9 Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta with Kids

Aquaventuras Water Park is an outdoor attraction that’s known for its thrill rides. Located 14 km northwest of Puerto Vallarta, the theme park has 10 water slides, a lazy river, and climbing walls, as well as a children’s play area with a wading pool and pirate ship. 

The Los Veranos Canopy Tour lets you enjoy one of Mexico’s longest ziplines, which offers unobstructed views of mountains and river gorges. Extreme Adventure Zip Line is located in San Sebastian, about 37 km northeast of central Puerto Vallarta. The 15-line course spans more than 3 km in length and its highest line, called The Big Enchilada, reaches a height of 52 metres. This tour option includes a trip to an animal sanctuary, where you get to see exotic toucans, marmosets, and squirrel monkeys. Prices for the Los Veranos Canopy Tour are around $89 per adult and $69 per child (5–11 years old).

Vallarta Botanical Gardens attracts nature lovers and those who want to relax with views of exotic flowers, plants and trees. There are numerous hiking trails for you to use to explore the carefully presented collections. The orchid collection in particular is one to look out for – it’s among the leading collections of the flower in Mexico. As well as walking, you can also take a dip in the neighbouring Rio Horcones.

Malecón, a promenade that stretches for almost 1 km, connects Puerto Vallarta's historic centre to the waterfront. Grab some refreshments at one of the many cafés before crossing the swinging bridges to Cuale Island and browsing the numerous market stalls. For a great view of the bay, make sure you climb the Matamoros Lighthouse, while those in search of marine life should head out onto the sea and prepare their cameras for humpback whale sightings.

Las Animas Aventura Park offers plenty of activities that are suitable for families, including boat trips, an obstacle course, and ziplining in a protected natural park. There are suspended bridges and balancing beams throughout the park, which you can enjoy great views of the lush jungles from. Boats depart for Las Animas Aventura Park from Boca De Tomatlan Pier. Expect to spend about 5 hours at Las Animas Adventure Park.

Extreme Zipline Adventure has a series of impressive ziplines, hanging bridges, and swings overlooking the tropical forest of the Sierra Madre Mountains. A 45-minute drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta, this eco-park is home to a thrilling ziplining circuit, which spans over 1 km in length and reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h. You can also explore the jungle’s steep hills and rivers on an off-road ATV at Extreme Zipline Adventure.

Pirates of the Bay lets you explore Banderas Bay on a fully-replicated Spanish galleon. In the morning, this 6-hour cruise departs from Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal and heads towards Mahahuitas Island. Along the way, you get to watch an entertaining show of acrobatics, cannon blasts, and sword-fighting by performers in full pirate costumes. The ship stops on Mahahuitas Island, where you get to disembark and enjoy family-friendly activities such as snorkelling, treasure hunting, kayaking, and beach volleyball.

Horseback riding is a rather leisurely way of exploring Puerto Vallarta’s lush jungles. Most tour companies in the city centre offer guided trips to the Sierra Madre mountain range, where you get to enjoy views of Banderas Bay on horseback. This relatively short trip is suitable for beginners and children. Enjoy expert commentary along the 2.5-hour excursion and stop by El Salto Waterfall for swimming and hiking before heading back to the ranch. Prices for horseback riding in Puerto Vallarta start from $80 per adult and $60 per child.

The Los Arcos Amphitheatre, which also goes by the name Aquiles Serdán Theatre, is a Vallarta landmark and is backed by 4 distinctive stone arches that have become a symbol of the city. It's regularly used as an open-air theatre for cultural performances and festivals on weekends and during holidays. Choirs, bands and dancers put on performances most nights and they are usually free to watch. The sunsets are also pretty special from here, with the arches and Banderas Bay making the perfect backdrop.