Planning a family vacation that caters to everyone’s desires can feel like navigating a maze. Imagine a place where pristine beaches meet thrilling adventures, where luxurious relaxation intertwines with cultural exploration, and where every family member, from toddlers to grandparents, finds something to love. That place is Playa del Carmen, Mexico, and the key to unlocking its full potential for families is choosing the right all inclusive Playa del Carmen family resort.
Our family’s love affair with the Riviera Maya began with a fleeting cruise excursion to Playa del Carmen. Those mere eight hours opened our eyes to a world far beyond what a single day could capture. The allure of the turquoise Caribbean waters, the whisper of ancient Mayan history, and the promise of unparalleled family fun were undeniable. We returned home, inspired to make a significant life change – downsizing our home to upsize our travel budget – all with the vision of returning to Playa del Carmen with our kids for an extended stay.
What is it about this particular stretch of Mexican paradise that captivated us so deeply? And why should you consider All Inclusive Playa Del Carmen Family Resorts for your next family getaway? Let’s dive into the magic of the Riviera Maya and uncover why it’s the ideal destination for creating lasting family memories.
Family fun on the beach at a Playa del Carmen all-inclusive resort, featuring clear turquoise waters and white sand.
Why Choose All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Playa del Carmen?
Playa del Carmen, nestled in the heart of the Riviera Maya, offers a unique blend of relaxation and adventure perfect for families. While Cancun, its northern neighbor, is often associated with a more adult-centric party atmosphere, Playa del Carmen boasts a more laid-back, family-friendly vibe. Here, you’ll find a wealth of cultural experiences, historical sites, breathtaking beaches, and, crucially, incredible all-inclusive resorts designed with families in mind.
Choosing an all inclusive resort in Playa del Carmen takes the stress out of vacation planning. Imagine arriving at your destination and knowing that your meals, drinks, activities, and entertainment are all taken care of for one upfront price. This means:
- Budget Control: No surprise bills or constant calculations. You know your vacation costs upfront, making budgeting easier.
- Variety and Convenience: Access to multiple restaurants, pools, and activities within the resort, catering to diverse tastes and ages.
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Many resorts feature kids’ clubs, water parks, dedicated children’s pools, and age-appropriate activities, ensuring younger guests are entertained and supervised.
- Relaxation for Parents: With childcare options and all-inclusive services, parents can truly unwind and enjoy their vacation knowing everything is taken care of.
- Prime Beachfront Locations: Most all inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen are situated directly on stunning beaches, offering easy access to the sand and sea.
For families seeking a seamless and enriching vacation experience, all inclusive Playa del Carmen family resorts are an exceptional choice.
Discovering the Barceló Maya Palace: A Standout All-Inclusive Family Resort
After countless hours of online research, poring over reviews and watching virtual tours, we chose the Barceló Maya Palace Deluxe for our family’s Playa del Carmen adventure. This resort, part of the larger Barceló Maya Riviera complex, truly stood out as a haven for families.
The Barceló Maya Riviera complex is an expansive beachfront property comprised of five interconnected all-inclusive resorts. These include Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, Barceló Maya Tropical, Barceló Maya Colonial, and the premium Barceló Maya Palace. A unique benefit of staying at any of these properties is reciprocal access to most of the facilities across the five resorts, with guests at the other resorts unable to access the exclusive amenities of the Barceló Maya Palace. Complimentary double-decker buses efficiently shuttle guests between the different sections, making exploration easy and fun, especially for kids!
The sheer scale of the Barceló complex is impressive, offering a dizzying array of dining, entertainment, and recreational options. It’s a destination within a destination, ensuring there’s always something new to discover.
Luxurious Rooms Designed for Families
For our stay at the Barceló Maya Palace, we opted for a lower-level room in the Deluxe Palace section. While “lower level” might sound basic, we were pleasantly surprised by the spaciousness and luxury of our suite. Choosing this room type allowed us full access to the Palace’s pools and restaurants, which we prioritized over ocean views or concierge services offered in “Club Premium” rooms at other sections.
Spacious family suite at Barcelo Maya Palace Deluxe, featuring multiple beds and a comfortable sitting area.
All rooms in the Palace section are suites, providing ample space for families. Our suite featured two comfortable double beds and two sofa beds in a separate sitting area, easily accommodating our family of five. Practical amenities included two closets, two desk spaces, a mini-bar, and a balcony patio. The bathroom was a highlight, boasting a deep soaking tub and two separate showers – a far cry from the cramped cruise ship bathrooms we were accustomed to! The value for space and amenities was truly exceptional, especially when considering the all-inclusive nature of the resort.
