeneration efforts to clean it up and restore its beauty. 

Find somewhere to stay near Chapultepec

Most recently we stayed in Polanco at Residence L’Heritage Royal Colonial, which technically has only three stars but felt more like a 4/5 star hotel given the quality of breakfast, the availability of free snacks all day long and the size and quality of the rooms (we had an enormous double suite for $100 a night for four people).

For utter ease of visiting the park, I recommend staying in Condesa, Polanca, Roma Norte or around Reforma. These, of course, are some of the most upmarket areas of Mexico City, where many luxurious hotels are to be found.

Check Hotel Possibilities near Chapultepec Park now

Is Chapultepec Park Safe?

✅ Yes. I’ll start here with an emphatic yes. I have never once felt unsafe in Chapultepec. I’ve been with my family, with just my kids and alone and I’ve never once felt unsafe in this magnificent park. The areas of Chapultepec that you’re likely to ever explore are bordered by some of Mexico City’s most upmarket and safe areas.

My family and I once decided it would be fun to explore the very north of the park, Lomas de Chapultepec Seccion IV. While we were never scared, we definitely didn’t have enough water, which wasn’t smart of us.

❌ I wouldn’t recommend walking through any park, anywhere in the world, after dark particularly if you’re alone.

Reminiscent of New York’s Central Park, there are roads through the park so beware when crossing. 

What To Do In Chapultepec

Officially the huge park is divided into three distinct sections but I prefer here to use activity headers instead. I can because it’s my blog and I want to.

Chapultepec Opening Hours

Section 1: Tues – Sun (closed Monday) 6 am – 5 pm

Section 2: 24 / 7

Note: here are public toilets throughout the park. They generally cost 5 pesos per person.

Pets: Not permitted in section 1. Permitted in most of section 2.

Let’s look now at the very best things to do in Chapultepec. I hope you have at least one whole day to dedicate to this park, if not two, three or even a week! That’s how excellent I believe this park to be. 

⭐️ Mexico City is firmly on my list of the best family friendly spring break vacation options for Mexico ⭐️

Museums in Bosque de Chapultepec

I’ve read, but can’t confirm, that Mexico City has more museums than almost any other city in the world. It wouldn’t surprise me at all, I’ve been visiting multiple times a year for six years and am still finding new museums to check out on every visit. Chapultepec is home to nine museums of its very own: 

⭐️ Museo Nacional de Historia (National History Museum)

➡️ This museum is housed in the incredible Castillo de Chapultepec high up on the hill at the centre of section one. It is worth visiting for so many reasons; the views over Reforma to the Angel de Independencía being my favourite reason.

➡️ The castillo was built by the Viceroy of New Spain as a summer house. It was later the official residence of Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico (1864 – 67). In 1882, it was declared as the official residence of the president and remained so until 1939 when President Lazaro Cardenas chose to live in Los Pinos and, in 1939, turned the castle into a museum.

➡️ I absolutely adored the murals housed here and could have spent all day gazing lovingly at them. The first section of the museum is really more of an art gallery, explaining Mexican history through murals and paintings. It requires, nay demands your attention.

➡️ Having been dragged around more stately homes than you can ever imagine as a child, the Alcazár (the second section of the museum), is less to my taste since it’s the palace of the last Emperor, Maximiliano and his wife, Carlota. The upper floor here though is astounding as it’s an outdoor garden on the roof and the views from both floors over the city are some of the most impressive you’ll ever see. I stood for far longer than anyone might think is normal just gawping, taking it all in and being utterly grateful for the opportunity and privilege of visiting. 

Tips: go early before the crowds. When you buy your entry ticket also grab a locker token as no food or drink can be taken inside the castle and bags are checked. I was super happy to have a locker as my bag was heavy and it meant I could leave everything not valuable at the bottom of the hill in the guarded lockers and then walk up relatively unencumbered. Oh yes, the castillo is at the top of a hill. 

⭐️ Museo Nacional de Antropología (National Museum of Anthropology)

This, for many, is THE museum of Mexico. I’ve been three times in fifteen years and yes, it’s astounding. It was also the first Mexican museum (founded in 1825). It is a huge museum that can be pretty overwhelming as it is home to collections from across Mexico’s history and geographic locations. Be sure to leave at least half a day to explore this giant of a museum. 

⭐️ Museo de Arte Moderno (Museum of Modern Art)

I visited here as an afterthought, to be honest. I was walking by, had some time to spare and was intrigued by the sculptures I saw in the garden. It was a pleasant place to spend an hour but some rooms were closed so I saw less than I might have. Apparently, it contains one of the largest collections of Mexican modern art. Head here if you’re interested in learning more about modern Mexican artists. 

⭐️ Museo de Historia Natural  

A good one with the kids, we visited here partly because it’s where you buy tickets for the Carcamo de Dolores (they come as a pair) but we really had a great time exploring the nine exhibition halls, learning about the natural history of our planet and of Mexico. It’s a very hands on museum that kids love.

