We had a few days to explore Oaxaca before heading to the coast. Oaxaca is one of those rare places that works just as well for curious kids as it does for culture-loving adults. It’s colourful, walkable, packed with flavour, and full of hands-on experiences. Oaxaca offers something increasingly rare: a destination where some of the best experiences come not from major attractions, but from spending time together in the streets, plazas and markets.

At the heart of the city is the Zócalo, the vibrant main square that acts as the social centre of Oaxaca. Throughout the day, the plaza fills with musicians, street performers, families gathering in the shade, and children chasing bubbles or balloons between the trees. In the evenings, the atmosphere becomes more lively, with marimba bands playing, while locals and visitors settle into the bars surrounding the square.

For families, the Zócalo becomes a natural meeting point and a place to pause between exploring the city. Many of Oaxaca’s best experiences are within walking distance, making it easy to explore without relying heavily on taxis or packed itineraries. The surrounding pedestrian streets are colourful, walkable and full of small discoveries, from artisan shops and hidden courtyards to bakeries and chocolate stores.

One of the best routes for families is the Andador Turístico, the pedestrian walkway connecting the Zócalo to the stunning Templo de Santo Domingo de Guzmán. Along the way, there are street musicians, galleries, cafés and plenty of opportunities to stop for snacks or people-watching. The pace of life feels relaxed, and children are rarely treated as an inconvenience, something many travelling families notice immediately in Oaxaca.

Just a few blocks from the main square sits one of the city’s most memorable experiences: Mercado 20 de Noviembre. Bustling, noisy and filled with the smell of charcoal grills and fresh tortillas, the market is an experience that engages every sense.

For adults, it’s a chance to discover the flavours Oaxaca is famous for. For children, it’s an adventure.

The market is compact enough to explore without becoming exhausting, yet packed with visual energy. Stalls overflow with colourful ingredients, woven baskets, sweets, spices and local crafts, while vendors prepare food right in front of you. Families can wander slowly, sample dishes together and try small portions without committing to a formal restaurant meal.

One of the market’s best-known areas is the famous “Pasillo de Humo” or “Smoke Alley,” where meats are grilled over open flames throughout the day. The atmosphere is lively and authentic, although visiting slightly earlier in the day can make it more comfortable for younger children before the lunchtime crowds arrive.

Food is naturally one of the highlights of exploring Oaxaca as a family. Popular dishes such as tlayudas, tamales and quesillo are approachable even for picky eaters, while fresh fruit drinks and traditional hot chocolate offer easy treats during long walks around the city. More adventurous visitors may even try chapulines — Oaxaca’s famous toasted grasshoppers — although for many families it becomes more of a memorable tasting experience than a regular snack.

Right beside Mercado 20 de Noviembre is Mercado Benito Juárez, another excellent stop for families looking to browse handmade crafts, textiles and souvenirs. Together, the two markets create the perfect half-day wander from the Zócalo, allowing visitors to experience both the culinary and cultural character of the city in one compact area.

What makes Oaxaca particularly special for family travel is that it never feels overly commercialised. The city rewards curiosity and slow exploration rather than tightly planned schedules. Some of the most memorable moments often come unexpectedly — listening to live music in the square, discovering a hidden courtyard café, or watching tortillas being made by hand inside a busy market stall.

Depending on time, there are other nearby attractions worth visiting:

Splash Around at Hierve el Agua

About 1.5 hours from the city, these petrified “waterfalls” and natural mineral pools are a huge hit with children. The shallow pools are perfect for a paddle, and the dramatic cliff views make it feel like a proper adventure. Go early to avoid the heat and crowds.

Explore the Ruins at Monte Albán

This ancient Zapotec city sits high above Oaxaca and gives kids space to roam (supervised, of course). The wide-open plazas are great for letting off steam, and it’s easy to turn it into a treasure hunt; spot the carvings, count the pyramids, and imagine life here 2,000 years ago.

Take a Family Cooking or Chocolate Workshop

Oaxaca is Mexico’s culinary capital, and many small cooking schools offer family-friendly classes. Kids love grinding cacao for traditional hot chocolate or pressing their own tortillas. It’s interactive, messy, and delicious.

Visit a Textile Village

A short trip to Teotitlán del Valle introduces children to natural dyes, spinning wool, and traditional weaving. Watching yarn turn red from cochineal insects or blue from indigo feels like real-life magic, and it’s a gentle way to learn about local culture.

It’s compact, friendly, colourful, and complete with learning experiences. Whether you’re climbing ancient ruins, swimming in mineral pools, or tasting chocolate straight from the grinder, Oaxaca keeps children curious, and parents happy, too.