Lucha libre with kids

What children see

Children see masked luchadores play técnicos, the heroes, against rudos, the villains, in a story of good against evil. The show explains the mythology behind each character, and the audience picks a favourite to cheer for. Wikipedia describes lucha libre as colourful masks, rapid sequences of holds and high-flying aerial techniques, so there is plenty of movement to watch. Reviewers from Canada and the US call it wholesome family fun with crowd participation.

Staged fighting, described plainly

It is staged. Wikipedia calls professional wrestling a form of athletic theater centred on mock combat, and the winners are not left to chance. For many children this makes it easier: there are clear heroes, clear villains and a loud crowd that shares the joke. For a child who finds fighting upsetting even when it is acted, it may not suit. You know your child, so weigh the noise and the mock violence against their appetite for costumes and cheering.

Rules that matter to families

Alcohol is served to over-18s only, and the welcome margarita is a drink for adults. Pets and smoking are not allowed. The venue is wheelchair accessible, which helps with strollers and slower walkers. Food and gratuities are not included, so plan snacks and tips separately. The only age rule the booking states is the alcohol one, and for anything further your confirmation is the place to check.

Noise, crowds and length

The Classic night runs about two hours in an arena shared with other guests. Expect cheering, music and a crowd that picks sides, which is the point of the show. Some visitors said it felt short, so the length is unlikely to be the problem for adults, but for a young child two hours of noise is a real stretch. If you are unsure, sit near an exit, or choose the Classic ticket over the longer Meet & Greet package.

Is the Meet & Greet worth it for kids?

The Meet & Greet adds a backstage pass, a photo with the luchadores and a souvenir card signed by the fighters, and runs about three hours. Children who love masks may treasure the card and the picture. A professional photo is sold extra, and one reviewer found it expensive. For a first visit with young children, the shorter Classic ticket is the lower-risk choice, and the Meet & Greet suits older children and fans.

Read next: Lucha: Classic or Meet & Greet?

Who this isn't for

Skip it for children who dislike loud rooms, shouting crowds or acted fighting. Skip it if you want a calm family meal: food is not included and the arena is lively. Skip it for a very young child who may not manage two hours of noise. For those families, a boat trip with snorkelling, such as the ones listed on this site, may be a better pick for the day.

Questions to ask before you go

A few questions settle most family decisions. Does your child enjoy pantomime, costumes and cheering? Can they manage two hours in a loud, shared arena? Will they cope with staged fighting? Do you need food, which is not included? Check your confirmation for the start time and the address.

• Likes costumes and cheering
• Fine with loud rooms
• Cope with staged fighting
• Food arranged separately