Ready to have a blast in Mexico? This family-friendly activity list will take you from sand to sea and beyond.
Feeling the pull towards sunnier days, balmier temperatures, and some of the world’s bluest shores? You simply can’t go wrong with Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s crown jewels along the Pacific coast. This vibrant beach town is bursting at the seams with fun activities for all ages, no matter the pace that suits your family best.
Whether your little crew has a penchant for adventure or prefers to enjoy peaceful days by the water—or, of course, a mix of both—we’ve rounded up a boatload of options to help you plan your travel itinerary and get everyone buzzing about your upcoming vacation.
Looking for the very best things to do in Puerto Vallarta with your children in tow? Let’s dive in.
Water Activities
Swimming, splashing, dipping, and diving are highly encouraged ‘round these parts! A huge part of Puerto Vallarta’s appeal is direct access to the ocean and beach, which offer fun water activities aplenty.
Swim with Dolphins
Swim with dolphins and get up close and personal with marine wildlife. With Wildlife Connection, you can meet these majestic creatures in their natural environment—a far more ethical and enjoyable experience than captivity tours.
You’ll travel by boat to visit a resident bottlenose dolphin group, and thanks to the on-board hydrophone, you’ll be able to hear them communicate underwater. This company even conducts marine field research, making for extremely qualified guides and exceptionally educational tours.
- Location: Meeting point at OPEQUIMAR (Vallarta).
- Cost: ~$100 per person (Child fee available)
- Best time to go: Best on sunny days
- Age Requirements: All ages
- Time Needed: ~3.5h
Snorkel in the Sea
Snorkel in the sea beneath Puerto Vallarta’s shimmering shores to discover a rainbow of marine life just waiting to be explored! Nearby snorkeling spots offer delightfully calm waters, making this activity perfect for curious kiddos who love to explore while they swim.
- Los Arcos National Marine Park is a treasure trove of underwater sights, located a short boat ride away. Expect to spot a flurry of fish, rays, eels, and if you’re lucky, a whale or two on your way to the park.
- Playa Los Muertos: You’ll find a pier where you can spot plenty of critters and snorkeling areas just a stone’s throw from town.
💡 Did you Know? The Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour allows families to snorkel in the warm waters of the protected Los Arcos National Marine Park, observe birds nesting in caves, and learn about marine fauna and coral.
Splash and Play in a Waterpark
Spend the day splashing around one of the many water parks near Puerto Vallarta! Aquaventuras Park, located on the edge of Nuevo Vallarta, is home to more than 10 colorful water slides, multiple refreshing pools, and a lazy river.
While your children enjoy the park, you can slip and slide along with them, grab a bite at the snack bar, or take a peaceful pause on the adjacent beach chairs.
Splash Water Park is a smaller budget-friendly park without the crowds that are typically found at Aquaventuras. It may be less packed with people, but it's equally packed with adventure: you'll have super-fun slides and pools to enjoy, plus zip lines and climbing walls.
Whales and dolphins watching
Whale and dolphins watching is one of the most awe-inducing experiences in life, especially when observing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat—their tails arced toward the sky, their silhouettes gracefully skimming the surface.
You’ll have no shortage of whale watching tours in Puerto Vallarta to choose from, whether you want to be on the water for a few hours or the entire day.
During the winter months, many tour groups will also combine whale watching with dolphin watching in a single ride, so you can get the very best value (and very best memories) for your money.
💡 Did you Know? Whale- and dolphin-watching tours are available, with humpback whales migrating to the area from December to March and bottlenose dolphins present year-round. The whales you see in Puerto Vallarta have come all the way down from Alaska in search of warmer waters!
- Cost: ~$100 per person (Child fees available)
- Best time to go: Best on sunny days
- Age Requirements: 1+
- Time Needed: 3h
Catch a Wave
Catch a wave and get the entire family on board with a surf day! There are plenty of local surfing schools that offer kid-friendly lessons, so you and your littles can catch a wave side-by-side.