⭐️ Carcamo de Dolores 

➡️ We stumbled across the Carcamo by mistake and from that moment on I (weirdly, I admit) thought of very little else. We found it just before closing time when tickets were only available online so we weren’t allowed in and this gnawed at me until I finally got to visit. You see, I’m a little obsessed with Mexican murals and with those of Diego Rivera in particular and he is the muralist who decorated this place. I love the detail in his work, the barely suppressed rage, the commentary he provides and so knowing  there was a mural I had been so close to but hadn’t seen was really pissing me off! This work is an homage to the workers, engineers and architects involved in the construction of the Carcamo. This is also the only subaquatic mural in the world (what you see is not underwater, panic not!)

➡️ The Carcamo de Dolores is a hydraulic structure,  so quite frankly, it’s ridiculous that I wanted to see it so much. I barely even understand what or why is it but if there’s mural on something then I need to see it. The mural, by the way, is called “Agua, el origin de la vida”, and the building was constructed to commemorate the Lerma System, which supplies water to the city. In the early days, water was supplied from Xochimilco. Outside the Carcamo is a sculpture, also by Diego of Tlaloc, the Aztec god of rain (above). It’s huge and magnificent and when viewed from inside joins with the murals just wonderfully. 

Did you know that the famous Día de los Muertos Calavera Catrina began life as satirical commentary on the upper classes in Mexico in an etching by Jose Guadalupe Posada? She became a popular Día de Muertos symbol and was also painted into Rivera’s murals.

⭐️ Museo Rufino Tamayo

This is the only museum in Chapultepec that I haven’t visited. It’s a contemporary art museum not far from the Anthropology Museum. 

⭐️ Museo del Caracol

Right next to the Castillo, is this small museum that is home to twelve rooms outlining the history of Mexico in a series of well made dioramas. The building is spiral shaped, which is nice as it means no stairs until you leave. 

⭐️ Casa del Lago

As far as I can tell this is a cultural centre that often has great exhibitions of social commentary. I saw a wonderful selection of posters from International Women’s Days throughout history. 

⭐️ Papalote, Museo del Niño

➡️ This is one of the best kids’ museums I’ve ever visited. Mexico City has so much to offer children that it’s almost kid heaven. My kids have adored it forever and it has so much in it that it grows with the children. We first went when they were three and five and have been multiple times since then. They loved it every bit as much as the first time they went.

➡️ It’s incredibly hands-on, everything is aimed at the children and learning through play. There is both an I-max, an educational cinema – the price of these can be added on to your entry ticket. Staff often speak English and will rush to help non-Spanish speaking kids as everything is in Spanish (I know this because they’d rush to help mine and then invariably be surprised at the quick language change).

Other Cultural Activities in Bosque de Chapultepec

⭐️ Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens)

Once we discovered the Botanical Gardens we never had a day in the park without at least a quick stop here. This magical place is home to hundreds of Mexican plants, from cacti and succulents to orchids and lavender. It’s such a wonder to explore. It’s also a welcoming space and although there are guided tours offered, the joy comes in wandering aimlessly through the area. Clamber over the drum paths, climb a tree, sit and contemplate, have a swing, it’s all possible in these wonderful gardens. There are also often special sessions for kids (which my kids always hoped for when we showed up).

Open Tues – Sun 9 am – 3 pm.

⭐️ Audiorama 

Oh the audiorama, what a place. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. Hidden away behind the Fuente de la Templanza you could go forever without even knowing this gorgeous spot, just perfect for a doze or a contemplative moment, exists. Before heading in be sure to allow a moment to be awed by Ahuehuete “El Sargento”, apparently the last remaining Ahuehuete (Montezuma cyprus) tree in the park. Then head to the left of the memorial to squadron 201 and find yourself in a truly astounding spot. 

Before the Spanish arrived, this was the Cincalco cavern that led to the Mictlán, a place considered to be a portal between the worlds of the living and the dead by the Mexicas. They also believed that Tláloc, the god of water, lived here. Today, this is a place that makes you feel as if you’re deep in a jungle rather than sitting in an enormous urban park in one of the world’s biggest cities. There is always music playing in the background here. When we were there last it was a jazz day so we sat on a bench and enjoyed the experience. I believe you can also ask to borrow a book but I don’t know how this works. 

⭐️ Museo de Sitio 

Really this is a visitors’ centre where you can pick up info about the park, its history, biodiversity and importance to the city.

⭐️ Zoológico de Chapultepec

The zoo is free, huge and on a zoo scale, really not too horrendous. We’ve been a few times and have always talked with our kids about the realities of zoos and keeping animals in captivity. There are even giant pandas, which was a first for us. It’s open 9 am – 4. 30 pm but last time we visited early we realised that many animals are not awake at 9 am! Go a little later if you want to see everything. It’s organised into regions and there’s a clear path you’re expected to follow.

