How should families plan Mexico?
Mexico can work very well with children, but the family version needs fewer bases and easier transfers. Beach/rest days, city parks, museums, food flexibility and heat-aware pacing matter more than proving you can cover the whole map.
Answer
Mexico can be an excellent family country when the route stops trying to impress adults. Mexico City needs a practical base and museum/park days that do not overload children. Oaxaca rewards slow meals and short wanders. Yucatán can work well with ruins, cenotes and beach time if the drives are sensible and swimming conditions are respected. The mistake is combining adult food ambition, long transfers, heat and late nights into a trip that asks too much of everyone. Choose fewer bases, apartments or easy hotels, and predictable transport. The best family Mexico trip has room for ordinary recovery.