Less than an hour from Cancun’s airport and served by nonstop flights from dozens of cities, Playa del Carmen is a sparkling stretch of Mexico’s Riviera Maya known for turquoise waters, tropical breezes, and all-inclusive resorts that make family vacations effortless. These resorts deliver stress-free stays with quality dining, endless activities, and the convenience of having everything included. Whether your perfect vacation includes exploring the Yucatan or simply lounging poolside, these Playa del Carmen resorts have got it covered.
MEXICO’S BEST: The top 12 Mexico all-inclusive resorts for families
1. Grand Velas Riviera Maya
Hugging the coast, Grand Velas Riviera Maya offers communion with nature inside a protected mangrove jungle. This Playa del Carmen all-inclusive resort’s contemporary accommodations are roomy suites with terraces. Families traveling with a baby will appreciate the on-site Baby Concierge, who can arrange everything from a crib to organic pureed meals.
FIESTA TIME:12 best Cancun resorts for families
A supervised kids club keeps younger travelers busy with hands-on activities and crafts, while the high-tech teen lounge is a magnet for this tough-to-please demographic. Other perks include three dreamy swimming pools, Mayan-inspired spa treatments, and of course the sprawling beach. Evening entertainment is low-key (think acoustic guitars and soft rock tunes under a starry sky). A variety of restaurants cater to picky eaters and gourmets alike.
2. Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya
For nonstop family fun in Playa del Carmen, the buck stops at Nickelodeon Hotels and Resorts Riviera Maya, a fully Nickelodeon-themed all-inclusive family resort that’s just as delightful for parents as it is for kids. Upon arrival, young guests are treated to a slime smoothie, setting the stage for Nickelodeon character meet-and-greets and impromptu dance parties. Every one of the resort’s guest rooms are swim-up oceanfront suite, and special themed rooms (such as the Pineapple Suite inspired by SpongeBob) add whimsy.
CLOSE TO HOME:15 best all-inclusive resorts in the U.S. for families
The resort’s six-acre Aqua Nick water park is among the largest in Mexico, with 21 water slides and a lazy river. Its Club Nick kids club is a supervised program for children ages four to 12, and non-motorized water sports and the opportunity to get slimed (the ultimate Nickelodeon honor) will keep everyone smiling. The on-site restaurants, including a pizza joint, appeal to fussy eaters. Step stools, changing tables, and other baby gear are practical touches for families on vacation with a baby.
3. Iberostar Waves Quetzal
A beachfront all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort that welcomes families with excellent children’s programming, Iberostar Waves Quetzal caters to kids and teens ages four to 17 with everything from cooking classes to science experiments. The resort’s Star Camp kids club encourages youngsters to be stewards of the land and sea, emphasizing sustainable initiatives such as recycling and ocean ecology.
SAVE MONEY:Kids stay free at these 11 family-friendly all-inclusive resorts
Swimming pools, waterslides, and that beautiful Playa del Carmen beach add to the family-friendly vibes. Nightly entertainment, including magic shows and live music, brings energy to the evenings. Eclectic dining options range from a Texas-style smokehouse to sushi.
4. Fairmont Mayakoba
Immersed within a mangrove jungle intersected by lagoons, Fairmont Mayakoba has all the makings of a tropical oasis. Resident parrots, monkeys, and sea turtles delight guests, while the beach, multiple swimming pools, and a series of freshwater canals, traversable by boat, provide non-stop activity options. You can explore this sprawling property by bike or hop on one of the trams, too.
FAMILY FUN:Beaches Resorts vacations: What to know before you book
A visit to Café Maya for ice cream will satisfy your sweet tooth, while adventurous epicureans may opt out of the all-inclusive dining plan and explore Playa del Carmen’s dynamic restaurant scene. Two kids clubs offer Mayan-inspired crafts and games, and baby gear is readily available for families with little ones.
5. Grand Residences Riviera Cancun
With swimming pools, a sandy beach, and kayaks and sailboats, active families can have fun in or on the water at Grand Residences Riviera Cancun. The sports desk will lend you all the equipment you need for a game of tennis or beach volleyball, while guided bicycle tours, yoga, and salsa dancing are additional options.
MADE FOR KIDS:17 all-inclusive resorts with kids clubs that go above and beyond
All suites feature a private balcony with ocean or garden views; select suites also include plunge pools and Jacuzzis. Guest room configurations include multi-bedroom units with full kitchens and washer-dryers; the decor features a colorful blend of Mexican handicrafts. The multilingual staff at the kids club keeps children engaged with treasure hunts, piñata making, and beach walks. Movies, beach soccer, and water polo are on tap at the teen club.
6. Barceló Maya Grand Resort
At Barceló Maya Grand Resort, bigger is definitely better. Surrounded by turquoise Caribbean waters along a sandy white beach, a total of six individual resorts (including one that’s adults-only) make up the Barceló Maya Grand Resort for a total of more than 3,500 rooms and suites. Families are welcome at Barceló Maya Palace, Barceló Maya Beach, Barceló Maya Caribe, and Barceló Maya Colonial, while Barceló Maya Riviera is adults-only.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:5 tips for traveling to Mexico and the Caribbean during hurricane season
All six resorts are all-inclusive and operate 24 hours a day. With more than a dozen restaurants, eight pools, three theaters, a water park, and a bowling alley, the variety of activities makes this an ideal Playa del Carmen all-inclusive vacation destination for multigenerational families and groups. Supervised children’s programming helps keep young guests busy.
7. Allegro Playacar
A relaxed all-inclusive Playa del Carmen resort with thatched-roof bungalows that blend with the tropical landscape, Allegro Playacar offers family-size rooms with a king-size bed and two double beds, plus a kitchenette, a separate sitting area, and a terrace. Rollaway beds and cribs are available upon request.
BEYOND THE BEACH:Top 5 cities to visit in Mexico when you get tired of the beach
Kayaking, snorkeling, and other non-motorized water sports are complimentary. Unlimited meals, snacks, and beverages are served at multiple restaurants, including a pizzeria. Three pools, a game room, and festive nightly entertainment round out the scene.
8. Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort
Hilton’s largest resort in the Caribbean and Latin America, Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya All-Inclusive Resort boasts eight resort pools and 735 stylish rooms and suites designed with locally sourced materials, each with a private balcony.
ROOM FOR ROMANCE:10 best Mexico resorts for couples
At the Family Zone, you’ll find a kids club for ages four to 12, complete with an outdoor playground, an indoor playroom, and a splash pool. The teen club has video games, ping-pong, billiards, and a cinema. Dining and bar options serve up flavors from Mexico, Asia, Italy, and beyond. An ice cream shop offers delectable desserts.
9. Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort
With a lazy river, waterslides, and splash pads, Royalton Splash Riviera Cancun delivers one of the largest water parks in the Playa del Carmen area. There are also more than 1,000 guest rooms, a dozen dining spots, a spa, and 24/7 room service. A supervised kids club hosts activities for ages four to 12, and laser tag, bowling, and a trampoline park are additional options.
