Things To Do

🌸 El Jardín & La Parroquia​

The heart of San Miguel! This lively plaza is home to the iconic pink church, La Parroquia. A perfect spot for families to relax and play.

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Why Families Love It:

• Music, balloons, and food vendors in the afternoons and evenings

• Safe, car-free space for kids to run and explore

• Rocket balloons are a must-try tradition — hours of fun

Where to Eat Nearby:

• Hortus – small bites and drinks with a great view

• Centro Bar – café by day, lively hangout by night

Bonus Fun:

• Street snacks like elote, ice cream, and spicy chips

• Mariachi bands often play on weekends ​

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🛍️ Mercado Ignacio Ramírez & Mercado de Artesanías

Shop for fresh produce, flowers, and local snacks — then wander into the artisan market next door for handmade toys, pottery, jewelry, and more.

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Tips for Families:

• Give kids a small budget to shop and practice their Spanish

• Get a mini market bag for little shoppers to carry their finds

• Visit Dulcería María José (top of the central staircase) for traditional Mexican candies

Good to Know:

• Bring cash (small bills are best)

• Most stalls don’t take cards

• Compare prices before you buy

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🧺 El Tianguis (Tuesday Market)

An enormous, open-air market held every Tuesday along the Libramiento. Local, colorful, and full of surprises.

What You’ll Find:

• Fresh fruits, meats, and second-hand treasures

• Street food, electronics, toys, clothing — everything you can imagine

• A truly local experience

Getting There:

• Take a taxi and say: “Al Tianguis, por favor.”

• Don’t drive — parking is tough, and it’s not walkable from downtown

Safety Tip:
Keep valuables close. Use a belt bag or crossbody — pickpockets are common in crowded spots.

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Explore San Miguel with trusted local guides who know how to make it fun for all ages! We recommend reaching out in advance — many tours can be customized to suit your kids’ ages and interests.

 

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Turisteando en Familia

Family-friendly adventures designed with kids in mind.

• Horseback riding

• Ranch visits

• Cooking classes

• Artisan workshops

• Interactive, cultural, and lots of fun!

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Follow Me Tours

A warm, personal tour through San Miguel’s top highlights.

• Learn about the city’s history, culture, and landmarks

• Great for first-time visitors

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👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Taste of San Miguel Food Tours

Delicious local eats with a side of culture.

• Discover hidden food gems and local favorites

• Kid-approved highlight: Discover the World of Chocolate — a tasty, hands-on tour all about chocolate’s role in Mexican history

Enrich your family’s time in San Miguel with these fun, hands-on cultural activities — perfect for curious kids and adults alike!

 

🧸 Museo La Esquina (Mexican Toy Museum)

A colorful museum filled with traditional Mexican toys — magical for kids and nostalgic for grown-ups.

• Tours in English available

• Hands-on workshops: Make piñatas, masks, sugar skulls & more on a beautiful rooftop

• Gift shop with handmade toys and souvenirs

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🏛️ Museo Histórico de San Miguel de Allende

A small but fascinating museum inside an 18th-century mansion, focused on the city’s history and hero Ignacio Allende.

• Great for older kids & teens

• Beautiful period rooms & historical exhibits

• Quick visit: takes about 45–60 minutes

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🥘 Sazón Mexican Cooking Class - Belmond Casa Sierra Nevada

A delicious cultural experience in a beautiful historic kitchen!

• Make tortillas, salsas, tamales & more with Chef Rubén

• Includes a local market visit to shop for ingredients

• Family-friendly & hands-on — kids love helping out

• Uses traditional clay pots & methods

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🖼️ Fábrica La Aurora

Once a textile factory, now a vibrant art & culture center with galleries, studios, and cafés.

• Stroller-friendly and great for exploring at your own pace

• Big sculptures & colorful art kids will enjoy

• Geek & Coffee café has a big garden patio perfect for play breaks

• Some artists offer hands-on workshops

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🎭 Bellas Artes (El Centro Cultural Ignacio Ramírez “El Nigromante”)

A peaceful former convent turned arts center with classes, galleries, and performances.

• Walk through quiet courtyards

• Spot murals — including a powerful (and unfinished) one by David Alfaro Siqueiros

• A relaxing cultural stop — perfect between meals and shopping

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🎉 Casa de las Mojigangas Workshop

Make your own mini version of San Miguel’s famous giant puppets in this fun, hands-on workshop!

