10 activities for kids to do at Xel-Há

Welcome to our Natural Wonder! 

Xel-Há is the ideal park for a day of adventure and fun with the family. Here everyone can enjoy different activities regardless of age.  If you are considering visiting the park with young children, keep reading! We’ve prepared for you a complete guide with all the activities for kids in the park. 👧🏻 

How old do kids have to be to enter the park? 

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. The answer is that everyone is welcome in Xel-Há. Touring the park with small children (as long as they are under adult supervision) is possible since they love the connection with nature, learning from it, and having fun with the water activities.  

Consult your doctor or pediatrician to determine the best indication to visit with your month-old baby. 

Before arriving at the park, we recommend downloading the XCARET! app on your phone. This app will enable you to view the park map and prepare the route you will take during the day without missing any attractions.
 

Here we list the ten coolest activities for little ones: 

1. Children's World 

Did you know that Xel-Há has an area specifically designed for children up to 12? It has shallow pools, interactive games, and many other attractions ideal for kids. Without a doubt, this is one of the children's favorite places. 

Parents can join their children in activities and games and enjoy a day full of excitement and adventure together. 

Here they spend hours and hours of fun with all the playful options available: 

Waterslides 

Climbing ropes 

Crocodile tunnel 

Hanging games 

Splash pad 

The Children's World has trained personnel that’s always available. In addition, children have access to life jackets and other safety equipment to ensure their protection. 

Number 17 on the map 

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

2. River tour with inner tubes 

A fantastic tour among the mangroves. If you do this activity with small children, the ideal is to ride a doble inner tube where mom or dad guides the tour.

For this activity, life jackets are mandatory.  

Tip: Use your waterproof phone case to capture the most memorable moments together, and deposit all your belongings in the locker before you leave.  

Number 39 on the map 

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

3. Inlet snorkeling 

We cannot leave this list without mentioning the unlimited snorkeling children can do in the park. The first thing to do is get ready with snorkeling equipment. Xel-Há offers all the equipment for the activity, including a full-face mask, life jacket, and fins. 

There are life jackets of all sizes and for all ages. 

Snorkeling at Xel-Há is an exciting and educational activity for your children. Kids can explore crystal-clear waters, observe marine life, and learn about preserving ecosystems. They will even witness the halocline and thermocline, a visual effect of mixing seawater with fresh water. 

Be sure to follow all the park staff instructions and recommendations, and remember that safety is always the number one priority. Have fun exploring Xel-Há’s inlet with your kids!

Number 37 on the map
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

4. Adventure World / Salpichanga and Trepachanga 

This activity is for adrenaline adventurers. Trepachanga is a series of obstacles where participants test their balance, agility, and coordination to reach the other side without falling into the water.  It is suitable for the whole family! 

Salpichanga is another favorite activity for children. It consists of a zip-line that ends inside the inlet.  

The name "Salpichanga" is a combination of the words in Spanish "salpicar" (to splash) and "chapuzón" (to dive into the water), which perfectly describes the fun and aquatic essence of the activity.  It is an excellent option for children who enjoy water sports and adrenaline. 

Number 27 on the map  

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

5. Tierra de Huh / Ride through the jungle 

We can't forget about jungle rides! 

Tierra de Huh is an excellent option for a walk with children, as it combines fun and learning in a natural environment. 

This is a 1 km trail that will take you to the beginning of the river. Here you’ll have two options: bicycles or a train ride. 

During your tour, you will find the Chacahs Garden, a magical space where you can admire various trees planted by famous personalities who have visited the park.

Number 22 on the map 

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m

6. Flying a kite 

Another favorite activity for children is letting their imagination run wild, which is perfect for little ones who don't enjoy the water all that much and prefer quieter activities. The kites have fish shapes, and they can fly them among breathtaking jungle and beach scenery. 

t is for the whole family! It takes place behind the Scenic Lighthouse. It is essential to make a reservation in advance because there are only a few places available. 

Number 11 on the map
Hours: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

7. Cross the floating bridge 

You can't leave Xel-Há without crossing the Floating Bridge at the mouth of the inlet towards the sea. The currents make the bridge move from one side to the other, making it a fun experience that kids will love. 

They can cross it repeatedly but be careful not to get dizzy! 

Number 30 on the map
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

8. Climb the Scenic Lighthouse and slide down the waterslide 

One of Xel-Há's most famous attractions for children and adults is the 40-meter-high Scenic Lighthouse with 360º views. 

There is nothing to fear!

Older children can experience a unique adrenaline rush that leaves them wanting more. 

It is imperative to mention that children must be over 1.05 m tall to climb up. The descents are individual, and it is necessary to know how to swim

Number 13 on the map
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

9. Get your ice cream 

It's time for dessert! 🍦 

All kids love ice cream, and even better if they can serve it themselves and experience it like a real professional ice cream maker. 

The unlimited buffet offers cones and an ice cream machine with vanilla, chocolate, and a combination of both flavors. Yum! It's a treat they'll love! 

Buffet hours: 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 

Children's food options are very varied. You can find excellent dishes for all tastes in the Xula Vista restaurant, Terraza, or Cocina del Pueblo, including options for vegetarians. 

Don't forget all the desserts!

10. Resting on the Hammock Island 

Every explorer needs a moment of relaxation at the end of the day. Kids can also visit Hammock Island to relax with their families and take in the tropical views of the palm trees. 

Number 34 on the map
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 

Optional activities for children 

here are some additional activities children can do, here are some of our favorites: 

Manatee encounter 

This activity is an excellent idea if you are looking for a different form of learning for children. 

Manatee Encounter seeks to spread more knowledge about this friendly species, being a recreational and educational attraction. 

Children can get up close and personal with the manatees, swim with them, and learn relevant biological facts and tips on preserving the species. 

Minimum age: 10 years old (minimum 1.30 m height). 

Duration: 40 minutes Hours: 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. 

Stingray Encounter 

A witty snorkeling proposal! Here, children can meet the stingrays that have adopted Xel-Há as their home. 

A safe activity to interact with this species and learn about their habitat in a natural environment. 

Minimum age: 8 years old
Duration: 30 minutes
Hours: 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. 

Snuba Caleta 

In terms of completeness and excitement, this is one of the best. Snuba Inlet combines the advantages of snorkeling and scuba diving for a thrilling and fun experience under the inlet. 

Kids will be able to see the inlet’s flora and fauna up close while moving freely underwater without carrying a heavy tank. Are you ready to discover all these natural wonders? 

Minimum age: 8 years old
Duration: 60 minutes
Hours: 10:00 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. 

We hope this guide will help you spend a day of adventure with the kids at our Natural Wonder. Keep in mind that the most important thing is to enjoy yourself. 

See you soon at Xel-Há! 🐠