Discovering Cancun with teenagers — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Planning a family trip to Cancun with teenagers in tow? Whether your teens are thrill-seekers or culture vultures, you’ll find plenty of fun activities that the whole family can enjoy. From exploring ancient ruins and swimming in cenotes to zip lining through the jungle, here are 10 of the best things to do in Cancun with teens.
Dare to do it all in Selvatica
Exploring by air at Selvatica — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Ready to up the ante and have an adventure of a lifetime? Selvatica Adventure Park is just what you need! Experience thrilling zip lines, swim in a natural pool (cenote) and take on some treacherous mud tracks as you off-road in an ATV — because this top-rated park has all kinds of fun activities that will keep your adrenaline pumping. The bravest souls should consider the comprehensive "Gimme All" package at Selvatica and get ready to double the fun with your family.
Explore the outdoors at Xavage
Xavage's outdoor activities — Photo courtesy of Zapwater
The popular Xavage Adventure Park is the ultimate destination for teens in Cancun. Featuring monster truck racing across 15 obstacles, a man-made river rapids course, a challenging ropes course, kayaking and jet boating, there's something exhilarating around every corner. Plus, when you decide to take a break from the action, you'll have unlimited delicious food and beverages from an array of international menus.
Enjoy a Mayan jungle tour
Driving speedboats through Cancun — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Immerse yourself in the best of ancient Mexico and modern marine adventure with a three-hour Mayan Jungle tour with Puerto Maya Cancun. Begin the experience with a traditional Mayan blessing, then take a speedboat ride across the stunning Nichupté Lagoon. When you reach the Nizuc Reef, you'll find some of the finest snorkeling in Cancun. Teenagers will love every minute of this adventure, as they can drive the boat and swim through vibrant coral gardens, full of marine life, lying beneath the surface.
Go zip lining at Ventura Park
Ventura Park's many adventures — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Ventura Park is an incredibly fun amusement and water park for adventure-seekers and their families. Teens can soar through treetops on zip lines, jump on a bungee swing and challenge themselves in an action-packed ropes course — all while parents take it easy, sipping cocktails or floating along the lazy river! Additionally, there's 3D arcade games, water rides and dolphin experiences (for an extra fee), so everyone is sure to be entertained and enthralled from start to finish.
Admire marine life at Interactive Aquarium Cancun
Underwater adventures at Aquarium Cancun — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Interactive Aquarium Cancun is the ideal educational destination for your family to learn all about marine life, as it features many activities where visitors can get up close and personal with its inhabitants. You can discover over 140 species of sea creatures, touch stingrays and take an underwater Sea Trek adventure at this world-class aquarium. As you wander through the exhibits, you'll discover many more mesmerizing experiences while learning a variety of fun facts about the ocean. Outside, you can take a ride on the La Gran Rouda Ferris Wheel, which is located steps away from the aquarium. You can purchase one ticket that gets access into both attractions.
Discover historical mysteries at Mayan ruins
Wander Coba Mayan ruins — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
When visiting Quintana Roo, be sure to include a stop at Coba, a significant archeological destination where you and your teens can learn all about the Mayan civilization firsthand. Rent a bike inexpensively (for about one dollar) and travel through these incredible ruins as you pedal up to an impressive ancient Mayan temple that's nearly 140 feet tall. There's so much history here, and it's a memorable place to slow down and soak it all in. After all, who knows what secrets may be revealed during your visit?
Embark on adventures at Xplor
Zip lining at night in Xplor Fuego — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Get ready for an experience like no other at Xplor. Featuring loads of exciting activities, you and your family are sure to have the time of your lives. You can choose to visit in the daytime or enjoy their unique star-lit adventure after dark — both options provide an enchanting experience. At Xplor, you can ride in jeeps, zip line, swim through caves and underground rivers — and more! If you choose to relax, just kick back on a comfy hammock and enjoy the scenery. There's an abundance of delicious food included, too; tasty snacks are offered throughout the day, and there's a generous buffet spread for dinner.
Enjoy the peace at Pac Chen
A tranquil cenote in Pac Chen — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Embark on an incredible adventure at Pac Chen Mayan Village in the heart of the jungle, and start your journey off right by joining in a traditional Mayan blessing (of course, their gods will be looking out for you). Afterwards, you can gear up to participate in some seriously cool activities. Paddle around in a kayak before climbing into your harness and swinging across the sky via multiple zip lines. Then take it up a notch as you rappel into ancient Mayan caves. Remember to bring along a swimsuit so you can take a dip in a natural cenote in the park. Additionally, food lovers will enjoy some gastronomic exploration as well, as you'll have the opportunity to taste authentic Mayan cuisine that's sure to exceed expectations.
Float in a spectacular underground river at Rio Secreto
Floating inside Rio Secreto — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Embark on a journey to Río Secreto, home to an ancient underground river with caves featuring thousands of stunning stalactites, stalagmites and other jaw-dropping spectacles that have formed over millions of years. Visitors here take a step back in time while exploring these ruggedly beautiful natural wonders. Along the way, your helmet light will guide you and your family through the darkness, as you walk (and sometimes float and swim) along the tunnels of various sizes. Bring along some extra money to purchase photos; undoubtedly they will serve as lasting souvenirs from such a memorable experience. After your adventure, end your day by dining at their delightful buffet.
Swim in a natural cenote
A tranquil cenote in the Yucatan — Photo courtesy of Meagan Wristen
Cenotes are crystal clear underground pools filled with freshwater that were once used by Mayans for religious ceremonies and rituals. There are many cenotes throughout the Yucatan Peninsula near Cancun, where you can have an unforgettable underwater experience for super cheap. You can find many that are easily accessible, without having to purchase an expensive tour. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot turtles, fish and other marine life swimming in their natural habitat.
