San Miguel de Allende is one of Mexico’s most picturesque colonial cities. Home to stunning baroque architecture, twisting cobbled streets and its famous pink sandstone church, this is an easy destination for family travel if you’re looking to explore Mexico beyond its beaches.
There is lots to do in San Miguel de Allende with kids from museums and markets to fun sights and outdoor adventures. Plus, it’s an easy and safe place to explore by foot with many of the roads pedestrianised. If you’re travelling with an infant, however, forget the pushchair – these cobbled streets are not stroller-friendly!
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Located in the state of Guanajuato, in central Mexico, the city was originally founded in 1542 and is famous for being the first municipality that declared itself independent from Spanish rule during the Mexican War of Independence.
The years post-independence, however, saw the town’s fortune begin to fade. Until, that is, the beginning of the 20th century when foreign artists, drawn by the blue skies and beautiful architecture, began to move in. Since then, San Miguel de Allende has continued to be a magnet for both artists and foreigners and today it’s renowned for its art, culture and festivals. You can see some of the art being produced at Fabrica la Aurora (see below).
Here’s all you need to know to plan your visit to San Miguel de Allende with kids.
Things to do in San Miguel de Allende
Table of Contents

1. La Esquina toy museum
Museo La Esquina is hands down one of the best places for kids in San Miguel de Allende.
This Mexican toy museum is the work of Angélica Tijerina who began collecting toys as a young child. Over the years she has amassed an impressive collection of over 1,000 one-of-a-kind folk toys dating back more than 50 years.
Set over three floors, the museum houses everything from traditional cars, trains and dollhouses to a collection of toys dedicated to Mexico’s traditional fairs and fiestas.
There are toys made from fabric, clay, tin, iron, papier-mâché, wood, corn husks and more. It’s a fascinating collection and kids will love it. Children’s workshops and classes with local artisans are also offered.

2. The best pan dulce in town
Mexico is well known for its pan dulce, literally “sweet breads”, delicious pastries served with breakfast. We started every day of our stay in San Miguel de Allende with breakfast – and pan dulce – at Cumpanio an delicious bakery and restaurant. They make traditional pan dulce include croissants and pain au chocolate as well as Mexican staples such as conchas (“shells”, a type of sweet bun in vanilla or chocolate) and rollos (“rings”, like a Danish pastry). At Cumpanio, however, they also serve the most delicious cream-filled doughnuts.
Another popular sweet spot is Churrería San Agustín. Owned by a famous Argentine actress, Margarita Gralia, queues of people line up outside this cafe waiting for a plate of churros con chocolate. Churros are not dissimilar to doughnuts, although they are long in shape, deep-friend and smothered in sugar.

3. Take a trolley bus ride
One way to get a feel for the city is to hop on board the antique-looking trolley bus for a tour of the central streets and surrounding areas. An onboard commentary (Spanish only) tells you a bit about the history of the town too.
Stops include the El Chorro, the town’s waterworks and public laundry, where some Mexican women still come to wash clothes today, and the perfect hilltop spot for a panoramic snap of San Miguel. The trolley tour is also great when little legs get tired! Tours run regularly from 7am daily.

4. Discover the doors of San Miguel de Allende
The colourful city streets of San Miguel de Allende are great for walking, although be warned that they are hilly! One of our favourite things were the old wooden doors that mark the entrance to artists’ studios, galleries, boutiques, cafés, restaurants and even churches.
Weathered and worn, these carved doors are simply beautiful. They come in varying sizes and with differing degrees of detail but they are all unique.
We developed an ‘I Spy’ game with a door theme, which turned out to be a great way to get kids’ up and down the cobbled streets.

5. El Charco del Ingenio
One of my favourite places in San Miguel was El Charco del Ingenio, the Botanical Gardens and Nature Reserve located just outside the city centre.
These gardens extend over 170 acres but don’t expect perfectly manicured lawns, this is one of those wonderfully wild reserves characterised by native scrubland, a canyon and wetlands. Various pathways wind their way through the reserve past an incredible array of cacti to various lookout points.
There’s a Conservatory of Mexican Plants, home to cacti and other native plants, many of which are endanger.
The Children’s Garden is an interactive space designed to connect kids and nature. Here you’ll find a Scent and Touch Labyrinth, the Pollinators Garden, the Solar Observatory and, of course, a slide!
I would recommend that you arrive early, before it gets too hot, and remember to bring water with you when wandering the trails. There’s a gift shop and cafeteria on site.

