Explore Mexico City with your family! Discover must-visit attractions, kid-friendly museums, and hidden gems that bring history, science, and culture to life.
THE ULTIMATE PARENT’S GUIDE
Visit the Mexico City – A Family Guide
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Mexico City
- Mexico City is a place where ancient history meets modern adventure, creating an incredible playground for curious minds!
- WOW! Mexico City’s Chapultepec Park is one of the largest urban parks in the Western Hemisphere – twice the size of New York’s Central Park!
- HOLY COW! The city sits on what was once a massive lake, and some parts of the city sink about 10 centimeters (4 inches) every year!
- SUPER COOL! The Chapultepec Zoo was the first place outside of China where giant pandas successfully bred in captivity!
- AMAZING! The Papalote Museum’s building is designed to look like a giant butterfly from above!
- INCREDIBLE! The Chapultepec Castle is the only real castle in North America that actually housed royalty!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Mexico City
PAPALOTE MUSEO DEL NIÑO Get Ready for the PAPALOTE MUSEO DEL NIÑO : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This interactive children’s museum is like stepping into a giant playground of science and discovery! Every exhibit is hands-on and designed for curious minds.
INTERESTING FACT! The building’s design was inspired by a traditional Mexican paper toy called a “papalote” (kite), and the museum has over 288 interactive exhibits!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create your own bubble universe in the soap bubble area where kids can stand inside a giant bubble!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design your own science experiment, what would it be?
DISCUSS: Scientists often get their best ideas from watching how nature solves problems! For example, Velcro was invented after a scientist looked at how burrs stuck to his dog’s fur.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Talk about how many everyday inventions were inspired by nature: airplane wings from birds, swimsuits from shark skin, and sticky tape from gecko feet. Encourage them to look around the museum and think about what everyday objects might have been inspired by nature.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think sound travels through different materials?
DISCUSS: Did you know that sound travels faster through water than through air? That’s why whales can communicate with each other from hundreds of miles away!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how sound waves move through different materials in the museum’s sound exhibit. Talk about how dolphins use echolocation to “see” underwater, how bats navigate in the dark, and how our ears work to help us hear different sounds.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the giant heart exhibit and count how many beats it makes in one minute
HINT: Listen carefully and use the clock on the wall to time it!
OBJECTIVE: Locate three different types of simple machines in the mechanics area
HINT: Look for levers, pulleys, and wheels
CHAPULTEPEC ZOO Get Ready for the CHAPULTEPEC ZOO : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Home to over 1,200 animals, including rare Mexican species like the axolotl (a salamander that can regrow its body parts!) and the endangered Mexican wolf.
INTERESTING FACT! This zoo is one of the few places in the world where giant pandas have successfully bred in captivity!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Zoo Detective Journal” – draw pictures of animals and write down interesting behaviors you observe.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some animals are only found in Mexico?
DISCUSS: Mexico has more different types of animals than almost any other country because it has so many different environments – from deserts to rainforests!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how animals adapt to their environments. The Mexican wolf has special thick fur that changes color with the seasons, while the axolotl can survive only in the cool, clean waters of Mexico City’s ancient lakes. Talk about how each animal you see has special features that help it survive in its natural home.
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design the perfect habitat for an animal, what would you include?
DISCUSS: Did you know that zoo habitats are designed to mimic natural environments so closely that they even include specific plants from the animal’s native habitat?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Look at how each habitat is designed with different zones for eating, playing, and resting. Compare this to your own home – animals need similar spaces to humans! Discuss how zookeepers work like animal chefs, doctors, and teachers all at once.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different animals that are native to Mexico
HINT: Look for information panels with the Mexican flag symbol
OBJECTIVE: Spot an animal using camouflage to blend in with its surroundings
HINT: Sometimes the best hiding spots are right in plain sight!
MUSEO NACIONAL DE HISTORIA (CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE) Get Ready for the MUSEO NACIONAL DE HISTORIA (CHAPULTEPEC CASTLE) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? It’s a real castle on top of a hill in the middle of Mexico City! Once home to emperors and presidents, it’s now filled with amazing stories and treasures.
