Progreso With Kids - 2024

If you’re in Mérida, Progreso is a perfect short ride away. If you’re elsewhere in the state of Yucatán I absolutely recommend taking some time for Progreso. The kids will thank you, or you know, scowl at the floor in gratitude. Either way.  

Progreso beach is laid back, friendly, and fun. If you stand at the piers you’ve got about a kilometer of beach and Malecón (boardwalk) between you and the famous Progreso letters to the east and then to the west, another kilometer or two of Malecon Internacional (the new boardwalk), which is full of fun for everyone.  

My family has two Progreso speeds. First, head there early in the evening and either hang out in a beachside restaurant or stroll along the Malecon Internacional. Second, pick a restaurant with beachside Palapas and stay all day. However, you choose to enjoy this cute seaside town you’ll have a great time. It goes without saying that Progreso is a great beach spot for a swim or to spend the day. There are beachside restaurants and beach clubs. This article is for the more active among you, those who want to know what’s where to exhaust - I mean, excite - the kids.   

At the far east, by the letters (obviously everyone needs a photo stop here), you’ll find El Ha Guay, a cool bar/restaurant with good food and lots of space for everyone to play. On the beach, you’ll find a wooden swing and a giant photo frame for some fun photo opportunities. Just beyond is a great new addition to the town, with dedicated beach access for people with mobility concerns.   

As you carry on walking towards the piers you will come across a large climbing structure that can entertain kids and adults alike. We always stop here for a play.   Around the piers, you’ll find fun sculptures and more photo opportunities. There’s a carousel that opens at dusk and there’s often a big wheel there too, so take a ride!  

The Malecón Internacional

If you’re exploring Progreso in the early evening, this is where all the family action is to be found. If you’ve been on the beach all day, then head towards the pier (did you know it’s one of the longest structures in the world?) and keep walking until the lights start twinkling and the smell of Marquesitas, a local street snack, and Esquites, cups of smothered corn, hits you. You’ve arrived.

Slow down (I know, by now you’re probably pulling a kid by the arm, or yelling "Come back here right now!"), savor the atmosphere, and watch México doing what México does best: embracing family time. There’s a carousel that opens up around dusk, plenty of statues and sculptures to admire, two small play areas, and of course, access to the beach all the way along. You can buy a beer and a snack, rent bikes, and join everyone else in enjoying the cool breeze that graces us at this time of day.

The Malecón Internacional is full of fun. There are two small playgrounds for little kids and further down there’s a really great wooden obstacle course playspace that bigger kids will just adore. Let the kids run, ride bikes, scoot, examine whimsical sculptures, run on and off the beach, and wind up, at the very end, at the skeleton of a whale that washed ashore in Progreso. It’s a fascinating sight and serves as a great reminder that we must look after our environment.    

El Corchito

Progreso is also home to El Corchito, a spot with three open cenotes that can only be reached by small boats. This green and wild place is a true paradise within Progreso. Get there early (it opens at 9 am every day) and you and your kids can practically enjoy your own private cenote.  

Carretera Progreso - Chicxulub

Tel: (999) 158 5155 

Open Monday to Sunday from 9 am a 4 pm

Entrance fee: $126 pesos foreigners / $63 pesos Mexicans 

Meteorite Museum

The Meteorite Museum is located in the heart of the Malecont Tradicional. Its a fascinating destination for children and families. Upon entering, the little ones find themselves immersed in a world of science and mystery. Interactive and visually stunning exhibits take you on a journey through time and space, exploring the history of meteorites and their impact on our planet. From the spectacular view of an impact crater to replicas of real meteorites that they can touch, every corner of the museum sparks the curiosity and imagination of young visitors.


In addition to the exhibits, the museum offers educational activities designed especially for children, such as fossil hunting workshops and fun science demonstrations. Expert guides are on hand to answer all the kids' curious questions and share fascinating stories about meteorites and the universe. A visit to the Meteorite Museum on the Progreso boardwalk is an exciting and educational experience that inspires young people to explore the world around them and dream of the wonders of the cosmos.

Virtual reality: $100 pesos
Indoor dino: $100 pesos
Toilet services: $20 pesos
Shower services: $30 pesos

Fun Street Food In Progreso

The kids will just love trying the candies from the trays that are carried up and down the beach. Don’t be nervous, dig in! Be sure to pick up a Marquesita or a cup of dressed corn (Esquites) to really enjoy Progreso like the locals. As a bonus, look out for the delicious popsicles from Las Rellenas de la 60 tricycles around the pier areas, Thursday to Sunday.

You’ll often find people walking up and down the beach selling local sweet treats (calling "merengue, merengue, merengue" as they go by). Try some! It’s a fun experience for the kids and some of the snacks are pretty delicious.     

How to get there from Mérida: 

• By car: Take Calle 60 (Carr. 261) all the way north. You can’t miss it!
• By bus: The Autoprogreso bus terminal is on Calle 62 x 65 y 67. 
• By van: Take a van (called Combi) on Calle 60 x 65 y 67. 

Where to eat: 

On the Malecón: 

• Crabster
• Móbula
• Eladio’s
• Almadía
• El HaGuay

Off the Malecón: 

• Silcer Club de Playa
• La Antigua
• Humo
• Yum Ixpú

Where to sleep: 

• Hotel Domani

Photography by Cassie Pearse for its use in Yucatán Today.