The Best Family Activities in Puerto Vallarta

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A few years ago, we took the family to Puerto Vallarta for Spring Break, and we had the best time. The flight was easy, the airport is a short drive from the city, and the number of family-friendly resorts there is aplenty. Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s best vacation destinations, especially for families looking for affordable vacation ideas. It truly has something for everybody. Sunshine, margaritas, beaches and more. The first time we visited, we spent most of our time at the pool or at the beach. But now that we have made Puerto Vallarta an annual getaway, we love to explore all the fun family-friendly things to do there. Here are my favorite things to do on our Puerto Vallarta family vacations.

One thing I love about traveling to Puerto Vallarta is how easy it is. Granted, I live in San Diego, so that may not be the case for everyone. But I can use the CBX to fly out of Tijuana, and there are plenty of direct flight options to many Mexico cities. Plus, once you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, you are just a short 10-minute cab ride away from many of the popular resorts.

Where to Stay in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re travelling with the whole family to Puerto Vallarta, check out my complete list of the best family resorts in Puerto Vallarta. We stayed at the Villa del Palmar Resort on our most recent stay and really enjoyed it. They had rooms large enough to accommodate our family of five (which is rare in all-inclusive resorts), the food was good–particularly the selection and quality of the poolside food options, and the location was right on a swimmable stretch of beach. You can read my full review about the Villa del Palmar here.

Another excellent family resort in Puerto Vallarta is the Dreams Vallarta Bay which has a swim-up bar, multiple pools and a fun kids club. If you transfer your Chase credit card points to Hyatt points, you can earn free nights at this resort–including the all-inclusive fees! Read my full review of this resort here.

The Hard Rock is another excellent family-friendly resort in Puerto Vallarta. It has 1 and 2-bedroom options, multiple pools and waterslides.

Things to Do: Puerto Vallarta Family Attractions

Puerto Vallarta has a little something for everybody. You’ll find adventurous activities such as ATV tours zip-lining, and hiking to waterfalls, along with more leisurely cooking class and tequila tastings.

You can pre-plan your itinerary but be sure to always book through a reputable booking site, such as Viator. Many of the activities on Viator are fully refundable or don’t even actually charge you until just before you go. But that way you don’t need to worry about carrying a ton of cash or being scammed by a local.

Best Things to do with Kids

Keep in mind that my kids had so much fun finding crabs on the rocks and getting Shirley temples at the hotel. Don’t feel like you need to plan every minute if your time in Puerto Vallarta–you can probably use some time to relax as well. If you stay at an all-inclusive resort, I think the kids have so much fun ordering fun drinks and getting unlimited treats.

We also enjoyed the beach in front of our hotel. And we opted to send the kids on a banana boat ride, which they all enjoyed!

These are some of my favorite things to do in Puerto Vallarta that the whole family will love:

1. Vallarta Adventures – Dolphin and Sea Lion Encounters

• Kids can swim with dolphins or sea lions at Vallarta Adventures. It’s an educational and exciting experience that most children love. There are different activities depending on the child’s age (and your budget). Since I love dolphins, I love any opportunity to interact and swim with them.
• One complaint I have is that this is hard to do if you are outnumbered by kids. An adult needs to be with any child aged 12 or younger for most of the activities, and it can only be one kid per adult. My 12-year-old would have been fine alone–he’s swam on a swim team for years–but I understand the policy. It just makes it extra pricey, or impossible for families with more than two kids.
• Another complaint is that they don’t allow you to take any of your own photos, and the photos are expensive to add on. Of course you’ll want these awesome memory keepsakes. Just something to keep in mind.

2. Los Arcos National Marine Park

• This protected marine park offers opportunities for snorkeling, kayaking, and boat tours. The rock formations and crystal-clear waters provide a fun environment for kids to explore marine life. You can take a snorkeling tour or simply explore the area on your own.

3. Pirate Ship Adventure – Things to Do: Puerto Vallarta Family Fun

• Families can enjoy an interactive pirate show on a replica of a Spanish galleon. The tour includes games, treasure hunts, and fireworks, along with lunch or dinner and even an open bar. This is a lot of fun for the whole family in Puerto Vallarta.

4. Aquaventuras Park

• A water park with fun slides, a lazy river, dolphin encounters, and sea lion shows. It’s a great place for families to cool off and have some water-based fun.
• If the resort you’re staying at doesn’t have fun pools and waterslides, this can be a great outing for the kids.