Endless Fun: Pools, Beaches, and Water Parks
The Barceló Maya Riviera complex is a paradise for water lovers. We dedicated our first day to exploring the seemingly endless aquatic offerings. With multiple sprawling pools – more like “lakes” in size – whimsically themed water parks, and direct access to one of the longest private beaches in the Riviera Maya, boredom is simply not an option.
Kids enjoying a themed water park at Barcelo Maya Riviera, with slides, fountains, and shallow pools.
Large family pool area at Barcelo Maya Riviera, surrounded by palm trees and lounge chairs.
Beautiful white sand beach at Barcelo Maya Riviera, with turquoise Caribbean sea and beach chairs.
The kids were thrilled with the variety of water parks, each with its own unique theme and features. We effortlessly transitioned between the beach, the numerous buffet restaurants for snacks and meals, and the exciting water attractions, maximizing every moment of our day.
Relaxation and Recreation for Everyone
Beyond the active water parks, the Barceló Maya Palace offers ample opportunities for relaxation. Hammocks dotted around the property beckoned for lazy afternoon lounging, and swim-up bars served both adult cocktails and kid-friendly mocktails. Our children delighted in ordering their own strawberry daiquiris and piña coladas (alcohol-free, of course!) while we parents enjoyed the convenience and the stunning Caribbean backdrop. Building Mayan pyramid-themed sandcastles on the pristine beach became a cherished family pastime.
Family relaxing in hammocks by the beach at Barcelo Maya Riviera, enjoying drinks and the ocean view.
Kids playing on the beach at Barcelo Maya Riviera, building sandcastles and enjoying the clear water.
A Culinary Journey: Restaurants and Dining
As an all-inclusive resort, dining at the Barceló Maya Palace is a delightful experience. With over 20 themed restaurants and 19 bars and lounges across the complex, culinary variety is guaranteed. The quality of the food exceeded our expectations, with fresh ingredients and diverse menus to please every palate. Our family favorites included the Brazilian Rodizio restaurant, the elegant French Brassiere at the Palace, the entertaining hibachi-style Japanese restaurant Tokyo, and the oceanfront Caribe restaurant. The convenience of having all meals and drinks included allowed us to fully indulge in the dining experiences without worrying about extra costs.
Elegant dining setting at a Barcelo Maya Riviera restaurant, featuring beautifully plated dishes and attentive service.
Buffet selection at Barcelo Maya Riviera, showcasing a variety of international cuisine and fresh food.
Delicious desserts at Barcelo Maya Riviera buffet, featuring colorful and tempting treats.
Amenities and Activities for Every Interest
Beyond the beach and pools, the Barceló Maya Riviera offers an astonishing array of amenities to keep the whole family entertained. From water sports and miniature golf to a bowling alley, sports bar complex, rock climbing wall, and even a mall with a carousel and theaters, there’s truly something for everyone. The double-decker bus rides between different parts of the resort became an attraction in themselves for our kids!
Miniature golf course at Barcelo Maya Riviera, with lush landscaping and fun obstacles.
Bowling alley at Barcelo Maya Riviera, offering family-friendly entertainment and a break from the sun.
Rock climbing wall at Barcelo Maya Riviera, providing a challenging and fun activity for older kids and adults.
Carousel at Barcelo Maya Riviera mall, a charming and classic attraction for younger children.
Pampering and Kids’ Clubs: Something for Parents Too
While the kids were happily engaged, my husband and I took advantage of the world-class spa for massages and hydrotherapy treatments. The Barceló Maya Palace truly caters to all ages, including a fantastic Barcy Kids Club that our children adored. The enthusiastic and engaging staff at the Kids Club organized scavenger hunts, games, and even took the kids for lunch and ice cream, giving us parents some valuable downtime.
Kids enjoying activities at the Barcy Kids Club at Barcelo Maya Riviera, engaging in games and crafts.
Kids participating in a scavenger hunt at the Barcy Kids Club at Barcelo Maya Riviera, exploring the resort grounds.
For a special treat, I took our daughters to the Barceló’s U Kids Spa, a dedicated spa just for children. Manicures, pedicures, and hairstyling were on the menu, providing a fun and pampering experience for the girls. We even enjoyed a complimentary family scuba lesson in one of the pools, a unique and memorable activity.
Girls getting pampered at the U Kids Spa at Barcelo Maya Riviera, enjoying manicures and spa treatments.
