Parque Nacional Cumbres del Ajusco

Mexico City, Mexico

Encompassing 907 hectares (2,240 acres), Ajusco Peaks National Park includes about 5 percent of the Federal District. It contains four mountains taller than 3,700 meters (12,000 feet), with the extinct volcano Ajusco, also known as Cruz del Marqués, the tallest at 3,937 m (12,916 ft). Ajusco is a Náhuatl (Aztec) word meaning "watered grove," and the mountains are covered with lush green forests. The Parque Ejidal San Nicola Totolapan (Communal Park San Nicola Totolapan), held within the larger park, includes many established hiking and mountain biking trails. You can rent mountain bikes at the park entrance.

Central Alameda

Avenidas Juárez and Lázaro Cárdenas
Mexico City 06010, Mexico

This two-block oasis beside the Palacio de Bellas Artes holds the proud distinction of being the city's oldest park. Before it was a park, the Aztecs used the site as a marketplace, and the Spanish burned heretics here during the Inquisition. In 1592, the governor of New Spain converted it to a public park. Designed in the more formal style of previous centuries, the park features a series of bench-lined walkways surrounding green areas interrupted by fountains and statues. A monument to Benito Juárez built in 1905 stands at the south end. Consisting of a semicircle of white marble columns, the monument is topped by a statue of Juárez with an angel placing a laurel crown on his head.

Mundo Acuático

Kilometer 18, Carretera a Juárez
Granjas del Valle, Chihuahua 31133, Mexico

Chihuahua’s Aquatic World is a small waterpark with several pools and small waterslides as well as fun spray features. Children will enjoy sliding inside a pelican’s mouth and exploring a ship. Guests may bring their own rafts, beach balls, and tubes to play with in the pools. The park is a popular place for families to bring a picnic or celebrate a birthday. There’s even a pole for hanging piñatas. Grills are available for cooking, and a snack bar serves refreshments.  

Kilometer 155 Carretera Tepic
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Not only can your family splash, play, and swim at Aquaventuras Park, they also can swim with dolphins. A variety of slippery slides, 10 in all, offer thrills for big kids, while little ones have their own aquatic play area. Relax as a family with a ride on the lazy river, stretching 160 meters (525 feet) long. Dolphin encounters let guests swim with the marine mammal or opt for a simple hug and handshake. Park admission includes a dolphin and sea lion presentation at no extra cost. There also is a zipline and climbing wall to conquer. The park is closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays; check the website for hours and pricing.

Kilometer 38.5 Carretera Ixtlahuaca - Jilotepec
El Puerto, Chapa de Mota, Nuevo León, Mexico

Animal lovers will want to visit Bioparque Estrella, a spacious 300-hectare (741-acre) animal theme park about an hour’s drive south from Monterrey. Stay in the comfort of your car while on the Serengeti Safari, viewing animals including camels, hippos, zebras, and more. There are over 500 animal species roaming throughout the park, including tigers, elephants, giraffes, and many kinds of primates. The Jurassic River is a boat tour where animatronic dinosaurs are featured, while the Subterranium is an underground tour in an electric vehicle. Feed giraffes and see animal shows as well as the mini zoo for an up-close experience. There also is a games area, climbing wall, suspended bridges, trampoline bungee, and 100-meter-long (328-foot-long) Antarctic slider, among other fun features.

Parque Agua Azul

Calzada Independencia 973 Centro
44100 Guadalajara, Mexico

Local families often travel to this beautifully landscaped green space south of the Centro Histórico. The park contains much of interest, but visitors will particularly enjoy the aviary and the Casa de las Mariposas (Butterfly House), which offer close-up views of exotic birds and butterflies as they fly freely overhead. You'll also find an orchid house, a band shell, and the Boulevard de los Músicos (Musicians' Boulevard), where singers, musicians, and groups perform for donation. Be sure to explore the Instituto de la Artesanía Jalisciense (Institute of Jaliscan Handcrafts), a government-sponsored cooperative for the sale of artisan-crafted goods from through the state of Jalisco. The José Parres Arias Museo de Arqueología de Occidente de Mexico's (Archaeological Museum of Western Mexico) pyramidal structure houses artifacts from the cultures that inhabited the present states of Jalisco, Colima, and Nayarit. The Museo de Paleontología de Guadalajara (Guadalajara Paleontology Museum), contains a fascinating collection of fossils from the Miocene, Pliocene, and Pleistocene ages.

