Spend a day with the family enjoying the recreational and educational attractions at Xochitla (Xochitla Parque Ecológico). This non-profit ecological park strives to encourage physical recreation, promote environmental education and protect nature and biodiversity. Xochitla is a green lung that covers an area of 170 acres (70 hectares). It features an adventure playground, an arboretum, flower displays, parkland and a restaurant.
Find activities geared toward both children and adults. Watch your kids having great fun bouncing on a bungee swing, driving boats on a lake, running on water in an inflatable sphere and tackling a rope course. Play a round of miniature golf and navigate your way to the center of a hedge maze. Learn about green and sustainable energy at the Casa Ecológica Urbana.
Spot over 200 species of native plants in the botanical garden, Jardín Botánico de Fundación Xochitla. Among these are over 20 types of wild dahlias, 10 examples of aquatic plants and a herbarium. Signs provide information about the flower displays, ornamental gardens and ponds. Gaze up at tall cedar, oak and pine trees in the arboretum. Here you can also see 19 species of oaks that inhabit the forests of the State of Mexico.
Feast on buffets of fresh salads, stews and typical Mexican snacks, such as enchiladas and tacos, at the park’s restaurant. Alternatively, bring your own food and have a picnic on the large areas of green lawns.
Discover a varied schedule of events and workshops. These range from kids’ painting classes to Christmas concerts, bird-watching and guided tours of the botanical garden.
Situated in the town of Tepotzotlán, the park is about a 90-minute drive north of Mexico City. Catch a bus from Mexico City to Tepotzotlán’s bus terminal, from where you can take a taxi to the park. Parking is available if you reach the park by rented car or private taxi.
Xochitla is open daily and has an admission fee. Fees apply for some activities, many of which are accessible on weekends, public and school holidays only. Visit the park’s official website for more details.