Family scuba diving lesson at Barcelo Maya Riviera pool, learning basic scuba skills in a safe environment.
Unique On-Site Dolphinarium
Adding to the resort’s impressive list of features is its own on-site dolphinarium. Guests can enjoy free daily dolphin shows or opt for interactive programs like dolphin swims and “Trainer for a Day” experiences (these activities are an additional cost). The dolphinarium adds an extra layer of wonder and marine life encounters to the Barceló Maya Palace experience.
Dolphin show at the on-site dolphinarium at Barcelo Maya Riviera, showcasing dolphin tricks and performances.
The beauty of an all-inclusive resort is that once you arrive, you can truly relax and enjoy. Everything from meals and snacks to drinks, kids’ club access, and most activities is included in the price (spa services and dolphin encounters being notable exceptions). The Barceló Maya Palace offers a truly comprehensive and stress-free vacation experience for families.
Family enjoying the pool at Barcelo Maya Riviera, with swim-up bar and lush tropical surroundings.
Adventure Beyond the Resort: Exploring Playa del Carmen with Kids
While the Barceló Maya Riviera offers enough to fill an entire vacation, venturing beyond the resort opens up a world of Riviera Maya’s wonders. We are a family that loves to explore, and Playa del Carmen and the surrounding area provided incredible opportunities for cultural immersion and outdoor adventures. The region’s eco-adventure parks are a major highlight and a significant reason why we fell in love with the Riviera Maya.
Experiencing the Magic of Xcaret Eco-Adventure Park
Xcaret (pronounced “esh-ka-ret”) was the first eco-adventure park we experienced, during our initial cruise excursion. Before that visit, I had no idea such a vast and diverse jungle playground existed, complete with underground rivers, lagoons, captivating entertainment, a wealth of animals, and rich cultural experiences. Comparing it to discovering Disney World wouldn’t be an exaggeration! Spanning over 200 acres, Xcaret rivals major Orlando theme parks in size and offers an unparalleled blend of fun and education for families.
Family swimming in underground river at Xcaret Eco Park, wearing life jackets and exploring crystal-clear water.
Our day at Xcaret began with an unforgettable swim through the park’s network of crystal-clear underground rivers. Guests can choose between the Blue River, Maya River, and Manatee River, or experience them all! Life jackets are provided for all ages, and snorkel gear is included with the Xcaret Plus ticket. The rivers, approximately 600 meters long, offer various exit points, allowing for flexible exploration. Xcaret’s thoughtful logistics include locked duffle bags that are transported from the river entrance to the exit, ensuring belongings are safe and waiting at the end of the aquatic journey.
From the refreshing underground rivers, we moved on to snorkeling in Xcaret’s beautiful lagoon, situated right on the Caribbean Sea. This calm-water lagoon boasts its own beach area, complete with hammocks and palapas for relaxation. While the kids enjoyed the rope bridge over the water, we parents appreciated the opportunity to unwind and soak in the idyllic scenery.
Tip: Xcaret enforces a biodegradable sunscreen policy to protect the coral reefs. Regular sunscreen can be exchanged for samples of biodegradable sunscreen at the park entrance, and it’s also available for purchase in the gift shops.
Family snorkeling in the lagoon at Xcaret Eco Park, exploring clear water and observing marine life.
After a delicious lunch at the Mexican buffet (one of ten restaurants within Xcaret), we stumbled upon the incredible Children’s World section. This dedicated area could easily occupy kids for an entire day! Slides into cenotes with waterfalls, hanging bridges, tunnels, a parakeet habitat, and a playground are all seamlessly integrated into the jungle environment.
Kids playing in Children's World at Xcaret Eco Park, enjoying slides, cenotes, and jungle-themed play structures.
Other Xcaret highlights included the butterfly pavilion, the impressive aviary, and a replica Mayan village showcasing traditional crafts and a colorful cemetery. Throughout the park, we encountered performances and demonstrations highlighting Mexican culture, creating a vibrant and immersive experience.
Butterfly pavilion at Xcaret Eco Park, showcasing diverse butterfly species in a lush tropical setting.
Mayan village replica at Xcaret Eco Park, featuring traditional crafts, architecture, and cultural demonstrations.
Xcaret’s efficient photo point system is a fantastic feature for families. Automatic cameras throughout the park capture photos by scanning wristbands, especially useful in water activities. Professional photographers in yellow shirts are also readily available for family portraits. Photos are easily accessed digitally at the end of the day, and photo packages can be pre-purchased online for a discount.