INTERESTING FACT! The castle was once a military academy, and young cadets defended it during the Mexican-American War.
COOL ACTIVITY! Play “Royal Detective” – pretend you’re investigating who lived in different rooms based on the objects you find.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were designing a castle, what room would you create first?
DISCUSS: The castle has a special room called the “Lookout Tower” where you can see the entire city in all directions!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Discuss how castles were designed for both beauty and protection. Point out the thick walls, high windows, and strategic location on top of Chapultepec Hill. Talk about how the castle has changed over time, from a royal palace to a museum, just like how their own home might change as they grow.
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think people lived in this castle 150 years ago?
DISCUSS: Did you know that the castle had its own garden where they grew fresh fruits and vegetables on the roof?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how daily life was different – from how people dressed to how they entertained themselves without electricity. Compare modern conveniences to historical methods: instead of refrigerators, they had ice houses; instead of electric lights, they used candles and oil lamps.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the most elaborate ceiling decoration in the castle
HINT: Look up in the main state rooms!
OBJECTIVE: Count how many different types of carriages you can find
HINT: Check the courtyard and entrance areas
ACUARIO INBURSA Get Ready for the ACUARIO INBURSA : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This modern aquarium takes you on an underwater journey through four floors of marine life, with over 14,000 creatures from 300 different species!
INTERESTING FACT! The aquarium has a “touch tank” where you can safely feel starfish and other marine creatures under supervision.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Sea Creature Bingo” card and check off different animals as you find them.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think fish sleep without eyelids?
DISCUSS: Fish actually rest by floating in place and slowing down their movements, and some even create a mucus bubble around themselves like a sleeping bag!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how different sea creatures have adapted to sleep underwater. Some fish hide in coral reefs, others float near the surface, and some, like sharks, need to keep swimming even while they rest. Compare this to how different animals on land sleep – from hanging bats to standing horses.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some fish are bright and colorful while others are gray or silver?
DISCUSS: Did you know that some fish can actually change their colors to match their surroundings or to communicate with other fish?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Talk about how colors serve different purposes in the ocean – bright colors might warn predators of danger, help attract mates, or help fish hide among colorful coral reefs. Silver fish often live in open water where their shiny scales help them blend in with the light from above.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different types of sharks and note their different features
HINT: Look for differences in their fins and body shapes
OBJECTIVE: Spot a camouflaged creature hiding in plain sight
HINT: Pay special attention to the bottom of tanks and rocky areas
LA GRANJA LAS AMÉRICAS Get Ready for the LA GRANJA LAS AMÉRICAS : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This interactive farm brings kids face-to-face with friendly farm animals and teaches them about where food comes from.
INTERESTING FACT! The farm has special areas where children can help feed baby animals and learn about sustainable farming practices.
COOL ACTIVITY! Join the “Junior Farmer Program” where kids can help collect eggs and milk goats (with supervision).
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think farmers know what each animal needs to eat?
DISCUSS: Different farm animals have different types of teeth that help them eat different foods – cows have flat teeth for grinding grass, while chickens have no teeth but use a special organ called a gizzard to grind their food!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Explore how each animal contributes to the farm ecosystem. Chickens provide eggs and help control insects, sheep provide wool and help maintain the grass, and bees pollinate flowers to help plants grow. It’s like a big team where everyone has an important job!
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some baby animals can walk right after they’re born while others need more time?
DISCUSS: Did you know that a baby goat can stand and walk within minutes of being born, but a baby chick needs about 21 days to develop inside its egg?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Compare different baby animals on the farm – some are born ready to run (like horses and goats), while others need more care and time to develop (like rabbits and chicks). Talk about how this relates to survival in the wild and how farming helps protect and care for animals.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Count how many different types of eggs you can find (chicken, duck, quail)
HINT: Check the different nesting areas
OBJECTIVE: Find three different types of farm tools and guess what they’re used for
HINT: Look in the tool shed area and near the animal pens
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Mexico City
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as Mexico City:
Museo Nacional de Antropología: An incredible journey through Mexico’s ancient civilizations with giant stone heads and a replica of Moctezuma’s headdress. Perfect for young explorers!