Avenida Vallarta No. 6503 Ciudad Granja
Zapopan, Guadalajara, Mexico

This vast natural landscape stands unusually close to the heart of a major urban metropolis. Often referred to as the lungs of the city, the park encompasses 36,229 hectares (89,485 acres) of unspoiled pine and oak forest. The unprepossessing dirt road leading into the park opens up to a grand panorama of tree-covered hills lined with hiking trails.

In La Pastora Park, Avenida Eloy Cavazos S/N
Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico

Just 20 minutes southeast of Monterrey, Bosque Magico Coca Cola is an amusement park offering more than 36 attractions to please the entire family. Rides for children include go-karts, Baja Bugy, Alpine Chairs, Kite Flyer, and more, located in an area just for them that includes games. Thrill-seekers have roller coasters and extreme rides such as Kamikaze and The King. Zombie Ride is Latin America’s first magnetic launch roller coaster that is 45 meters (147 feet) high and reaches speeds of over 100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour). Vendors sell drinks and snacks.

Paseo Malecón San José #512
Hotel Zone, San José del Cabo, Mexico

Families looking for some excitement will want to check out Cabo Adventures, which offers a variety of outdoor adventures in both Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo. Adventures include, sailing, a camel safari, ziplining, swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, off-roading, whale watching, scuba diving, mountain biking, parasailing, jet skiing, boating, and more. Packages are available for bundling multiple excursions.

Parque Nacional de Marino Cabo Pulmo

Kilometer 31 Highway 1
San José del Cabo, Mexico

Nature lovers should place Parque Marino Cabo Pulmo on Cabo del Este (East Cape) high on their can't-miss list. Protected since 1993, this area boasts the only living coral reef on the West Coast of North America. Its clear waters make this park an ideal spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. Kids can explore old pirate ships, swim with dolphins, or build the perfect sandcastle on shore. Arrive at the preserve by kayak to get up close and personal with the resident sea lion colony. January through March, whales can also be spotted offshore.

Parque Chankanaab

Carr. Costera Sur Km 9.5 Zona Hotelera Sur
77600 Cozumel, Mexico

This national park was established in 1980 to protect the ecosystems of the western coast of the island of Cozumel. The developed area of the park includes a botanical garden with more than 350 species of flora. The park is a perfect bird watching spot, and visitors may chance upon dinosaur-like iguanas sunning themselves on the rocks. Replicas of stone sculptures representing the ancient cultures of Mexico are displayed in the gardens. The park has a natural aquarium and offers facilities for scuba diving and snorkeling. Large schools of fish, dolphins, mollusks, crustaceans, corals, exuberant flora, and an extensive system of underwater caves are all a part of the oceanic landscape of Chankanaab.

Bosque de Chapultepec

End of Paseo de la Reforma
Mexico City, Mexico

Spread over 6 square kilometers (2.3 square miles), Chapultepec Park is a recreational area located on Chapultepec Hill. Frequented by both locals and tourists, the park includes woodland, lakes, springs, outdoor cafés, a zoo, concert hall, and the historical Chapultepec Castle. There are three lakes in the park, and visitors can take a boat tour of the lakes or simply sit on the banks and perhaps feed the ducks with tortillas or bread. The park has vast stretches of green with some very ancient trees as well as an aquarium.

Parque Ecologico Chipinque

Kilometer 2.5 Carretera a Chipinque
Valle de San Angel
San Pedro Garza Garcia, Nuevo León, Mexico

The picturesque Parque Ecologico Chipinque is a mountainous national park located about 15 minutes from Monterrey’s city center. It covers 1,791 hectares (4,425 acres) and is focused on maintaining biodiversity. There is a range of flora and fauna including pine-oak forest, agave plants, and several species of birds and butterflies. Puma, black bear, coyote, pecari, and other mammals call the protected natural area home as well. The park includes hiking and cycling routes, and there are several viewpoints from which to enjoy the majestic scenery.

