Practical Advice on What to Pack for Mexico with Kids
- Maria DiCicco
- 2 minutes ago
- 9 min read
As an American, a trip to Mexico with kids is an excellent way to introduce them to a new culture without having to dedicate time to cross the pond on a grand European adventure.
Whether you are visiting inland Mexico City with its modern architecture and enticing green spaces, or taking a road trip through Colonial Yucatan, Mexico's vibrant towns and flavorful cuisine offer endless fun for a family retreat.
Knowing that most families will end up spending most of their time at the beach and perhaps some Mayan ruins, this list includes must-have items for travelers across all the most popular places in Mexico, with considerations for what to pack for a beach trip in Mexico to what to pack for kids in the more exotic locations.
For a mama who has been all over Mexico, I can share first-hand what works, what doesn't, and absolute must items you should pack for Mexico with kids.
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Useful Packing Tips for Traveling to Mexico with Kids
Consider Weather
More often than not, Mexico is going to be hot. It could be like, ends of Earth hellfire hot (like Merida), or an unexpected heat like in Mexico City.
Always check the temps in advance and plan for heat.
Consider Altitude
Especially if you are in higher elevations, like when visiting Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico City and other central Mexican regions, check what the elevation is. This may greatly impact how you pack.
For instance, the mornings and evenings in Mexico City are pleasant and cool, but the mid-day sun offers UV 11+ intensity, burning skin that doesn't feel hot. Always cover up and wear sunblock.
In this case, it is not inappropriate to bring jeans or pants on your Mexican adventure. Some of these trips may even require thicker outerwear, so prepare accordingly!
Consider Your Destination
Lastly, consider what your plans are for the day. If you are traipsing around some Mayan or Aztec ruins, chances are that there will be no shade. Plan for your outfits to include UV protection by wearing light weight outerwear (think long-sleeve Columbia button ups) or simply use an umbrella or wide brimmed hat. The sun is no joke!
It is also important to note that should you require added supplies like diapers, clothing replacements, whatever, Walmart is prevalent around Mexico, as are other affordable shops for the locals. You can typically always find what you need, within reason.
For more advice on visiting Mexico with kids, along with some kid-friendly Mexico itineraries, check some of my extra links below:
There is plenty of content from me on Mexico scattered throughout this post as well, so be sure to click out for more information on your favorite topics!
Now, let's figure out what to pack. Skip to the end for the packing list, or read on for details.
These Items are a Must for Every Trip to Mexico with Kids
Sun Protection and Protection from the Elements
Wide-brimmed sun hat or straw hat
Sunblock
UV and UPF proof shirts
Bug spray, bug bands, bug wipes, or they are even making cute DEET-free animal print stickers that ward off bugs (check out the family pack here)
Kids After Bite to soothe bug bites (they hate the adult kind - it stings)
Good shoes (more on that below)
An umbrella (mostly for the sun)
Don't Forget Kid's Medicine and Toiletries
It's very difficult to get medicine abroad similar to what you may be familiar with at home, so it is important to pack at least a few doses of DayQuil or NyQuil (or your preferred drugs of choice) for yourself, and Children's Tylenol tablets or liquid for the kiddos. Just be sure to check the sizes, because we have had our Children's Tylenol confiscated before (it's just over the allowed limit).
Be aware again that in Mexico they DO have Walmart stores, along with many recognizable brands like Costco and Sam's Club in too, so you won't be down and out completely. It just depends where you are traveling to.
You can read more on getting medicine abroad here.
Must-Have Accessories
1-2 pairs of good sunglasses
Bright colored jewelry
A reliable but colorful purse that zips (important for safety). Crossbody bags or slings are best.
Refillable water bottle (bonus if it has an added filter feature like this Brita filter bottle). (Remember not to drink the tap water in Mexico).
Wet wipes - they keep little faces and hands clean and cool
Lots of tissues - you'll need these for public restrooms, at a minimum. Don't believe me? Here's Why I Always Pack Tissues (And Why You Should Too).