Kidzania Santa Fe: A mini-city where kids can try out different adult jobs and earn their own money. Just a short drive from the city center!
Parque La Mexicana: A modern park with playgrounds, skating rinks, and walking trails – perfect for burning off extra energy!
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “This Is Mexico City” by Abby Colich (Ages 4-8) – Perfect introduction to the city’s culture and landmarks – Colorful illustrations and simple explanations
- “Off We Go to Mexico!” by Laurie Krebs (Ages 4-7) – Rhyming text about Mexican culture – Includes basic Spanish words and phrases
- “DK Eyewitness: Mexico City” (Family Reference) – Detailed maps and visual guides – Kid-friendly sections about history and culture
- Download the “Mexico City for Kids” app – Interactive maps – Fun facts and games about the city
- National Geographic Kids’ Mexico series
- “Let’s Go Luna: Mexico City” episode
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Mexico City
- WOW! Chapultepec Park is home to a 3,000-year-old rock carving of the rain god Tlaloc!
- HOLY COW! The park’s ahuehuete trees can live up to 2,000 years – some standing today were alive when the Aztecs ruled!
- SUPER COOL! The castle’s glass room was designed to change colors throughout the day as the sun moves across the sky!
- AMAZING! The zoo’s first pandas, Ying Ying and Pe Pe, were a gift from China in 1975, making it one of the first zoos outside Asia to successfully breed pandas!
- INCREDIBLE! The Papalote Museum’s IMAX dome is the largest in Latin America – it’s like watching movies on a screen the size of a 5-story building!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Mexico City
Chapultepec Castle Get Ready for the Chapultepec Castle : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? It’s the only real castle in North America, sitting atop a hill with secret passages and amazing city views!
INTERESTING FACT! The castle was once a military academy where young cadets fought bravely during the Mexican-American War. One cadet even wrapped himself in the Mexican flag and jumped from the castle rather than surrender!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a royal treasure hunt! Count the number of different types of crowns and royal symbols you can find throughout the castle.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you were designing a castle in Mexico City today, what would you include and why?
DISCUSS: The castle has a special room called the Lookout Tower that was used to spot approaching armies from miles away!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle wasn’t always just for royalty. It has served as a military academy, an astronomical observatory, and even a presidential home. Imagine having a castle as your house! The rooms you’re walking through were once filled with presidents’ children doing their homework and playing games.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think they built the castle on top of a hill instead of in the valley?
DISCUSS: The hill the castle sits on is actually a volcanic rock formation that’s over 23 million years old!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The height of the castle wasn’t just for looks – it was strategic! From this spot, you could see enemies approaching from any direction, control the water supply for the entire city, and send signals to troops miles away. The castle’s position helped protect Mexico City for hundreds of years.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the giant Mexican flag and count how many steps it takes to walk around it completely.
HINT: Look for the ceremonial courtyard – the flag is impossible to miss!
OBJECTIVE: Locate the castle’s peacocks that roam the gardens freely.
HINT: Listen for their unique calls and check near the flowering bushes.
Chapultepec Zoo Get Ready for the Chapultepec Zoo : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Home to over 1,200 animals, including rare pandas and Mexican wolves! It’s one of the few zoos in the world that has successfully bred pandas.
INTERESTING FACT! The zoo sits on the exact same spot where Aztec emperors kept their private animal collection over 600 years ago!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create your own “Zoo Detective Agency.” Take notes about the animals’ behaviors and try to predict what they’ll do next. Time their activities for 5 minutes and see if you can spot patterns!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If animals could design their own habitats, what do you think they would include that humans might not think of?
