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Taking the Kids to Puerto Vallarta
by Vallarta Online Staff | published: 3/2/2006
Trade the Mouse Ears for a Sombrero
 If you have never been to Mexico, it is probably hard to imagine what it is truly like. What is often depicted of Mexico on television and in the news may not always make Mexico seem like a place to have a magical vacation, let alone a family one. Family Fun In reality, Puerto Vallarta is an incredibly safe and wonderful place for the entire family. The variety of things to do and places to see is almost endless. Consider a trip to the Sea Life Park, a swim with the dolphins or a trip into the mountains to visit little "ranchitos" and see how families live away from the city. Your family vacation can become not only a relaxing and bonding getaway, but a cultural and educational experience as well.  There are waterfall horseback rides, and trips to visit the ancient Huichol Indians. Older children will enjoy the canopy tour which will have them gliding between trees like Tarzan and Jane. Smaller tots will love to swim with the dolphins in Nuevo Vallarta. Children as young as four years of age can swim, frolic and kiss these beautiful creatures. The only problem is when you return get home; they will probably pester you for years and years for their very own pet dolphin.For the "boys", an ATV or Pathfinder tour is highly recommended for down and dirty fun. While they are off playing in the mud, the "girls" can shop, play a round of mini-golf at the Super Go-Kart track, or go snorkeling at Los Arcos. Of course, for quality family time, whale watching during the whale season (November through March) is incredible, or a sea tour is an excellent adventure. One of the family favorites is a day trip on the Marigalante, where the kids can be pirates and the parents can enjoy some pirate punch and kick back on the boat. Mixing With the Local Culture  Sunday nights should be set aside for family night. Here in Puerto Vallarta, the Malecon, which is the sea-side boardwalk in the heart of downtown, is the place to be on Sunday evenings. From locals to tourists alike, everyone heads to the Malecon for the festive atmosphere. There are often times free shows performed at the Los Arcos Amphitheater, street mimes and clowns parade the boardwalk, sand sculptures create works of art, you can have a caricature drawn or buy paintings, handmade jewelry or souvenirs. Enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the many Malecon restaurants, many have children's menus available, enjoy the sunset as you dine, then walk the stretch of the Malecón as the Marigalante sets off fireworks right after the sun goes down. Save room for desert! On the Malecón you can buy deep fried bananas, crepes and cotton candy.Great Places to Stay  If your family needs a healthy does of relaxation, plenty of hotels will fit the bill. For families with older children, the Melia hotel counts children up to 16 years of age as a child in their rates, plus they have one of the most extensive activities programs for children of all ages. Parents can relax by the pool while the kids take part in water sports, pool games, a climbing wall, eco-discovery classes and an arts and crafts studio. Another hotel that is great for families is the Palace Resort in Nuevo Vallarta. They have tennis, bicycle rentals, beach activities and planned programs for the brood. The Hotel Pelicanos has a giant kids area and they also have adjoining rooms incase you have a multigenerational family and need a couple of rooms. 
For families who are not into a resort vacation and want their own private "homestyle" vacation in a tropical location, plenty of places offer that option. Playa del Sol condos right on Los Muertos beach has one and two bedroom condos with full kitchens, balconies and everything you need to feel right at home. Another great option in Nuevo Vallarta is the new Villa del Palmar Flamingos Directly on the pristine Flamigos Beach, the hotel has an extensive activities program for adults and children. They offer studios, one, two, and three bedroom suites with fully equipted kitchens. Some units even have washers and dryers.Family Escapes If you are looking for more of a peaceful getaway in a tranquil and quiet setting, the quaint town of Bucerias just north of Puerto Vallarta may be the ticket. Two hotels in Bucerias are fantastic for families.  Suites Atlas Coral Beach located right on a magnificent beach, has two bedroom suites with full kitchens, private terraces and comfortable living and dining areas. Plenty of space, a great pool area, and an ocean side terrace with a grill for beachside family BBQ's.
Hotel Palmeras is another tranquil hotel in Bucerias with a variety of rooming options to fit the needs and size of any family. While not directly on the beach, they are just a few steps away, plus they have a nice little pool area with a grill, tables and loungers. Dining out and Travel Tips If you are a parent whose child's first full sentence was "I don't like that." when it comes to eating, do not fear, Puerto Vallarta has everything from pizza, to burgers, and everything in between. Most restaurants will cater to finicky eaters as well, producing creations that little mouths will savor. A good thing to know is that much of the Mexican food is traditionally not spicy when served, it is up to the consumer to add the spices or sauces that they desire. Quesadillas are always a favorite with kids, and French fries, hot dogs, and fruit are everywhere. The local grocery stores stock familiar brands and products, and ice creams shops easy to find. The larger stores like Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Comercial Mexicana stock everything you would find back home, plus some nifty regional products and souvenirs. If you forgot to pack diapers, formula, bug spray, shampoo, sun block, even snorkel gear, you can find them easily at any number of stores in the area.  If you have tiny tots, most airlines allow strollers to be brought on, making journeys around town easy, and many hotels have cribs available for rental. If your children are first time flyers, pack a few toys, coloring books and crayons to keep them busy. Chewing gum, pacifiers, and bottles help unplug little ears on airplanes. Child safety seats are not enforced by law here in Mexico, so if you want to keep baby protected in taxis and rental cars, it is best to bring it from home. Many of the new strollers offer a three-in-one combination stroller, car seat and baby carrier, so this may be something to consider before taking the trip. If you have specific questions while planning your family vacation, or just want some comfort in knowing you made an excellent choice in visiting Puerto Vallarta, feel free to contact us, we want to help you have the family vacation you will always remember. |
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