50+ Awesome Things to Do in Merida with Kids (2024)

Published by Cassie on

brightly lit fun fair in the dark

Whether you live in Merida and are looking around for new things to do with your kids or whether you’re visiting and are searching out the best things to do in Merida, Mexico, this fully up-to-date 2024 guide is about to become your very best friend.

In this guide, you’ll find recommendations for kid-friendly fun in Mérida based on my personal experiences of living in Mérida with my kids over a six-year period. In 2023 I worked with a brilliant young teacher who has her finger firmly on the pulse of life in Mérida to update the article and ensure I’m able to offer you the most up-to-date information on all the best things to do in Mérida for kids.

Let us take you by the hand and walk you through the multitude of great options for families in Mérida, Mexico.

✅ Cultural activities in Mérida for kids

✅ Where to find parks and playgrounds in Merida

✅ Nature spaces in Mérida

✅ Zoo parks in Mérida

✅ Mall activities for kids

✅ Family-friendly day trips (inc ruins, haciendas, cenotes, beaches and more)

✅ Eating with kids in Mérida

✅ FAQs

 ¡Buen viaje! and I hope you enjoy yourself in the city my kids still consider home. 

adult and two kids on bikes in front of colourful Mérida letters

Please note that there may be affiliate links in this article. Should you click and make a purchase I may, at no extra cost to you, make a small sum. Thank you for helping me keep my blog going.

Of course, if you’re travelling further afield, my book, Yucatán with Kids, A Travel Guide, is available on Amazon to help with all your Yucatán family travel needs.

Things to do in Merida, Mexico: Culture for Kids

Museums in Mérida

Mérida is not short of museums or art galleries, but which are the very best for kids? Which welcome kids and have displays aimed at our youngest family members? Read on to find out which are the best museums for kids.

Note that all museums are closed at least one day a week. All prices quoted in this article are in Mexican pesos.

El Gran Museo del Mundo Maya

📌 This museum provides a modern, dynamic and interactive way of learning about the roots and history of the Yucatan peninsula. Kids will love their interactive floors, where they can walk over and through exhibitions. The museum takes visitors on a journey through Maya history from the earliest days through the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors and up to today’s vibrant Maya life. There are regular sessions aimed specifically at children at the museum and this museum tops all lists of things to do in Merida, Mexico every time.

➡️ Address: Calle 60 Norte No. 299 E, Unidad Revolución Cordemex

Open: 9 am – 5 pm (daily except Tuesday)

Price: Foreign adults $150, National adult $100, Children 4 – 13 $25, Yucatecan residents with valid ID $50

Palacio de la Música

📌 The Music Palace, as its name implies, is an amazing, and fairly new museum in a gorgeous purpose-built building in the heart of Merida, where everyone in the family can learn about music using all their senses. Not only will you learn about the history of music in México, but this museum is highly interactive so I guarantee the kids will love it. You even will be able to record your own music!

➡️ Address: Calle 58, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro

Open: Wednesday – Sunday 10 am – 4 pm

Price: Foreign adult $200, Mexican adult $100, Yucatecan resident $50. Children $25 – $50.

record covers on a wall display

Museo de la Gastronomía Yucateca 

📌 This is the ideal place to immerse your family in real Yucatecan cuisine. Housed in an authentic Mexican hacienda, this restaurant/museum offers visitors the opportunity to learn about all the ingredients and methods that make up the delicious food of this region. In addition, you can watch traditional cooking processes and then try a delicious taco of authentic buried cochinita pibil with handmade tortillas!

➡️ Address: Calle 62 466 x 55-y 57, Parque Santa Lucia, Centro.

Open: daily 11 am – 11 pm

Museo de la Ciudad de Mérida (Mérida City Museum)

📌 At this small museum, you will fall in love with the diversity of la Ciudad Blanca, as Mérida is often called. Located in the former post office of the city, this museum has four exhibits that narrate the history of the growth of Mérida, from its Mayan roots, through the passage of colonization until the present day.

When you visit here be sure to get your children to find out why Yucatán is called Yucatán – it’s a tidbit everyone loves.

➡️ Address: Calle 56 529A, Centro

Open: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm. Saturday – Sunday 9 am – 2 pm

Cost: Free

Museo Regional de Antropología

📌 This museum is located in a beautiful early twentieth-century house right at the heart of Paseo de Montejo. Here your kids will see an amazing collection of authentic Maya artifacts.

