¡Vámonos! Road Tripping Mexico with Kids

Thinking about taking the family on a road trip south of the border? Mexico is a great road trip destination for families thanks to great weather, tasty food, outdoor activities, rich culture, and abundance of kid-friendly adventures. Whether you’re crossing over for a quick beach break or planning a deeper dive into the country’s colorful towns and cities, traveling to Mexico with kids is both doable and rewarding. Here’s what you need to know to plan a smooth, safe, and fun journey by car.

What Documents Do We Need?

Traveling with children to Mexico requires preparation to be sure you have the proper documentation.

• Passport or Birth Certificate:
  • One of the most common questions parents have is: Can kids travel to Mexico with a birth certificate? The answer is yes, but only under certain conditions.
    • If you’re driving across the border and your child is under 16 and a U.S. citizen, they can re-enter the U.S. with an original or certified copy of their birth certificate.
    • That said, if you’re flying, everyone (even toddlers) needs a valid passport to go in and out of Mexico.
  • All adults are required to have a passport no matter the method of travel.
• Tourist Permit (FMM): Everyone in your party, including your children, must get their own tourist permit, known as the Forma Migratoria Múltiple (FMM). Obtain it online or at the border. Be sure to get it stamped at the border. It is free if your stay is for less than 7 days.
• Parental Consent Letter: If one parent is traveling alone with the child, it’s recommended to carry a notarized letter of consent from the other parent. This letter should include:
  • Child’s full name and passport number
  • Travel dates and destinations
  • Contact information for the non-traveling parent and proof of legal guardianship (birth or adoption certificate, custody decrees, spouse death certificate).
  • If children are not traveling with either parent, the name of the chaperone must be included with the letter.
• Vehicle Documents: Ensure your car registration is current. Driving with an expired registration can lead to vehicle confiscation.
• Temporary Importation Permit (TIP). TIPs are required if you are not driving in the free zone.
• Mexican Auto Insurance: U.S. auto insurance is not valid in Mexico. Purchase Mexican auto insurance online before your trip.

Tips for Crossing the Border

Here’s how to make the border-crossing experience a little easier:

• Cross at the right time. Early mornings and weekdays tend to have shorter wait times. Download and check the CBP Border Wait Times app before you head out.
• Pack for the wait. Keep snacks, water, entertainment, and emergency bathroom supplies handy. Even short wait times can feel long with little ones in the car.
• Be honest about what you’re bringing. Don’t forget to declare anything that could raise red flags, like large quantities of food or electronics.
• Ready Lanes: Some border crossings have Ready Lanes for travelers with RFID-enabled documents, which can expedite the process.

Packing Essentials

Certain items may not be readily available in Mexico, so it is helpful to pack these essentials while you are in the U.S. or Canada:

For the Kids:

• Favorite snacks and drinks
• Baby formula and food since specific brands and may not be available.
• Entertainment: Download books, movies, and games. Wi-Fi is widely available, but there are dead zones when driving.
• Comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals)

Health & Safety:

• Bring prescription and common over-the-counter medicines. Keep prescription medications in their original containers.
• First-aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, and any necessary medications
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Reusable water bottles
• Personal floatation devices
• Comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage for children’s needs.

Travel Gear:

• Car seats (They are not always available for rent in Mexico.)
• Stroller for younger children
• Reusable shopping bags

Staying Healthy and Safe

• Water: Stick to bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice from unknown sources.
• Food: Mexican cuisine is delicious! Opt for well-cooked foods and be cautious with street food, especially for kids with sensitive stomachs.
• Sun Protection: Use high-SPF sunscreen, hats, and UV-protective clothing. Take breaks in the shade and hydrate to avoid overheating.
• Vaccinations: Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before traveling.

Kid-Friendly Destinations in Mexico

1. Cancun

Known for its stunning beaches and all-inclusive resorts. Great for families looking for relaxation and adventure. There are many cultural sites, outdoor adventures, and kid friendly activities.

2. Ensenada, Baja California

Just a two-hour drive from San Diego, Ensenada has a little bit of something for everyone: tide pools, beaches, fresh seafood, and even a marine blowhole called La Bufadora that shoots water high into the sky. It’s a great spot for low-key fun by the sea.

3. Mérida:

Rich in history and culture, this city is one of the safest in Mexico and offers museums, markets, and nearby Mayan ruins.

4. Playa del Carmen

Offers eco-parks like Xcaret and Xplor, where families can explore caves, rivers, and wildlife.

5. Puerto Peñasco

About a four-hour drive from Phoenix or Tucson, this is Arizona’s favorite beach getaway for good reason. The Sea of Cortez is calm and perfect for little swimmers, and there are tide pools to explore, boat rides, and family-friendly resorts with pools and ocean views.

6. Puerto Vallarta:

A vibrant city with beautiful beaches, family-friendly resorts, and activities like snorkeling and zip-lining.

7. Rosarita Beach

Also near San Diego, Rosarito is perfect for a quick beach escape. The waves are gentle enough for beginner swimmers and boogie boarders, and you can even go horseback riding along the sand. Plus, you’ll find fantastic restaurants, from taco stands to seaside dining.

8. San Felipe

Wide, golden stretches of sand along the Sea of Cortez greet you when you pull into San Felipe. About a two-hour drive south of Mexicali, this coastal town is perfect for a low-key beach vacation with kids. The warm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and playing, and the soft sand stretches for miles. The town is small and friendly, with casual seafood spots, taco stands, and space for kids to run wild. Plus, the nearby dunes make for great exploring if your family likes a dash of adventure.

9. San Miguel de Allende:

If you’re up for a longer road trip, San Miguel is a charming colonial town with colorful streets, art galleries, and cultural festivals. The UNESCO World Heritage city is all about mazes of cobblestone streets, colorful facades, and a calendar of year-round entertainment. Kids love the live music in El Jardin, chocolate-filled churros, and horseback riding outside town. Adults love the architecture, the hot springs, the wine, and the art.

Emergency Contacts and Resources

• Local Emergency Number: Dial 911 for emergencies in Mexico.
• U.S. Embassy in Mexico: Visit travel.state.gov for contact information and assistance.
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): Sign up to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

Final Tips

• Learn Basic Spanish: Phrases like “Hola” (Hello), “Gracias” (Thank you), and “¿Dónde está el baño?” (Where is the bathroom?) can be very helpful.
• Stay Flexible: Embrace the adventure and be open to new experiences.
• Capture Memories: Take lots of photos and encourage kids to keep a travel journal.

Traveling to Mexico with kids takes a little extra planning, but the rewards are big. Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and family-friendly destinations deliver unforgettable experiences for all ages. With the right documents, a handle on border rules, and a few smart packing choices, your family can enjoy a smooth, stress-free adventure. Use these tips to make the most of your trip and create memories your kids will talk about for years. ¡Buen viaje! (Enjoy You Trip!)