Mexican vacation hotspots like Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the rest of the Riviera Maya are great choices for families thanks to countless all-inclusive resorts and almost-guaranteed winter sunlight (outside of hurricane season, at least).
However, these places can be busy, pricey, and lacking in real Mexican culture and charm.
Here are several alternative Mexican options, ranging from well-known family attractions to off-the-beaten-path villages and resorts, for a more affordable family vacation infused with local culture.
(Don't worry, you'll still be able to enjoy classic vacation advantages like lovely hotels and winter sunshine.)
Guanajuato
Visitors to San Miguel de Allende, a famous tourist destination, should also visit Guanajuato, a silver mining town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Kids, teenagers, and adults will all enjoy walking through the colourful town, particularly the historic Callejón del Beso, which is so little that young lovers could stretch across their balconies to kiss.
Take the city's funicular up to the Ppila Monument for sweeping views of the city below when everyone wants a break from strolling.
A trip to the mummies museum or a stroll around the Presa de la Olla, a reservoir where families may rent boats and paddle around, are also fun for the kids.
Consider taking a Callejoneadas tour after the sun sets, in which traditional town musicians guide guests throughout the city to the rhythms of music and dance.
Oaxaca
The state of Oaxaca in southwestern Mexico is ideal for visitors looking for a mix of beach, culture, and Zapotec and Mazatec ruins to explore.
It provides families a more calm sun and sand option to the Riviera Maya, with crystal-clear Pacific waters and beautiful beaches but without the crowds.
The rustic resort town of Puerto Escondido is within striking distance of some of the best beaches.
Despite the fact that some areas have huge waves that are better suited to surfers than little children, families can still enjoy activities like releasing newborn turtles on the beach at dusk.
Huatulco, which was built with an ecological focus in the 1980s, has more than 35 isolated, forested beaches as well as the Parque Eco-Arqueológico Copalita, which features pre-Hispanic remains, pyramids, and even a cemetery for families to visit.
If you prefer a more urban setting, visit Oaxaca, one of the country's gourmet capitals, which is known for its delectable chocolate and world-famous mole sauce.
California's border with Mexico
The primary stop on the Baja California peninsula is Los Cabos, but there's so much more to see - and residents of the southern United States can even drive there.
Todos Santos, about an hour north of Los Cabos, attracts travellers looking for rough coastal beauty with a more bohemian attitude, akin to what Tulum used to be to Cancun.
In Todos Santos, some beaches provide family-friendly surf lessons, and many restaurants provide a relaxed, outside dining experience where children may run around while adults enjoy cuisine and cocktails.
Don't forget about Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico's most famous wine region.
It's certainly popular among adults, yet it's also kid-friendly.
Many wineries are located on farms or estates, where children can pet baby goats or picnic while their parents sample wines.
Querétaro
The pedestrian-friendly streets of Santiago de Querétaro are ideal for families who want to wander through the city's parks, squares, churches, fountains, and enormous aqueduct.
There are also pyramids in El Cerrito, a Chupcuaro archaeological site just outside the city centre that is generally missed.
On the outskirts of town is the Cerro de Las Campanas National Park, which includes beautiful gardens, landmarks, and museums, as well as strange stones that, according to mythology, create bell-like sounds when touched.
A bike trip through the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, which includes mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and the Estorax River, allows families to truly immerse themselves in nature.
Alternatively, a family trip to the famed Pea de Bernal, a giant monolith that is one of Mexico's 13 outstanding natural marvels, would be in order.
Chiapas, Lacandon Jungle
The Lacandon Jungle is one of Mexico's largest jungles, located in the state of Chicapas.
It is protected as part of the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, which stretches over the border between Mexico and Guatemala.
The location is ideal for active families, with plenty of hiking and camping opportunities, and children will enjoy spotting monkeys and other wildlife on the trails.
The Las Golondrinas waterfall is a must-see.
There are historic Mayan ruins off the usual road to explore for families interested in history and culture, such as Bonampak, which is noted for its complex, painted murals.
Palenque, a mystery jungle-clad archaeological site further north, is one of Mexico's most awe-inspiring ancient sites.
Regardless of which ruins you visit, hiring a guide will ensure that you get the most out of your trip.
Sinaloa's Mazatlán
Mazatlán is a great option to Cancun if you want a beach holiday with less visitors and a more moderate pricing.
Although the Pacific waters are not as clear as those in Cancun, the beaches are less crowded and are frequented by local families as well as visitors.
Taking a boat to Stone Island, where kids may play on miles of lonely beaches, is an accessible, family-friendly activity.
Parents might relax with a refreshing beer at a beachfront tavern or restaurant in the hamlet.
If you need to get out of the sun for a spell, the city has a large, kid-friendly aquarium.
Mérida, Yucatan, and Campeche are three of the most beautiful cities in Mexico.
Those who want to take advantage of the Yucatan Peninsula's convenience (flying into Cancun from the United States is quite easy, after all) can rent a car at Cancun International Airport (CUN) and drive west to Mérida rather than following the typical route south along the Riviera Maya.
Even if you're on a budget, you can learn about Mérida's colonial attractions thanks to a variety of free museums and walking tours.
They include the 16th-century Casa de Montejo residence, which is filled with period furnishings, as well as the stunning church, which was made partly from Mayan stone and is Mexico's oldest.
Campeche is a city-state that stretches along Mexico's southeastern coast.
Despite the lack of beaches, the city is known for its boardwalk, which allows families to promenade for miles.
Between Mérida and Campeche, travellers can truly immerse themselves in nature.
In the Petenes-Ra Celestn Natural Park, you may go swimming in cenotes (limestone sinkholes), take a boat cruise through marshy mangroves, and see flamingo colonies.
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