➡️ Address: Paseo de Montejo

Open: Tuesday – Sunday 10 am – 5 pm 

Cost: General admission $85 Children under 12 free admission

Insiders Tip: Free admission for everyone on Sundays 

palacio cantón - grand 2 storey building with palm tree outside

El Palacio de Gobierno

📌 The Government Palace, like most in Mexico, houses a permanent exhibition of Mexican history.  It contains over twenty-five murals by the famous Yucatecan artist Fernando Castro Pacheco. This palace has beautiful open spaces where kids can wander around and learn about some of the most important events in Yucatecan history. Be warned that the murals don’t deal with gentle subjects, because of course, history that involves invasion and colonisers is rarely gentle.

 ➡️ Address: Right in front of the plaza grande, on calle 60 x calle 61 y 59, in Centro.

Open: Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm

Cost: Free admission (one of the very many incredible free activities in Mérida)

⭐️ Mérida makes it into my list of best places in Mexico for a family spring break vacation ⭐️

Museo Paranormal

📌 For the older kids, the Paranormal Museum is sure to be a winner. While the information is all in Spanish, the displays are fairly self-explanatory and a guided tour is available in both English and Spanish. Learn all about the scary goings on in Mexico here!

➡️ Address: Calle 63ᴮ 230 x8 y 10, C. 63ᴮ 228, Cortés Sarmiento

Open: Daily but check Google Maps as hours vary

Cost: Check their Facebook site

Free Cultural Activities for the Whole Family

Who doesn’t love finding free things to do in Mérida, Mexico? The Ayuntamiento (local government) is very good at providing free cultural activities for visitors. Here are the most popular for kids.

Pok Ta Pok

📌 Pok Ta Pok is the ball game that the ancient Maya played to thank the gods for a good harvest and ask for their protection. The name of the game comes from the curious sound that the ball produced against the floors and walls of the courts, or when the players hit it with their forearms or with their hips, depending on the type of game.

➡️ You can watch an exact representation of this game every Saturday at 8 pm right at the Atrium of the Cathedral of San Ildefonso on the Plaza Grande.

Video Mapping

📌 The whole family will be amazed by the beautiful video mapping shows that narrate the history and origins of the Mérida (the nearby cities of Valladolid and Campeche also have wonderful video mapping activities).

➡️ Piedras Sagradas, Friday nights at 8 pm outside the Cathedral of San Ildefonso, on the Plaza Grande. Dialogos con el Conquistador, Wednesday 8 pm Casa Montejo. Both free admission.

very old building. video mapped colours on it

Noche Mexicana

📌 Every Saturday night at the Remate de Paseo Montejo is the opportunity to experience Mexican culture through a free show of Mexican folklore with music, costumes, and regional dances with guests from all over Mexico.

Biciruta

📌 This is by far one of the most popular activities with Yucatecan families. Every Sunday morning, from the top of Paseo Montejo through to Plaza La Ermita (along a specific route), the roads are closed to cars and instead are open to bikers, skateboarders, rollerblades and walkers who want to explore the city and enjoy the views without fear of traffic. All along Paseo Montejo you’ll see families out for brunch and as you get to the Plaza Grande be sure to stop to enjoy a bite or a browse at the market there (see below, Merida en Domingo).

➡️ Bring your own wheels or rent a bike from one of the many stands along the road. Biciruta runs from 8 am to midday every Sunday (there are also monthly Bicirutas by night – these are extremely crowded).

❓ Are you wondering whether to visit Mérida or Valladolid on your trip around Yucatán?

Cassie on a bike on an empty cobbled street. Colourful buildings on either side

Mérida en Domingo 

📌 For several years now, this Sunday flea market turns Plaza Grande and Calle 60 into a pedestrian party that can not be missed. Cultural and musical shows are held on the main square, on Calle 60 from the Plaza to Parque Santa Lucía. In addition, you will be able to see and acquire pieces of art and consume the typical Yucatecan snacks. This is an excellent option for a Sunday walk even if you don’t have a bike.

🍦 Do not forget to buy plenty of ice cream for the kids! Don’t miss Pola or Colón as your starting points but do explore all the excellent options. 🍦

Guided tours of Mérida

📌 Mérida’s historic centre is the second largest in Mexico and its streets are ideal for walking. Mérida City Council provides a free walking tour (each tour takes about ninety minutes) daily Monday to Saturday at 9.30 am and 5 pm around the historic city center.

