Mexico City Family Exploration

Mexico City, situated in the heart of Mexico, is the country’s capital. Known to some as the City of Palaces, thanks to an abundance of historical architecture, some of the city’s buildings date back to the 12th century.

The Zócalo, or main square, embodies the vibe of Mexico City, with its mix of both historical sites and modern-day activities. Chapultepec Park regularly hosts magic shows and other free family activities. Expect to spend plenty of time outdoors, as weather is mild no matter which season you visit.

Venture beyond city limits to explore the ruins of Teotihuacan; visit the Xochimilco’s floating gardens, in existence since the time of the Aztecs; take the kids to watch a game of fútbol (soccer). The city has more than 100 museums that focus on everything from anthropology to modern art to popular culture; check local newspapers for listings of numerous dance performances and art shows happening weekly.

The Embassy Suites Hotel by Hilton Mexico City-Reforma is located on the famous Reforma Avenue, in the heart of the Mexican capital*s government, cultural, financial and business center. The Historic District with the Zocalo and the National Palace, are only 10 minutes away by taxi, while the Zona Rosa, with its shopping, restaurants and nightlife, is within walking distance. The Bellas Artes Theater and Museum is nearby. The Museum of the Revolution, telling the story of Mexico*s fight for independence, is a short walk away. The hotel is situated at the *glorieta* or statue of Christopher Columbus by the French sculptor Cordier. West on the Reforma, guests have views of Chapultepec Castle as it stands over the city from its place in Chapultepec Park. The Park is also home to the Museum of Anthropology with its collection of artifacts from the different civilizations that inhabited Mexico. Mexico City was once the center of the Aztec civilization. Today, it is the hub of modern architecture and art. Neighborhoods like the Condesa, San Angel and Coyoacan are also close and such places as the Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera Museums are easy to reach.

Visitors can get to know Mexico through the caricatures that the country's inhabitants have drawn of themselves, of their governments and of their day-to-day reality at this creative museum. These printed comic, ironic or grotesque forms have been used by Mexicans to express their dreams of freedom and democracy since the early days of independence from Spain, culminating in newspapers such as 'El Ahuizote', which was in circulation from 1874 to 1876. The collection includes works by anonymous artists, famous caricaturists such as Posada, who used skulls to depict his impression of surrounding society, and other modern interpreters. An interesting and sharp-witted perspective of the country. Facilities also include a bookshop. Admission costs 6 pesos for the general public, 4 pesos for students.

The world's third largest square is the La Plaza de la Constitución,  also known as El Zócalo. A very important square in Mexico City, it's been around since pre-Hispanic times and still is a vital site. This square is used by people for demonstrations, manifestations, and socio-cultural concentrations including the festivities on the 15th of September (which is one day prior to Mexico's Independence Day).

In 1904, the construction of the Palacio de Bellas Artes began on the remains of the Santa Isabel convent. Porfirio Diaz had wanted to inaugurate it in 1911, to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of Mexico's independence from Spain. However, the project, under the guidance of Italian architect Adamo Boari, suffered serious setbacks due to the instability of the ground that had been chosen for the building. Time passed, the revolution broke out, and in the end the palace was not completed until 1934, with architect Federico Mariscal heading the project. It is not strange, therefore, that the marble façade, built in a style between Neo-classical and Art Nouveau, is contrasted by an interior that looks much more Art Deco in appearance. Art connoisseurs will certainly appreciate the museum's murals by Rivera, Siqueiros, Orozco, Tamayo and Montenegro, along with the glass Tiffany curtain, composed of almost a million individual pieces, on which Doctor Atl (a modern Mexican landscape painter) depicted the volcanoes of Mexico.

This contemporary art museum is housed within a magnificent example of Art Nouveau architecture dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The structure was brought from Germany in 1910 to serve as a stage for the Japanese pavilion during the centennial celebrations of Mexico's independence. Later restored by the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM, it has been the venue for expositions, conventions, concerts and theatre performances since 1975. A variety of courses and workshops are open to the public.

