If you’re traveling to Cancun with kids and want a vacation that feels more like an experience than just a resort stay, the Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya delivers exactly that. From the moment you arrive and are greeted with a fun “slime”-themed welcome cocktail, it’s clear this resort is all about playful energy, immersive theming, and nonstop fun for kids (and kids at heart). Our stay was packed with memorable moments, and it’s easy to see why this resort is a hit with families.

It’s Like Living in a Pineapple Under the Sea (kind of)!

The Nickelodeon resort is designed with families in mind, offering spacious accommodations and playful details throughout. Our swim-up suite was a highlight — perfect for hopping into the pool anytime for a quick dip. The suite was generously sized and included two bathrooms, which made mornings and evenings with kids much smoother.

Fun Nickelodeon touches are everywhere, with characters like SpongeBob SquarePants adding charm without feeling overwhelming. Even on days when you don’t want to leave the hotel, there’s plenty to do. The resort offers character-meet and greets, a kids club inside the hotel (which was especially helpful on a rainy day), and multiple pools with poolside bars for parents to enjoy.

Dining options are plentiful, ranging from casual to themed experiences. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pizza restaurant is fun to see — complete with turtle statues — but it’s worth noting that despite requiring reservations, the turtles themselves do not appear, which was a bit of a letdown.

The resort also features a spa that offers adorable kids spa services. Think facials, mani-pedis, bubbles, potions, tiny robes, and kid-friendly spa snacks — a super cute and unique experience for little ones.

Splash, Slide, Slime, Repeat: The Water Park

One of the biggest perks of staying at the Nickelodeon Hotel is that access to the Nickelodeon Place water park is included in the cost of your all-inclusive stay. The park is just a quick shuttle ride from the hotel and is truly fabulous.

We went every single day and never felt bored — there’s so much to do that each visit can feel different. Thrill seekers will love the big water slides, while younger kids can enjoy smaller slides and interactive water play structures. There are also daily planned activities, including the lively Slime Party, which quickly became a favorite.

The activities pool is another highlight, featuring a rock-climbing wall, obstacle course, and a wave-making machine that my kiddo absolutely loved. When it’s time to relax, the lazy river that winds around the park is perfect for chilling out.

When you’re ready to dry off, the kids club at the water park offers a great indoor play space packed with activities. Character meet-and-greets happen throughout the day, adding even more excitement.

Food options are abundant — from full meals to snacks and ice cream — and everything in the park is included as part of the hotel’s all-inclusive dining, making it incredibly convenient for families.

One standout experience is the character breakfast, which is an absolute must (not included). It’s a high-energy character jam featuring favorite Nickelodeon characters, a delicious breakfast, and some over-the-top specialty drinks that make it feel extra special.

One fun add-on experience we loved was the custom t-shirt station. Kids can design their own shirts on an iPad using templates, and the design is printed on a t-shirt right there. My kiddo made one for himself and his cousin and thought it was the coolest souvenir.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Perfect resort for families with kids
• Spacious, well-designed rooms with fun Nickelodeon theming
• Swim-up suites are fantastic
• Water park access included and offers endless entertainment
• Tons of kid-focused activities, kids clubs, and character experiences
• All-inclusive food at both the hotel and water park
• Unique experiences like the kids spa and custom t-shirts
• Friendly atmosphere with adorable resort cats roaming around

Cons:

• The beach is very poor and essentially non-existent — not ideal if beach time is important to you
• The slime smells unpleasant; fun to watch but you may want to avoid getting slimed
• The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle restaurant is themed well but disappointing without character appearances

Final Thoughts

The Nickelodeon Hotel & Resorts Riviera Maya is not a traditional Cancun beach vacation — and that’s actually its biggest strength. This resort shines as an immersive, high-energy family destination where kids are entertained nonstop and parents can relax knowing everything is included. While the beach is a major drawback, the incredible water park, thoughtful kid-friendly amenities, and playful Nickelodeon magic more than make up for it.

If you’re traveling with kids and looking for a vacation filled with laughter, slides, slime, and unforgettable moments, this resort is absolutely worth considering.