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Toddlers in Tulum
Your family-friendly guide to Mexico's trendiest beachtown.
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Yes, Tulum is the land of woo-woo wellness, jungle raves and influencers a’plenty. But it’s also a boho beachside destination that can be enjoyed by families.
Here’s what you need to know to have a great family trip to Tulum, including where to stay, what to pack and what to do.
What to Know
Prior to spring 2024, visitors had to fly into Cancún International Airport and arrange car travel or take the bus to Tulum. Delta and United have since changed the game with direct flights to the newly-opened Felipe Carrillo Puerto International Airport. Direct routes from JetBlue and Spirit are expected soon and it’s worth the splurge to fly direct. If you plan to take a cab vs. hotel transfer, keep in mind that car seats are optional, so your best bet is to bringing your own.
Where to Stay
Every hotel on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Finding a family-friendly hotel will make all the difference. Skip the unreliability of vacation rentals and check out La Zebra, one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. La Zebra offers beach-front bliss, with a roped-off cabana section (important to slow toddlers down as they sprint to the waves), a natural wood playground and some of the best guacamole in town. Rates start at $170, book now.
While the vibe here is chill (read: maybe relax on letting your kids scream “Marco! Polo!” in the pool), Una Vida Boutique Hotels offers family-friendly options like one-bedroom suites that each sleep two and a child, and three-bedroom Villa Jacintas that are family-friendly. There’s also a shallow end of the pool for young ones, and the hotel can arrange babysitting for an evening out on the town. Rates start at $164, book here.
What to Pack
Every product on Late Checkout is independently selected by us. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Patterned Swimsuit
H&M, $6
Toddler Boys' Swim Shorts
Target, $9
Two-Pack Swim Shirts UPF 50
H&M, $30
Girls' Embroidered Fruit Rancher Hat
Target, $12
Boys' Sunset Patch Trucker Hat
Target, $12
Seeing Gold Sunglasses
Super Smalls, $29
Pacific Blue Eco Navigator
Babiators, $32
Contrast Schiffli Lace Dress
Zara, $40
Shell Print Overalls
Zara, $36
Two-Pack Cotton Jersey T-Shirts
H&M, $25
Striped Pocket Pants
Zara, $23
Leather Sandals
Zara, $56
Crocheted Sandals
Zara, $40
What to Do
- While hotspots like Hartwood and Gitano might be a lot with littles, start the day at Matcha Mama with smoothies and bowls the whole family will love. For lunch or dinner, head to Coco Tulum, a barefoot beach bar perfect for spending the entire day on the sand. Beach chairs come with a minimum food spend, which is easy to reach with a few cocktails, kids burgers and mains. For a sweet treat, stop by Aldo’s Gelato, with piles of all-natural gelato in a wide selection of flavors.
- Call a cab and visit Gran Cenote for an unforgettable cave-cenote swimming experience.
- Post up at the cabanas at La Zebra, Coco Tulum or simply grab some towels and head to the sand for a day of fun.
- Check out Tulum’s famed sculptures at Holistka Hotel’s Art Walk.