Wildmex is just down the road in Punta Mita, and their small-group sessions are perfect for children. Their normal lessons assign four surfers to one instructor, but children ages 5 to 9 will be placed in groups with just two students per instructor.
Vallarta Surf Co offers the same small-group ratio as well as private one-on-one classes for kids through their VSCO program, which is designed for little surfers ages 5 to 12. If a casual boogie boarding adventure is more your speed, head back to Playa Los Muertos (see: snorkeling!) for calm waves and laid-back fun.
Water Sports for All Ages
Water sports for all ages are easy to enjoy on the ocean’s surface, which is rife with opportunities for fun in the sun. Head down to Paddle Zone in Mismaloya bay for kayaking and paddleboarding galore, from hourly rentals and classes to sunset excursions and unbelievable bioluminescent tours!
For double the fun, Estigo Tours combines both paddling and kayaking with a snorkeling component. These all-ages adventures are guided by experienced instructors who can get your entire family up to speed for a safe, fun, and fulfilling day on the water.
Visit Playa Conchas Chinas
Visit Playa Conchas Chinas, a golden-sand beach with calm, shallow tide pools that are perfect for splashing around. Shaped by rock formations along the shore, they create protected, gentle waters where kids can safely play without the risk of large waves.
- Location: 1.9 miles from downtown Puerto Vallarta
- Cost: Free
- Vibe: Calm and quiet beach
- Age Requirements: All ages, family-friendly
Discover Activities at Playa de los Muertos
Playa de los Muertos isn’t just great for surfing and snorkeling—if you can believe it, there’s even more fun to be had at this beloved beach.
You'll find everything from thrilling activities like parasailing and jet skiing to leisurely paddle-boarding and kayaking opportunities. Muertos is also a hub for boat tours and water taxis, making it easy to visit nearby beaches or go sightseeing.
- Location: South end of El Malecón
- Cost: Free beach; pay for rentals & food
- Age Requirements: All ages
- Time Needed: Half to full day
Cultural Experiences
Mexico’s vibrancy can be felt around every corner, making it one of the world’s best places to go sightseeing. These cultural experiences in Puerto Vallarta will have your whole family immersed in local sights, sounds, and flavors.
Chocolate Museum
Chocolate Museum fun starts with learning that Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate! Dating all the way back to the ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures, this sweet treat holds a special place in the country’s history.
ChocuMuseo is choc full of opportunities to learn, taste, and experience the pure joy of Mexican chocolate, including quick workshops for families with children. Between bites, tour the museum to explore the history of chocolate, from where it comes from to how it’s made today.
- Address: Calle Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez 128 Col. Centro, Puerto Vallarta 48300 Mexico
- Cost: ~ $85 per person (price varies depending on experiences)
- Age Requirements: All ages
- Time Needed: 2 hours
Savor Authentic Mexican Food
Staying in Puerto Vallarta means you’ll have unbridled access to authentic local flavors. Head to the lofty River Cafe for a very special indoor-outdoor dining experience: it’s refined enough for a lovely meal, but accessible enough for all ages to enjoy.
If you’re on the hunt for tacos (and we’re quite sure you will be), you can pop into a number of casual spots just south of the Río Cuale: Figueroa’s Burritos, Tacos El Moreno, Cuates Y Cuetes, and El Dorado never disappoint. That being said, follow your nose—you might just discover the next hidden gem!
Isla Rio Cuale's Crafts Market
Isla Rio Cuale's Crafts Market is your one-stop shop for art, pottery, leather goods, jewelry, clothing, souvenirs, and much more—perfect for bringing a little piece of Mexico home with you.
This sprawling market seems to go on forever, filled to the brim with colorful treasures. Chat with local artisans about their craft, wander to your heart’s content, and who knows—your kids might even feel inspired to start creating art of their own!
Once you’ve shopped ‘til you’ve dropped, take a pit stop at one of the food stands on the market’s upper floor.
