This article contains affiliate links at no cost to you. Special thanks to Xcaret Park for hosting us for this adventure. This in no way shapes the opinions in this article.

Have you ever considered ditching your neighborhood Halloween tradition for a Day of the Dead in Mexico with kids? If not, you might be surprised as to how culture-enriching this experience is.

 

I know there are a lot of feels this time of year as our kids don their favorite costumes and get ready for Halloween trick-or-treating. And while I love Halloween, as you would clearly see upon entering my home decorated since September 1st, I don’t stick around for it with my son anymore.

 

Yes, I do miss him getting all cute and dressed up. I still take him to Fall Festivals and any Halloween party I can, but for me, there is something much more cultured in mind (and a little less damaging to the teeth).

 

Yes, I’m talking about Mexico with kids. Day of the Dead style. Xcaret Park style.

 

As a mother to a tween, I am always aiming to nurture his cultural awareness. And as travelers, this opportunity comes often, but it’s not always as interesting for him as it is for me.

 

That is why this festival is so special for us. Apart from the allure of its pop culture elements, it’s a truly remarkable and fascinating holiday that offers not only heritage but a new perspective on death and the celebration of life.

 

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids pin

 

Last year would mark the first time I brought my son to Xcaret Park in the Riviera Maya to experience Day of the Dead in Mexico (AKA Dia de Los Muertos, the Festival of the Dead and the Celebration of Life and Death).

 

He had been several times before but never for this. At first, he was reluctant to go, upset that he would be missing out on trick-or-treating and dressing up. But as the culture revealed itself, along with the meaning of the holiday, the festive costumes, colors, and artistic elements the Mexican culture is so well known for, he was magnetized to the celebration.

 

And I was magnetized to him as I watched my son grow even more cultured than he was the day before. And, you know what? It was more rewarding than any run-of-the-mill Halloween festivity, period. This is why I encourage considering a trip to Mexico with kids.

 

So, how can you plan a trip to Mexico with kids? Keep reading as I share my practical tips and a photo journal of our experience. And be sure to follow us on Instagram and Twitter for our 2017 Day of the Dead in Mexico adventure. 

 

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids – Our 2017 Photo Journal

 

In an age when visuals speak louder than words, I hope that you find our personal photo journal inspiring. You can also check out my experience from 2015 here also complete with photo journal.

 

Luxury Resort in Playa del Carmen, Paradisus La Esmeralda

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Everyone is in costume at Xcaret Park.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Flowers line the entrance to Xcaret Park
Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Altars celebrate the lives of those who have passed. No two are alike.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

 

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Musicians play into the night.
Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Candles illuminate the cemetery at night.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

 

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
My son lights a candle for those who have died in our family.
Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Walking along the wall of candles.
Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
The costumes are incredible.
Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
My son takes a moment to pose with a Calaca.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Glass hearts for sale in the gift store

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Trinkets in gift stores

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
One of the beautiful decorative displays at Xcaret.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Flowers everywhere!
Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
These women make the sugar mixture for the skulls.
Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Our friend Paola helps my son make his first real Calavera.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Handmade Calaveras (sugar skulls).

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Our handmade sugar skulls.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Kids learn about the story behind Day of the Dead.

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
A beautifully framed Jesus

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
My son with our friends from Xcaret Park

 

Where to Stay, Practical Tips, and What to Expect

 

Already packing your bags? This is a four-day event beginning the 30th of October and ending on the 2nd of November. So keep that in mind while planning.

 

You don’t have to attend the park for all four days, but those are the dates the event is happening. I recommend you take a five-day trip to include other Xcaret parks like Xel-Ha, Xplor, and Xenses.

 

These are practical tips that will be useful before and during your trip, and what to expect from your family culture vacation to Mexico with kids. 

 

Get your admission to Xcaret and get a free access to our famous Life and Death Festival, that takes place inside Xcaret between October 30 and November 2nd.