Parque Bosque Los Colomos

El Chaco #3200 Providencia
Guadalajara, Mexico

Less obviously landscaped than Parque Agua Azul, Bosque Los Colomos offers visitors the chance to experience a bit of natural forest in the heart of the city. Jogging, hiking, and horseback-riding trails cross the park, with horses available for rent. Novice riders can even take a quick lesson before setting off. Whichever way you choose to tour the park, don't miss the Japanese garden donated by Guadalajara's sister city, Kyoto, Japan, or the Castillo (Castle), a small cultural center.

Avenidas 16 de Septiembre and 20 de Noviembre
Mexico City, Mexico

At 253 by 168 meters (830 by 500 feet) this is the largest public square in the Western hemisphere and the third largest in the world. Mexico City's main public plaza acts as the symbolic heart not just of the city but also of the nation as a whole and the site of both celebrations and protests. Every year on September 15, Dia de la Independencia, more than 100,000 people gather here to listen to the Mexican president recite Il Grito, the famous cry for independence from Spain, from a second-floor balcony of the Palacio Nacional, which overlooks the plaza. Other buildings on the plaza include the Catedral Metropolitana and the Suprema Corte de Justicia de la Nación building. A flag ceremony takes place daily at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Kilometer 31, Tulum 
77580 Cancun, Mexico

At Croco Cun Zoo, you will be able to touch, hold, and feed a great variety of local wild animals. If you are brave enough, walk among crocodiles or hold snakes. Get to know vulnerable species like monkeys, turtles, and birds and learn how to protect them. Most of the specimens have come to Croco Cun Zoo as donations, as well as rescues or seizures that the environmental authorities have placed under the zoo’s care. Admission to Croco Cun Zoo includes a 60-minute guided tour during which you can see, touch, and feel the animals. Children age 5 and under get in free. Croco Cun Zoo is located about 40 minutes south of Cancun and includes a café, gift shop, children’s playground, and outdoor picnic area.

—Information provided by Croco Cun Zoo

Parque Nacional Desierto de los Leones

Mexico City, Mexico

Located in the Sierra de las Cruces mountain range, this 1,867-hectare (4,613-acre) park accounts for about 15 percent of the Distrito Federal. Originally a religious retreat for a group of Carmelite monks, a Carmelite monastery built in the early 1700s lies in the park's center. The oldest protected biosphere in Mexico, the park was declared a forest reserve in 1876. It holds large swaths of pine forest, along with stands of fir and oak. The name comes not from the geography but from the absence of human habitation at the time the original monastery was built in 1611. Lack of maintenance and urban encroachment, including illegal logging, garbage dumping, and off-trail mountain biking, have led to deterioration of many areas within the park.

Parque Central El Palomar

Avenida Ocampo y J. Eligio Muñoz Mirador
Chihuahua, Mexico

The largest city park, this green space was created in the 1990s on the site of a bulldozed slum. Because of its newness, it has few mature trees but lots of grassy areas. It's used primarily for informal athletic and recreational activities. The park holds statues of actor Anthony Quinn, a Chihuahua native, as Zorba the Greek; a bronze bull that honors the Chihuahua cattle industry; and three large bronze doves overlooking a bandstand shaped like a pigeon coop.

Xochimilco
Mexico City, Mexico

Originally a kind of hydroponic farm built in the 12th century by predecessors of the Aztecs, Xochimilco today consists of a series of canals laid among raised mounds used for flower growing. Brightly painted and flower-decked boats known as trajineras carry passengers along the canals, while vendors pass by in other boats selling food, beverages, or handcrafts. Still other boats carry musicians who perform for tips. By the late 1970s the canals had pretty much silted up, but a subsequent effort to restore them has returned the site to usable condition, and more recently the Mexican government has begun work on a 3,000-hectare (7,500-acre) ecological park encompassing the canal area to bring the area fully back to pristine condition.

Kilometer 2, Campo 101, Carretera a Ejido la Quemada
31500 Chihuahua, Mexico

Chihuahua’s Fun Zone 101 Trampoline Park is a great indoor attraction where kids can use some of their endless energy. It has many trampolines with areas for playing basketball and doing tricks. There also are a couple slides that send riders flying into pits filled with foam blocks. A snack bar serves refreshments for those who work up an appetite jumping.

