Mexico City Young People

How well-equipped is this city for those raising infants/toddlers? Specifically, are there public places to change diapers, maintained playgrounds, etc?
Mexico City is very well-equipped for raising infants/toddlers. Most shopping malls and large supermarkets have changing rooms inside the restrooms for mothers and their babies. You will also find many parks and kids’ playgrounds around the city.
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Where can I get a list of reliable childcare providers/nannies?
Please contact your Human Resources team or your Crown Relocation consultant to check on this.
You can also ask your neighbors or a friend from your children´s school for a recommendation.
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Discuss any safety issues for children in this city.
Children should always be accompanied and supervised by an adult and should never talk to strangers. There are no bike trails in the city so it is not recommended that children ride their bikes on the streets without adult supervision.

Teenagers love to go out and dance on the weekends to enjoy music and socializing. Parents should be aware that there is a minimum drinking age of 18 and it is mandatory to show a photo ID with age on it. As part of the alcoholímetro program, the police perform breathalyzer tests to randomly check your level of alcohol consumption; those who fail the test are taken to a holding facility for up to 36 hours.
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What are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area?
Some of the most popular kid-friendly attractions in Mexico City are:

  • Museo Papolote (Kite Museum) - This is a popular museum located in Chapultepec Park. The exhibits are all hi-tech and very interactive, so kids love it! There is also an IMAX screen that shows a variety of programs from cultural themes to historical documentaries. This museum is a great learning experience for kids, especially if they are new to the city.
  • Feria de Chapultepec - This is Mexico City's main fun fair. The fair has been in Mexico City for many years but was recently updated with a series of new rides. It also hosts La Montaña Rusa (The Russian Mountain), which is Mexico's only wooden roller-coaster. Kids have a lot of fun and it makes for a great day for the whole family!
  • Six Flags Mexico - The American theme park, ‘Six Flags’ is now in Mexico! All the latest heart-pounding rides and theme events can be found here.
  • Chapultepec Zoo - Mexico City's zoo is home to over 1,500 animals and is spread over 15 hectares of land. Located on the western side of the city, it is an integral part of Chapultepec Park. The zoo claims to be the world's oldest, since it was founded by the Aztecs.
  • Kidzania is located in Centro Comercial Santa Fe, on the ground floor. Kids from 2 years to 12 or 13 years old like it very much. This family entertainment center is a child-sized replica of a real city, where children can “work” in adult jobs, earn money, go to a restaurant, dance, go to the beauty parlor, etc. It is very safe; children wear electronic bracelets that allow parents to keep track of their children while adults wait for them in the cafeteria or in the “adult lounge.” They can´t leave the premises without you.
  • Piccolo Mondo is a supervised playground where you can hire a complete birthday party or pay by the hour so your children can play while you shop. There are a couple of them in Centro Comercial Santa Fe and at Cuicuilco Shopping Mall.

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What are the most popular activities for kids after school or on weekends?
Kids in Mexico City are involved in afterschool activities and sports. They enjoy going to the movies, museums, parks and shopping and social clubs with friends. They can go approximately 50 minutes outside the city to enjoy horseback riding and trout fishing on the weekends.
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What's it like to be a teenager in this city? Are there any particular challenges I should be aware of as a parent?
Being a teenager in Mexico City is similar to other places. As mentioned above, they love to spend time with their friends and do fun things. Adjustment to any new place takes time, but we feel once they get settled in and meet new friends, they are going to love it here!
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Are there any organizations/social groups in the area that cater exclusively to young people ages 12-17?
Local schools and churches are good places to get youth group and activity information for your area.
Many schools offer afterschool activities, sports clubs, dance clubs and band activity, to name just a few.
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I want my child to get the most out of our stay in this country. Are there any specific opportunities to teach young people about the local culture?
Mexico City has many different types of events throughout the year and there are plenty of places to learn about the culture. Language lessons would also be very beneficial.
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IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact your local Crown representative.