Family Friendly Resorts Puerto Vallarta

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If you’re planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta in 2026, you probably have some concerns. More than ever you not only want to know the best family friendly resorts in Puerto Vallarta, but also the question everyone keeps asking–is it safe? I have you covered for both of those.

We went to Puerto Vallarta with the whole family over spring break a few years ago and had the best time. Since then, we’ve returned each year. It’s such an easy flight from San Diego, and who doesn’t need a few days of sunshine, tacos and margaritas?

We always stay in one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta, but I switch it up so I can add more recommendations to this guide. So let me start off with this list of the top family friendly resorts Puerto Vallarta has to offer. And below it, I have answers to your questions about how safe Puerto Vallarta is to visit with kids.

I’ve also compiled this list of the best family things to do in Puerto Vallarta. Check it out!

Getting to Family Friendly Resorts in Puerto Vallarta

Depending on where you live, you may have easy access to direct flights to Puerto Vallarta from your closest airport. Even though I live in San Diego, there aren’t any direct flights from here to Puerto Vallarta. Luckily I had a couple of other options.

In the past, we’ve flown out of LAX for more direct flight options, but this time, we decided to fly out of Tijuana. We took the CBX across to the Tijuana airport and it was super easy. It was about 2.5 hours direct from TJ to Puerto Vallarta.

Once you arrive in Puerto Vallarta, there are cabs and shuttles waiting to take you to your resort. They will try to negotiate a price, but just a heads up–it’s only a couple of miles to the Hotel District in Puerto Vallarta. We paid $64 for eight of us to fit in one van, but when we returned to the airport, we only paid $34 for 13 of us. So don’t take the first offer you see–you can probably get a ride for about $12 for every 4 people (that’s what our hotel told us the rate should be).

The Best Family Friendly Resorts Puerto Vallarta

Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta

The Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta resort is an excellent choice for many reasons. One, it’s easy to redeem free nights here if you have travel points on the Hyatt credit card or the Chase Sapphire card (where you can transfer points to your Hyatt loyalty account).

Kids club, swim-up bars, multiple pools and 10 on-site restaurants to choose from are just some of the things that make the Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta Resort a top pick for families. Not to mention the beautiful beach right in front of the property. You can also enjoy access to kayaks and paddleboards, fitness classes and more. This resort does not have rooms that accommodate families larger than 4, however. But their sister-property, the Sunscape does.

Villa del Palmar Beach Resort Puerto Vallarta

We recently stayed at the Villa del Palmar Beach Resort and loved it. We have a family of five, so being able to book a 2-bedroom suite (that did not cost a fortune) was a huge perk. We had a separate living space, two bedrooms, a kitchen, two full bathrooms and two balconies.

This family friendly resort in Puerto Vallarta allows you to choose whether or not you opt into the all-inclusive plan. We chose to do so and felt that it was well worth the money. For those who don’t, you can still pay to eat at any of the restaurants, and there are kitchens in the rooms.

This resort has multiple pools, including one with a waterslide and grotto. There is a gym, kids club, organized activities, a nice beach area, and the use of kayaks and paddleboards are also included.

Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort – One of the family friendly resorts in Puerto Vallarta

At the Dreams Vallarta Bay Resort, you’ll find more than just beautiful views–although you’ll definitely find those. This resort has 11 restaurants and bars that serve gourmet food and top-shelf liquor, all included in your all-inclusive plan. And there’s a mini-fridge in your room that is stocked daily.

The resort also has multiple pools, including one activities pool, a game room, a gym, on-site activities, breath-taking ocean views and more. And if you’re a World of Hyatt member, you can redeem free nights at this resort as well.

Read a full overview of our experience at this resort here.

Family Friendly Resorts Puerto Vallarta: The Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta

Technically located in Nuevo Vallarta, the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta is an extremely popular resort for families. This all-inclusive resort has one and two-bedroom suites, along with three swimming pools, water slides, video games and plenty of activities for the kids. Kids seems to love the kids club as well as the game room on site.

Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa Puerto Vallarta – One of the more luxurious family resorts

If you’re looking for a blend of luxury, space, and true family-friendly comfort, Garza Blanca is such a strong contender in Puerto Vallarta. Nestled between the jungle-covered Sierra Madre mountains and a secluded stretch of beach just south of downtown, it feels peaceful and upscale—but still welcoming to families. And, you have the choice of all-inclusive or not when you stay at this beautiful resort.

The suites here are also a huge win for parents. Many offer multiple bedrooms, full kitchens, expansive terraces, and even private plunge pools. If you’re traveling with kids (or teens!), having extra space to spread out makes all the difference.