Parque Fundidora

Avenida Fundidora y Adolfo Prieto S/N
Obrera, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

This large park in eastern Monterrey offers an assortment of attractions across 144 hectares (355 acres). There are extensive tracks on which to run, walk, and cycle, or have a picnic near the park’s two lakes. Kids will have fun at playgrounds and the Sesame Street theme park. Fundidora Park is known as a top archeological industrial site in Mexico, with more than 100 pieces of machinery and tools from the Old Foundry. An artificial canal stretches over 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), while a museum, ice rink, and zipline are other offerings found in the mixed-use area.

Macroplaza

De Avenida Constitución a 5 de Mayo Oriente
64000 Monterrey, Mexico

Built in the early 1980s, this plaza is located in the heart of Monterrey. Several old buildings were demolished to make way for the square, which is regarded as one of the biggest plazas in the world. Spread over 40 hectares (99 acres), the plaza consists of various monuments, smaller plazas, and gardens. The Fuente de la Vida (Neptune Fountain), with its waters cascading over three levels of bronze sculptures by Luis Sanginio, is a beautiful sight. On the eastern side of the square stands the Faro del Comercio (Lighthouse of Commerce) by the famous Mexican architect Luis Barragán. At night, the tower beams a green laser over Monterrey and the metropolis. Pop into one of the area’s restaurants before continuing to stroll and see the plaza’s many monuments.

Blvd. Pípila s/n Puerta 3
Mexico City, Mexico

An animal-themed park, Granja Las Américas has something to entertain every member of the family. Visitors can interact with farm animals and reptiles and as they learn about the different species and how to care for them. Those looking for more excitement can check out the park’s more than 75-meter-long (246-foot-long) zipline, climbing wall, and bungee trampolines. There also are more than 17 workshops, each focused on a different topic such as cooking, water, baking, corn, sugar, Additional attractions include a 4D cinema, interactive house of puzzles, miniature golf course, playground, mirror maze, paintball arena, and track for driving go-karts.   

Zoologico Guadalajara

Paseo del Zoologico 600 Huentitán el Alto
Guadalajara, Jalisco 44390 Mexico

Opened in 1988, Guadalajara Zoo is actively involved in promoting conservation and research of wildlife and disseminating information on the need to protect our environment. The zoo stands on 40 hectares (100 acres) of land whose topography has, for the most part, been left undisturbed in its natural state. The zoo includes a 280-hectare (692-acre) ecological reserve in the Huentitan Gorge. Special features include Discover Africa, an exciting drive through 6 hectares (15 acres) of savannah and across the Mara River for a view of African wildlife and Maasai cultures. Other attractions include an Australian village, the Komodo Reserve, and regular bird and reptile shows.

Parque Mirador Independencia Amphitheater

5806 Volcán Hueytepec
Guadalajara 44259, Mexico

Carved by the Santiago River, Barranca de Oblatos is a huge canyon comparable to the United States’ Grand Canyon. Guadalajara’s Independence Lookout Park offers one of the best views of this vast landscape. In particular, the park’s concrete amphitheater is situated along the canyon’s wall with unobscured panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. It is a popular venue for community events such as concerts, dance performances, and movie showings.

La Isla Interactive Aquarium

La Isla Shopping Mall, Kilometer 12.5 Kukulcan Boulevard
Cancún, Mexico

Swim with dolphins, feed sharks, learn about the ecology of the coral reef system, and touch the residents of local tide pools at Interactive Aquarium. It is located in the heart of the Zona Hotelera at La Isla Shopping Mall. The aquarium itself also hosts dozens of the denizens of the deep on display including stingrays, medusas, scorpion fish, and piranhas.

Parque Nacional Izta-Popo Zoquiapan

Convergence of the states of México, Puebla, and Morelos
Mexico City, Mexico

Established in 1935, this park holds Mexico's second- and third-tallest mountains: Popocatépetl, an active volcano rising 5,426 meters (17,802 feet); and Iztaccíhuatl, a four-peaked volcano rising 5,230 meters (17,159 ft). Originally two parks, the 25,679-hectare (63,454-acre) Izta-Popo and 19,418-hectare (47983-acre) Zoquiapan, the park is located in the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. More than a dozen municipalities are located within the park.

