Who doesn’t love white sandy beaches, tacos, and sunshine? Exactly, everyone does! So bring the kids to one of these best family resorts in Tulum for a memorable family vacation.
We’ve been bringing our kids with us to Mexico since they were three months old. We are a family of four who travel with two young kids. We have been bringing our kids to Mexico and visiting Tulum every year! Tulum is a great family vacation for all ages.
There is everything from all-inclusive resorts to boutique hotels, eco hotels, budget hotels, hostels, glamping, and more.
Let’s walk through some of the best family resorts in Tulum.
Map of the Best Family Resorts in Tulum
We put together this map that shows you exactly where each of the hotels below is located. Hoping this will help you decide what part of Tulum you want to stay in.
What most first-time tourists don’t know is how far the beach hotels are from the town and vice versa. If you decide to stay in a Tulum Beach hotel, expect to pay $25-40 one way for a taxi into Tulum Pueblo. I know it is a crazy price for such a short distance, but that is the going rate, and there really isn’t a way around it.
Make sure you read our Where to stay in Tulum guide, which goes into more detail about the difference between staying in Tulum town vs. Tulum Beach hotels.
When is the best time to Visit Tulum?
The best weather in Tulum is found during the months of February to May when the weather is settled and is normally sunny and average temperatures ranging between 77F to the low 90F. This is Tulum’s high season, but if you ask me, Tulum is always a popular destination and always has tourists.
For the past five years, we have traveled to the Yucatan Peninsula for 4-6 weeks, arriving the first week of February and staying into March. The coldest month in Tulum is December when the Tulum temperatures dip to around 68F. It is also the dry season, and we see little to no rain. On our last five-week trip, we saw rain once, and it was for less than one minute. The average daytime temperatures were around 80-85.
From June to October, you can still find warm weather; however, it is the rainy season in Tulum. So, if you are not bothered by the rain, this can still be a great time to visit, and often, you can find much cheaper vacation rates as this is considered the off-season.
See below at the end of the article for more on the weather in Tulum and how the seasons vary.
How to Get to Tulum
There are several ways from Cancun Airport to Tulum. We either take this private shuttle or pick up a rental car at the Cancun airport. You will want to book a private transfer in advance for the lowest prices.
We book online here; we have used this company 40+ times, and we think they are the best way to go. The prices at the airport will be more than double than arranging it in advance.
The drive from Cancun to Tulum is really straightforward and easy. Once on the main highway, it is 2-3 hours from the Cancun Airport, depending on traffic.
If you do rent a car, I would confirm that your hotel has free parking. Parking near the beach can be hard and expensive. Parking in town is relatively easy. Just watch for all the one-way streets.
If you stay at one of the all-inclusive resorts, they may offer a free shuttle service. We would still book a private driver because the hotel will often wait until they have a full van, and space is tight. If you are traveling with kids, odds are you won’t want to sit around and wait with tired kids.
- Best Option– Private Driver (click here for the company we use)
- Cheapest Option – ADO bus
1. La Zebra Colibri Boutique Hotel
If you’re looking for a beachfront family-friendly hotel in Tulum, La Zebra Colibri is the best option if you ask us. What we love most is it is right on the beach, has a playground, and the rooms are updated and comfortable.
It has a huge beach with loungers, shade, and hammocks to use. They book out far in advance. Check availability now. If you are planning on visiting during the high season or holidays, you’ll need to book far in advance.
- Rooms: Rooms at La Zebra sleep up to four and have outdoor space like a terrace or balcony. You’ll find variations in the view (garden or beach). Some rooms have a private plunge pool, as pictured above.
- Pool/Beach: La Zebra has a rooftop pool, and some rooms have private plunge pools, which is cool. But the main attraction is the beautiful beach.
- Food/Drink: The on-site restaurant is a favorite with guests and locals. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. La Zebra has beach bars right on the beach and poolside at the rooftop lounge. An espresso bar will keep you caffeinated all day. La Zebra is within walking distance of other restaurants.
- Extras: Guests of La Zebra can use facilities at sister hotels Mi Amor, El Pez, and Mezzanine. Adults can enjoy spa treatments at the spa, and kids will like the playground. Every Sunday is free salsa night at La Zebra.