Local Tip: make sure you are prompt and show up at the tourist information office on the Plaza Grande at least fifteen minutes early, since each tour takes just twenty-five people.

Exploring Mérida’s Markets

In Merida, you will find many markets that will help you live the entire Yucatecan experience.

🛍 Mercado Lucas de Gálvez (Calle 56-A x65 y67) is considered by locals to be the largest and most varied market, as well as being one of the oldest in the city.

Look out for fresh coconut, local candies and explore the incredible selection of fresh fruit and vegetables. Definitely try local foods and chat with vendors if you have questions. Don’t forget to head upstairs to the newly renovated in late 2023 artisan market.

Veg stand in Merida's market

🛍 Mercado de San Benito, next door to Lucas de Gálvez.

🛍 Mercado Santa Ana, here you can have a delicious meal and a refreshing fruit juice while watching life on Plaza Santa Ana go by. There are a good number of souvenir stores around the market and Plaza Santa Ana regularly holds artisan markets for vendors from across Mexico.

🛍 Mercado Santiago is a very popular market among Yucatecans when it comes to eating. You will find a wide variety of traditional food, such as tortas, tacos, panuchos, salbutes, and more.

If you’re looking for tours and things to do in Merida, Mexico, there are many options for tours of the markets and food options available.

Things to do in Merida, Mexico: Other Cultural Events / Activities

Cemetenterio General

📌 This cemetery is a fascinating place to spend time. Merida’s cemetery is particularly interesting because it’s huge and very, very colorful. Be sure to check out the wide variety of tombs and graves, and especially the monuments to particular groups of workers. Kids will find this a fascinating place to explore, just remember to discuss respect for other people’s traditions before visiting.

If you’re in Merida around Hanal Pixan (Dia de Muertos) it is even more exciting to visit than normal.

➡️ Location: Calle 81A x 90, Centro

large colourful tree towering over colourful tombs

The English Library

📌 Merida’s English Library’s mission is to provide English-speaking people of all ages with access to English information and books. It’s a great place for visitors to meet other English-speaking people and see what is going on in the expat community in Merida. Every week, they hold different events for kids as well as cultural lectures. You can become a member or a volunteer. The library also sells copies of both my books, which makes them doubly excellent!

➡️ Location: C. 53 524 x 66-y 68, Barrio de Santiago

Parks and Playgrounds in Mérida

Mérida does have very good play areas, you just have to know where to find them. Note that not all are walking distance from centro.

⭐️ Including information about the brand new Parque La Plancha that opened in late November 2023 and Unidad Deportiva del Sur Henry Martín, that opened in early 2024

Traditional Playgrounds

If you’re in the centre of Merida, then the likelihood is that you won’t be far from a playground. Most plazas have some sort of play area, generally geared towards smaller kids.

Local Tip: Don’t be surprised if playgrounds are empty as you walk around during the day. Mérida is very hot for much of the year so families tend to come out to play later than you might expect; from 5 pm in winter months and from 7 pm in the summer.

colourful metal swing set, one green, one yellow, one blue

Parque San Juan – a large plaza with traditional play space.

Parque de Santiago this is a busy and beautiful square.

Parque de la Ermita de Santa Isabel my kids used to go to school on this plaza so we spent a lot of time in this tiny playground. In my opinion, this is one of the cutest and most picturesque plazas in Mérida. The playground here is really only for little kids.

Parque de San Sebastian always full of kids playing on the basketball courts. There’s a small playground here.

Plazas that are fun but don’t have playgrounds include:

Plaza Grande – watch out for pigeons and people! The flag is raised in a solemn ceremony every Monday morning

Santa Lucia – great for the big white chairs and the stage

Parque de la Mejorada – there’s even grass here, and bushes to hide in too!

🐾 What about the fur babies? Wondering where they’re welcome in Mérida? There are absolutely dog parks available.

Modern Playgrounds in Mérida

Merida playground

If you can move a little further from centro then the parks get more modern and the spaces bigger.

Paseo Verde – a long thin park in the west of Mérida. Good play spaces for all ages.

Parque Khalia – on the corner of Ave Camera de Comercio and Calle 22. This has a great play area surrounded by plenty of space for bikes and scooters. The play equipment is probably aimed at 8s and under.

