Chichen Itza Ruins
Route 180 West
Family friendly: Yes
Chichen Itza Ruins is a "must-see" for anyone who has any interest in the great Maya culture that the Spanish found when they landed in the Yucatan. Chichen Itza (pronounced "Chi-chen Eat-sa") was both a classic and post-classic city and is a very impressive sight, not because of its location but because of its architecture. The giant pyramid where human sacrifices once occurred, El Castillo, dominates this fascinating abandoned city. The ruins are about a two-hour drive west of Cancun. Day-long tours stop on the way for a quick shop in the Colonial city of Valladolid.

El Rey
Kukulkan, Km 17.5
Cancun has several small ruins you can see in the hotel zone, the largest of which is of El Rey (small admission charge).

Tulum Ruins
Route 307 South
Family friendly: Yes
Tulum (pronounced "two loom") is now the most-visited archeological site in all of Mexico. It contains the ruins of a post-classic, Mayan, walled city, set high upon a bluff, with spectacular views of the turquoise Caribbean below. About two hours' drive south of Cancun, a tour that includes swimming and snorkeling is available from hotel travel agents for approximately US$15 adults and US$9 children. Gift shops and restaurants are nearby. With swimming or snorkeling at Xel-Ha, this is a day trip.

Convention Center Theater
Kukulkan, Km 8.5
Housed within the convention centre, this theater is the place to see the best folkloric ballet show in Cancun while enjoying a delicious Mexican dinner buffet.

Museo de Anthropologia
Kukulkhan, Km 8.5
National Institute of Anthropology and History exhibits genuine pieces from the ancient Mayan and Mesoamerican culture. T he museum is free on Sunday.

Croco Cun
Route 307 South
Family friendly: Yes
About 45 minutes south of Cancun, near Puerto Morelos, is this crocodile research station, breeding farm, and fun zoo where you can get close to the amazing prehistoric beasts.

Jungle Tour
Family friendly: Yes
The "Jungle Tour" is a ride on a personal watercraft through the mangrove canals in the lagoon. A snorkeling stop is often included. Jungle Tour tickets can be purchased at your hotel, any travel agency, or at any of the marinas along the Nichupte Lagoon, which is the body of water on the inland side of the causeway. Major credit cards accepted.

Playa Delfines
The figure seven shape of Cancun's resort area has fabulous beaches, but not all are ideal for ocean swimming. Generally the beaches are best for swimming on the north shore, the shorter top part of the figure seven. These shallow waters are sheltered offshore by the barrier island of Isla Mujeres. Sometimes the surf can be rough along the open Caribbean, so daily swim ming advisory flags are placed on each beach. Eleven free public beaches are scattered along the sandy 44-mile causeway. The favorite of locals is Playa Delfines.

Sub Sea Explorer
Kukulkan Km 15.2
Family friendly: Yes
Sub Sea Explorer offers guided tours of natural reefs and sea life in a glassed-in boat with an optional snorkeling tour. Lunch, refreshments, and submarine certificate included. Hourly departures from 9am to 3pm. Cost starts at around US$35. Major credit cards accepted.

Wet & Wild
Kukulkan Km 25
+52 98-81-30-00
Family friendly: Yes
This large amusement water park, opened in 1998, is located along the road to the airport (admission around US$21 for adults, US$16 for children). The park contains acres of slides, chutes and water flumes, and offers towel and tube rental. It can be reached by taxi or public bus that displays the W&W logo. Major credit cards accepted.