 

Where to Stay – My Paradisus All-Inclusive Resort Experience (Hosted)

 

Luxury Resort in Playa del Carmen, Paradisus La Esmeralda
Paradisus La Esmeralda

 

Without getting into too much detail, as I wrote an entire post on this fabulous resort earlier this year, I will let you know that this is to date, one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Riviera Maya and an exceptional place to stay when traveling to Mexico with kids.

 

From the service level to the in-room amenities, everything was flawless. They have both an adult side and a family side. On the family side, you are given a personal butler. Your suite is basically an apartment with a hot tub on the patio.

 

Luxury Resort in Playa del Carmen, Paradisus La Esmeralda

 

There’s everything you could possibly imagine right at the resort, including a Kidz Zone where you can drop your kids off so you can get some alone time. In-room dining, adult beverages, restaurants (with the exception of one or two) all included.

 

It’s a stress-free experience that I highly recommend. Special thanks to Xcaret Park for inviting us to stay with their hotel partner last year. 

 

Practical Tips – Transportation, packing, and during the event

 

Mexico, expat

 

Transportation – You can get a shuttle from the Cancun Airport to your resort in Playa del Carmen for about $50 USD each way per group. They are standing curbside ready to haul when passengers get off their flights, but you can Google a few and shop around.

 

Once you’re at your resort, if you opted for the all-inclusive parks packages online, Xcaret will shuttle you from your resort to the parks. Your entire Day of the Dead in Mexico adventure will be drive-free. I love this for many reasons.

 

Learn more about Xcaret pricing and packages

 

Packing – While we are all cozying up for fall weather in the states, it’s still quite warm and humid this time of year in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. In my opinion, it’s more humid than summer.

 

You’ll want to pack loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing. And, depending on what your itinerary looks like, you’ll want a variety of beach, resort casual, resort dress, and adventure attire. Waterproof shoes, adventure sandals, and pretty sandals are fine.

 

When traveling to Mexico with kids, think along the same lines. I wouldn’t go through the trouble to pack loads of sunscreen because you can get all that stuff at the resort. And if you stay with Paradisus, they have the kids’ toiletries in the room already (which I love).

 

Most resorts (including Paradisus) have a beach tote in the room for use. One less thing to pack! I recommend getting a waterproof phone case. It allows you to use your phone without removing it, and it hangs from your neck.

 

Also, if you can find a water bottle holder, I always bring one of those as well (I like the hands-free life). In addition to these, if you’re going to be taking some serious photos with an expensive DSLR, you’ll, of course, want to bring your camera bag.

 

Much of the event is at night, so keep that in mind and plan for low light photography.

 

day of the dead 11
Travelers shop at the art fair.

 

During the Event – Bring cash. The cheapest way to exchange money is at your home bank. It takes a couple days to come in, so be sure to order in advance.

 

You’re going to want cash on hand so you can buy things in the villages and at the craft fairs. The people of Mexico are fine craftsmen and women, they pass down family art for generations, especially for the Day of the Dead festivities.

 

Don’t be afraid of the food at Xcaret Park. Sit down and enjoy the authentic Mexican cuisine and street food offered during the event. There are multiple buffet style restaurants (with kid-friendly food), enjoy it. Try some of the local fresh juices as well. They are amazing!

 

Day of the Dead in Mexico with Kids
Mexican food for the win!

 

I wouldn’t recommend donning some intense costume unless you don’t mind sweating. Face paint needs to be water resistant or it will sweat off. I recommend buying or making a pretty headband with marigolds and roses, finding a tribute shirt and adding some smaller face paint elements. Forget amazing hair (this goes for your entire stay).

 

What to Expect

 

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Photo Shelley VanWitzenburg 2016 – Relax hammock style at Xel-Ha Park

 

On this trip, you are going to find relaxation, luxury, adventure and culture at every turn. Be prepared to fall in love with your resort experience, and the overall park experiences.

 

Take your time, don’t ruin the moment by rushing through things. Remember, little things stand out to children like making sugar skulls, or learning about the Day of the Dead story from the actors and staff.

 

You and your kids will never forget this experience. 

