Mexico City deserves a slow approach. Give Chapultepec a day, choose one museum and explore food with clear allergy and hygiene judgment.
Parent tip: Check current travel advisories, transport routes, air quality and altitude tolerance; choose food handling carefully.
A big hands-on children's museum in Chapultepec where kids climb, build, experiment and play their way through science, the body and the environment. Best for under-12s.
Mexico's national museum of archaeology in Chapultepec Park, with the Aztec Sun Stone, giant Olmec heads and Maya treasures. It is large, so older kids get the most from choosing a few halls to explore.
UNAM's big science museum on the university campus in the south of the city, with permanent halls on water, the universe and mathematics, a chemistry lab for young people, a planetarium and a programme of activities for small children.
The hilltop castle in Chapultepec Park, home of the National History Museum, where Mexico's emperor and presidents once lived. Children enjoy the climb, the carriages, the stained glass and the terrace views over the city.
An animal-focused outing can pair with open time elsewhere in Chapultepec.
The smaller lake in the first section of Chapultepec Park, popular for paddleboats and feeding the ducks, with the Casa del Lago arts centre on its shore. Easy to reach from Metro Chapultepec or Paseo de la Reforma.
Mexico's grand palace of the arts, Art Nouveau outside and Art Deco inside, with famous murals and the home stage of the Ballet Folklórico de México, whose colourful, language-free regional dance shows suit families.
Colourful trajinera boats along ancient canals, with food and music from other boats.
Climb ancient pyramids about an hour away; go early, with hats and water.
A big theme park with coasters and a kids' area in the south of the city.