DISCUSS: The zoo’s pandas have special air-conditioned rooms because they naturally live in much cooler climates. Their habitat maintains a perfect 65°F (18°C) temperature!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Animals are incredible architects in the wild. Beavers build dams that can be up to 1,500 feet long, prairie dogs create underground cities with different rooms for sleeping, storing food, and even nurseries for babies. At the zoo, specialists try to recreate these natural behaviors by adding enrichment items – special toys and tools that help animals stay active and happy, just like they would in the wild.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some animals are more active in the morning and others at night?
DISCUSS: The Mexican wolf has special eyes that can see six times better in the dark than human eyes!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Animals have evolved to be active at different times to survive better. Some, like owls and wolves, are nocturnal (night-active) because their prey is more active at night. Others, like eagles and monkeys, are diurnal (day-active) because they need sunlight to find food and stay warm. Some animals, like jaguars, are crepuscular – most active during dawn and dusk when it’s not too hot or cold.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find and count how many different types of birds are in the aviary that can mimic human speech.
HINT: Listen carefully near the parrot section – some might even say “¡Hola!”
OBJECTIVE: Locate all the different types of big cats and create a chart comparing their sizes.
HINT: Start at the jaguar exhibit and follow the big cat trail.
Lake Complex Get Ready for the Lake Complex : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? It’s like a mini-adventure park on water! You can paddle boats, watch fountain shows, and even spot local wildlife.
INTERESTING FACT! The lake was originally a natural spring where Aztec rulers would relax and hold ceremonies. Now it’s one of the city’s largest recreational water spaces!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a “Lake Olympics” – time how long it takes to paddle from one end to the other, count the different types of water birds, or compete to spot the most interesting things around the lake.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think they keep this huge lake clean and fresh for all the boats and animals?
DISCUSS: The lake has a special underwater filtration system that cleans about 1.5 million gallons of water every day – that’s like filling up 30 swimming pools!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The lake is actually a complex ecosystem. It uses both natural and mechanical filtering systems. Plants like water lilies help clean the water naturally by absorbing pollutants. Fish eat mosquito larvae and help keep the water balanced. The lake even has special bacteria that help break down organic matter, just like in your stomach!
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design a new type of boat for this lake, what would it look like and what special features would it have?
DISCUSS: The current paddle boats are designed to be unsinkable and can hold up to 4 people while using zero fuel!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Boat design has evolved dramatically over time. The Aztecs used canoes made from hollow tree trunks called ‘acalli.’ Today’s boats use principles of buoyancy discovered by Archimedes over 2,000 years ago. The same science that keeps these paddle boats afloat also helps massive cruise ships stay on top of the water!
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find all the different types of boats available for rent and draw a quick sketch of each.
HINT: Look around the main dock area – there are at least 3 different styles!
OBJECTIVE: Spot and identify 5 different species of water birds.
HINT: The early morning or late afternoon is the best time to see them feeding.
Papalote Children’s Museum Section Get Ready for the Papalote Children’s Museum Section : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This isn’t your typical “quiet museum” – it’s a four-story playground for your brain and body! Every exhibit is hands-on and designed for active learning.
INTERESTING FACT! The building’s unique design was inspired by a traditional Mexican toy called a “papalote” (kite), and the roof actually collects rainwater to help power the building!
COOL ACTIVITY! Create your own “Science Challenge Course” – try to complete one experiment on each floor while timing yourself, like a scientific ninja warrior!
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could invent a machine that could solve any problem in the world, what would it do and how would it work?
DISCUSS: The museum has a giant “Machine of Ideas” that shows how simple machines work together – one small movement can trigger 50 different reactions!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Machines are everywhere in our daily lives, from simple ones like levers and pulleys to complex robots. The same principles that make a seesaw work also help launch rockets into space! Engineers often get their best ideas by watching how things work in nature – like how birds inspired airplane design, or how gecko feet inspired super-strong adhesives.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think some things float and others sink? Can you predict which objects in the water lab will float?