Family posing for a photo at Xcaret Eco Park photo point, capturing memories in a scenic location.
The day culminated with the spectacular “Mexico Espectacular” evening show at the Gran Tlacho Theater. This vibrant performance, included with park admission, is a must-see. Mexican traditions, history, and culture come alive through music, dance, and elaborate costumes. Adding the optional seven-course dinner enhanced the experience, providing excellent show seating and phenomenal, creatively presented cuisine. Even with Spanish narration, the show captivated our children with its visual storytelling and energy.
Mexico Espectacular show at Xcaret Eco Park, featuring vibrant costumes, music, and cultural performances.
Mayan ball game performance during Mexico Espectacular show at Xcaret Eco Park, featuring fire and traditional rituals.
Adventure and Thrills at Xplor Park
For families seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, Xplor (pronounced “ex-plor”) is the ultimate destination. In one action-packed day, we ziplined through waterfalls, swam and rafted in caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, and drove amphibious vehicles through the jungle. Xplor is a true adventure park that caters to thrill-seekers of all ages (with height and age restrictions for some activities).
Family ziplining at Xplor Adventure Park, soaring through the jungle canopy and experiencing an adrenaline rush.
Our Xplor journey began at the park’s central heart – a giant mosaic heart from which paths radiate to various activities. The Hammock Splash was a fun and gentle introduction, but the ziplines were the main event. Xplor boasts 14 ziplines spanning miles, with heights ranging from 8 to 45 meters, incorporating unique features like waterslides and waterfall splash landings. We were able to complete both zipline circuits (“Deer” and “Jaguar”) in less than the usual time due to lower park crowds. Tandem ziplining options were available, enhancing safety and allowing us to share the experience with our children. The views were breathtaking, and the sensation of ziplining into freshwater cenotes was exhilarating.
Ziplining into a cenote at Xplor Adventure Park, experiencing an exciting splashdown in a natural pool.
Family tandem ziplining at Xplor Adventure Park, sharing the thrill and enjoying the jungle views together.
Venturing underground, we embarked on the river raft adventure, paddling through caves filled with stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. The well-lit underground rivers created a sense of being in a hidden oasis. The river swim culminated in an unforgettable finale – swimming through a waterfall into a cavern illuminated by natural light from above.
Underground river rafting at Xplor Adventure Park, paddling through caves with stalactites and stalagmites.
Swimming in underground river at Xplor Adventure Park, passing through caverns and enjoying the cool water.
Waterfall finale of the underground river swim at Xplor Adventure Park, swimming through cascading water into a sunlit cavern.
Xplor is also all-inclusive, with a generous buffet offering a wide variety of food and drink options. While alcohol is not served (due to driving activities), the smoothie bar and array of juices and flavored waters were refreshing and satisfying. The oatmeal cookies were a particular hit with our family!
Buffet selection at Xplor Adventure Park, featuring fresh salads, grilled meats, and diverse cuisine options.
The amphibious vehicle adventure was a highlight, driving rugged jungle trails, plunging into water-filled caves, and navigating river-crossing bridges. These unique vehicles lived up to their “amphibious” name, providing an off-road experience unlike anything we’d done before. We capped off our day with another round of ziplining, fully energized by the Xplor adrenaline rush.
Amphibious vehicle adventure at Xplor Adventure Park, driving through jungle trails and splashing through water.
Like Xcaret, Xplor features an excellent automatic photo system, capturing photos throughout the park using helmet sensors. This allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventures, knowing our memories were being captured without us having to constantly handle cameras.
Natural Beauty and Aquatic Wonders at Xel-Há Park
Xel-Há (pronounced “shell-ha”), meaning “the place where water is born” in Maya, is the final eco-park we explored, and it truly lives up to its name. Turquoise water is everywhere you look, creating a sense of paradise. Xel-Há is a stunning natural aquarium, boasting a network of rivers, grottos, cenotes, and lagoons teeming with marine life and offering a multitude of water activities.
Panoramic view of Xel-Há Park, showcasing turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and natural beauty.
Our aquatic adventures at Xel-Há began with snuba diving, one of the park’s optional activities (additional cost). Our youngest child, just barely meeting the 8-year-old age requirement, participated with the support of a wonderful instructor who stayed by her side throughout the experience. Snuba diving allowed us to witness stingrays and countless fish in the mesmerizing blend of fresh and saltwater where underground rivers meet the Caribbean Sea.