5. Malecón Boardwalk

• Stroll along the famous Malecón with its colorful sculptures, street performers, and ocean views. Kids will love watching the sand sculptures and flying kites, while adults can enjoy local shops and food.

6. Go Fishing – My Kids’ Pick for Best Thing to do in Puerto Vallarta

• You’ll find all kinds of fishing options in Puerto Vallarta. My kids love to fish, but I don’t have the patience for dealing with tangled rods, so letting the pros do it is perfect. On our most recent trip, they picked us up from the resort and drove us to and from the marina. They even made fresh ceviche with the fish the kids caught–and trust be, there were plenty of fish to be caught! Their arms were tired after the first 3.

7. Islas Marietas National Park

• A boat tour to the Islas Marietas can be an adventure for families. The famous hidden beach, snorkeling, and marine life encounters (like whales and dolphins) can make this an exciting day trip. Choose from several different tours that include meals, open bars, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards etc.

8. El Cora Crocodile Sanctuary

• Take a guided tour to see crocodiles up close and learn about their habitat and conservation efforts. It’s an educational and thrilling experience for kids who love wildlife.

9. Zip Line Adventures – Things to Do: Puerto Vallarta Family Adventure!

• There are several zip-lining parks like Canopy River and Vallarta Adventures, where kids and families can zip through the jungle, walk across suspension bridges, and even ride horses or ATVs.

10. Las Animas Beach Hike

• Take a boat ride to Boca de Tomatlán and hike through the jungle to Las Animas Beach. It’s a relatively easy hike with stunning views, and Las Animas offers kid-friendly beach activities once you arrive.

11. Turtle Release Programs

• Depending on the season (usually July to December), families can participate in baby turtle releases on the beaches. This is a memorable and unique experience for kids.

12. Playa de Los Muertos – Things to do – Puerto Vallarta Family Beach Time

• One of the most popular beaches in Puerto Vallarta, it has a wide range of activities like swimming, parasailing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. You can also rent chairs and umbrellas for a relaxing beach day.

Final Thoughts on the Best Family Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta

Whether your family loves relaxing on the beach, spotting wildlife, exploring charming neighborhoods, or heading out on exciting outdoor adventures, you’ll find no shortage of amazing experiences in Puerto Vallarta. One of the things that makes this destination so special is its ability to appeal to kids, teens, and adults all at once. My kids love it just as much as I do. You can spend one day snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, the next wandering the colorful streets of Old Town, and then finish your trip with a sunset cruise or an unforgettable whale-watching tour.

Hopefully this guide has helped you narrow down the best family things to do in Puerto Vallarta so you can build an itinerary that fits your family’s travel style. No matter how long you’re visiting, Puerto Vallarta offers the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, culture, and delicious food, making it one of Mexico’s best family vacation destinations.

Not sold on Puerto Vallarta? Check out my list of family-friendly hotels in Cabo San Lucas, things to do in Cabo for families, the best family all inclusive resorts in Cancun, and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Puerto Vallarta with Kids

Is Puerto Vallarta good for families?

Yes! Puerto Vallarta is one of the most family-friendly destinations in Mexico. The city is known for its swimmable beaches, welcoming atmosphere, excellent family resorts, and wide variety of kid-friendly activities. Families can enjoy everything from boat tours and snorkeling to cultural attractions, wildlife encounters, and outdoor adventures.

How many days do you need in Puerto Vallarta with kids?

Four to six days is ideal for most families. This gives you enough time to enjoy the beaches, explore downtown Puerto Vallarta, take a boat excursion, and experience a few of the area’s most popular attractions without feeling rushed. Although we’ve done plenty of 3-day weekends there, but it’s a short flight from San Diego, so I’d say it depends on how far you’re traveling from.

What is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta?

The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta is between November and April, when the weather is warm, sunny, and less humid. If you’re hoping to see humpback whales, plan your visit between December and March. Summer offers fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, although you should expect hotter temperatures and occasional afternoon rain showers.

Are there free family things to do in Puerto Vallarta?

Absolutely! Many of the best family things to do in Puerto Vallarta are completely free. Spend the day at Playa Los Muertos, walk the Malecón, watch the sunset over Banderas Bay, explore the colorful streets of Zona Romántica, or browse local markets and public art installations throughout the city.

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