DISCUSS: A steel boat weighing 100,000 tons can float while a tiny pebble sinks because of something called displacement – the boat pushes aside more water than its own weight!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Density is like a game of “heavy for its size.” A balloon filled with helium rises because it’s less dense than air, while one filled with water falls because it’s more dense. This same principle explains why hot air rises (it’s less dense), why oil floats on water, and even why the Earth’s core is made of heavy metals while lighter materials form the crust.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find the giant bubble maker and create a bubble big enough to fit your whole body inside.
HINT: The secret is to pull the rope very slowly and steadily.
OBJECTIVE: Locate all the different types of energy demonstrations (solar, wind, water, etc.).
HINT: Start in the sustainability section and follow the power trail.
La Granja Las Américas Get Ready for the La Granja Las Américas : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? It’s an urban farm meets adventure park where you can feed animals, tackle rope courses, and learn about sustainable farming – all while burning endless energy!
INTERESTING FACT! The farm uses special hydroponic systems where plants grow without soil, producing food 30% faster than traditional farming!
COOL ACTIVITY! Complete the “Farm-to-Table Challenge” – track a food item from its growing location through all the steps until it reaches the farm’s restaurant.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How do you think farming in the city is different from farming in the countryside?
DISCUSS: This urban farm produces the same amount of food in one acre that would typically require five acres of traditional farmland!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Urban farming is revolutionizing how we grow food. Vertical gardens can grow up instead of out, saving space. Some plants grow under special LED lights that mimic sunlight but use less energy. The farm even has a system where fish help fertilize plants, and the plants clean the water for the fish – it’s called aquaponics!
ASK YOUR KIDS: If you could design the perfect habitat for both animals and humans to share, what would it include?
DISCUSS: The farm’s design includes special “wildlife corridors” that allow native animals like birds and butterflies to move freely through the property while farm animals stay safe in their areas.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern farms are like carefully balanced ecosystems. Certain plants help protect others from pests naturally. Some insects, like ladybugs, act as natural pest control. Even the position of different plants matters – tall corn can provide shade for heat-sensitive lettuce, while sunflowers can act as natural trellises for climbing beans.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Complete the rope course and count how many different types of knots are used.
HINT: Look for the safety demonstration area first – they show all the knots there.
OBJECTIVE: Find five different ways the farm recycles water.
HINT: Start at the rainwater collection system on the roof.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Mexico City
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as Mexico City:
Museo Jumex: Just 10 minutes away, this contemporary art museum looks like a giant milk carton and features interactive art installations that kids can touch and explore!
Acuario Inbursa: The largest aquarium in Mexico City, located 8 minutes from Chapultepec, featuring touch pools and a “pet a shark” experience perfect for brave explorers!
La Feria Chapultepec: A traditional amusement park right next to Chapultepec Park with rides suitable for all ages and amazing views of the city from the Ferris wheel.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- “The History of Chapultepec Castle for Young Readers” by María García (available in English and Spanish)
- “Animals of Mexico: A Visual Guide” – perfect for identifying zoo animals
- “Science in Action: Hands-On Experiments” – great prep for Papalote Museum
- “Mexico City Adventures” series on YouTube Kids
- “The Secret Life of Mexican Wildlife” documentary
- “How Things Work” series – especially before visiting Papalote Museum
Fun Facts
Interesting Things To Know About Mexico City
- Welcome to Mexico’s most visited museum, housing over 600,000 archaeological and historical pieces!
- WOW! The museum building covers 45,000 square meters and displays only about 1% of its total collection!
- HOLY COW! The museum’s design won the 1964 International Architecture Award, competing against buildings worldwide!
- SUPER COOL! The museum’s library contains over 300,000 volumes about anthropology and archaeology!
- AMAZING! The building uses natural lighting and ventilation systems based on ancient Mesoamerican architectural principles!
- INCREDIBLE! The museum’s restoration lab is one of the most advanced in Latin America, using cutting-edge technology to preserve ancient artifacts!
