Ahoy, mateys! If you're surprised to find a pirate ship adventure on this list of best family attractions in Cancun, don't be—there are actually a few to choose from. Your family can set sail on the Jolly Roger Pirate Ship or the Captain Hook Cancun vessel for an evening you won't forget soon. Book an onboard dinner and show for an experience that will enthrall young passengers, filled with swashbuckling, dancing, food, and drinks.

Whether you have adventurous eaters or are looking for fun things to do with kids in Cancun, a food tour is a great way to explore the city's culinary scene. Many will take you to local markets to see what fruit is in season, and you'll get to try different varieties of agua fresca—a refreshing drink made by blending fresh fruit. Many itineraries include sampling a variety of tacos, and most end with a stop for paletas (popsicles made with fruit, such as mangoes and coconut).

A snorkeling excursion is always fun if you are traveling with older kids keen to get out into the water. Many snorkeling tours are suitable for children—typically from around 6 years old—so the whole family can participate. Look out for trips that stop by the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), where art pieces, and even a car, have been placed on the ocean floor for you to view from above, making an unconventional and fun family outing in Cancun.

You don't have to stray far from Cancun for a change of pace, especially for families of animal lovers. Just a short sail from Cancun, Isla Mujeres is an island known for its rich aquatic life. Head here for a beach day, a snorkeling excursion, or to enjoy the local cuisine. Options to get out on the water are plentiful: Choose a catamaran tour with snorkel stops, a sunset cruise for a gorgeous end to your day, or a private trip with a customizable itinerary.

Sometimes you need a break from the beach—and the heat. A few hours at the Museo Maya de Cancún can offer some respite as you browse its collection of artifacts, all of which were discovered at archaeological sites in the Yucatan region. Don’t miss the chance to explore the San Miguelito ruins—located behind the museum via a path through the jungle—where you can stroll amongst the remains of temples and pyramids.

Most visitors to Cancun come for its beautiful white-sand beaches, and if you are staying along the Hotel Zone, you'll have a stunning stretch of sand just outside your door. Those looking for a kid-friendly beach with a chill vibe will love Playa Langosta, where the water is shallow and there's a playground nearby. Another good option is the city’s biggest free public beach, Playa Delfines, which is located close to the Cancun sign.

For adventurous families with older kids, Rio Secreto Nature Reserve is a top family destination in Cancun. Here, you'll don helmets with headlamps to make your way into the water of the underground cave system, through eerie passageways with dripping stalactites and mysterious caves—it does get quite dark, but you're with a guide the whole time. Booking a tour that picks you up in Cancun is your best bet, and many include lunch before bringing you back to your home base.

Xcaret is an eco-archaeological park with tons to offer families, from ziplining to snorkeling to river rafting. Kids will love exploring the butterfly pavilion and exotic bird aviary, before heading for a swim in the river. Xcaret is also home to Mexican cultural performances, plus plenty of places to get food for hungry toddlers and teens. For ease, you can book a tour that organizes all the logistics, including round-trip transfers from Cancun.

Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, is just a few hours from Cancun, and it's one of Mexico’s most important archaeological sites. The easiest way to get there—especially if you have kids in tow—is booking a guided tour that includes pickup and drop-off at your Cancun hotel. While you cannot swim in the cenote at Chichen Itza, some tours include a stop at other swimmable cenotes.