Family snuba diving at Xel-Há Park, exploring underwater marine life with guided instruction.
Next, we took a tram to the river’s starting point, equipped ourselves with snorkel gear and rafts, and floated through the mangroves out into the open river. The water clarity and calmness made it ideal for snorkeling and observing the diverse marine ecosystem.
Tip: An underwater camera is a must for capturing the incredible underwater scenery at Xel-Há.
Family snorkeling in the river at Xel-Há Park, exploring clear water and observing marine life from rafts.
Along the river, we encountered various fun activities, including the “Cliffs of Courage” (a five-meter jump), the “Trepachanga” ropes course, and the “Salpichanga” zipline course that splashes into the water. These ziplines were shorter and lower than Xplor’s, offering quick bursts of fun and refreshing water landings. We enjoyed them so much we repeated them multiple times!
Ziplining into the water at Xel-Há Park, experiencing a refreshing splashdown from a short zipline.
Lunch at the Mexican buffet at Xel-Há was another culinary highlight, featuring delicious tacos, tres leches cake, and perfect margaritas (for the adults!). Like the other parks, Xel-Há is all-inclusive, covering food, drinks, towels, lockers, snorkel gear, life jackets, and inner tubes – essentially everything needed for a day of aquatic fun.
Refueled, we explored the jungle trails leading to the cenotes, encountering iguanas, parrots, and even a toucan. The kids loved the rope swing and the numerous photo opportunities along the trails. We ended our day with another river swim and a visit to the large children’s playground, leaving Xel-Há with wonderful memories and a desire to return and explore even more.
Kids playing on a rope swing at Xel-Há Park cenotes, enjoying jungle trails and natural attractions.
Tip: Purchasing tickets online in advance through the Experiencias Xcaret website is the cheapest and easiest way to access Xcaret, Xplor, and Xel-Há. Online purchases often include discounts, and package deals for multiple parks offer even greater savings. Transportation to the parks can also be booked with ticket purchases, with convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off services.
Family walking on jungle trails at Xel-Há Park, exploring natural surroundings and enjoying the scenery.
Stepping Back in Time: Exploring Chichen Itza
No visit to the Riviera Maya is complete without experiencing the ancient Mayan ruins. While Tulum offers smaller ruins closer to Playa del Carmen, we decided to venture further afield to see Chichen Itza, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. This decision proved to be incredibly rewarding.
The iconic pyramid of El Castillo at Chichen Itza, showcasing Mayan architecture and historical significance.
We opted for a private tour to Chichen Itza, which was undoubtedly the best way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site with kids. Our private van picked us up early, providing breakfast snacks for the journey. Even with a guide pick-up stop, we reached Chichen Itza in just two hours, arriving as the park opened, beating the tourist crowds and the midday heat. Our guide, Jeronimo, was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about Mayan culture and history, enriching our visit immeasurably. He ensured we saw all the key sites, including the observatory, the sacred cenote, the ball court, the Temple of Jaguars, the Temple of Warriors, the Thousand Pillars, and the iconic Castillo pyramid.
Family exploring the Temple of Warriors at Chichen Itza, learning about Mayan history and architecture.
We also had time to wander and browse the stalls of Mayan vendors selling handcrafted goods and souvenirs. Leaving Chichen Itza, we witnessed the arrival of large tour buses, confirming our decision to arrive early was a wise one. A delicious picnic lunch was provided on the return journey, and we were back at our resort with plenty of time to relax before dinner. A private tour to Chichen Itza proved to be a fantastic and manageable way to experience this ancient wonder with children.
Mayan vendors selling crafts and souvenirs at Chichen Itza, offering a glimpse into local culture and artistry.
Plan Your Unforgettable Playa del Carmen Family Vacation
Family enjoying a beautiful sunset at Playa del Carmen, with palm trees and the Caribbean Sea in the background.
Whether your family envisions lazy beach days, action-packed adventures, cultural explorations, or a blend of all three, Playa del Carmen in Mexico’s Riviera Maya is the perfect destination. From relaxing on pristine beaches to discovering thrilling eco-adventure parks and exploring ancient Mayan ruins, there’s something to captivate every member of the family. While Disney and cruising are popular family vacation choices, all inclusive Playa del Carmen family resorts and the wonders of the Riviera Maya offer a unique and enriching experience that should be at the top of your family travel list. We are already planning our return!
Consider all inclusive Playa del Carmen family resorts for your next vacation and prepare to create unforgettable memories in this Mexican paradise.