Must-Visit Spots
Where To Go At Mexico City
Aztec Hall (Sala Mexica) Get Ready for the Aztec Hall (Sala Mexica) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This is the crown jewel of the museum, housing the iconic Sun Stone and massive temple models that reveal the grandeur of Tenochtitlan, the Aztec capital that once stood where Mexico City is today.
INTERESTING FACT! The famous Sun Stone weighs 24 tons and was buried under Mexico City’s main square for hundreds of years before its rediscovery in 1790.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a digital time-lapse video as you walk around the Sun Stone, capturing its intricate carvings from different angles. Try to identify the various deities and symbols carved into the stone.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the Aztecs created such an elaborate calendar system, and how does it compare to our modern calendar?
DISCUSS: The Aztec calendar was actually more accurate than the European calendar being used at the same time, with a margin of error of only 0.002% per year!
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Aztecs used multiple calendar systems simultaneously – one for tracking religious ceremonies (260 days) and another for agriculture (365 days). They understood astronomical cycles so well that they could predict solar eclipses and plan their harvests with remarkable precision. Their mathematical knowledge rivaled that of ancient civilizations worldwide, and they used a base-20 counting system that influenced modern Mexican culture – you can still hear it in numbers like “ochenta” (four times twenty).
ASK YOUR KIDS: Looking at the model of Tenochtitlan, what similarities and differences do you see between this ancient city and modern Mexico City?
DISCUSS: Tenochtitlan was built on a lake and was larger than any European city of its time, housing over 200,000 people with advanced systems of agriculture, waste management, and urban planning.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Aztecs created floating gardens called chinampas that still exist today in Xochimilco. These artificial islands were incredibly fertile and helped feed the massive population. The city had sophisticated aqueducts, bridges, and canals that rivaled Venice. Modern Mexico City faces similar challenges with water management, as it’s built on the same lake bed. The engineering solutions the Aztecs developed continue to inspire urban planners today.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate all five different types of human sacrifices depicted in the exhibits.
HINT: Look carefully at the small models near the temple displays.
OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph three different representations of Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god.
HINT: This deity appears in both sculptural and painted forms throughout the hall.
Maya Hall (Sala Maya) Get Ready for the Maya Hall (Sala Maya) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Experience the sophistication of Maya civilization through intricate jade masks, towering stelae, and reconstructions of breathtaking temple facades from sites like Palenque and Chichén Itzá.
INTERESTING FACT! The Maya developed the concept of zero in mathematics independently from other civilizations, and their calendar calculations were so precise they could predict solar eclipses centuries in advance.
COOL ACTIVITY! Use the museum’s interactive digital displays to decode a Maya glyph and create your own name written in Maya hieroglyphics.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How did the Maya build such precise astronomical observatories without modern technology?
DISCUSS: The Maya pyramid of El Castillo at Chichén Itzá has exactly 365 steps, one for each day of the year, and during the equinoxes, the sun creates a shadow that looks like a serpent descending the stairs.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The Maya used complex mathematical calculations and careful astronomical observations over generations to create their buildings. They tracked Venus’s movements with an error of just two hours per 500 years! Their understanding of celestial movements influenced everything from agriculture to architecture. They built their cities like giant astronomical instruments, with buildings aligned to track the movements of stars and planets.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Looking at the Maya trade routes displayed here, how do you think their advanced trading system compares to modern global commerce?
DISCUSS: The Maya traded goods across distances of over 1,000 miles without wheeled vehicles or pack animals, creating complex networks that connected diverse regions.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Maya merchants traded luxury items like jade, cacao beans (used as currency), and quetzal feathers. They developed standardized weights and measures, and their trade routes later became the foundation for many modern highways in Mexico. Their maritime trade routes were so well-established that they influenced navigation patterns used centuries later. The Maya’s understanding of supply and demand, market economics, and international relations rivals modern business practices.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find three different types of Maya writing materials and tools.
HINT: Look for displays showing bark paper, ceramic vessels, and stone carvings.
