Curator’s statement
Get ready to fall in love with Mexico City! From royal castles to purple jacaranda blossoms, from zipping through parks to watching a good ol' baseball game, this family itinerary has it all—with some extra charm and wit sprinkled in. Let’s jump in!
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Day 1: Chapultepec Park, Lincoln Park and Condesa charm
Morning: Chapultepec Castle
Rise and shine! Start your day early with a magical stroll up to Chapultepec Castle, the only royal castle in North America. Kids will love pretending they’re kings and queens, and you’ll get a stunning view of the city at the top.
Tip: Get there right when it opens to avoid the lines.
Late morning: Chapultepec Park adventures
Take a leisurely walk-through Chapultepec Park. Hit the Carrusel de Chapultepec for some old-school fun (who doesn’t love a good carousel?), then wander through the park’s tree-lined paths. Street vendors sell everything from roasted corn to balloons. Afterward, swing by the Chapultepec Zoo to say hi to the giant pandas!
Lunch: El Mayor
Time for lunch! Hop in an Uber and head over to El Mayor, a rooftop restaurant with breathtaking views of the Templo Mayor ruins and the cathedral. While the grown-ups will love the view, the kids can enjoy a quesadilla or two.
Afternoon: Parque Lincoln and churros at El Moro
Next, zip over to Parque Lincoln in Polanco. The kids will love the playground, and you’ll love the relaxing atmosphere (plus, cute dogs everywhere!). After working up an appetite, grab churros at El Moro—crispy, sugary goodness dipped in hot chocolate.
Optional: Papalote Children’s Museum and Aztlán Park
Got extra energy? Take the kids to Papalote Children’s Museum for some hands-on learning fun or explore Aztlán Park with its new, exciting rides.
Dinner: Condesa magic
Wrap up your day in Condesa—Mexico City’s bohemian heart. Try Pizza Nosferatu for what might just be the best pizza and salad combo in town. Not feeling pizza? Hit Ardente for another Italian feast or El Tizoncito for tacos that will knock your socks off (and yes, the kids will approve).
Day 2: Zócalo and historic center
Morning: Zócalo and cathedral exploration
Start day two at the Zócalo, Mexico City's historic and bustling main square. Snap some family photos, then take a peek inside the Metropolitan Cathedral—the largest cathedral in the Americas! History, culture, and wow-worthy architecture await.
Brunch: Café de Tacuba
Pop into Café de Tacuba for an old-world breakfast/brunch experience. From enchiladas to hot chocolate, this iconic café has it all, served in a charming, historic setting.
Afternoon: Templo Mayor and Alameda Central
Now, let’s get Indiana Jones-level adventurous. Explore the Templo Mayor ruins, right in the heart of the city, where ancient Aztec temples still stand. Then stroll over to Alameda Central, one of the city’s prettiest parks, shaded by—you guessed it—jacaranda trees in full bloom.
Lunch: El Cardenal
For lunch, hit up El Cardenal, another historic spot, and order the traditional Mexican fare with a family-friendly vibe (pro tip: their hot chocolate is divine!).
Evening: Lucha Libre or Ballet Folklorico
End your day with a bang by catching a fun and dramatic Lucha Libre wrestling match, or for something cultural, see the beautiful Ballet Folklórico at the Palacio de Bellas Artes.
Day 3: Coyoacán and Xochimilco - Art, history and floating gardens
Morning: Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul)
Wake up and head to Coyoacán to visit the iconic Frida Kahlo Museum. Known as Casa Azul, this museum was Frida’s childhood home and is filled with her art, personal belongings, and all the inspiration your budding artists need. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance!
Late morning: Coyoacán Plaza and churros
After the museum, take a wander around Plaza Hidalgo and Jardín Centenario. The square is buzzing with life, and you’ll find vendors selling everything from crafts to snacks. Hungry again? Get some churros at Churrería General de la República—just because you can!
Lunch: Corazón de Maguey
Stop for lunch at Corazón de Maguey right in the heart of Coyoacán. The kids can try delicious quesadillas while the adults sip mezcal cocktails (when in Mexico, right?).
Afternoon: Trajinera ride in Xochimilco
Ready for an adventure? Hop in an Uber to Xochimilco and board a trajinera—a colorful, traditional boat that floats along the canals. Bring some snacks and enjoy the mariachi music (or hire a band!) as you drift through the “floating gardens.” It’s a family favorite and a magical experience.
Dinner: Los Danzantes
Wrap up your day back in Coyoacán at Los Danzantes, where you’ll find an upscale but relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family dinner. Their modern Mexican menu is sure to please everyone at the table.
Day 4: Parque La Mexicana, Roma and baseball fun
Morning: Parque La Mexicana
Kick off your day at Parque La Mexicana in Santa Fe. This park has it all: beautiful walking paths, a skate park, playgrounds, and even a lake. It’s the perfect spot to let the kids run off some energy while you relax with a coffee from Ojo de Agua. The park is lovely year-round, but if you visit in early spring (late February to March), you’ll catch the jacarandas blooming—a real treat if you're around for that season.
Late morning: Roma Norte walkabout
Next, head over to Roma Norte for a stroll through one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Mexico City. Wander around Plaza Río de Janeiro with its art nouveau architecture, quirky shops, and cafés. It’s a great spot to enjoy the eclectic vibe of this artsy district. Stop for a snack at a corner bakery or grab a fresh juice from a street vendor while you explore.
Lunch: Rosetta
For lunch, check out Rosetta, a charming restaurant that’s been serving up delightful Mexican-Italian fusion for years. It’s a foodie favorite, but casual enough for a family lunch. Try their seasonal dishes and enjoy a relaxing meal in a cozy, elegant setting.
Afternoon: Professional baseball game
Nothing says family fun like a baseball game! In spring and summer, catch the Diablos Rojos del México in action at the Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú. From March to September, the stadium is buzzing with fans enjoying tacos, churros, and classic baseball excitement. It’s a lively way to spend the afternoon, with plenty of kid-friendly activities, including cheering for the home team!
Overview of additional days
If you have some extra time during your visit, make sure to check out the Anthropology Museum (Museo Nacional de Antropología), one of the most impressive museums in the world. It's located in Chapultepec Park, and both adults and kids will love exploring its exhibits on ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans.
Afterward, let the kids blow off steam at one of the many playgrounds in the park, such as La Tapatía, which is right near the museum and offers swings, slides and plenty of space for little adventurers to run around.
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Leah Coover
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This itinerary is a part of our ongoing series on travel to Mexico. Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my guide, Family-friendly Oaxaca: The Perfect Long Weekend Itinerary with Kids