A light cardigan or even a breezy windbreaker for the evenings. Shawls are a great option too!
Bathingsuits and coverups
Everyday Wear in Mexico
Nether Bits
Warning - I am about to get real with you:
I usually pack bras for 2-4 days use before discarding and getting a new one out, so I'd typically pack 2 and wear 1 bra for a weeklong trip somewhere. In Mexico, plan on a new bra for every day of the trip. They get so sweaty and disgusting, you really won't want to wear it twice.
Same goes for underpants. Bring more than you think - two per day is not out of line. Bring old ones and toss them in the garbage as you go. Seriously!
Pajamas should be lightweight and easy to sweat in (i.e. no heavy cotton jammies). Bring a few pairs of PJs.
Tops and Bottoms
Same method applies for tops and bottoms. Where a typical top might last 1-3 days and bottoms may stick it out a solid 4-5, forget about it. The heat will definitely influence you to change like Superman - multiple times a day. Pack an appropriate amount of clothes with this in mind.
Pro tip: keep the colors fresh and lively, avoiding black to deter the sun's fury.
For kids, sunguards are a cute and popular style, and they'll love wearing them. UPF shirts are ideal, along with bottoms that won't chafe after a day of hot walking.
On that note, day time dresses are a nice idea, but you'll end up chafing and being uncomfortable. The kids seem to manage just fine in dresses, but they haven't hit puberty yet!
(P.S. if chafing is really a problem for you, Secret deodorant makes a unique item literally for this purpose. It's called Whole Body Deodorant, and there ain't no shame in it. Find it here).
Another option is to pack bike shorts, exercise shorts, or the fun dresses and skirts with these built in.
Dressier Outfits
Don't go overboard here. These will be your evening outfits, worn multiple times because the heat isn't as bad at night. Bring a few cute sundresses and resort wear.
Remember that even at the fanciest place in Mexico, you'll still be fairly casual.
Special Considerations for Kids
Keep the kids cool and comfortable. My daughter loves her frilly little dresses, but they are very unpractical for many scenarios in Mexico. Just look at her strutting her stuff here in Oaxaca:
That said, you can't win them all, so just allow for a couple fun items and the rest needs to be like yours - air wicking, cooling, light layers, etc.
Shoes to Pack for Mexico
I will also advise that children avoid wearing open toed shoes or Crocs - the same considerations most day cares and summer camps suggest. There is a lot of opportunity for injury, and you don't need that on vacation!
Here's some more tips on shoes to pack for a Mexico trip:
Water shoes
Flip flops
Hiking boots that cover the ankle or reliable sneakers
One pair of dressier sandals
Here is what I recommend:
One pair of water shoes for everyone in the family. These are necessary for swimming in cenotes, walking on rocky beaches, and protecting your feet in wet scenarios.
Something like this hybrid waterproof sandal would do the trick for kids too.
One pair of flip flops. Pick your favorite pair, but make sure they are good for long walking up and down sandy or bumpy streets. I recommend Skechers sandals every time - these are simply the best sandals I own and they definitely go the distance.
One pair of hiking boots or sneakers. Choose a reliable pair that preferably covers your ankles. This is important to ward off prickers from cactus plants, the not-so-probable snake bite walking around archaeological sites, and general foot comfort for intensive exploring around Mayan ruins and such.
We've tested wearing cowboy boots in the dusty parts of Mexico, like visiting the Oaxacan ruins, and found them to be super reliable - but ultimately a little hot. They were a great option for my daughter for awhile though, as it protected her from tons of buggy and thorny plants.
One pair of interchangable Solely Jane shoes. This pair of shoes may possibly change your life, or at least the way you pack for travel. Pack one solid color base (black or tan) and then choose your toppers to match your personality, your outfits, your events, etc.
They pack so small, you can pack several pairs in the space of one bundle of socks. If you like to pack lots of shoes, this is your new best bet. You can read my review here.
