Family-friendly activities and workshops in a natural and safe park  

In Playa del Carmen there's more than a beach with white sand and turquoise waters, there is a park called Parque La Ceiba that locals enjoy for recreation.

Here, you can find many fun activities and workshops at a low cost. They have different schedules, so you can pick the ones you like and have a great time. If you're a tourist in Riviera Maya, this is a great choice to experience Playa del Carmen's local activities other than La Quinta Avenida.

Location: Parque La Ceiba is at Diagonal 60 with Calle 1 and Calle 3 Sur. S/N, Colonia: Ejidal, Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

It opens:

Tuesday to Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m

Sunday: 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Monday: Closed.

Read on for activities in the Park and how to make a plan to break your routine.

1. Go to a Local Market also known in Mexico as "Tianguis."

It is one of the favorites of the Playa del Carmen local community.

Many people with similar interests come here, there is space for everyone. You can find everything from food and drinks to candles, incense, clothing, and accessories here. Everything is handmade.

Local markets take place every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Every week, they have a different theme. Depending on the day, you can find a wide range of products.

• 1st Saturday of the month: Traditional medicine.
• 2nd Saturday of the month: Veganisarte.
• 3rd Saturday of the month: Traditional Tianguis Saturday by Parque La Ceiba, the value of handmade products. 
• 4th Saturday of the month: Mother Earth Bazaar. 
• 5th Saturday of the month (if available): Magic Moons Bazaar.

2. Sign up for a workshop

You can take part in several workshops at an affordable price, and you can pay per month or class. Some of the workshops you can sign up for are:

• Aerial dance. 
• Tai chi. 
• Yoga.
• Drawing. 
• Batucada, etc.

You can get more information about the local market and workshops by following the social networks of Parque La Ceiba in Playa del Carmen. This way, you will be able to keep up to date with the news and events offered.

Pictures by @aerofobiaplaya - @lianhua_taiji - @kiik_ja and @h3retica

3. Work out

Parque La Ceiba is ideal to work out outdoors. You can enjoy the fresh air and the shade the trees provide in the Park. Usually, people go to the Park to run, do yoga, hike, etc.

Pictures by @fernandogarcia.prana y @kari_ot

4. Walk your pet

You can use the Park to walk your pet and give it some time away from the routine at home. Bring a leash, a bag in case he needs a bath, and water to hydrate during the walk.

Pictures by @the_chef_chiquita - @viriidiana89 y @ossin_conde_chow

5. Enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch

In the Park's center, Munay Coffee Shop offers tasty food and drinks at cheap prices for you to enjoy. It has an area with outdoor tables to enjoy a unique moment while eating.

Pictures by @munay.pdc

6. Read a book from their library

Right next to the coffee shop, you will see this bookcase with various literary genres. You can look for the one you like the most, sit down and relax reading a good book.

7. Have a picnic

Prepare your tablecloth and favorite snacks because you can organize a picnic with your friends, significant other, or family here. You can use the big wooden tables at the place or have a memorable picnic in the Park in the afternoon.

Picture by @Astroboyluciano

8. Learn about the melipona bee

The Park has an area dedicated to caring for the melipona bee, but don't worry! This species of bee doesn't have a stinger, so you can get up close and see them. Around this small space, you can find facts you probably didn't know about these bees.

This species is one of the most appreciated in the Riviera Maya. Xel-Há Park has an annual ceremony to promote the conservation of melipona bees and asks for their protection.

9. Have fun with your family in the kid's play area

The Park is a safe place to bring your whole family and have a fun evening together. Get creative and organize some games everyone can enjoy, like play catch, hide and seek, or a ball game. There is even a play area for the younger members of the family.

10. Watch a movie under the stars

In collaboration with the Cine Club, Parque La Ceiba has an alternative film screening every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, where you can enjoy films with independent productions and film festivals from other countries to get away from the conventional.

You can check the movie listings available every week on Parque La Ceiba's social networks.

Inside the park there are snacks and seats for you to enjoy a different kind of cinema under the stars, but arrive early to reserve your place because there is limited space.

Extra - Rent a space for an event

Few people know it, but Parque La Ceiba has the option of renting these eight spaces for events, meetings, conferences or classes:

• Kiosco Luna 
• Kiosco Estrella
• La Hondonada
• Salón Sol
• Explanada Cultura
• Teatro del árbol
• Área de Juegos 
• El cenote

If you want more information, you can contact them through social networks or email: comunicacion@florafaunaycultura.org

The history of La Ceiba Park: How did this sustainable project come about?

Since 2005, Parque La Ceiba, ais part of 'Flora, Fauna and Culture of Mexico A.C.' has been a place of recreation for the Playa del Carmen community. Founded by Guadalupe Quintana.

Its environmental education program and promotion of culture and art are characteristic factors of its essence as a non-profit organization.

Parque La Ceiba has a volunteer program dedicated to preserving the environment with different activities. It also hosts one of the most extensive recycling and waste collection programs in Playa del Carmen, the "Reciclatón". If you are interested in participating, you can find all the details about both programs on their website.

We talked to Rosy Vivanco, General Coordinator of Parque La Ceiba, about the Park's role in sustainable development. Originally from San Luis Potosí and creator of the social initiatives "Libros Libres" and "Corazón Verde".

"Parque La Ceiba is more than the lungs and heart of Playa del Carmen; it is a refuge of peace for the entire community" - Rosy Vivanco.

As you can see, there is a lot to do in this incredible space dedicated to the community. Take a break and visit Parque La Ceiba in Playa del Carmen. It's a stunning green area to enjoy.

Tell me in the comments which one was your favorite!