575 Blvd. Juan Alonso de Torres
La Alameda, 37204 León, Mexico

Jumper Fly is an indoor trampoline park where kids and adults can have fun while staying active. Guests can free jump, play games, do gymnastics, and compete against each other. Activities include shooting hoops, playing dodgeball, bouncing inside an inflatable house, jumping into foam pits, and attempting high-flying flips and twists. Acrobatics and fitness classes also are available.  

Next to the start of the Monterrey-Saltillo toll road at the corner of Benito Juárez and Lic. Raúl Caballero streets
Miguel Hidalgo, Santa Catarina, Nuevo León, Mexico

Bring your active family members to this park about 20 minutes from Monterrey to rock climb, hike, or mountain bike. There are designated climbing and biking routes through stunning scenery. Part of Cumbres de Monterrey National Park, La Huasteca is a UNESCO biosphere reserve. La Huasteca's long and rocky walls are part of what is known as “The Curvature of Monterrey” from the Sierra Madre Oriental, a mountain range in northeastern Mexico. The park is located in a natural crack where the Santa Catarina river empties from the Sierra Madre Oriental. What's most interesting are the limestone walls, which a million years ago, were pure sediment from the bottom of the seas and now rise vertically as folded rocks and silver beds crowned by pointed peaks and sharp ridges that reach heights of more than 550 meters (1,804 feet).  

—Information provided by La Huasteca Ecological Park

Kilometer 6 Paseo a Ibarrilla
León, Mexico

More than 2,000 animals native to North and South America as well as species from around the world take residence in this zoological park, also known as "zooleón". Such animals include panthers, pumas, lions, tigers, and polar bears. A lake and aviary house a wide array of aquatic birds. A miniature train ride helps visitors take a load off while taking a ride through the park. There's a family area with rides and games for children too.

Avenida Fundidora S/N
Obrera, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico

Located within expansive Fundidora Park is Loroventura Park, focused on showcasing more than 80 species of birds. Spread over 3 hectares (7.4 acres), the area will delight bird lovers, as more than 400 are on display, many in danger of going extinct. Marvel at the more than 100 species of colorful parrots from around the world. Loroventura also is home to lemurs, squirrel monkeys, catan fish, snakes, and more than 20 dinosaur sculptures. Take in a bird show, pet rabbits, goats, and ducks at the Interactive Farm, or just wander the paths to experience the area. Adventurous types can walk the Extreme Trail, an elevated suspension bridge-type attraction, bounce up to 5 meters (16 feet) on the EuroBungee, or zoom along the zipline.

Los Camachos Parque Acuático

Kilometer 19 Nva. Highway to Carretera Saltillo
Guadalajara 45280, Mexico

Families looking to spend a day under the sun should head to Los Camachos Water Park. It offers a variety of pools and waterslides in a range of sizes for all ages. A shallow play area provides climbing structures and small slides for little ones. Additional attractions include trampolines, a playground, basketball court, and games. Vendors serve refreshments, and a store sells souvenirs.

Parque Nacional Cumbres de Majalca

Kilometer 27 Carretera Panamericana de Chihuahua a Cd. Juárez
Chihuahua, Mexico

Created in 1939, Cumbres de Majalca encompasses 4,772 hectares (11,792 acres) of pine and oak forest. One of the few areas of Mexico inhabited by black bears, the park showcases extraordinary and somewhat otherworldly rock formations that have been shaped by wind and water erosion. Extremely popular with climbers and back country hikers and campers, the park has 53 kilometers (33 miles) of roads for hiking and mountain biking.

Parque Metropolitano

Blvd Adolfo Lopez Mateos
León, Mexico

With León emerging as an impressively green city, it naturally would produce the Metropolitan Park, a green space with 337 hectares (832 acres) of native trees, plants, and parkland. The park features picnic and recreation areas, a lake and pier, bike and walking trails, and some gardens. Rent a boat and paddle the lake, skate, picnic, or enjoy the mini-train rides. The annual hot air balloon festival is held here among other local events. 

