Traveling with teenagers is all great and fun, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll like the same activities and attractions that you do. Fortunately, Mexico City has a lot to offer for both adults and teenagers. With over 2 million visitors annually, Mexico City has more than enough to keep everybody entertained.
Here are our top 11 activities and attractions:
- Zocalo
- Arena Mexico
- ATVForestal
- Six Flags Mexico
- Chapultepec Park
- Frida Kahlo Museum
- Cafebreria El Pendulo
- Interactive Museum of Economics
- Monarch Butterfly Reserve
- Tours and Tickets by Bikes and Munchies
- Mexican Cooking Class with Aura Cocina Mexicana
1. Zocalo
Zocalo is one of the largest public plazas in the world and considered the heart of Mexico City. Day or night, you’ll find the plaza absolutely brimming with energy. There’s so much to see, do, experience, shop, eat, and endless photo opportunities. You won’t even know where to start!
In the plaza itself you’ll find numerous street acts, dancers, and live music. The square is flanked is by the Presidential Palace, museums, hotels, churches, shopping, and eating establishments. There’s no shortage of things you can do here.
Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the Aztec dancers! They usually dance in front of the church. They do a phenomenal job recreating the attire, music, and choreography of the ancient Aztecs.
2. Arena Mexico
Home of Mexico City’s iconic lucha libre. What is lucha libre you ask? It’s professional wrestling and a comedy show all rolled into one. It’s lively, it’s energetic, and all around fun. It’s also very very fake(so no worries about real violence) and more raw entertainment than it is a sport. It has everything you could want: showmanship, athletics, high-flying maneuvers, comedy, and lively music.
Even if you or your teens aren’t a fan of wrestling, you’ll still find yourself caught up in the festive atmosphere and enjoying the show.
Address: Dr. Lavista 189, Doctores, Cuauhtémoc, 06720 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 5588 0266
3. ATVForestal
For those with teens that want more of an outdoor activity, then this is for you. Ride an all terrain vehicle(ATV) through forests canopies and meadows. Get away from the concrete jungle and enjoy nature at it’s fullest. This is definitely quite the adventure and a break from the norm.
You can travel at your own pace through parts of the Ajusco Forest, valleys, and even visit Volcano El Pelado (if you’re driving skills are good enough). No worries if you’re a novice at ATV’s! You’ll be accompanied by attentive guides that’ll ensure you have a good time. Visit their website for tickets and availability.
Address: 840, Tlalpan, 14710 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 1299 2985
4. Six Flags Mexico
From one adrenaline-filled activity to another, this is one your teens will definitely enjoy. Who doesn’t like plummeting down a roller coaster at incredible speeds? They also have laser tag, games, shows, entertainment, and tons of food. You’ll want to reserve a whole day for this one as there’s so much to do. Visit their website for more info.
Address: Carr. Picacho-Ajusco Km 1.5, Jardines del Ajusco, Tlalpan, 14200 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 5339 3600
5. Chapultepec Park
This 1600-acre park is a popular attraction among visitors and locals alike. There’s a lot to do here and plenty of photo opportunities. It’s filled with museums, monuments, fountains, and even an internationally renowned zoo. Some popular attractions include:
- Chapultepec Castle
- National History Museum
- National Anthropology Museum
- Modern Art Museum
- and many more
Visit their website for the full range of activities and attractions.
Address: Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, CDMX
6. Frida Kahlo Museum
Known as La Casa Azul, or the “Blue House”, this museum was home to famous 20th-century artist Frida Kahlo. It’s filled with her paintings, garments, dresses, and personal items from her life. Here you’ll learn about her impact on Mexican culture and why she is such an iconic figure in Mexico’s history.
While this museum will go over the heads of younger kids, it’s perfect for teens as a valuable learning experience and glimpse into Mexico’s cultural history. Even if you’re not a fan of art, it’s still quite interesting to see a house with such personality.
Book way in advance as this is a very popular destination and to avoid the annoyingly long queue. You can get tickets here on their website.
Insider Tip: Get your tickets online and choose the 10 AM or 10:30 AM time slots. You’ll get to enjoy the museum at your own pace before the crowds arrive.
Address: Londres 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacán, 04100 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 5554 5999
7. Cafebreria El Pendulo
Definitely one of the most unique restaurants you’ll come across. Ever imagine what it’d be like if you combine a bookstore and restaurant? No? Well, here is the place you never thought you needed.
Cafebreria El Pendulo is part bookstore, part cafe, and whole parts charming. The walls are lined with books for you to read and tables and chairs are set up for you to enjoy a coffee or a meal. There’s even a small stage set up for live music.
Altogether, the relaxing atmosphere, the delicious food, and the delightful charm of this restaurant make it a perfect place to spend a meal with your teens.
Website: https://pendulo.com/
Address: Av Nuevo León 115, Colonia Condesa, Cuauhtémoc, 06140 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 5286 9493
8. Interactive Museum of Economics
Economics?! As a teen friendly activity? Yes, definitely yes. It may sound boring, but this is a great learning museum for kids 13 and above. There are plenty of interactive exhibits, games, and active participation opportunities. Teens will especially benefit from the experiential learning related to choices, where money comes from and the importance of saving.
This award winning museum will open your teens’ eyes into the world at large and show them how their choices can make an impact on the economy, climate change, and more. Visit their website for tickets and times.
Phone: +52 55 5130 4600
9. Monarch Butterfly Reserve
One of the most amazing natural phenomenon you’ll ever see. Imagine a full grown tree, with limbs so heavy from monarch butterflies that they touch the ground! Or imagine there being so many butterflies that you can actually hear them fluttering!
Every year, millions upon millions(maybe even a billion) of Monarch butterflies migrate towards Mexico from Canada and the United States. You can visit the reserve from mid-November through to March, with January and February being the most popular months to visit. They are open daily 9 AM – 6 PM.
Insider tip: To get the most out of your visit, it’s recommended you get a take a guided tour. It’ll save you the hassle of driving and you’ll also get a knowledgeable guide to take you along the many paths at the reserve.
Website: Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
10. Foodie Bike Tour by Bikes and Munchies
Enjoy a comfy bike ride around the beautiful streets of Mexico City and experience the culture and food of the local eateries. You’ll eat delicious local specialties and desserts while also learning cultural insights and history of your surroundings. Each stop has been chosen carefully to ensure that you have the best tasting food and experience possible. We’re talking hole-in-the-wall eats that no one else but a local would know about.
If you’re a first-timer in Mexico City, this food and bike tour is a great intro into the culture, history, and food of Mexico. Visit their website for available dates and tickets.
Phone: +52 55 4164 8518
11. Mexican Cooking Class with Aura Cocina Mexicana
One of the easiest and most direct ways of experiencing Mexican culture is by learning how to prepare and cook authentic Mexican cuisine. You’ll learn from Chef Graciela Montaño (local TV personality and Mexican culinary ambassador) on how to pick ingredients, prepare, and cook your dishes (and then eat them of course!).
This is a great hands-on experience that’ll leave you and your teen with a better understanding of Mexican cooking and culture. Visit their website for cooking times and class availability.
Address: Medellín 191A, Roma Nte., Cuauhtémoc, 06700 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
Phone: +52 55 8434 7727
Conclusion
And there you have it. Our top 11 attractions and activities to do with your teen. Mexico City is a giant sprawling metropolis and there’s a never ending list of things to do. If we missed anything, let us know! Have any other recommendations that should be added to this list? Let us know in the comments!