Parque Tabentha – near Altabrisa mall.  A modern play space with shaded covering

Parque San Juanistas – a quiet plaza that comes alive with local families at dusk. A modern play space with a shaded cover.

Fraccionamiento del Parque (Chen Hó) – this grassy park has a decent playground but its draw is its ruined pyramids that anyone can play on and its skate ramp that smaller kids love to climb.

small maya pyramid surrounded by grass. two small children sitting on top

Parque Japonés this park sports the usual grassy area, a modern kids’ play area for smaller children and a basketball court. It also has two Tori gates, a race track-styled path that my kids loved, a Japanese garden with a waterfall (sadly, the garden underwater since the 2020 floods), and an area dedicated to bikes/skateboards/rollerblades/scooters.

Brand new parks in Mérida

Parque la Plancha

Officially opened by Mexican President AMLO and Yucatán’s Governor, Mauricio Vila in November 2023, this brand new park is set to change the landscape of Mérida’s green spaces. Not only does it tie in with the brand new Maya train route but it also has two museums, the Museo de la Luz and the Museo de Ferrocarril, a skate park (great for older kids), four playgrounds for kids, a restaurant area (Mercado Gastronómico), a lake and more.

Unidad Deportiva del Sur “Henry Martin”

A much needed addition to southern Mérida, just south of the airport is this modernised and renovated park. Here you’ll find (for free), an incredible place to take the kids.

There’s a regular playground, a huge splash pad (4 – 12 yr olds), an extreme sports area with giant slides, climbing walls, ziplines, extreme cycling, aerial walkways and more. There is a free batting cage, a soccer pictch and more.

Parque de Deportes Extremos (Extreme Sports Park)

Diversión Xtrema extreme sports park, has seventeen rides, all human-energy-powered (no electricity, no motors, no batteries, how wonderful). The park caters wonderfully for kids of all ages; only a few rides require you to be over 1.40m. There are ziplines, a climbing tower, assault courses, trampolines, slides, go-karts and more.

Note: Safety is, of course, an important point in a park like this; there are staff everywhere watching and helping.

Open every day from 1 pm except Monday.

Mérida’s Traditional Playground Highlights

Parque De Las Americas – this extremely popular park takes up four entire blocks although only one is a dedicated playground. In the evenings, from around 5 pm, things liven up considerably as bounce houses (bouncy castles) are inflated and electric cars arrive. Obviously, these activities aren’t free, but they’re also not going to break the bank either. Just outside the park, one street fills with delicious local street-food options.

Parque De La Alemán in the east of the city this is another wonderful place to take the kids at dusk. The park takes up an entire block and has a regular playground, a skate park, a grassy area, a small funfair, and a large area that is used for evening exercise classes, bike riding etc.

From around 5 pm, the electric cars arrive, the bounce house is inflated, art easels are set up for kids and the funfair starts up.

brightly lit fun fair in the dark

Nature Spaces in Mérida

While there is no shortage of outdoor fun in the state of Yucatan, the city Mérida, at first glance, won’t necessarily strike you as an outdoorsy, green, city. Sure, it’s a great base to explore cenotes, beaches and impressive archaeological Mayan ruins, but finding nature spaces in the city? Why, yes, yes you can. In fact, within this marvellous and sweaty city, you can, indeed, find places to enjoy nature and to romp outside. You just have to know where to look for those elusive green spaces in Mérida.

Parque Arque-Ecologico de Xoclán

🌳 Here you can explore a city forest, climb an unrestored pyramid and generally find the adventure bigger kids crave. What was once a field of enormous rocks is now partially submerged but I remain hopeful it will dry out once again.

child climbing an unrestored pyramid covered in trees

Parque Ecológico Del Poniente

🌳 For a truly lovely day exploring with the kids, head to Parque Poniente in Yucalpeten in the west of Mérida. Here you will really feel as if you’ve found a slice of nature in Mérida. From the little streams full of fish to the rocky areas for climbing, this could be exactly what you’ve been craving. In the park, you’ll find two play areas, one modern and one less so. There is a community swimming pool that’s open on summer weekends and plenty of opportunity to run, climb and play.

In 2020 this park flooded pretty badly and the consequences of this can still be seen as the streams are bigger than they were previously.

