Parents traveling with or without

[ZAEM]

I am looking for honest opinions from individuals that have traveled to Playa with children on different activities and trips they have done. What they liked, would you do the outing again and what you didn't like. I will be in Playa in July with two children (2 & 5). Im more looking for something to do with the five year old. Something that will keep his attention and maybe not to long. My husband watches the two year old in the afternoon (she naps and so does he). I am thinking about the horseback riding which we did before in the DR and he loved. Any suggestions would be great.

I'd also like info from parents that are traveling without their children and maybe have seen something that would have interested their children if they were there.

[Ginger]

Well, we've travelled to Playa both with and without, but always found that when we would travel without we would notice everything our kids would have found so exciting and then end up wishing we were with.. Now we probably wouldn't even THINK about going without.

We've done a lot of fun things with them down there. and a lot of things WE found fun that they didn't For instance, they really enjoyed the ride in the jeep to Coba, and walking through the jungle spotting birds, even a monkey. And they liked climbing the pyramid. And they liked the drive to Valladolid, and then to Chichen Itza, and they loved stopping in all the small pueblos and handing out small toys, stickers, sunglasses, pencils, paper, books, etc. that we had brought down with us. But they HATED walking around Chichen Itza. To them it was just a pile of rocks after a pile of rocks. So we didn't get to see much of it 'cause they were bawling their eyes out.

They liked the Pirate cruise we did in Cancun, but it's a bit of a drive to go up to 'cun to do. IT's pretty neat though if you can do a daytime one. THe nighttime ones aren't geared towards kids, but the daytime ones, if you can get one, are pretty tame. They sail to Isla Mujeres for the day, and then back.

Another thing the kids liked is Crococun. I kind of had mixed feelings about this place due to the monkeys that were caged, but it's kind of like a zoo for the native wildlife. This is up near Cancun on the highway. If you hire a guide when you go in you'll get to hold baby crocs, feed deer, kiss parrots, hold snakes, etc. I'll have to find out more information on this place before I visit again myself.



The kids also loved Xel-ha, expecially the lazy river. They loved snorkeling in Akumal and seeing sea turtles. My son LOVED when the ocean was rough in Playa and he would wear his life jacket and one of those little inflatable donuts and body surf.



The kids also loved driving the golf cart around Isla Mujeres, and when their Dad let them drive (much to Mom's chagrin... ).

Enjoy your trip, whatever you choose to do!

[dymnback5]

My son and I are in Playa right now. So far....loved just playing in the surf, building sandcastles, or trying too. Thought the ATV tour was cool. Thought Akumal and Ya Kul very kool! Did Xel-Ha and he liked that a lot too. Went to see Harry Potter in spanish and that was cool. Crocoun (sp?) is a must. Now he is helping me to plan trip to Chitzen Itza. Also going on James and Anna,s Tulum and Coba tours. Have a half day fishing trip coming up. Got rained out...ok, more like flooded out...of our trip to Xaac on Sat. But we may do the fat cat tour as he really wants to see spiral island. He is 11. So far so good! And when he gets really bored...a trip to the acarde over on about 15th and calle 8? Its upstairs above the bank and Papa John...right next to the theatre. In other words....bring em! we are having a blast....even if he doesnt think El Fogon is as good as I do! There is alwasy shrimp! Every kid loves shrimp I think! Good luck and PM me if you want more details or look for my trip report when we get back from our 17 day trip! And I gotta agree with Ginger....everything we have seen on previous trips and thought "oh, my son would love that"...welll...he has!!!

MC

[Deedlebug]

We were in Playa in December with our 2 1/2 year old. He loved the beach and playing in the sand. He was alittle intimidated by any wave but loved the calmer beached in Cozumel. And much to our suprise he loved being pushed around in his stroller and taking in the action on LA Quinta in the evenings. We had no problems traveling with him and we're going again in July.

[Howard]

Originally Posted by Ginger

Well, we've travelled to Playa both with and without, but always found that when we would travel without we would notice everything our kids would have found so exciting and then end up wishing we were with.. Now we probably wouldn't even THINK about going without.

Interesting to hear someone say that. People asked us serveral times if we were taking our daughter. I can't even imagine telling her mom and dad are going on a fun trip and not taking her. At 2, I think a child can be just as impressed in the back yard as in the Yucatan. But at 5, it's a different story.

My vote for a five year old: I agree with Ginger on the animals. At least our daughter can't get enough of them, and it's good to start appreciation of animals and the environment at a young age. The surf and cenotes are good too. You don't need to spend a lot to entertain and educate them at that age.

Your child may be different, but I strongly doubt there will be any appreciation for ruins at 5. I wouldn't put a kid through any unnecessary car travel time (unless, of course, you want to see them).

[ZAEM]

Thank you for all the replies. There are so many great suggestions. I think a definite is the Crocun Zoo. Im thinking even the two year old would like this. Does anyone know the appoximate distance and time from the Viva Azteca? Did anyone eat with their children in the shopping area. I hear there are a lot of great places to eat but are they kid friendly.

[ZAEM]

For those of you who did Crococun did you make arrangements to hire the tour guide before you got there or when you enter? I read one of you gave the tour guide @20$. Is it there is no set rate and you just give what you want.

[Michael]

When you go into Crococun a guide will give you a basic introduction for free. After this you can choose whether to have a guided tour with that guide. I recommend you hire the guide as having the guide provides better access to the animals. After the tour you choose the amount to pay the guide. I really liked Crococun. The monkeys in captivity did make me uncomfortable, but that was the only negative. Don’t forget your bug spray, as the mosquitoes are not caged or tethered and roam freely around the zoo. And you have to bring a camera, you’ll get some great pics.

[ZAEM]

Thank you Michael. Good point on the bug spray. We have the same problem with those pesty bugs here in Massachusetts but I may have forgot the spray. I appreciate the advice.