- Location: Isla Río Cuale, via pedestrian bridge
- Weather: Outdoor; best in dry season
- Age Requirements: All ages, family-friendly
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
El Malecón sunset walks
El Malecón is the perfect place to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s famous sunsets over Banderas Bay, painting the sky in fiery orange and pastel pink. As the sun dips below the horizon, head to El Malecón for a family-friendly walk along the ocean.
This lively boardwalk features food, sculptures, shops, artwork, and street performers, including a fun photo opp at the colorful Puerto Vallarta sign. Snap a few pictures, stroll at your leisure, and wave goodbye to the day from a gorgeous vantage point.
- Location: Waterfront boardwalk
- Cost: Free
- Best time to go: At sunset; clear skies
- Age Requirements: All ages
- Time Needed: ~1 hour
Relax in the Plaza de Armas Meeting Place
This beach-adjacent plaza is the heart of Puerto Vallarta! Surrounded by stunning historical architecture with an impressive fountain in the middle of it all, Plaza de Armas is a hub of activity at all hours of the day.
Expect to encounter a wide array of cultural experiences here, from live music by local bands to spontaneous parades and pop-up craft fairs. Don’t let its bustling spirit fool you, though: the plaza is also a wonderful place to kick back, relax, and enjoy a little downtime in the sun as the world goes by.
- Location: City centre plaza
- Cost: Free
- Weather: Any (shaded seating)
- Age Requirements: All ages
- Time Needed: ~1 hour
Take a Day Trip
Clearly, there are countless things to do in Puerto Vallarta proper—but you can dig even deeper into Mexican culture and change your surroundings with a day trip.
- San Sebastián del Oeste is a beautifully preserved colonial mining town in the Sierra Madre mountains with charming cobblestone streets and fascinating coffee farms.
- Sayulita is an artsy, bohemian surf town filled with galleries, street food, and live music, plus a vibrant main square and plenty of artisan shops.
- Talpa de Allende is a charming mountain town that's a true hub of Mexican culture, colonial architecture, and the famous Basilica of Our Lady of Talpa.
Outdoor Adventures
While one of the area’s main draws is its beaches and water activities, there’s plenty of family fun to be had on dry land! Here are some of our favorite outdoor adventures in Puerto Vallarta.
Sierra Madre Mountains on Horseback
Sierra Madre Mountains on horseback offer an epic ride through lush countryside filled with waterfalls, rivers, and stunning lookouts.
If this is your child’s first time on a horse, there are plenty of beginner tours available that provide support and assistance for a smooth ride. This Viator tour even includes a lunch stop at a local ranch, complete with a sauce-making activity!
- Location: Jungle trails, ~30 min north of Puerto Vallarta
- Cost: ~$100 per person
- Best time to go: Dry season; sunny
- Age Requirements: 6+
- Time Needed: ~5 hours
Hike to Hidden Beaches
This one’s for families with slightly older kiddos who have the energy for a hiking adventure. If you want the best beaches in Puerto Vallarta all to yourself, there’s nothing like this full-day tour, which takes you to six unforgettable hidden spots.
Traverse stunning paths all the way to beloved oases like Colomitos Beach and Playa las Animas, where you can swim and explore in total peace and tranquility. We recommend choosing a guided tour to make the most of this type of adventure and stay safe while you’re out on the trail.
Zipline over the Jungle
Are your children mini adrenaline seekers who love the thrill of adventure? Take them ziplining high above the treetops! This action-packed excursion leaves from Puerto Vallarta and will send you along an impressive network of breathtaking ziplines.
While this activity is sure to get your blood pumping, fear not: reputable tour operators hire highly skilled guides that know precisely how to mix fun with strict safety protocols.
Drive RZRs over Rugged Trails
Explore rugged trails on an RZR! These open-top vehicles are made with safety bars, and your chosen tour operator will provide you with all the protective gear you need to have a rip-roaring adventure off the beaten path.