Parque Hundido de Brisas

🌳 This is the ideal place to take smaller kids who thrive on a bit of natural exploration. Here kids can climb the rocks, run and explore, watch iguanas, search for interesting bugs and play for hours on the huge slide (it’s concrete so we tend to slide down sitting on something like cardboard or a towel). There is a small playground next door but the real draw of this place is the rock climbing and exploring. Again, this flooded in 2020 and is still in the process of returning to ‘normal’.

Acquaparque

🌳 This is an ecological reserve on the edge of the city. On summer weekends the swimming pools are open. Get there early to enjoy a quiet swim / play as it fills up fast.

looking down over three round swimming pools linked together

Reserva de Cuxtal

🌳 This enormous nature reserve is south of the city and requires a car to get there. You enter the reserve through Hacienda Dzoyaxche. There are two swimming pools on-site that can be used for a small fee. There are many picnic benches and a small and pretty old playground. There isn’t a huge area available to roam around but it’s still plenty fun and kids love how free this place feels.

Zoo-Parks in Mérida

Parque Zoologico del Centenario, Mérida City Zoo

🦒 The Merida city zoo is always good for a day out, as long as you can put your concern for animal welfare to one side on the understanding that the kids are going to have a great time. Not that most people go to this particular zoo to see animals. As far as I can tell, as it’s always the playground and train ride that seem to attract most visitors.

The playground area is large and will entertain kids for hours. It has a number of distinct areas all with different themes. There is accessible equipment including a see-saw and a roundabout both with proper seats and seat belts.

You can even find fairground rides: small cable car, merry-go-round trampolines and more here and there’s a little train that takes you on a ride around the zoo. The best part is that it only costs 1 peso!

Parque Zoológico del Bicentenario Animaya

🦒 This truly is a true hidden gem for Mérida and it’s entirely free. This quiet and understated small safari park is free from carpark to ‘catamaran’ and ‘safari’ tour around the animals. The only thing that isn’t free is train that rides around the park, it costs a whole $5 pesos per person.

🦒 Head up the Mayan obelisk to the observation deck, open 10 am – 2 pm and 3 pm – 5 pm for views of the park and more. If you want to take the safari options then you’ll need to queue for tickets. The Jardin de Epifetas is a gorgeous place to walk around. Pretty much wherever you are in the park you’ll see animals roaming around.

Animaya Splash Zone – this is an excellent swimming area and splash park that gets very popular in summer so be sure to take swim suites.

kids playing on splash pad - purple dragon shooting water

There are good playgrounds and decent snack options on site.

Kid-Friendly Mall Activities in Mérida

As I said, it’s hot in Merida. Also, we have a lot of malls. Aircon and space are two things malls can offer on the hottest of days. But what else can they give us?

Altabrisa – Bowling, an arcade area and a cinema. There are mechanical horses for kids to ride and in late 2023, Go Kart Mania opened a new track here.

Gran Plaza – Xtreme Jumping: for trampolining and laser quest this is a great option. There’s a cinema here too.

Galerias – Ice skating, an arcade area and a cinema.

The Harbor – A good play area (small and indoor but different) and a climbing wall. There’s a cinema on site and outside there is a zipline over the small lake.

La Isla – Billed as ‘malltertainment’, La Isla is something else entirely. It’s a mall but it also has a permanent fairground outside (note that rules here are stricter than almost anywhere in Mexico. You need to be over 1.20m to ride many of the rides). There’s a playground, a lake with water sports options, a cinema, mechanical horses to ride and a trampoline park. There is also a hot air balloon that takes people up above Mérida.

Take a Family Friendly Day Trip From Mérida

For more information about awesome family-friendly day trips exploring the surrounding areas, please follow links through to specific articles including my 1 week Yucatán itinerary, which is perfect for families visiting the region. If you’re going to be spending any time exploring Yucatán then I highly recommend picking up a copy of my guidebook to kid-friendly travel around the state. It’s very easy to drive around Yucatán. Mérida City can be a little hectic but once you’re outside of the city centre you’ll find pretty empty, well-maintained highways allowing you to move around easily. Renting a car is a very good option if you’re thinking about leaving Mérida.

⭐️ Consider what you should pack for kids when visiting Mexico

Maya archaeological sites with kids

girl standing on top of pyramid, site of Mayapan in view behind her

📌 Mérida itself does not have very big ruins but is the perfect spot for visiting some amazing archeological sites located just a few kilometres away. 

➡️ Mayapan: Considered the last Mayan capital, Mayapan is located in the Tecoh Municipality, about 40 km outside of Mérida.