2. Zamas Hotel
Zamas Hotel is the perfect getaway for families. Several of the rooms are located right on the beach in Tulum. It’s a tropical paradise.
We really like that they offer babysitting services. It is nice to have hotel-vetted babysitters that can watch our kids for a few hours while we either go to one of the nearby Tulum beach clubs or have a nice dinner out kid-free at one of the best restaurants nearby.
- Rooms: Zamas has a lot of room options. Variations range from sleeping 2 to 12 people. Some rooms are right on the beach, while others are located across the street from the beach. Although a bit further from the beach, they have the tranquility of nature and are close to the hotel’s pool. Casa options are great for families with more room, private outdoor space, and a kitchen. Some of the casas even have their own private pool.
- Pool/Beach: Zamas is located directly on the beach in Tulum. It’s picture-perfect, with loungers, palapas, and palm trees. The pool and some rooms are located across the road from the beach but only a short walk away.
- Food/Drink: The onsite restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The kids’ menu will keep little ones happy.
- Extras: Zamas will arrange transportation to the airport and babysitting services for additional fees.
3. Bahia Principe Grand Tulum
Bahia Principe Grand Tulum is one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Tulum. This all-inclusive is located right on the beach, with great things to do for the whole family.
Sometimes traveling with kids, it is just easier to stay at an all-inclusive resort. You don’t have to worry about where you are going to eat, picking a restaurant, driving to the restaurant, etc. If you are looking for an all-inclusive in Tulum, this is a great choice for families.
- Rooms: 3 room options at Bahia Principe have space for families. The largest has a separate living room and bedroom and can sleep up to 4 adults and 1 child.
- Pool/Beach: Bahia Principe has 3 awesome pools. There’s also a children’s water park for little ones. The resort is located right on the beach, with loungers and umbrellas at the ready.
- Food/Drink: 5 restaurants at Bahia will keep your belly satisfied. They include options like a buffet, la carte, and formal dining. There are also 5 bars at the resort.
- Activities: The Kids Club is perfect for little ones 4-12 years old. Older kids will like the Teen Club. There’s a playground too. Babysitting Service hosted by the resort. Daily activities and nightly entertainment are fun for everyone.
- Extras: Bahia Principe can arrange transportation from the airport. Bikes can be rented from the resort.
4. Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Dreams Tulum Resort is a great all-inclusive option for families. Located on the beach, the resort has everything to make a family vacation, from various restaurant options to a kids club.
- Rooms: Dreams offers rooms that can sleep 4-7. Each has an outdoor space, like a terrace. Adjoining rooms are a good option for larger families. Upgrading to Preferred Status grants access to select areas like the Preferred Club. Some Preferred rooms have a swim-up pool.
- Pool/Beach: Dreams has 2 heated pools and a splash park for kids. The water park is fun, with 6 water slides. The beach is always a great option.
- Food/Drink: Dreams has 9 places to eat, including a buffet, a la carte, and cafés. 7 bars, including a swim-up bar, sports bar, and cocktail lounges. 24/7 room service is nice.
- Activities: Kids will love the Explorer’s Club, which is open to kids 3-12 years old. Entertainment and activities happen day and night at Dreams. Everyone will love the movies on the beach, cooking, and dancing lessons. Get fit at the gym or in classes like yoga and water aerobics.
- Extras: Small dogs are welcome at Dreams Tulum. Babysitting is available at additional costs.
5. Una Vida
Una Vida is a gorgeous resort located in the city of Tulum. Beautifully designed, it embraces the natural beauty of the area.
- Rooms: Rooms at Una Vida range from king-size rooms to suites and apartment setups. Higher-level rooms have added perks like private plunge pools and kitchenettes. There’s even an option of a 3-bedroom private house, which is great for families.
- Pool/Beach: Una Vida has 2 pools at the resort. Some rooms have private plunge pools.
- Food/Drink: There are 2 restaurants and a bar at Una Vida. Located in the town of Tulum, you can walk to many local restaurants and bars.
- Activities: Bikes are available to explore Tulum for free. Guests have access to the yoga shala, temazcal, and sound healings on site.
