International Short-Haul

Puerto Vallarta with Kids: A 2026 Family Guide

Walkable Mexican beach town with family resorts on the bay.

Pack the perfect travel companion

The Sunlight Kids activity book series, sized for your child's age. Ships from Amazon.

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Why families love Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is the under-rated Mexican family destination. It has a walkable, charming Old Town (Cancún does not), calm-water beaches, and resort zones that are easier to navigate with kids than the much larger Cancún Hotel Zone.

Flights are direct from most major US cities, the dollar goes far, and the family-vibes locals welcome.

Best time to visit Puerto Vallarta with kids

November–April. Summer is rainy and humid.

Top kid-friendly things to do in Puerto Vallarta

  • Old Town Vallarta (Zona Romántica)

    Walkable streets, kid-friendly cafés, Malecón (boardwalk) sculptures.

  • Los Muertos Beach

    Calm-water swimming, beachside restaurants, easy umbrella rental.

  • Marigalante pirate ship tour

    Best for ages 4-6Best for ages 6-8

    All-day family pirate cruise with shows. Touristy but kid-perfect.

  • Aquaventuras Park

    Best for ages 4-6Best for ages 6-8

    Family water park north of town.

  • Sayulita day trip

    Best for ages 6-8

    Surf town hour north — easier for first surf lessons (kids 6+).

  • Mismaloya snorkel + beach

    Best for ages 4-6Best for ages 6-8

    Calm cove south of town; reefs and a Hollywood-history backdrop.

Keep them busy on the plane, in the car, at the hotel

The Sunlight Kids books were made for exactly these moments.

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Where to stay in Puerto Vallarta with kids

  • Marina Vallarta / Nuevo Vallarta

    Big family-resort zone. Best for resort-focused trips.

  • Zona Romántica (Old Town)

    Walkable, charming, smaller hotels. Best for explorers.

  • Punta de Mita

    Quieter, more upscale, calmest beaches.

Eating out with kids in Puerto Vallarta

Tacos al pastor everywhere. Beachside restaurants on Los Muertos Beach. La Palapa is the family-friendly upscale dinner. Skip resort buffets for at least one street-taco lunch.

Day trips from Puerto Vallarta

  • Sayulita

    1 hour north. Bohemian surf town, easy half-day.

  • Yelapa

    Boat-only fishing village. Adventurous day trip.

  • Marietas Islands (Hidden Beach)

    Boat tour to the famous hidden beach. Best for kids 6+.

Tips for visiting Puerto Vallarta with kids

  • Old Town is walkable with strollers; resort zones aren't always.
  • Reserve the Marigalante cruise — sells out in season.
  • Tap water — drink bottled. Most resorts have refill stations.
  • Cab fares within town are cheap; resort shuttles are easier.
  • Sunset on Los Muertos pier is the kid-magic moment.

Puerto Vallarta with kids: FAQs

  • Is Puerto Vallarta safer than Cancún for families?

    Both are safe in resort and tourist areas. PV's Old Town is unusually safe and family-walkable.

  • Puerto Vallarta or Cancún with kids?

    PV is more walkable and charming; Cancún has bigger all-inclusive resorts and closer Mayan ruins. PV wins for families who want a real town feel.

  • How many days in Puerto Vallarta?

    Five to seven nights is ideal.

  • Best beach in Puerto Vallarta for kids?

    Los Muertos Beach in Old Town for walkability and calm water; Punta de Mita for the calmest, most resort-style beach.

  • When to visit Puerto Vallarta with kids?

    November–April for the driest weather and best temperatures.

Make the trip even better

Travel days are long. The Sunlight Kids activity books make them feel short.

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