Mexico City w/5yo

[Anonymous]

We're considering going to Mexico City for spring break with our kindergartner. We want to explore the historic sites in and around the city but then have a nice pool to go to as well. Any recs?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't take a kid that age to the historic sites. They'll be bored and get exhausted and they're too big to just carry. There are very few elevators in the Centro Historico and there are lots of trip hazards everywhere.

[Anonymous]

trip hazards? lol

Xochimilco for sure

Loved riding bikes on La Reforma and the zoo was a HUGE hit for our kid

Heard good things about family friendly Lucha Libre show

[Anonymous]

Oh and we stayed at La Meridien and my kid loved going to the pool each night.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:trip hazards? lol

Xochimilco for sure

Loved riding bikes on La Reforma and the zoo was a HUGE hit for our kid

Heard good things about family friendly Lucha Libre show

+1

I lived there with a 5yo. For kids, I suggest lucha libre, Xochimilco, Teotihuacán (wear sunscreen!). There's a "safari" park near Teotihuacán -- not particularly Mexican but kids like it. The Papalote Museum is for kids and very good. You can go to a low pressure indoor produce market in Roma if you think your kid would like that.

I'd skip the Anthropology Museum with a young kid, or pick one section only.

March is warm and dry.

[Anonymous]

In addition to the recommendations above (really recommend Teotihuacan and the Museo de Papalote even though the latter isn’t particularly historical) my 5yo kid loved the Museo del Templo Mayor. We also went to Casa Azul - check their events calendar as they often have crafts that are drop-in (if you have museum entry - those tickets you do need to buy ahead) and that was a great experience for us. We also enjoyed the bosque de Chapultepec and went by multiple days.

[Anonymous]

OP, my husband travels there only with armed guards. They are with him from the airport to the hotel. They are outside his room until he leaves and escorts him back to the hotel. There are SO MANY other places to go - why would you go somewhere with state department advisories out on it????

Is State Department warning Mexico?
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.Aug 22, 2023

Mexico Travel Advisory - Travel.gov

[Anonymous]

Don't pay attention to 1936. I have several friends raising families there. We've not been able to visit yet, so no recommendations, I'll leave that to PP who did! Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, my husband travels there only with armed guards. They are with him from the airport to the hotel. They are outside his room until he leaves and escorts him back to the hotel. There are SO MANY other places to go - why would you go somewhere with state department advisories out on it????

Is State Department warning Mexico?
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.Aug 22, 2023

Mexico Travel Advisory - Travel.gov

I have traveled to Mexico City both for fun and for work in the past year and this is absolutely ridiculous. For the work trip, the client offered use of an armored car and I turned it down. Ubers are just fine.

I live in NYC and Mexico City (at least the neighborhoods that tourists visit) felt just as safe. I loved it. Didn’t go with kids either time, though, so unfortunately no recommendations on that front!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, my husband travels there only with armed guards. They are with him from the airport to the hotel. They are outside his room until he leaves and escorts him back to the hotel. There are SO MANY other places to go - why would you go somewhere with state department advisories out on it????

Is State Department warning Mexico?
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.Aug 22, 2023

Mexico Travel Advisory - Travel.gov

This is nuts. Nuts.

Unless you are extremely wealthy and also well known, or a narco boss, you absolutely do not need security guards.

PP, guessing you've never been to Mexico City or any middle income countries?

[Anonymous]

Don't get kidnapped

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Don't get kidnapped

Is that a thing there?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't take a kid that age to the historic sites. They'll be bored and get exhausted and they're too big to just carry. There are very few elevators in the Centro Historico and there are lots of trip hazards everywhere.

Our kids managed fine with historic sites. How do you think people who live in old cities cope with kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Don't get kidnapped

Is that a thing there?

No. It’s not a thing in Mexico City. Perhaps in the northern border where cartels have taken over but not Mexico City. I was just there this summer visiting for the first time and was amazed at the city. It’s now one of my most favorite places. So much to see and do. So many great restaurants. Such great historic and cultural sites. I felt safe the entire time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, my husband travels there only with armed guards. They are with him from the airport to the hotel. They are outside his room until he leaves and escorts him back to the hotel. There are SO MANY other places to go - why would you go somewhere with state department advisories out on it????

Is State Department warning Mexico?
Mexico State (Estado de Mexico) – Exercise Increased Caution

Both violent and non-violent crime occur throughout Mexico State. Use additional caution in areas outside of the frequented tourist areas, although petty crime occurs frequently in tourist areas as well.Aug 22, 2023

Mexico Travel Advisory - Travel.gov

This is nuts. Nuts.

Unless you are extremely wealthy and also well known, or a narco boss, you absolutely do not need security guards.

PP, guessing you've never been to Mexico City or any middle income countries?

It is not. Many companies will not allow execs to go without armed guards. Our CEO went and was met with a security team -- all suggested by our outside security company which is headed by ex FBI and CIA. Threats are real against anyone.