OBJECTIVE: Locate examples of Maya mathematical notation and count the number of different symbols used.
HINT: These can be found near the astronomy exhibits.
Ethnography Galleries Get Ready for the Ethnography Galleries : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? These galleries showcase the living cultures of Mexico’s indigenous peoples, demonstrating how ancient traditions continue in modern life.
INTERESTING FACT! Many of the textiles and crafts displayed here use techniques that have remained unchanged for over 1,000 years.
COOL ACTIVITY! Download the museum’s audio guide to hear indigenous languages being spoken and try to learn three words in different native languages.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How have indigenous communities adapted their ancient traditions to modern life while maintaining their cultural identity?
DISCUSS: Some indigenous communities still use ancient natural dyes and weaving techniques that are more environmentally sustainable than modern manufacturing methods.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Modern indigenous artisans often combine traditional techniques with contemporary designs. Their sustainable practices, like using natural dyes and organic materials, are becoming increasingly relevant in today’s eco-conscious world. Many indigenous communities are now using social media and online platforms to preserve their languages and share their cultural heritage, showing how tradition and technology can coexist.
ASK YOUR KIDS: What parallels do you see between ancient ritual practices and modern celebrations in Mexico?
DISCUSS: The famous Day of the Dead celebration combines pre-Hispanic ritual elements with Catholic traditions, creating a unique cultural synthesis that continues to evolve.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Many modern Mexican festivals incorporate ancient elements: the use of copal incense, traditional dance movements, and ritual foods. These celebrations demonstrate how cultures can blend and adapt while maintaining their essential character. The gallery shows how traditional healing practices are being integrated with modern medicine, and how ancient agricultural techniques are being revived to address contemporary environmental challenges.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Identify five different traditional musical instruments and their regions of origin.
HINT: Look for the interactive sound stations throughout the gallery.
OBJECTIVE: Find examples of how traditional crafts have been adapted for modern markets.
HINT: Pay attention to the contemporary indigenous art section.
Central Courtyard and Umbrella Fountain Get Ready for the Central Courtyard and Umbrella Fountain : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? This iconic space features the famous “El Paraguas” (The Umbrella) fountain, a masterpiece of modern Mexican architecture that tells its own story about water’s importance in Mexican culture.
INTERESTING FACT! The concrete umbrella fountain was designed to collect rainwater, representing the cycle of water in nature and its significance to ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a sketch or take artistic photos of the fountain from different angles, noting how the light and water create different patterns throughout the day.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How does the design of this modern fountain reflect both ancient Mexican water management and contemporary architectural innovation?
DISCUSS: The fountain’s column is decorated with symbols representing the four cardinal directions, just as ancient Mesoamerican temples were.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The fountain’s design by architect Pedro Ramírez Vázquez combines pre-Hispanic symbolism with modern engineering. The water cascade represents the flow of knowledge from past to present. The structure uses advanced acoustics to create a specific sound when water falls, similar to ancient Mayan acoustic engineering in places like Chichén Itzá. The courtyard’s design encourages natural airflow, demonstrating how modern architecture can incorporate ancient wisdom about climate control.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Why do you think the architect chose to make water such a central feature of the museum’s design?
DISCUSS: The fountain’s design was inspired by the sacred cenotes (natural sinkholes) of the Maya world, which were considered portals to the underworld.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: Water played a crucial role in Mesoamerican civilizations, influencing everything from agriculture to religion. The fountain’s design reflects this importance while serving practical purposes like climate control and rainwater collection. The courtyard’s layout mirrors ancient plaza designs, where public spaces served both practical and ceremonial functions. The integration of nature and architecture here demonstrates how modern design can honor historical principles while serving contemporary needs.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Find all four directional symbols on the fountain’s column.
HINT: Look for abstract representations of natural elements.
OBJECTIVE: Identify three different types of native plants in the courtyard garden.
HINT: There are information plaques near major plant groupings.
Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) Get Ready for the Chapultepec Castle (Castillo de Chapultepec) : Tips, Activities, and Fun Facts!
THINGS TO KNOW
WHY VISIT? Perched atop Chapultepec Hill, this is the only real castle in North America that actually housed sovereigns. Its stunning architecture and panoramic views of Mexico City make it a perfect spot for both history buffs and Instagram-worthy photos.
INTERESTING FACT! The castle sits on a sacred site that was once used by Aztec rulers for meditation and important ceremonies. The name “Chapultepec” means “grasshopper hill” in Nahuatl.
COOL ACTIVITY! Create a photo journal comparing the castle’s views of modern Mexico City with historical paintings of the same vistas displayed in the castle’s galleries.
THINGS TO TALK ABOUT
ASK YOUR KIDS: How did this European-style castle end up in the middle of Mexico, and what does that tell us about Mexico’s complex history?
DISCUSS: The castle was built in 1785 as a summer home for the Spanish Viceroy, but it’s most famous for being the home of Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota during the Second Mexican Empire (1864-1867).
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle reflects Mexico’s fascinating political evolution from colony to empire to republic. The building’s architecture blends European and Mexican styles, just as Mexico’s culture combines indigenous and colonial influences. The castle has served as a military academy, observatory, presidential residence, and now a museum. During the Mexican-American War, six young military cadets (Los Niños Héroes) famously defended the castle, becoming national heroes. Their sacrifice demonstrates how this site represents both Mexican independence and resilience.
ASK YOUR KIDS: Looking at the castle’s decorations and design, what can we learn about how Mexico’s rulers wanted to present themselves to the world?
DISCUSS: Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota hired European architects to redesign the castle with hanging gardens inspired by those of Babylon, showing their ambition to create a world-class palace.
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION: The castle’s decor reflects changing ideas about power and nationality. The European-style furnishings show Mexico’s desire to be seen as a modern nation, while Mexican motifs and materials demonstrate national pride. The presidential rooms, used until 1939, showcase how Mexican leaders adapted imperial spaces for democratic purposes. The rooftop garden offers insights into 19th-century engineering and botanical knowledge, as exotic plants from around the world were cultivated here.
THINGS TO FIND @ THIS SPOT
OBJECTIVE: Locate all the different types of carriages in the collection and identify their specific uses.
HINT: Look for information panels describing official state occasions versus everyday transport.
OBJECTIVE: Find and photograph three different examples of Mexican symbols incorporated into European-style decorations.
HINT: Pay special attention to the ceiling decorations and carved doorways.
OBJECTIVE:
HINT: Look for plaques near the main staircase and in the central courtyard.
Other Nearby Points of Interest
Other great things to do near Mexico City
BEFORE YOU LEAVE – Make sure to check out more of what this area has to offer! Here are a few nearby spots that we think you’ll love just as much as Mexico City:
Chapultepec Castle: Perched atop Chapultepec Hill, this former imperial palace offers stunning city views and fascinating exhibits about Mexican history.
Museum of Modern Art: Just a short walk away, featuring outstanding collections of 20th and 21st-century Mexican art.
Chapultepec Zoo: Home to several endangered species and one of the few places in the world with successful giant panda breeding programs.
Read before you go
To make your visit even more exciting, check out these age-appropriate books:
- The Maya: Ancient Peoples and Places by Michael D. Coe
- The Aztecs: A Very Short Introduction by David Carrasco
- Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs by Michael D. Coe
- Download the museum’s official app for interactive maps and detailed exhibit information
- Watch “Engineering an Empire: The Aztecs” documentary
LOCATION SUMMARY
Imagine stepping into a city where ancient pyramids once stood alongside modern skyscrapers, where colorful traditions dance through the streets, and where every corner holds a new adventure! Welcome to Mexico City, where history comes alive and science becomes magical. Did you know that this amazing city was built on top of a lake, and some buildings are actually slowly sinking? Get ready for an incredible journey through one of the world’s most exciting cities!
MORE INFORMATION