➡️ Chichen Itza: As one of the seven modern wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Chichen Itzá and its main pyramid, el Castillo, are by far the most famous in the area. Chichen Itza is not that close to Mérida, it’s about 115km away but it is still possible to visit in a day. Consider a trip to Chichén Itzá paired with a swim in a nearby cenote for a truly fabulous day out.

➡️ The ruin of Ek Balam, near the gorgeous city of Valladolid is also visitable in one day.

➡️ Uxmal: These ruins are mind-blowing. Uxmal is located in the South of Yucatán, about an hour away from Mérida.

➡️ Dzibilchaltún: This is the closest ruin to Mérida, located along the Mérida-Progreso highway. There is a cenote on site but it’s no longer open to swimmers.

➡️ Xcambo: This is a small site just outside Progreso. From here the Maya ran their salt trade. Combine a trip here with a trip to the beach and a stop to see the flamingos.

🏆 5 out of the 10 best ruins on the Yucatán Peninsula are in Yucatán

Family Friendly Haciendas

➡️ Yaxcopoil: This hacienda with splendid country-style buildings and a colonial double arch, transports us and back in time into Yucatecan history. A fascinating place to visit.

Yaxcopoil is open from Monday to  Friday, from 9:00 to 6:00 pm and on Saturday from 9:00-2:00 pm. Admission: $150 per person. Children under 15 are free.

➡️ Sotuta de Peón: Not only does Sotuta de Peón have a working henequen factory that you can tour, it also offers quad bikes, cenote swimming, horse riding and more. It also has a decently priced restaurant, gorgeous pools and luxurious chalets on site.

Family Friendly Cenotes

⭐️ There are thousands of cenotes across the Yucatán Peninsula and many of these cenotes are within easy reach from Mérida. Some are considered more kid-friendly cenotes than others.

➡️ Mucuyche:  Considered the best cenote in a cave in the entire peninsula. Definitely worth the visit.

➡️ Santa Barbara: Four different cenotes on one site and transportation to each of them via donkey-pulled card. In late 2023 Santa Barbara opened a new cenote, this one with elevator access, making it the only full accessible cenote for all.

➡️ Homún: There are a multitude of cenotes to choose from in the small town of Homun.

cave cenote. Bright clear blue water, stalactites

Beaches Near Mérida

Yucatán’s beaches are some of the most family friendly beaches in Mexico thanks to their generally gentle currents and tides and the cool sand.

🏖 Progreso:  Enjoy a walk by the pier while at sunset, visit El Corchito, the Meteorite Museum, go see flamingos in Playa Esmeralda or have some delicious food in one of the many restaurants available around the piers and malecons (boardwalks).

deep pink and orange sunset behind rope and wood climbing frame on beach

🏖 Celestún: The best place to see flamingos in their natural habitat.

🏖 Chuburná Puerto: Here you can try kayaking surrounded by beautiful mangroves, enjoy the wildest of all Yucatecan beaches and (as of late 2023) visit Isla Columpios for some Instagram fun!

🏖 Sisal: unplug yourself from the hectic city life at the beautiful beach and pueblo magico, decorated with amazing sunsets.

📌 Read all about my top recommended Yucatán beaches here

deep orange sunset over gently breaking wave

➡️ Sunflower Garden in Tetiz:  Located in the heart of Tetiz, this beautiful sunflower garden is the perfect place to take some of the most Instagram-friendly pictures with your family.

⭐️ Check our ready made Yucatan Itineraries ⭐️

🚗 1 week in Yucatan

🚗 10 days in Yucatan

🚗 Off-the-beaten-track in Yucatan

⭐️ Is Mérida worth visiting? – check the answer to this question now!

⭐️ Read up on the Maya Train Route to see if it’s something you could enjoy

Where to Eat in Mérida with Kids

🍔 Kids are truly welcomed into the vast majority of restaurants in Mexico. Never feel you can’t take your small kids somewhere you genuinely want to eat. 

🍔 Street Food Snacks: Be sure to let them try marquesitas and/or esquites (corn). Marquestias are a delicious street food snack comprised of a long cone stuffed with sauces of your choice, generally over cheese (it’s far more delicious than it sounds).

street food stand. marquestias y esquitas "La Lupita". Yellow awning.

