A Stress-Free Guide to Visiting the Mérida Zoo with littles

Affordable, fun, and surprisingly peaceful. This is one of the easiest family outings you can do in Mérida.

One of my favorite things about raising kids in Mexico is how many family-friendly places exist that don’t cost a fortune. The Mérida Zoo is one of those spots. It’s free to enter, easy to navigate, and perfect for toddlers who want to walk, explore, and point at every single animal like it’s the first time they’ve ever seen one.

If you’re visiting Mérida or planning a weekend adventure from Playa, this is your mom-approved guide. This is the version that respects naps, snacks, and realistic expectations for toddlers who have a meltdown window that hits like clockwork.

Here’s exactly how we did it.

Quick Tips Before You Go

The Mérida Zoo is fun and manageable, but a little planning goes a long way.

• Go early

Like every family outing in Yucatán, the earlier you arrive, the better. Shade is limited in some areas and the crowds grow late morning.

• Bring a stroller or a wagon

A wagon or a stroller is perfect for this zoo. The paths are wide and smooth, and your toddlers will go through their “I want to walk” then “carry me now” phases. Our wagon made the entire visit easier, and you can find the exact one we use on our Amazon Storefront.

• Pack strategically

Water with electrolytes, small snacks, hat, sunscreen, wipes, and a light towel. Food is available inside, but toddlers do better when you control the snack situation.

• Bring pesos

Entrance is free, but the 1 peso train ride, snacks, and certain park activities are cash-only.

What Makes the Mérida Zoo So Great for Kids

Beyond the fact that it’s free, here’s why this zoo just works for families.

• It’s small enough to walk but big enough to enjoy

You can explore at a toddler pace without feeling overwhelmed.

• There’s a little train that the kids love

Toddlers lose their minds every time. It’s a must-do and a sweet break from walking.

• Plenty of animals but not chaotic

From monkeys to lions to reptiles, there’s enough variety to keep kids engaged without overstimulation.

• Playground + wide open spaces

You can turn the visit into a full morning of play before heading out for lunch or naps.

Our Simple, Toddler-Friendly Zoo Itinerary

Here’s how our morning went and how I’d recommend planning yours.

• Arrive around 8:30–9:00 AM

By this time, the park is open, the animals are active, and the heat is still manageable.

• Start with the big animals first

We go straight to the lions, hippos, and monkeys. It’s the best way to see everything before naps start calling.

• Hop on the train

This is a great mid-visit break. It loops the park and gives everyone a few minutes to regroup. Plus, the line gets really long in the afternoons. You do not want to be stuck waiting in the heat.

• Slow walk through the shaded areas

There are pockets of shade where you can stop, grab a snack, and let the kids reset.

• Playground time

If your kids still have energy, finish on the playground so they can run free before heading out.

• Head out around 11:00 AM

The heat ramps up fast. It’s the perfect time to grab lunch or head back for naps.

Screenshot Checklist for Busy Parents

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• Water + electrolytes

• Snacks and one “fun treat”

• Hats and sunscreen

• Wagon

• Wipes and small towel

• Hand sanitizer

• Pesos

• Change of clothes (optional but helpful)

Add a Fun Touch Before Your Trip

To make the trip even more exciting for the kids, I created a Mérida Zoo Coloring Book filled with animals inspired by the zoo, the little train, and the park’s colorful scenery.

Perfect for the car ride, restaurants, or a quiet afternoon activity.

👉 Download the Mérida Zoo Coloring Book here

(Insert your link: OurBuenaVida.com/coloring-merida-zoo or your Etsy/Payhip link)