⭐️ La Feria de Chapultepec Magico

Unfortunately, at this point, the amusement park remains closed. 

Lakes, Sculptures, Monuments and Exploring

As you might expect from a city like CDMX, the park is full, overflowing, with sculptures and monuments. There are over one hundred, apparently. From the Altar a la Patria near the base of the castle, to the Fuente Xochipilli, there are so many magnificent ones to check out. The Museo Jardín del Agua may be closed but the area around it remains fascinating. 

⭐️ Lakes

The artificial lakes were built in the time of Porfirio Díaz and all are concrete. Both the first and second sections have two lakes. In the first section you can hire pedalos (pedal boats) on both sides of the bigger lake – called el Lago de Chapultepec (my advice is to head to the quieter side, near the Casa del Lago, the lines are shorter here).

At the far end of this  large lake is a bookshop, Librería Porrua, that also has a coffee shop. Opposite, there’s a Starbucks. In the second section, Lago Mayor is also available for pedalo rental. This lake has three restaurants on its shore. Lago Menor has just one restaurant on its shore. You’ll see that the Lago Mayor here is a popular spot for a stroll or a picnic with locals.

⭐️ Jardin de Adultos Mayores (Senior Citizen Garden)

Yeah, a part of the park we couldn’t enter, sigh- there are thirty-two sculptures here, a library, a work shop, spaces for workshop classes, a lake, library and so much more. And did I mention I wasn’t allowed in?

⭐️ Getting Fit 

There is all the usual free gym equipment available as well as bike spaces, a skate park, lots of space to walk/hike without getting lost as we did. Even within sections one and two there is plenty to do and see to keep you busy for days. We decided one day to explore the far north of the park where it turns out it really is mainly forest. We weren’t lost lost when we were up there and I was only briefly nervous about never finding our way out (when we came across a ravine). The kids did not enjoy that day.

You can also rent bikes from section one (la casa de la bici) or take in your own bikes. 

Fun for Kids in Bosque de Chapultepec

➡️ It’s the most wonderful park in the world. If your kids are anything like mine you’ll never be able to leave. There are fabulous playgrounds, a tirolesa (zipline), house of mirrors, a carousel, trees to climb and hug, street stalls to gawp at and parents to beg for toys and candies. There are streams to cross, workshops to join, pedalos to pedal, hills to roll down and so, so much more. Be prepared for the kids to want to buy tourist/kid tat, we usually let our kids get something small or a t-shirt because in the main areas it’s so very hard to avoid the sellers. We also do buy waters and snacks as we walk around.

➡️ List of playgrounds: 

• Constituentes (not on google maps but next to the skate park and in front of the Natural History Museum)
• Parque la Tapatía
• Nidos Colgantes
• By both zonas de comidas are play spaces
• Parque Hormigas
• Tamayo

Guadalajara is another city that’s really great for kids. 

➡️ The tirolesa (zipline) is actually two short aerial walk-ways, one for older kids and one for younger. It’s short enough and cheap enough that my kids often have two or three turns each (while we relax with plates of fruit beneath them. Yes. We’re smart parents), the staff take safety seriously and harnesses and helmets are required.

➡️ The Casa de Espejos (House of Mirrors) and Crystal Maze are fun for kids (once in my opinion, multiple times in that of my kids). These activities are all well priced so as to allow as many people access as possible. There is also a carousel, which my kids still love to ride. These activities are in one location near to the “zona de comida” and the Fuente de las Ranas. There’s a playground here too. We generally spend a few happy hours here with the kids running around having all the fun.

➡️ You can eat at any one of the food stands as they all sell pretty much identical options. It’s cheap, cheerful and absolutely kid friendly. 

⭐️ Packing for CDMX isn’t like packing for Cancun, check out our helpful packing list for Mexico with kids to figure out what to bring with you

Eating in Bosque de Chapultepec

➡️ As noted, there are two main zonas de comida, these sell street food primarily and are both in section one of the park. They’re decent and well priced. We always enjoy eating here.

➡️ There are a number of restaurants scattered around the park but we haven’t tried them as we enjoy street food too much.

➡️ At the kids’ museum there’s a food court that has pizzas and burgers and as you walk around there are affordable street snacks, fruit and drinks everywhere. This is the easiest park to be in with your kids but be warned, you’ll end up letting them eat candy floss /cotton candy / algodon de azucar. 

Final Note on Bosque Chapultepec

I hope I’ve persuaded you that you absolutely must waste no time in getting to Parque de Chapultepec, my favourite park in the world. If you do go, or have been, drop me a comment below to tell me what you love the most about the park. I’d be so very grateful if you could share this article on social media and if you really loved it, maybe even donate a small sum via the link below to help the adventures continue.

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