Curator’s statement
Oaxaca, Mexico, is a vibrant destination for families, offering a rich blend of cultural experiences and natural beauty. Children can immerse themselves in the colorful traditions of local festivals, explore ancient ruins like Monte Albán and engage in hands-on craft workshops, such as learning to make traditional alebrijes. The region’s stunning landscapes, from the lush Hierve el Agua to bustling local markets, provide endless opportunities for exploration, while Oaxaca's diverse, kid-friendly cuisine ensures that even the pickiest eaters can enjoy the journey.
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Day 1: Swim in the natural mineral-rich pools of Hierve el Agua
Breakfast: Start your day at Pan, a local bakery known for fresh pastries and coffee. Kids will love the croissants and conchas, while adults can enjoy locally sourced coffee. It’s a great way to start your day in the heart of the city.
Activity: Visit Hierve el Agua for a swim in its natural mineral-rich pools and explore the petrified waterfalls. There are hiking trails with stunning views, making this an educational and exciting spot for families. It’s an hour-and-a-half-drive, so booking a tour or hiring a car is recommended.
Lunch: After your morning adventure, dine at Casa Oaxaca Café. This casual restaurant, owned by Chef Alejandro Ruiz, serves traditional Oaxacan dishes like memelas and tlayudas, perfect for a light but delicious lunch.
Afternoon: Spend time walking around Oaxaca’s historic center. Visit the Templo de Santo Domingo and its nearby Ethnobotanical Garden, which displays local plants used in traditional Oaxacan medicine. You can also explore street markets and artisans selling beautiful crafts.
Dinner: End your day at La Matatena Pizzeria, known for its wood-fired pizzas and homemade lasagna. The cozy atmosphere and delicious sangria make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Day 2: Paint your own alebrijes with a hands-on workshop
Breakfast: Enjoy a light breakfast at Café Brujula, a quaint coffee shop in the heart of Oaxaca City. With delicious coffee, pastries and yogurt bowls, it’s a great way to fuel up for a busy day ahead.
Activity: Drive to San Martín Tilcajete for a hands-on alebrijes painting workshop at Jacobo y María Ángeles. Your family can learn how to paint colorful wooden figurines while learning the history behind this traditional Oaxacan art form. Kids will love creating their own personalized alebrije to take home as a souvenir.
Lunch: Visit Entre Leños for a family-friendly meal. This restaurant has traditional Oaxacan food, a playground and farm animals, making it the perfect spot for kids to explore while adults enjoy local dishes like mole and tlayudas.
Afternoon: Burn off extra energy at FlipOut Trampoline Park. With trampolines, foam pits and obstacle courses, this is a fun and active way for kids to spend the afternoon.
Dinner: Head to Ilegales Bar for a casual dinner. While it’s known for its bar food, the early evening is family-friendly and the kids will enjoy burgers and fries while adults can relax.
Day 3: Take in the incredible views of the Oaxaca Valley
Activity: Drive to Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and ancient Zapotec city. Explore the pyramids and terraces with your family, and take in the incredible views of the Oaxaca Valley. It's a great opportunity for kids to learn about history while enjoying the open space. Consider getting there when it opens to beat the heat and the crowds!
Breakfast or brunch: Head over to Boulenc, a bakery-café famous for its freshly baked bread and trendy brunch dishes like avocado toast and pancakes. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike, with a cozy, hip atmosphere.
Lunch: After returning to the city, grab snacks or light bites at Mercado Benito Juárez, where you can try traditional Oaxacan street food. Kids will love browsing the colorful stalls filled with handcrafted items, candy, and toys.
Afternoon: Spend the afternoon shopping at Mercado Benito Juárez, where you’ll find everything from handmade textiles to local sweets. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs and experience Oaxaca’s vibrant market culture.
Dinner: Enjoy an upscale dining experience at Los Danzantes, where you can try modern takes on Oaxacan classics like mole negro in a beautiful courtyard setting. While it’s more refined, the open space and friendly service make it suitable for families.
Day 4: Visit the famous Tule Tree
Breakfast: Have a picnic breakfast at Llano Park, a large green space perfect for families. Stop by a local market beforehand to pick up fresh fruit, pastries and juice to enjoy while watching local families gather and play.
Activity: Drive to Santa María del Tule to visit the famous Tule Tree. This ancient cypress tree is one of the largest in the world, and kids will be amazed by its size and history. The surrounding park is a peaceful spot to explore.
Lunch: Dine at El Quinque, a family-friendly restaurant offering fresh, locally-sourced dishes in a relaxed atmosphere. This is a perfect spot for a final Oaxacan meal before wrapping up your trip.
Afternoon Treat: Don’t miss Dark Heladería, a cool ice cream shop known for its unique flavors like mezcal and chocolate. It’s a fun stop for both kids and adults to enjoy some creative frozen treats.
Dinner: End your trip with a relaxed dinner at La Olla. With its rooftop views and traditional Oaxacan dishes, it’s a perfect spot to reflect on your family adventures while enjoying one last delicious meal.
Day 5: Explore the family-friendly Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca
Breakfast: Start your last day at Onnno Lonchería, a chic and modern breakfast spot serving tasty waffles, pancakes and omelets that kids will love.
Activity: Spend your final morning exploring Museo de las Culturas de Oaxaca, located in the former monastery of Santo Domingo. This family-friendly museum houses fascinating exhibits about Oaxacan history, art and culture. The kids will love learning about Oaxaca’s ancient civilizations and seeing traditional crafts.
Lunch: Finish your trip with lunch at Las Quince Letras, a traditional Oaxacan restaurant famous for its mole negro. It’s a wonderful way to end your culinary journey in Oaxaca.
Afternoon: Spend your final hours walking around the Zócalo, enjoying street performances, and picking up any last-minute souvenirs.
Additional days
If you have a few extra days, consider a trip to Oaxaca’s stunning Pacific coast. Popular beach destinations like Mazunte, Zipolite and Puerto Escondido offer crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches and a relaxed atmosphere. In Mazunte, visit the Mexican Turtle Center to learn about sea turtle conservation, or take a boat tour to spot dolphins and whales. Puerto Escondido is perfect for surfing, swimming and enjoying beachside seafood. These coastal towns are about a six or seven-hour drive or a short flight from Oaxaca City, making them ideal for a relaxing beach getaway after your cultural exploration.
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Travel Advisor
Leah Coover
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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to Oaxaca. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Nicole Cueto’s guide, A Mexican Oasis: A Weekend in Oaxaca.