Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico’s most popular family vacation destinations, and for good reason. With calm swimmable beaches, short airport transfers, excellent all-inclusive resorts, and activities for all ages, it’s an ideal spot for traveling with kids.
If you’re searching for the best family-friendly resorts in Puerto Vallarta, this guide breaks down the top resorts families actually book, what makes them great for kids, and which ones offer the best value.
On a side note, read my story about how our rental van was towed in Puerto Vallarta (and avoid my mistake!).
Why Puerto Vallarta Is Perfect for Family Vacations
Families love Puerto Vallarta because it offers:
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Short, easy transfers from the airport
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Calm beaches (especially in Nuevo Vallarta)
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Excellent kid-friendly all-inclusive resorts
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Great pricing compared to Cancun or Riviera Maya
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Activities for toddlers, teens, and multi-generational groups
Whether you’re planning a spring break trip, summer vacation, Christmas getaway, or a multi-gen family trip, Puerto Vallarta delivers.
Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa (Nuevo Vallarta)
Best for: Families looking for the best value, spacious suites, and unbeatable child pricing
Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa is one of the most booked family-friendly resorts in Puerto Vallarta and a top choice for families traveling from Canada and the USA. It consistently ranks as one of the best Puerto Vallarta resorts for kids, especially for families with multiple children.
Why Paradise Village is one of the best family resorts in Puerto Vallarta:
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Child pricing for kids under 17 (one of the biggest money-savers in Puerto Vallarta)
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Large one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites — ideal for families who want space
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Calm, swimmable beach in Nuevo Vallarta, perfect for younger kids
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Delicious food with rotating themed nights and family-friendly entertainment
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On-site marina, shopping village, sports facilities, and activities
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Excellent value compared to similar all-inclusive family resorts in Mexico
Families love Paradise Village because it offers the space of a condo-style resort with the convenience of an all-inclusive. If you’re searching for the best family-friendly all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta, Paradise Village is often the top recommendation.
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta
Best for: Families wanting upscale amenities and top-tier service
Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is one of the best all-inclusive family resorts in Puerto Vallarta for travelers who want a more polished, luxury feel.
Highlights:
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Private cove beach (rare in Puerto Vallarta)
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Kids club + teen-friendly activities
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Multiple pools including family pools
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Excellent food quality compared to most all-inclusives
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Great for families with older kids and teens
This is a strong choice for families who want a higher-end experience while still being kid-friendly.
Dreams Vallarta Bay
Best for: Families who want resort + city access
Located close to downtown, Dreams Vallarta Bay is perfect for families who want easy access to the Malecón while staying at a full-service family resort.
Why it works for families:
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Kids Club + Teens Club
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Large family suites available
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Walkable location for excursions and sightseeing
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Nightly entertainment suitable for all ages
Dreams Vallarta Bay is a great option for families who want resort comfort with cultural experiences nearby.
Grand Palladium Vallarta Resort & Spa
Best for: Nature-loving families and quieter vacations
Set in a lush jungle location north of Puerto Vallarta, Grand Palladium Vallarta offers a more relaxed atmosphere for families.
Family-friendly features:
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Kids club and family activities
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Spacious rooms
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Calm beach areas
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Beautiful natural surroundings
This resort suits families who prefer a slower pace and less city activity.
Velas Vallarta Suites Resort
Best for: Multi-generational family trips
Velas Vallarta is one of the best family resorts in Puerto Vallarta for grandparents, parents, and kids traveling together.
Why it stands out:
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Large suites with kitchens
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Calm beach and expansive grounds
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Kid-friendly pools and activities
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Excellent service and consistent quality
It’s ideal for families needing extra space and comfort.
How to Choose the Best Family Resort in Puerto Vallarta
When choosing a resort, consider:
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Ages of your children (toddler vs teen needs)
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Room size requirements
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Budget and child pricing policies
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Resort location (Nuevo Vallarta vs downtown)
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Entertainment and kids club availability
Not every family resort fits every family—matching the resort to your travel style makes all the difference.
Plan Your Puerto Vallarta Family Vacation
Puerto Vallarta offers some of the best family-friendly resorts in Mexico, and choosing the right one can save you money, stress, and time.
If you’d like help comparing resorts, finding the best pricing (including child discounts), or planning excursions, I’d love to help you plan the perfect family getaway.
Reach out to start planning your Puerto Vallarta family vacation today.
Prefer looking on your own? Check out our No Borders Travel search engine. You can even book yourself, but when you choose me (Rachel Matthews) as the travel agent, I will send reminders, ensure the resort receives room and special requests, and help if there are any hiccups. I appreciate the support immensely!
Thanks so much for reading. Take care,
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best family-friendly resorts in Puerto Vallarta?
The best family-friendly resorts in Puerto Vallarta offer kid-friendly amenities, spacious rooms or suites, calm beaches, and good value for families. Top options include Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, Dreams Vallarta Bay, Velas Vallarta, and Grand Palladium Vallarta.
Is Puerto Vallarta good for family vacations?
Yes, Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for family vacations. It offers swimmable beaches, short airport transfers, family-friendly all-inclusive resorts, and activities for kids of all ages, making it a popular choice for families traveling from the USA and Canada.
Which area of Puerto Vallarta is best for families?
Nuevo Vallarta is often considered the best area for families because it has calmer beaches, newer family-friendly resorts, and larger room layouts. It is especially popular with families traveling with younger children.
Are there all-inclusive family resorts in Puerto Vallarta with child pricing?
Yes. Some all-inclusive family resorts in Puerto Vallarta, including Paradise Village Beach Resort & Spa, offer child pricing for kids under 17. This can significantly reduce the total cost of a family vacation.
What is the best all-inclusive family resort in Puerto Vallarta?
The best all-inclusive family resort in Puerto Vallarta depends on your family’s needs. Paradise Village is ideal for families wanting spacious suites and great child pricing, while Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta is better for families seeking a more upscale experience.
What is the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta with kids?
The best time to visit Puerto Vallarta with kids is between December and April for dry, warm weather. Summer months offer lower prices and good value for families but come with higher humidity.