Why Families Love It:

• Spacious multi-bedroom suites with full kitchens and laundry (ideal for longer stays)
• Kids’ Club with supervised activities like crafts, games, and beach fun
• Multiple pools, including family-friendly infinity pools and a rooftop adults-only pool for parents who can sneak away
• Calm swimmable beach (one of the better beach setups in the area)
• All-inclusive option available, which simplifies meals and budgeting
• Fun extras like kayaking, paddleboarding, and seasonal family activities

Sunscape Puerto Vallarta All-Inclusive Resort

The Sunscape is another Hyatt property–and this one is able to accommodate families of five. Some of the rooms have bunk beds, which kids seems to love. Plus because it’s a Hyatt property, you can use points to book rooms for free.

This resort offers beautiful beach views, along with a kids pool and waterpark, a kids club, and lots of on-site activities that the whole family can enjoy. The restaurants and bars on site offer beautiful ocean and pool views as well.

Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-Inclusive Resort

The Hilton Vallarta Riviera resort may have been the one I heard the most when I was seeking recommendations. It’s definitely a favorite among families. You’ll find 14 dining outlets at this resort, along with beautiful beach views, two infinity pools, nightly entertainment and minibars in your room that are stocked daily with snacks and drinks.

The kids club is complimentary for kids ages 4-12. Younger kids can join in as well, accompanied by an adult.

Is Puerto Vallarta Safe?

If you’re planning a family vacation, safety is probably one of your biggest questions—and the good news is that Puerto Vallarta is widely considered one of the safest beach destinations in Mexico.

Millions of visitors travel here each year, and the city has built its reputation around tourism. In fact, Puerto Vallarta consistently ranks as one of the safer resort areas in the country, with most incidents involving minor, non-violent issues like pickpocketing or scams rather than serious crime.

What the Data Says

• Puerto Vallarta has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major tourist cities in Mexico.
• Most reported incidents involve petty theft, like unattended belongings on the beach.
• Popular tourist zones—like the Malecón, Marina Vallarta, and the Hotel Zone—are generally considered very safe and well-patrolled.

U.S. Travel Advisory

Puerto Vallarta is located in the state of Jalisco, which is currently under a Level 2 advisory (“exercise increased caution”), similar to many popular European destinations.

We went to Puerto Vallarta as a family early March of this year, just a couple of weeks after the cartel incidents. I felt completely safe there, even though I was nervous about keeping our trip as scheduled. Now that it has been a couple of months since the events that day, it’s more apparent that it was an isolated incident. But when traveling to Mexico, or really anywhere abroad, you do need to practice caution and be aware of your surroundings.

What Families Should Know

From a family travel perspective, Puerto Vallarta feels very similar to other major tourist destinations:

• Resorts have strong security and gated access
• Staff are accustomed to international families
• Tourist areas are busy, well-lit, and easy to navigate

Many families report feeling comfortable walking around popular areas—even in the evening—especially in high-traffic zones.

Common-Sense Safety Tips

Like anywhere you travel, a few precautions go a long way:

• Don’t leave valuables unattended at the beach or pool
• Stick to well-lit, busy areas at night
• Use Uber or hotel transportation instead of random taxis (even though 99% of the time, taxis are fine. I just prefer to be extra cautious when traveling with my kids).
• Avoid isolated areas and don’t engage in illegal activities

The Bottom Line

Puerto Vallarta is a safe and family-friendly destination when you use normal travel precautions. While no destination is completely risk-free, most visitors experience nothing but a relaxing, fun vacation. Even people who were in Puerto Vallarta on the day of the cartel incidents reported that they felt very safe in the resorts and that the staff went above and beyond to make them feel comfortable.

I’ve compiled a whole post of safety tips and lists of the safest cities in Mexico for even more peace of mind.

FAQs About the Safety of Puerto Vallarta

Is Puerto Vallarta safe to walk at night?
Yes, especially in tourist areas like the Malecón and Hotel Zone.

Is Puerto Vallarta safer than Cancun?
Generally, yes—Puerto Vallarta has lower crime rates and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Is it safe to leave the resort in Puerto Vallarta?
Yes, many families explore downtown, restaurants, and excursions safely.

Final Thoughts

We’re getting ready to head back to Puerto Vallarta this winter, so we can escape the cold for a few days. I can’t wait! That’s another perk of Puerto Vallarta–it’s a great warm weather destination in the winter months.

Be sure to check out my list of the best Cabo all-inclusive resorts for families, the best Cozumel all inclusive family resorts, as well as the best family all inclusive resorts in Cancun. And if you want to explore south of Mexico, here are my favorite family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica.

Interested in more spring break options the whole family will love? Check out my list of favorite spring break destinations.

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commissions at no extra charge to you when used to make purchases.