Puerto Vallarta with Kids: 21 Best Things To Do in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Submitted by Sandra Lee on

Puerto Vallarta has everything that makes Mexico such a popular family vacation destination: warm and sunny weather, beautiful beaches, loads of outdoor activities, delicious cuisine, and family-friendly all-inclusive resorts. The city's manageable size and affordability are added bonuses that ensure everyone, from curious toddlers to uber-cool teens to adults in need of a little R&R, has a great time.

Whether you're swimming in the turquoise ocean water, learning to cook a new dish, or relaxing on a hammock while the kids play in the pool, you're bound to make lasting memories in Puerto Vallarta, as my family has over the years.

Here are the 21 top things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids, including great Puerto Vallarta hotels and Puerto Vallarta restaurant options for families. Visit our Best Mexican Family Travel Guide for more great places to visit in Mexico, as well as our list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the US, Caribbean, and Mexico for kids.

Weekday Event Picks for LA Kids: Eggs, LEGOS, & Bubblefest March 30-April 3

Jacqueline Stansbury's picture Submitted by Jacqueline Stansbury on

While this LEGO lover is still reeling from The Academy’s decision not to include The LEGO Movie in its list of nominees for best picture, no harm no foul; a sequel is in the works, and this week you can see the original again (or for the first time if somehow your family missed it) at the Santa Monica Public Library.

Passover starts this week, and Easter hits its stride. Plus right in the middle we have April Fools' Day—care to play a prank or two on your kids? For those on spring break, it's a great time to head to the Discovery Cube in Orange County for Bubblefest, or check out the new Discovery Cube in the Valley while its introductory discount price is still in effect.

Camp Kappawanna: Get Psyched for Summer at Lisa Loeb's Charming Family Musical

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While we cover family theater quite a bit, many shows that fit into this category are really created to please kids, not grown-ups. So when my theater-loving daughter and I see a production that makes both of us smile, laugh and (I admit it!) shed a tear or two, I want to sing its praises and its catchy tunes to all the families I know. Camp Kappawanna by Atlantic for Kids is one of those shows. Cowritten by '90s indie rock diva Lisa Loeb (of "Stay" fame) and loosely inspired by her own summer camp experiences when she was a geeky, guitar-playing girl, Camp Kappawanna has lovely songs, a wonderful sense of humor and a familiar message about being brave that's delivered in a fresh and engaging way.

Head to Canada for Skiing & So Much More at Whistler Blackcomb Resort

Mary Beth Lawlor's picture Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on

There are many reasons to head to our neighbor to the north for a family ski vacation. Whistler Blackcomb, which is a little over two hours from Vancouver, Canada, offers a longer ski season (November through May), a huge variety of terrain and the added benefit of a favorable exchange rate. The enormous ski resort, boasting two mountains and more than 8,100 acres, doesn't feel daunting though. Whistler Blackcomb is incredibly family friendly and offers above average skiing and amenities for children. My son and I recently enjoyed a few days at Whistler Blackcomb and found this ski resort wonderful and accommodating.

Full-Day Summer Camps for Kids in Fairfield County

Submitted by Jacqueline Miller on

Summer camp options abound in Fairfield County. Science camps, soccer camps, horseback riding camps and many others can be found in our Camp Guide. However, despite all this variety, it can be challenging to find programs with the extended hours many working parents need. Here is a roundup of some of our favorites full-day summer camps in Fairfield County that offer coverage both early and late.

Mother's Day Brunch in NYC 2015: Mama's Choice

Raven Snook's picture Submitted by Raven Snook on

Figuring out where to eat on Mother's Day always gives me heartburn. Trying to find a place that will please me, my husband, my 9-year-old and my own mother (since she lives in NYC, too) is quite a challenge.

So this year, instead of stressing out about where I'll end up on Sunday, May 10, I decided to turn to the experts: my fellow NYC moms. In addition to updating our list of fancy Mother's Day brunch spots in New York City, we asked our always knowledgeable Mommy Poppins readers to recommend their favorite restaurants for the holiday—or any day.

For even more family-friendly brunch suggestions, check out our NYC Kid-Friendly Restaurant Guide.

Fitness Classes for Long Island Kids That Are Pure Fun

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Exercise is an important part of staying healthy, both physically and mentally. But between video games and iPads, it can be hard to motivate kids to be active. Get the kids off the couch and out of the house with these child-geared fitness and exercise classes across Long Island. Your child will have fun while keeping fit and learn lifelong health lessons.

For more fun ideas to keep the kids occupied, check out our Classes Guide.

Spring Skiing at Stratton Mountain Ski Resort in Vermont

Mary Beth Lawlor's picture Submitted by Mary Beth Lawlor on

At 3,875 feet, Stratton Mountain is the highest peak in Southern Vermont, and Stratton Mountain Ski Resort boasts 670 acres with 97 downhill trails and five terrain parks! Despite all that vertical gnarliness, 40% of the trails are rated at the novice level, making it one of the top Vermont ski resorts for families. That elevation also means it’s a great East Coast spot for spring skiing, since the season doesn’t end until mid-April. Needless to say, my family was psyched to check out Stratton last week.

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