Parque Nacional Cumbres de Monterrey

Highway No. 85
Monterrey, Mexico

Peaks of Monterrey National Park encompasses 177,396 hectares (438,355 acres) of the northern part of the Sierra Madre Oriente and lies about a half-hour drive from downtown Monterrey. The visitors' center provides maps with hiking routes ranging from easy to difficult. The highest peak, Pinar, is 1,515 meters (4,970 feet.) above sea level. Along with breathtaking mountaintops, plunging canyons and clear rivers also cut through the park and create varied climates. Depending on elevation and variations in temperature, visitors will find desert, steppe, and oceanic ecosystems at different points in the park. The varied climate allows for a great range of flora and fauna. A process called karstification (erosion of soft bedrock) has created an incredible system of caves and underwater rivers in the park, including the Grutas de Garcia and Cerro de la Silla.

Camino Real al Oyameyo 50
Mexico City 14000, Mexico

About a 30–40-minute drive from Mexico City, Rancho Mágico is home to more than 1,400 animals representing 160 species. Visitors can interact with a variety of farm animals such as rabbits, sheep, cows, horses, and goats. The ranch’s big cats include lions, tigers, pumas, and jaguars. A forest habitat is home to racoons, deer, coyotes, and a bear. An area just for youngsters lets them ride miniature horses and feed fallow deer. Other animals on display include lemurs, a variety of birds, and more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Parque Lerdo de Tejada

Paseo Simón Bolívar y Avenida Ocampo
Centro Chihuahua, Mexico

Located on the site of a former clay pit, this park was opened in 1805 as a poplar grove to complement the Chapel of Santa Rita. Various improvements such as masonry benches and a bandstand were added over time, with a ceremonial arch completed in 1899. The first branch of the city's public library system is located here.

Avenidas 510 and Jose Loreto Fabela
07920 Mexico City, Mexico

Opened in 1964, this 37-hectare (91-acre) zoo is both newer and smaller than the city's main zoo in Bosque Chapultepec. Still a work in progress, only about 60 percent of the space features animal exhibits. The earliest sections still have cages, but the newer ones feature more natural environments. In addition to many native species, the zoo holds lions, hippos, rhinos, and giraffes. It adjoins the Bosque de San Juan de Aragón, a large green area with ponds, landscaped meadows and copses, gardens, playgrounds, picnic and seating areas, and a natural amphitheater.

Paseo del Zoológico, 600 Huentitán
44390 Guadalajara, Mexico

An amusement park next to the Zoológico Guadalajara, Selva Mágica may seem somewhat quaint compared to today's gigantic theme parks, but it's still a lot of fun and for those with a nostaglic bent, the comprehensible size will be a plus. The park offer more than 30 rides, including four roller coasters and a massive Ferris wheel. It also has a performance area with five different types of shows daily, including the practically obligatory clown show, a staple of the Mexican entertainment scene.

1500 Carretera Picacho-Ajusco
14200 Mexico City, Mexico

This park opened in 1982 and was originally known as Reino Aventura. The park's star attraction was Keiko, the killer whale featured in the film Free Willy, which was filmed in the park. The park's mascot was a purple dragon named Cornelio. In 1992, the park was closed for remodeling to boost its sagging attendance and opened once again the following year with a host of new rides like the El Rio Salvaje, Viaje Inesperado, and El Roller. In 1999, the park was bought by Premier Parks, renamed Six Flags, and had 20 new attractions added to it.

Splash Parque Acuático

Kilometer 155 Carretera a Tepic
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

With 12 waterslides, a swimming pool, lazy river, and daily dolphin, seal, and sea lion shows, this is a great spot to spend the day. The waterslides come in a variety of thrill levels with names like Kamikazze, Torbellino, and DeSlizzer, some suitable for small children and others only for older teenagers and adults. There's a special Kids' Zone for little ones. Drinks, snacks, and simple meals are available.