• Learn the tradition behind mojigangas

• Tour their puppet collection

• Create, paint & decorate your own puppet

• Great for school-age kids, teens & adults

Whether you're craving warm springs, pool time, or a full-on splash day, San Miguel has plenty of spots for family fun in the sun.

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💦 La Gruta Hot Springs

A longtime favorite just outside of town, La Gruta features large warm pools and a steamy cave tunnel (best for older kids & teens).

• Shallow areas perfect for younger kids

• Restaurant on-site for easy snacks

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🛝 Xote Water Park

A casual, family-friendly water park with slides, splash zones, and pools.

• Great for kids of all ages — even teens have fun here

• Affordable, laid-back, and popular with local families

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🏨 Rosewood San Miguel

A luxe option right in Centro, ideal when you’re ready to splurge on poolside service and stunning city views.

• Shallow pool for little ones, comfy loungers, and full food & drink menu

• Kids club

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🏊‍♀️ Other Pool Day Options

In or near Centro:

• Hotel Live Aqua

• Hotel Real de Minas

• Hotel La Ermita

Outside of town:

• Nirvana

• Pavo Real

• La Playita at Los Senderos

• Aguaceros Hotel Atotonilco 

Country Clubs (day passes available):

• Club de Golf Malanquin

• Las Ventanas

Ready for something unforgettable? These outdoor activities are perfect for families looking to explore San Miguel in bold, exciting ways.

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🎈 Globo San Miguel — Hot Air Balloon Rides

Soar above San Miguel at sunrise for a truly magical family memory.

• Perfect for kids ages 5 and up

• Peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable

• Total experience: 3–4 hours, including transport & optional breakfast.

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🐎 Coyote Canyon Adventures

Ride through canyons and ranchland on well-trained, ranch-raised horses — a San Miguel favorite!

• Kids 3+ can ride their own horse

• Under 3? Ride with a parent, cowboy, or in a secure child saddle

• All skill levels welcome — from slow & scenic to faster-paced rides

• Reservations required (visit their Centro office)

• Private rides available for families or groups

 

Pro tip: Helmets are available — just ask. And be clear about your riding experience before you saddle up!

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🌾 Xotolar Ranch

Family-friendly guided rides through open country, rivers, and canyons.

• 1-hour rides for beginners

• Half-day or full-day rides for experienced riders

• Hosted by a working ranching family

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🛻 ATV Tours

For families with older kids and teens, ATV tours offer fast-paced fun through hills and trails.

• Tandem options available

• Helmet and safety gear provided

• Great way to explore outside the city

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🌿 El Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden

A peaceful, wide-open nature reserve just outside town.

• Trails, canyons, cacti, and a small area for kids

• Simple café and a great little gift shop

• Seasonal waterfalls after heavy rain

• Good for a quiet stroll or easy nature walk

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Sometimes kids just need to be kids! When they’re done with sightseeing and cultural stops, these spots around San Miguel offer fun, safe places to run, climb, bounce, and play.

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🌳 Parque Juárez

A beautiful central park with playgrounds, fountains, and walking paths.

• Basketball court & shaded benches

• Great for meeting local families

• Easy stop before or after lunch in Centro

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☕ Geek & Coffee

A family-favorite café tucked behind Fábrica La Aurora.

• Grassy lawn, kids’ library & play areas

• Delicious coffee, smoothies & breakfast

• Hosts outdoor movies, music, and events

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🧗 Lazo

Indoor play space designed for toddlers and preschoolers.

• Climbing structures, soft play, and games

• Mommy & me classes and craft activities

• Best for the under-5 crowd

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🎉 Mr. Kids

A small, clean indoor playground just right for younger kids.

• Slides, ball pits, and soft play areas

• Ideal for ages 1–5

• Great for beating the heat or a quick play break

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🍗 Pollo San Miguel (AKA Pollo Feliz)

Not just a restaurant — a lifesaver for parents!

• Big indoor play structure with slides & ball pit

• Rotisserie chicken, all-you-can-eat salad bar

• Air-conditioned (a rare treat!)

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🛍️ Plaza La Luciérnaga

A handy one-stop option for indoor fun — especially great on rainy or hot days.
Take a taxi or rideshare to avoid the steep uphill walk.

• Smart Trampoline Park: Bounce, jump, and flip in foam pits — fun for all ages

• Cinemex: Watch new releases 

• Enjoy Arcade: Classic games & prize machines

• Miniso: Japanese-inspired shop full of fun toys, gadgets & gifts kids love