Pictured: Jamaica Red top with the Classic Comfort Sole
Optional Accessories for Mexico with Kids
A portable fan like these (they also wrap around stroller handles, umbrellas, and the tripod is great for bedside tables at night)
A traditional hand fan - more handy than you realize!
Small toys for dinners out - think flat busy toys that you can fit in your purse. Here's some ideas for little kids.
Waterproof camera for kids (or your Go Pro for adults)
A water bag to corral all the goodies - especially handy when dipping into cenotes that may not have a landing for your stuff.
A cute little backpack for all their other stuff
Beach and Water Gear:
One beach toy (think deflatable ball, collapsible sand bucket set, etc). The rest you can buy at the beach. Keep your footprint small with this type of stuff.
Floaties for cenotes and timid swimmers. These pack small and can be tossed at the end of the trip. Find them at your nearest Dollar Tree for the best bargain.
Kid's Snorkel Set - adult ones are easy to rent, but kid's are very particular about comfort and cuteness. Bring one like this set that comes with a backpack, to please the littles and keep their beach gear together.
Bring an Extra Suitcase For Souvenirs
If you are flying on Viva Air or Aeromexico, these Mexican airlines tend to have different rules on luggage based on price levels.
Examine how much you can bring on board, but I recommend that this be a trip you bring an extra suitcase for.
This could be your carry-on sized spinners, but I highly recommend one big checked bag for the family - and bring it mostly empty, or with usable times that you plan to toss (like some of the beach gear) or even snacks.
I actually have a toss and ditch method with a lot of things that I pack, like that old stinky underwear you'll never want to put on again (let alone carry around in a dirty clothes bag all week). Learn more about this kooky method and other packing tips here.
For a little more pizazz than your everyday checked bag, I am particularly a fan of the VinGardeValise.com wine suitcases, not only because they can pack a ton of clothing, shoes, and accessories, but because I am able to customize the inside with inserts that securely protect my wine and liquor purchases. And there are always wine and liquor purchases. (Clicking the link gets you an automatic 20% off!)
Especially on a trip to Mexico, you can expect you'll bring home tequila or mezcal, or at a minimum tons of crazy gifts for the kids. Here's how I packed my last return trip from Oaxaca!
If you want to browse these products check the website out at VinGardeValise.com and use my discount code ALWAYS20 to get you 20% off. They make for awesome presents too.
Lastly, The One Week Packing List:
What To Pack For a Trip to Mexico with Kids
This list generally considers women at top of mind, with accessories and added thoughts for the kids. Men can use the tips above and model off of that.
Footwear
Waterproof shoes
Sandals or flip flops
Hiking boots or sneakers
Dressy Sandals
Outwear (pick one)
A cardigan or light sweater
A water resistant windbreaker
UV protecting button up shirts (1-2)
Sub in a thick sweater or jean jacket for cooler weather
Accessories
Hat
Sunglasses
Umbrella
Jewelry
Day time purse
Tops
10 lightweight tops
2 Daytime Dresses
Bottoms
4 Pairs Bike Shorts/Exercise Shorts
2 Pairs Skirts or Dresses with built in shorts
1 breezy linen pants or beach pants
Sub in pants or jeans for high altitude destinations
Formalwear
2 Dinner Blouses
2 Formal Dresses
Beach Stuff
1-2 Bathingsuits and coverup
Sunblock
Beach toys
Floaties and snorkel set
Waterproof Camera
Water bag
Other Must Haves
Socks (1 pair per day + 3 extra)
Underwear (2 pairs per day + 3 extra)
Bras (1 per day, give or take one)
2-3 Lightweight pajamas
Tissues
Bug repellent and soothing cream
Medicine for the kids (and grown-ups too!)
Refillable water bottle
Wet wipes - they keep little faces and hands clean and cool
Extra suitcase (arrive with it mostly empty!)
Don't forget your other traditional items like cosmetics and toiletries. This is not the type of trip that I tend to pack light for, so just pay for the extra bag , enjoy your trip and save room for souvenirs!