 

Xcaret Park is a place to explore culture and adventure. Your day visit and night visit will be much different. Follow this for more information on spending your day at Xcaret Park.

 

Coco image, poster, trailer
©2017 Disney•Pixar

 

If you are planning for 2018 and want to get your kids excited for the trip, I highly recommend taking them to see the new Disney/Pixar film, Coco. The beautifully animated story of a Mexican child musician. It’s inspired by the Day of the Dead in Mexico culture, and it will surely give your kids a way to make the connected fast. It hits theaters November 22, 2017.

 

Check out the Coco Trailer here:

 

In Closing

 

Experiencing Day of the Dead in Mexico with kids was an unforgettable experience. I’m proud to say that I’ve checked this off our bucket list and look forward to many more years of this cultural tradition. It has made my fall season even more special than ever before and I know it will for you too. 

Author

Christa Thompson is the Founder and Chief Editor of The Fairytale Traveler. She started traveling the world in 2003 when she attended a summer abroad study at the University of Cambridge in England. Since then, her wanderlust has been fierce. Her three passions in life are her son, traveling, and being creative. The Fairytale Traveler brand gives Christa the opportunity to do all of these things and to live intentionally every day. "It's never too late to believe in what you love and to pursue your dreams." -Christa Thompson

27 Comments

  1. I am fortunate enough to have been to Xcaret but not for day of the day. That would be a magical experience. I love the tradition and concept behind day of the day and actually honoring your loved ones on these days. I was fortunate enough to be in Guatemala during day of the dead in 1997 and participated in a procession honoring the dead at a local cemetery. Watching the native Guatemalans feast and celebrate with their family members is burned into my memories. This is a culture that loves their family.

    • Angela Hawley Reply

      Going to xcaret on the 28th. Counting the days !! ( here in western wa where the rain hasn’t let up in DAYS).
      YOUR sharing of your trip experience is what convinced me to quit just putting stuff on a bucket list. And actually DO the bucket list! Can’t. Wait !!!!

  2. I have to admit I am really not a fan of halloween, I think this stems from when I was younger as it was just so different to how children celebrate halloween now. Having said that this experience looks amazing and definitely worth visitng, thank you for sharing x

  3. This sounds like the most incredible experience. Day of the Dead has always fascinated me so to experience it first hand, I’m so jealous!

  4. Oh my goodness, that was really scary, specially the skeletons on the horses gave me the feel of dead going alive..This experience really seems worth visiting despite being scary

  5. This post my day, i love everything about Mexico and Day of the Dead in Mexico indeed sounds awesome, looks like you had lot of fun there with your son.

  6. This looks absolutely magical and perfect for Halloween! I went to Universal Horror nights, Orlando last week and had a total blast!

  7. what an awesome experience you had… I think it would be fascinating to be there and learn about the Day of the Dead in Mexico… I think my kids would appreciate it too… maybe next time!
    great photos by the way ; )

  8. Dia de Los Muertos sounds great fun I love the idea of celebrating life and death. In my home country Romania, we have even have a Merry Cemetery.

  9. toastycritic Reply

    I know the Day of the Dead celebration can be quite amazing. I know my daughter would love to go to that. We do have a few of those celebrations up here in the States but nothing like they have in Mexico. And we really do need to go to see Coco. We are excited about it.

  10. We have a neighbor who is from Mexico and they have a little celebration every year for Day of the Dead. Until she explained it to me, I had no idea it is really a celebration of life. To know there’s a circle to life and not to be afraid of death. It really frees us up to appreciate every moment. x

  11. These pictures are incredible. I’m always amazed at different cultures and I think you captured this beautifully:)

  12. What a beautiful experience for your son. I love the vibrant colors used for this celebration. In high school we would celebrate the day of the dead in Spanish class. A great way to celebrate those you love that have passed!

  13. Pingback: Hotel Xcaret Mexico Travel Guide - Escape to Paradise in the Riviera Maya

  14. Thank you for sharing!! I hope someday I could take my kids to attend the celebration. I also have never experienced the Day of Dead in Mexico.

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