The fossilised skeleton of a pre-historic elephant, constructed from pieces found in twelve different parts of the country is the centerpiece of the collection housed by this museum. Minerals, rocks and the remains of meteorites, form the rest of the collection. The exhibits were gathered by the Mexican Geographical Society during the 18th and 19th centuries, and are currently under the custody of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Located in an old 19th century town-house, there are also paintings by the renowned Mexican landscape artist José María Velasco, a palaeontology room, and an interactive exhibit titled Sistema Tierra (earth system). There is a cafeteria and guided tours are available if booked in advance.

Facing the Plaza Tolsá, this neo-classical building was constructed between 1904 and 1911. A statue of Carlos IV stands guard at the entrance of the National Art Museum, which was opened in 1982. The marble sculptures now found in the museum's lobby were once displayed in the Alameda Central. The evolution of Mexican art from the pre-Hispanic era to the end of the 19th century can be seen in the 14 exhibit halls. There are also temporary exhibits. Admission: General: $30, Students, teachers, senior citizens: Free, Children under 14: Free, Sunday: Free

Chapultepec Forest is one of Mexico City's favorite attractions. It has been a popular spot for those who want to rest and relax in a peaceful environment for centuries. Many cultural events take place here and it is also home to one of the most important zoos in America. This is also a superb place to practice sports. Special jogging tracks have been laid down, although there is nothing to stop you making your own route through the trees and around the borders of the lakes. Bicycles and dogs, however, are forbidden.

The Castillo de Chapultepec was built between 1780 and 1790, constructed on top of an Aztec fortress with panoramic views of the city. The gardens surrounding the palace were designed by Empress Carlota during the French occupation and offer a beautiful stroll. It once served as the Colegio Militar (Military Academy) and was also the official presidential residence until 1939, when President Cárdenas converted the palace into the Museo Nacional de Historia. Restoration efforts have significantly enhanced the construction as well as the design of the interiors.

The Castillo de Chapultepec was built between 1780 and 1790, constructed on top of an Aztec fortress with panoramic views of the city. The gardens surrounding the palace were designed by Empress Carlota during the French occupation and offer a beautiful stroll. It once served as the Colegio Militar (Military Academy) and was also the official presidential residence until 1939, when President Cárdenas converted the palace into the Museo Nacional de Historia. Restoration efforts have significantly enhanced the construction as well as the design of the interiors.

The pre-Hispanic origins of this zoo date back to when the Aztec Nezahualcóyotl created this area for the population to enjoy the flora and fauna. It was meant not only for entertainment but also for medicinal, artistry, food provision and religious purposes. Today, around 2,000 animals of some 260 species—half of which are autochthonous—consider these 17 hectares their natural habitat. Different biospheres have been recreated to make these guests feel more at home. Temperate woods of conifer trees shield the bears, deer and wolves; there are pastures for herbivores and deserts of arid and semiarid regions for other creatures; the Arctic tundra for the polar bears and even a coastal shore for sea lions. This is also the home of the Russian pandas, which were the first to produce offspring in captivity. Admission: Free

One of the most popular pastimes among the city's children and teenagers is to hire a boat and row around the lake located in the Chapultepec Forest. Here people can take to the water, accompanied by the local duck and goose population, all set amidst picturesque woodland: a fine place for a family outing, right in the heart of the city. A 10 pesos deposit is required for a five-seater boat and there is a hire charge of 8 pesos per hour

Chapultepec Forest is one of Mexico City's favorite attractions. It has been a popular spot for those who want to rest and relax in a peaceful environment for centuries. Many cultural events take place here and it is also home to one of the most important zoos in America. This is also a superb place to practice sports. Special jogging tracks have been laid down, although there is nothing to stop you making your own route through the trees and around the borders of the lakes. Bicycles and dogs, however, are forbidden.