Two firm favourites with my kids are:

Los Trompos:  The kids’ menu is good and the adult menu is decent too. It is very popular with Mexican families, and since it has monitored play spaces it’s a great place to have a drink while the kids burn off some energy. Note the Los Trompos on Calle 60 does not have a play area.

➡️ The kids menu includes tacos, pizza, empanadas and more.

Pollo Feliz: This is a national chain that serves freshly cooked chicken (choose quarter, half or whole, spicy or plain), and freshly made sides. Although the restaurant looks like a fast food place it’s actually table service. There is a decent play space and kids always have a fabulous time here.

For really traditional food that locals love, try Manjar Blanco on Parque Santa Ana.

Where to Stay In Mérida With Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the best time to visit Merida? 

The best months for a trip to the Yucatan Peninsula including Mérida are December to February, when temperatures are lower than in summer and there is minimal rain. March, April and May have little rain, but during these months the temperatures begin to rise. Dec – Feb average temperature is 30C or 85F.

⭐️ Yucatán makes for a great spring break option thanks to the perfect weather at this time of year.

Is Mérida safe?

Yes. Even though it is a rapidly growing city, Mérida is a very safe place to be. It is regularly named as one of the safest cities in Latin America and in North America.

Is Mérida safe for kids?

Yes. Merida is the safest city for your kids. I also think it’s one of the best cities for a family vacation because there’s just so much to do. Obviously, keep an eye on your kids as you would anywhere but you don’t need to worry about shootings or kidnappings. Do note that pedestrian crossings are not considered right of way for pedestrians though so keep a close eye on kids by roads.

Are people in Mérida friendly?

Mérida is a very welcoming city and you will feel this immediately you step outside.

Can I get Western food in Mérida?

Yes, you will be well-catered for in Mérida. There are many chain restaurants, excellent foreign cuisine restaurants, vegetarian/vegan options and supermarkets cater for all sorts of allergies and needs.

Does Uber work in Mérida?

Yes. There are many transportation apps for you to choose from. Uber, Didi and Driver all work in Mérida.

Do we need car seats to get around in cabs?

As with anywhere, children should be in car seats but of course this is often not possible in cabs. No one will refuse you a ride. If you rent a car I recommend renting a car seat at the same time but if this is not possible, perhaps pick one up from a supermarket such as Wall-Mart or Chedraui.




Cassie

Cassie is a British-born travel writer who lives in southern Spain. Prior to moving to Spain, Cassie and her family lived in Yucatán, Mexico for many years. Something of a self-confessed-all-round travel-nerd, Cassie has a deep love of adventure, and of learning as much as possible about every place visited. This blog is testament to that.

13 Comments

Zaiga · 20/11/2018 at 9:10 pm

Thank you for this article. We (me, my hysband and 2 kids – 3 years and 9 months) are now in Merida. Your article about activities with kids there was very helpful.

    Cassie · 20/11/2018 at 9:34 pm

    I’m so glad it was helpful. I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves. And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment, it’s always so lovely to know people have used my blog.

Adeline · 05/12/2018 at 10:09 am

Hello, thank you for sharing all these info! We just arrived in progreso and don’t have vehicle do you know any fun things to do with 6 year old kids? Thank you Adeline

    Cassie · 05/12/2018 at 1:25 pm

    Use uber or a driver to get around? Head into Mérida and do all the awesome stuff there? Sorry I don’t have more than is on the website. There is a progreso article though.

Marina · 10/04/2019 at 9:49 pm

Thank you so much for this really really helpful blog, we used it lots on our recent trip to Merida and will use it again when we return! One quick note for your next update, it would be great if you could make the poniente directions a bit more specific as there are two park type things called poniente – but one is totally barren and the other is lovely as you say.

    Cassie · 10/04/2019 at 10:19 pm

    I think I did, didn’t I? And one isn’t barren, it’s an amazing rocky forest! We love that place.

    Glad you found the article useful though.

Carla · 23/07/2023 at 7:23 am

Thank you, Cassie – what a great article! We’ll be moving to Mérida at the end of Sept with a 2 and 4 year old ao this info is valuable!!

Which was your school near Parque de la Ermita de Santa Isabel and do you recommend?

Thanks again!

    Cassie · 23/07/2023 at 2:38 am

    Oh how exciting! I hope you have already bought my books to help with the move and getting to know your new home. The school was Albert Enstein and it was fine. We did prefer our other school choices but it was fine when we needed it.

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