Kilometer 3, Carretera Panamericana, Silao-León
36270 Nuevo, Mexico

León’s Splash Water Park has fun outdoor activities for all ages. It offers several pools and waterslides, a lazy river, castle, and shallow play areas for little ones. More than a waterpark, it also is home to a variety of animals. Visitors can swim with dolphins and watch them perform during live shows, which also feature sea lions. Other animals on display are crocodiles, horses, peacocks, donkeys, sharks, and manta rays. Sports fans can play soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Additional attractions include ziplining and several playgrounds located throughout the park.

Ciudad Deportiva y Estadio Olimpico

Avenida Division del Norte y Villa Ahumada-Chihuahua Altavista
Chihuahua, Mexico

A 100-hectare (247-acre) park, Sports City and Olympic Stadium is dedicated to active recreational pursuits. Opened in 1947, it offers tennis, basketball, and racquetball courts and baseball, soccer, and football fields along with a cycling stadium, children's play equipment, Olympic-sized swimming pool, running track, and various other sports facilities. The park's Estadio Olimpico (Olympic Stadium) seats 22,000. A jogging path follows the park's perimeter.

Chihuahua, Mexico

One of three adjacent parks 80 kilometers (50 miles) northeast of Chihuahua, Santa Elena is the most visited due to the fairly even terrain of its main trail. The trail follows a small river through a narrow 13-kilometer-long (8-mile-long) canyon whose walls rise some 300 to 460 meters (1,000 to 1,500 feet) on either side. The setting is spectacular, but the hiking is relatively easy. The other two parks are Parque Nacional Maderas del Carmen (Carmen's Woods National Park) and Parque Estado El Rancho Big Bend (Big Bend Ranch State Park).

Kilometer 129, Autopista Mexico-Guadalajara
Tepetongo 61051, Mexico

Two and a half hours northwest of Mexico City, Tepetongo Water Park is a fun place for families to spend a day under the sun. It offers a variety of waterslides and pools for a range of ages including a wave pool and wading pool. Duck-shaped paddle boats are available on the park’s lake. Visitors can try winning prizes by playing midway-style games. Additional attractions include camping, a restaurant, volleyball court, musical organ, carousel, and gift shop.    

Jardin Botanico Vallarta

Kilometer 24 marker of Highway 200, Carretera Puerto Vallarta a Barra de Navidad
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

At 26 hectares (64 acres), Vallarta Botanical Garden offers natural delights and a great way to escape urban Puerto Vallarta. Children will be enraptured to learn about the amazing world of plants and flowers, especially the variety of orchids that thrive here. Fit visitors may want to climb the jungle’s large rocks or swim in the river. There are easy and moderate trails to explore, so be sure to trade in the flipflops for sturdy shoes. Koi ponds and areas to watch hummingbirds add to the lush appeal of the mostly native vegetation. Wearing long sleeves and pants is advised as is bringing insect repellent and water. Visitors also can choose to linger at the garden’s restaurant, which includes an extensive menu. The garden is situated about 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Puerto Vallarta’s city center. There is a direct bus route to the garden on the “El Tuito” bus, which stops at the corner of Carranza and Aguacate in the city’s Romantic Zone (Old Town).

Zoológico de Vallarta

Camino al Eden 700 Mismaloya
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Venture about 14 kilometers (9 miles) south of Puerto Vallarta to visit animals in their mountainous jungle setting at Vallarta Zoo. Visitors can even feed some of the animals, as admission includes a small bag of healthy treats like seeds and carrots. Some creatures can even be petted under the watchful eyes of trained zoo personnel. Native and exotic animals include lions, jaguars, monkeys, giraffes, reptiles, birds, and many more, found along the paved, hilly trails leading throughout the zoo. Shady areas make for a pleasant escape from the heat, and animals are a sure kid-pleaser and reminder of the amazing diversity of nature. Designated city buses travel to the zoo from the intersection of Basilio Badillo and Constitución in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone (Old Town); watch for signs that say Mismaloya and Boca.

