We’re always down for an adventure with the kids, but all the hilly cobblestone streets that we saw in pictures of San Miguel de Allende (SMA) had us a little nervous about trekking the city with a 9 month old and 3.5 year old. Turns out – it was a great experience with kids – and very doable!
We didn’t pull out our travel stroller once. The baby loved facing outward in the carrier and the 3.5 year old walked the whole city for 4 days and never once thought to complain. Why? Because there was something colorful and captivating to see at every turn. The restaurants were all welcoming to kids and there were so many places to explore and enjoy as a family. So let’s get to it!
TRAVEL INFORMATION
- SMA is not stroller friendly. Bring good walking shoes for kids and a baby carrier for little ones (outward facing if they’re old enough) so they can see everything. If you really like travel strollers for the airport, bring it for that only, or just do without – it’s quite freeing!
- We flew Houston to Leon (BJX airport). It was a very easy 1.5 hour flight. From BJX, it’s a 1.5 hour drive. We highly recommend booking a private car ride with BajioGo. You’ll get a very spacious, clean nice ride to and from the airport for a good price. Service was excellent, we’d use them every time.
- Hotel restaurants are great in SMA and always have a high chair, kids menu, space to explore, etc. (We loved the restaurants at the Rosewood and Belmond).
BEST THINGS TO DO IN SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE WITH KIDS
- Jardín Allede and the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel: This is city’s iconic pink-hued church that stands majestically at the city center. In front of the church you’ll find a beautiful park, which is a nice place to pause and soak in the scene. Watch the mojigangas (giant puppets) walking around and grab a snack to enjoy on a park bench.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende by Compass + Twine - Stroll Adama Street: This was one of our favorite streets to stroll with the kids in the evening. There are colorful facades, great boutique shops and the best view of the church in the background. In the evening, there are often donkey out for the kids to take pictures with or small souvenirs to buy.
- Churros at Chocolate y Churros San Agustín: Best churros in town; just off the main square.
- Sunday Brunch at the Rosewood San Miguel de Allende: This jaw-dropping brunch is set within the lush courtyards of the Rosewood Hotel. Decadent food stations are set up around the property (think ceviche, al pastor, and desserts galore) and lots of stuff for the kids, like face painting and balloons.
- Fábrica La Aurora: An old textile mill turned into artisan space. While there are top-of-the-line galleries for the adults to enjoy, the destination itself is very kid friendly with lots to see and do. Enjoy art, cafés, tasting rooms and outdoor areas – a great morning or afternoon visit with the family. We liked the the shop Hilo Negro, and the café just behind it.
- El Charco del Ingenio: SMA’s beautiful botanical gardens with an impressive cactus collection and indigenous flowers and plants.
- Museo La Esquina (also know has La Esquina, Museo del Juguete Popular Mexicano): An amazing museum with vintage and handcrafted toys from different regions of Mexico. Our 3.5 year loved looking at all the intricate toy displays, and of course he was most eager for the toy shop at the end
Our whole family loved it – particularly the lovely rooftop area. Please note that it’s closed Mondays. It’s a definite ‘can’t-miss’ spot with kids!
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende by Compass + Twine - Grab breakfast to sit or go at Lavanda Café: This beloved little coffee / bakery / breakfast place is a great spot for the family. The pastries are incredible and you can decide to either sit and stay (there may be a wait) or order to-go from the window. Basically, you can decide what you and the kids feel like doing when you get there – options are always good!
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende by Compass + Twine - Try bugs and have dinner at Restaurante del Parque at the Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada Hotel: We opted for this restaurant, the more casual of the hotel’s two main restaurants, and were very glad we did. It had a beautiful courtyard setting and they wen’t out of there way with the kids. The waitress brought out some spiced and cook bugs to try, including dried worms and grasshoppers. When in Rome!
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende by Compass + Twine - Mercado de Artesanías: A lively market place where locals come to buy produce and visitors come to explore artisan stalls. It’s a buzzing place with lots to see – just don’t come too early or a lot of the artisan stall won’t be open yet.
- Take a park break: We mentioned the main park above, but there are lots of great little squares and parks throughout the city. We loved Parque Benito Juarez because it has a fun playground.
- Stay at the Rosewood San Miguel De Allende. The Rosewood always does the family experience well. Beyond being the most beautiful property in the city, they go out of their way for young guests. I don’t ever think I’ve ever seen our 3 year old as excited as he was when he walked into the room to find a chef’s hat, apron, personalized name banner, and cookie decorating station set up for him. Everything from the pool and kids club to the spacious grounds and impeccable service creates a wonderful and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Rosewood San Miguel de Allende by Compass + Twine
San Miguel de Allende is a city for everyone – young, old, lovers, solo travelers, families, honeymooners – everyone! The kids will get so much out it and you won’t regret or forget visiting this magical destination.
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