C.L.
My kids are older, 8 and 11, but we took them to Puerto Vallarta last year when they were 7 and 10. It's not generally considered a huge family destination, but it worked out very well for us. We stayed in an older person's condominium with my parents, but I've heard from other families who have been there that they have some wonderful family all-inclusive resorts there. There is a Marriott near the airport with a lot of family activities and a newer resort on the complete opposite end of town where a family I know stayed with kids ages 2-9. Kids as young as 5 can swim with the dolphins in Nuevo Vallarta and I think they have a canopy program for younger children too. We did both of those. We played on the beach and swam in the pool. There is also a water park outside of town; we didn't go there. Warning--the surf is strong there so we didn't actually swim in the ocean--we played on the beach and waded in the ocean. We like PV because it is a real town and not just a resort area. We like going into town to have dinner, shop and/or walk around on the cobblestone streets. There is an area along the river where they have a market and street performers every night. It was wonderful to watch the kids explore another culture. Another warning--car seats are not really practical and many of the taxis don't even have working seat belts in Mexico generally. There is a large modern supermarket near the old part of the hotel/resort strip in PV that is like shopping in a Super Target. We prepared most of our own breakfasts and lunches from food purchased there and I bought all of our beach and sand toys there and then left them with some Mexican children. Pretty much anything you need or may have forgotten you can find at that store. I still miss their bakery, deli cheeses and fresh-squeezed orange juice! Good luck and have fun wherever you end up.