Kilometer 25, Blvd. Kukulcan
Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Mexico

An amusement park and waterpark in one, Ventura Park has lots of options for all ages, including Cancún’s only rollercoaster. Known as Wet’n Wild, the waterpark has several pools including a wave pool. There’s also a variety of waterslides and lazy river as well as a shallow play area for little ones with spray features. Visitors can challenge themselves on the high ropes course as they complete aerial obstacles such as a zipline, bungee swing, and suspension bridge. Additional attractions include go-karts, virtual reality games, and a dolphin encounter. Vendors sell refreshments and souvenirs. 

Kulkulcan 25
Cancún, Mexico

A giant water theme park located on the shores of mainland Cancún just before Avenida Kulkulcan heads for the Zona Hotelera, Wet 'n Wild was designed to provide fun for all ages. A large wave pool, bumper boats, and an inner tube ride down an artificial lazy river are just a few of the water-logged activities on offer. Wet 'n Wild is open from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. daily.

Kilometer 19.5, Carretera Federal Libra Transpenisular
Cabo Real, San José del Cabo, Mexico

Adventurous families will want to visit San José del Cabo’s Wild Canyon. This adventure park offers a variey of thrilling experiences such as ziplining, bungee jumping, swinging from a gondola, riding all-terrain vehicles, touring in a utility vehicle, horseback riding, and camel rides. The park’s Canyon Bridge is the world’s longest wooden bridge for pedestrians and ATVs. All activities at Wild Canyon include passes to its waterpark, Wagoona Splash Island. Along with a pool, waterslides, and huge water-dumping bucket, Wagoona has an animal sanctuary that is home to a variety of rescued animals such as turtles, snakes, crocodiles, iguanas, birds, and camels.

Kilometer 338, Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Federal Highway
Benito Juárez, Quintana Roo, Cancún, Mexico

Those looking for an excitement-filled day don’t have to look any further than Xavage. This amusement park on steroids offers a range of adrenaline-inducing activities such as exploring caves, kayaking, ziplining, a high ropes course, jet boat rides, whitewater rafting, waterslides, and off-roading. The ropes course has four levels of obstacles ranging from 8 meters (26 feet) to 36 m (118 ft) high. Up to 10 people can board the park’s jet boat to experience a thrilling ride reaching speeds of up to 75 kilometers per hour (46 miles per hour) with 360-degree spins. The 1.6-kilometer (1-mile) off-road track features 15 obstacles for monster trucks to tackle. Drivers must be 18 or older, and one passenger may ride along.

El Parque Xcaret

Blvd. Kukulcán Playa del Carmen
77710 Quintana Roo, Mexico

The Xcaret Park adroitly packages development, conservation, culture, and entertainment. The park site was originally bought by architect Miguel Quintana Pali to build his dream house, but, captivated by its beauty, he proceeded to develop the area into a natural park. The Mayan pyramids and buildings found on the site have been restored. The park also includes two underground rivers that reveal ancient Mayan cenotes (sinkholes), magical caves, rock formations, and marine fossils. An interactive session with some of the dolphins of the Mexican Caribbean Sea is a highpoint of the park, as is the gala performance of 300 artists showcasing the best of Mexican culture, music, and dance.

Parque Xel-Há

Puerto Juarez - Chetumal Highway 180 Tulum
77780 Quintana Roo, Mexico

This park is a natural aquarium that offers a variety of aqua adventures, including diving and snorkeling in creeks, lagoons, natural wells, and ancient caves fed by underground rivers flowing into the Mexican Caribbean Sea. The Xel-Ha Amazing River attraction begins in a mangrove forest, and lush vegetation lines the riverbanks. The park has easy-access stairways to the water for snorkeling, and the warm and clear waters reveal brightly colored schools of fish. The park has a special dolphin swim area that simulates an ocean habitat and offers visitors the experience of an interactive session with the dolphins.

Avenida Eloy Cavazos and Avenida Pablo Livas
Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico

Located about 20 minutes east of Monterrey, Zoológico La Pastora should please the kids and animal lovers with a wide variety of engaging creatures. The spacious, 25-hectare (61-acre) zoo underwent major renovations and includes towering metal animal sculptures as part of the various attractions. There are elephants, tigers, hippos, primates, peacocks, wolves, and many more. Relax and see the sights on the zoo’s little train, wander the paths and gardens, and be sure to visit the Culture of Water exhibit. Snacks are available for purchase and restrooms are provided.