6. La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel
San Miguel’s iconic pink church, La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel (otherwise known as La Parroquia), towers above the city skyline. Although it looks very much like a cathedral, it is in fact a local parish church, just a very grand one.
The building itself dates back to the 17th century but the pink limestone facade was added in the late 19th century when it was decided that the church needed sprucing up. The facade is gothic in style and if you think it looks familiar it probably does; legend has it that the architect responsible, Zeferino Gutierrez, used a picture postcard of Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia in Barcelona as inspiration.
7. El Jardín
San Miguel’s central square, El Jardin, sits directly in front of the pink church in the city center. If you’ve travelled elsewhere in Mexico you’ll notice that most central town squares are called zócalos and sit in front of the town or city’s main cathedral. The zócalo in Mexico City, for example, is one of the largest public squares in the world. Because the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel is a parish church, however, the square is called a jardín – garden – instead.
This is where locals come to hang out; the benches in and around the garden are usually full, vendors peddle their wares and mariachi bands play on warm summer evenings. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and cafes surrounding the plaza.

8. Parque Benito Juarez
The Parque Benito Juarez , to the south of the city, is a great playground for kids. It’s not huge and is limited to swings, slides and a climbing frame, but it’s a fun way for children to run off some steam – if they have any energy left after hiking up and down the hilly streets all day!
9. Fabrica la Aurora
The excellent Fabrica la Aurora should definitely be on your family vacation itinerary. This former textile mill first opened in 1902 and played a huge part in San Miguel’s industry until it closed in 1991. It was restored and brought back to life in 2004. Today it’s home to dozens of art galleries displaying works by local and international artists.
One of the most interesting things about a visit to La Fabrica, however, are the industrial machines still on display. You’ll spot giant engines, controls and giant looms that were designed for worsted wool production. Today they’re used as a storage area for paintings.
There are two restaurants and a coffee shop on site too.

10. Dolores Hidalgo ice cream
We didn’t make it to nearby Dolores Hidalgo for ice cream but I wish we had. This neighbouring town is famous for ice cream that vendors sell daily in the central square.
But this is not just any old ice cream, here you can choose from a variety of flavours including shrimp, avocado and even octopus! But if you don’t fancy a scoop of fried pork skin or shrimp ice cream then they also sell more traditional flavours.
In San Miguel itself, there’s BOSCO Gelato, just near La Parroquia. This little ice cream shop might not have the same kind of weird and wonderful flavours but its homemade ice cream is delicious.

11. Visit the market
San Miguel’s daily market is a lively, colourful spot and a great place to see local life in action. In addition to the fruit and vegetables on display, you’ll find chillies, dried mushrooms, herbs, honey and more.
The Mercado de Artesanías is in the alleyway between the food market and and Calle Loreto. It’s not the best market for crafts but it’s a fun place to wander around, particularly for kids.
On Tuesdays an open air market, Tianguis de Los Martes, takes place just outside San Miguel’s city centre. This is a wonderful market jam packed with everything from clothes and leather goods to pet birds, fruit and vegetables. There are also food stalls. You’ll need to drive or grab a cab in order to reach the market.