- Extras: Una Vita is dog-friendly. Babysitting services and shuttles to the airport can be arranged.
6. Suenos Tulum
Suenos Tulum is a gorgeous eco-friendly resort that’s clearly one with the surrounding nature. Its location, directly on the beach, is a major feature.
- Rooms: Suites at Suenos are like cozy little bungalows. Each has an outdoor area. Upgrade for more space to the Temple Penthouse or Clubhouse. The penthouse is the only room with a hydromassage Jacuzzi. As an eco-friendly resort in Tulum, electricity is not available in the suites during the day. Cribs are available.
- Pool/Beach: There is a pool at Suenos, but it’s relatively small. Instead, the beach is a highlight of Suenos Tulum.
- Food/Drink: The restaurant and bar at Suenos are exclusive for resort guests. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Continental breakfast is free for guests each morning.
- Extra: Suenos has bike rentals. The resort isn’t too far from restaurants and shopping. Bikes make it easier to get to.
7. Alaya Tulum
A stay at Alaya Tulum truly feels like you’ve stepped into nature’s paradise. It’s one of the best resorts in Tulum for families. Located on the beach, its whole design is in harmony with the surroundings.
- Rooms: Alaya Tulum offers cabanas, suites, and apartments right at the edge of the beach. Each is designed and decorated to match the surrounding natural beauty. Apartment-style rooms are perfect for families with small kitchens.
- Pool/Beach: Alaya is located directly on the beach, which is a major feature. But it does not have a pool.
- Food/Drink: Alaya has a restaurant at the resort. It’s open each day for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Activities: Yoga classes happen daily and are free for guests. Meditation, Sonic Attunement, and passes to a local gym are all available.
- Extras: Bike rentals and airport transportation from Alaya Tulum are available. Both are for an extra fee.
8. Cabanas La Luna
Located right on the beach, Cabanas La Luna prides itself on being a fairy tale come true. And it is, especially for families looking for a great time in Tulum right on the beach.
If you are a family that is out exploring all day or on the beach and not in the room much during the day, consider staying at Cabanas La Luna. There is no AC in the rooms during the day, which for some, would be a dealbreaker.
- Rooms: The rooms at Cabanas La Luna are bright and whimsical. The largest can sleep up to 8 and has a full kitchen and private pool. Air conditioning is available in rooms 7 pm – 8:30 am.
- Pool/Beach: At La Luna, guests have the choice to cool off in the pool or the beach. The beach is the main event at La Luna. It’s ready with umbrellas and loungers.
- Food/Drink: The onsite restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Continental breakfast is complimentary for guests.
- Extras: Transportation to the airport can be arranged for a fee. Bike rentals and babysitting can also be done through the hotel.
9. Casa Don Diego
The guesthouse of Casa Don Diego is a small gem in the city of Tulum. If you are looking for a family resort in Tulum on a budget. Casa Don Diego is just about the best value for the money and is perfect for families.
- Rooms: Casa Don Diego has two room options. Simply, one option has a king-sized bed. The other, the Family Room, has two queen beds and can sleep up to 5 with a cot for kids. A small fridge is always a good thing for parents, especially if you have children still drinking milk. It also has a shared kitchen in the courtyard.
- Pool/Beach: Considering Casa Don Diego is in the heart of the city, it’s awesome that it has a pool. Casa Don Diego is a short taxi ride to the beach.
- Food/Drink: The restaurant at Casa Don Diego, “Brew Tulum,” specializes in coffee. They also use eggs from their own chickens and veggies from their garden. Since Casa Don Diego is in the center of Tulum, you’ll be within walking distance of many places to eat, drink, and have fun.
- Activities: Casa Don Diego can help arrange great outings. Specifically, their recommendations have local insight.
- Extras: Casa Don Diego is pet friendly. Casa Don Diego is located in the center of Tulum, so just about everything is close by. We love the freedom to walk everywhere and have more affordable restaurants compared to the restaurants on Tulum Beach.
10. Xperience Tulum Hotel
Xperience Tulum is one of the best hotels in Tulum for families in the town of Tulum, with great room options for families. We have stayed at some of their other Xperience hotels in Playa del Carmen, Holbox, and in their glamping hotels in Xpu Ha.