Jardín Botánico de Vallarta
Jardín Botánico de Vallarta invites you to take a leisurely walk among some of the world’s most beautiful flora. Packed to the brim with fascinating, diverse species of plant life, you may even catch a glimpse of a rare bird while you’re there.
- Address: Puerto Vallarta Highway, to Barra de Navidad Km. 24 Las Juntas y los Veranos, Cabo Corrientes 48447 Mexico
- Cost: From $30 per person
- Age Requirements: All ages
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Sea Turtle Release
Sea turtle release experiences let you help baby sea turtles safely make their way to the ocean while learning about the importance of nature conservation. This family-friendly tour occurs at sunset. This family-friendly tour occurs at sunset.
This deeply meaningful activity is typically available from July to December, which lines up with the turtles' hatching season.
- Address: Ecotours Vallarta / Dive Shop Proa 20, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
- Cost: About $75 per person
- Best time to go: Evenings; calm seas
- Age Requirements: All ages
- Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Ecotourism with the Family
Ecotourism is a great way to travel. Marvel at carefully preserved natural wonders with an ecotourism adventure like the Marietas Islands and Hidden Beach: a UNESCO-designated archipelago with diverse marine life and birdwatching, including the rare blue-footed booby.
You can also take a guided wetlands boat tour through the El Salado Estuary, a mangrove eco-reserve home to crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds. Engaging with ecotourism in a responsible way helps support conservation efforts.
Practical Tips for Family Travelers
Traveling as a family can require a few extra considerations! Here’s everything you need to know for planning a successful trip to Puerto Vallarta (caution: your kids might beg you to come back year after year).
Things Family Travelers Should Know About Puerto Vallarta
Dehydration—or worse, sunstroke—is a quick and easy way to spoil a family holiday. Make sure to carry bottled water, sunblock, sunglasses, and hats with you at all times, whether you're at the beach or enjoying an outdoor adventure.
Some beaches may have strong waves or currents, so be sure to keep an eye on your children while they're in the ocean—or better, stay in the water with them. Always remain within designated safe areas for swimming.
When traveling between destinations (i.e. from your hotel to various tourist sites), always use reputable taxi or ride share companies, including Uber. While Puerto Vallarta is generally safe, this is the best way to avoid potential issues.
As you stroll through local markets and along boardwalks like Malecón, keep your personal belongings close (i.e. do not store anything in your back pockets) and designate a family meeting point in case you get separated from your children.
Transportation Options for Families
As mentioned above, reputable taxi companies and ride share apps offer a quick, convenient, and affordable way to get from Point A to Point B. If you're using a taxi, be sure to confirm the total cost of the ride before departing if possible; some charge fixed rates depending on the area.
If you’re planning to enjoy multiple adventures during your stay, you might consider renting a car for all or part of your vacation. Be sure to rent from a reputable company that offers full insurance coverage!
For transport to nearby islands or beaches like Yelapa or Las Animas, hop on a water taxi for something a little different! They typically operate from the Malecón and are great for exploring the coastline from an up-close vantage point.
Getting around on foot is a wonderful option if you’re staying local to Puerto Vallarta, or once you arrive at a day-trip destination; you can easily walk the entire city centre and check tons of landmarks off your to-do list this way.
Best Times of Year to Visit with Family
Peak season in Puerto Vallarta is December to April, and for good reason. The weather at this time of year is ideal: about 24 to 29°C, sunny, and not too humid. The ocean tends to be nice and calm, and it's a great time to see some whales!
There are also plenty of events to enjoy around this time, from familiar celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s Eve to the Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival, which honors Mexico’s patron saint.
Crafting Unforgettable Family Memories in Puerto Vallarta
Whether you’re on land or sea, relaxing or adventuring, Puerto Vallarta is a goldmine of unforgettable experiences for families of all ages and sizes. While you’re there, be sure to check out our shows in Nuevo Vallarta for a family-friendly spectacle that will leave everyone’s jaw on the floor!
Cover image by Nicole Herrero on Unsplash.