12. Bici-Burro
We didn’t go on a bike tour when we visited San Miguel as our kids were too young but if you’re visiting with teens then the bicycle tours run by Bici-Burro come highly recommended. This family-run company offer a wide range of tours that are ideal for exploring the surrounding countryside and get fantastic feedback from visitors. Tours include the use of aluminium speed mountain bikes that they have in small, medium, large and extra large sizes, as well as all the safety gear.
Where to stay in San Miguel de Allende
If you want to splash out then the Rosewood Hotel is amazing. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s worth visiting for a drink on the rooftop to watch the sun set over this pretty town.
Other hotels that come recommended for families include the centrally located Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada, the charming Hacienda El Santuario and Casa Misha, which families rave about.
For more ideas, take a look at these options on Booking.com.
Tips for travelling with kids to San Miguel de Allende
- Pushchairs and strollers cobblestone streets are no match for San Miguel’s cobblestone streets, if travelling with young kids then bring a baby carrier, backpacker or sling.
- Bring good walking shoes for hiking the city streets.
- Semana Santa (Easter) is a particularly busy time to visit San Miguel de Allende, book accommodation well in advance if visiting over this period.
Although not traveling with children for now, I found your recommendations great. I would love to eat those churros with chocolate and see the really beautiful doors. I have a soft spot for doors and windows. Thanks for sharing!
Me too! can’t get enough of them!
Those doors are beautiful. Would love to explore and find something of them. I can always use a sugar rush even though I’m not a kid 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
Can’t we all?! Churros and ice cream are the best
It seems like there’s a variety of things to do here for children. I’m really curious about the shrimp and octopus flavored ice cream though! I would definitely love to try that for myself!
I know! Definitely a different kind of flavour!
Lovely place to stay with kids. Though I would enjoy some of the things as well (ice cream, cycling and and and and 🙂
Yep, lots to do for everyone!
It’s a lovely city with lots to do for everyone…including the ice cream! 🙂
San Miguel de Allende is a great town for kids and this is a great list of things to do with them. One activity I would love to see you add is The Rancho Tour. It happens every Friday afternoon in high seasons (Winter and Summer). The group travels out to one of the villages–Agustin Gonzalez–about 20 minutes from the centro, to see how half of Mexico lives. After a demonstration of how tortillas and gorditas are made by hand–from the growing and drying of the corn, to the parching, grinding, forming and cooking on the comal, we get to eat a delicious traditional campo lunch. We see a stonecarver work, meet other families and visit Las Rancheritas rug-hooking cooperative, which is empowering women in this campo pueblo by helping them earn money to support their families. It is a lovely day out and a great view for all ages at “The Other Face of Mexico.” Info on the tour is available in the Que Pasa section of Atencion, the local weekly paper.
Thanks Donna, this sounds like a wonderful suggestion. We’ll be heading back to San Miguel for sure so I will definitely make sure to check it out.
The Museo La Esquina sounds fun but what I’d really love to do is sightsee by trolley. I’d also love to cycle in San Miguel de Allende but I’m wondering if they’re dedicated cycling trails or if you have to contend with traffic.
A lot of the cycle tours are in the surrounding countryside so there’s much less traffic to deal with.
I don’t have kids, but these are great tips for anyone! I would love to do any of these activities myself…Well, maybe not the playground… that one may be a bit odd without kids.
Haha! yep, maybe just a little odd 🙂
That is one part of Mexico I have never been, nor heard of. Looks like you found lots of fun things to do, the doors is genius. I would really have enjoyed that toy museum, too. 😉
Then you must come back! 🙂 It’s a lovely city to visit.
How convenient that so many of the streets are pedestrianized! I love when cities are so walkable. San Miguel de Allende certainly looks like a beautiful city, especially the Pink Church. I think that would be at the top of my list of things to do.
I know! I’m always happy when a city is walkable!
Hey Katja! Are you in MX at the moment? Is it safe there now? Planning to go back in July!
Hi Trisha, Yes I’m based in Mexico City! Safety depends very much on where you are planning to travel. Happy to help with any questions you might have!
Thanks Katja for this great list of thinks to do. I will move with my family to San Miguel this summer for 2 – 3 years. My daughters 10 and 8 years old are very curious and this give me lots of ideas what to explore with them once we moved. How is life for you with kids in Mexico in general? We live in Germany on the county side were it is very save. Do you have some advise for me as a mother? Looking forward to hear from you. Thanks for sharing 🙂 Katja & Family
Hi Katja! We love living in Mexico and have been here for 4 years now. It will be very different to Germany but I think you’ll really enjoy it! San Miguel is simply beautiful and it’ll be a great place to be for a few years. It’s small, pretty, great weather and with a lively arts scene. There’s also a lot of expats. If you have anymore questions about Mexico and living here, feel free to drop me an email [email protected].
Xote is a nice aquatic park to visit right outside the city my kids enjoy it vary much price is reasonable also
Great tip, thank you! I’ll check it out next time I’m in San Miguel.
Or have them take horseback riding lesson
Thanks Nicole! I’ll have to come and check out the Riding Club the next time I’m in San Miguel with the kids! – katja
Leaving in the morning for the first week with a 3 year old and it is RAINING! Help what shall we do?
please…any help so appreciated!
We are close to the Parc Juarez
Kid friendly and fun restaurants!!!
Muchas muchas gracias!
PattiRob
Hello Patti! I’m sorry I’m so late getting back to you. I’ve been travelling with little WiFi… how did you get on SMdA? I hope you had a fantastic time and that the rain did not deter you. Please let me know if you found any additional great things to do with kids! Katja
Do you know good restaurants to go with kids in San Miguel de Allende? Talking about the place and the food… Thanks..
Hi Martha, we loved Muro Cafe, The Restaurant (we went twice!), Cafeteria San Agustin for churros and La Posadita. Hope this helps.
Considering a move to San Miguel this spring. I have a 15 year old son to educate. I am researching the Victoria Robbins school, are you aware of any other high schools? Also, have heard crime is on the rise there, what is your perspective? Thank you
Hi Kay, many thanks for your comment. Can you email me [email protected] and I will try and answer your questions there. Thank you!
You nailed it! I run a summer camp and we will be taking trips to many of these places with the kiddos: the Botanical Gardens, the park playground, the toy museum, and also the Mask Museum, which is by appt. only, but a very cool and colorful place. http://www.maskmuseumsma.com
Our camp is June 5-July 7th, and it’s going to be crazy creative and cultural fun! Check out the link below if you’re bringing the kids this summer 🙂
jessicaantonelli.com/kids-art-day-camp-this-summer/
Thanks! And thanks for the Mask Museum recommendation, too. Will take a look at your summer camp!
Will be in San Miguel for Xmas break with an 8, 13, & 15 year old. Any special suggestions?
Hi Stephanie, so sorry for the delayed response! I’m not familiar with anything going on over Christmas but take a look at this site: http://www.experience-san-miguel-de-allende.com/. Hope that helps!