On our most recent visit to Tulum, we stayed at Xperience because we really wanted to have a separate bedroom and a pool. Since we always rent a car in Mexico, it wasn’t a big deal not to stay on the beach. Make sure to read our renting a car in Mexico guide beforehand.
If you want to save money and are looking for a cheap hotel in Tulum that is really nice and comfortable, this is it. The price can’t be beaten for everything you get.
- Rooms: Room selections range from studios and one bedroom to a penthouse apartment that sleeps 7. All have an outdoor space. Kitchenettes are a major plus for families at Xperience and are available in most rooms.
- Pool/Beach: Experience Tulum has a pool at the center of the resort. Some rooms have a private Jacuzzi.
- Food/Drink: Xperience has 2 restaurants on site. There’s also a café to grab coffee, drinks, and snacks.
- Extras: The on-site fitness room is a nice touch. Bikes and cars can be rented from Xperience. The free airport shuttle is a plus.
Visit the Best Tulum Cenotes
Quick Facts About Tulum
Language Spoken: In Mexico, the main language spoken is Spanish, so it can be helpful to know how to say a few phrases or questions in Spanish, such as “Where is the bathroom?” or “How much?”. If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort in Tulum, then you will likely find that most staff have learned how to speak English to talk to tourists.
Currency: Mexican pesos, though USD Dollars are pretty widely accepted and can also be exchanged at hotel concierge desks if needed! Almost all stores and restaurants will accept USD, but they also determine the exchange rate they offer. Often, the rate they offer is a peso or two less than the actual exchange rate.
We also use our debit cards at an actual bank or at the airport. Make sure to decline the exchange rate the ATM offers you. By doing this, the exchange rate you will get the actual exchange rate and done by your bank.
Pro tip – If you plan on using your debit card in Tulum, it never hurts to tell your bank in advance you’ll be traveling to Mexico. That way, the bank doesn’t block your card and wait until they get a hold of you. This has happened to us.
Make sure to read our Tulum Packing List Article
Best Time to Visit: Tulum’s peak season for tourists is January to March, so hotels and excursions can be very booked up. If you have any flexibility, then traveling in November and December allows you to enjoy the warm, sunny weather with a lot fewer tourists.
Methods of Transportation: Most tourists walk or bike when visiting Tulum. We, however, ALWAYS rent a car. We love the freedom of renting a car, being on our own schedule, and going wherever we want to go!
We also book online here in advance. If you book in person, the daily rate is often 2-3x more. You can rent a car in Tulum or right at the airport. The drive from Cancun to Tulum is very easy and straightforward.
If you are going on excursions or Tulum day trips, you can easily take taxis or public transportation such as the bus or collectivo. This is a great option if you are trying to travel to Tulum on a budget. If you book day trips online or with the hotel, you are staying at. Then, your guide will often meet you in the hotel lobby with a small van to take 8-10 guests around for the day.
Best Family Resorts in Playa del Carmen
Weather in Tulum & Tulum Seasons
The weather in Tulum is a tropical climate all year long, between 70-90 degrees Fahrenheit, so it is mainly sunny and hot, which is what draws tourists to visit, especially when their home countries are cold.
The best weather in Tulum is from February through March when it is consistently warm, and there is little rain. The months of June through October can see a good amount of rain, and it is Hurricane season in Tulum, so the weather can be variable.
Even on cooler days where you will need a light jacket, remember to use sunscreen and wear a hat, as you can still get a burn even in the shade. I am guilty of forgetting how intense the Mexican sun can be, so make sure to reapply sunscreen, wear a hat, take breaks from the sun, and drink lots of water to avoid sunburn and heat stroke.
Related: Best Places & Things To Do In Riviera Maya
Summer in Tulum
The summer in Tulum is very, very hot and humid by the coast and gets very muggy as you head toward the inland areas. The summer months can have unbearable temperatures, so it often keeps the tourists away and makes visiting the beach more enjoyable as it’s not so busy! The Caribbean waters are the hottest in August.
No matter where your family decides to stay in Tulum, you’ll have a great time! Any of the above best family resorts in Tulum will be a good choice. You’ll be on the beach in paradise!
Now book that trip!
