Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Raising two young children in Puerto Vallarta, our family has become somewhat expert in local fun for kids, especially as ours aren't shy to share their opinions about what is cool and what isn't. Here are a few activities that our kids give a top mark to add to your list of Vallarta family fun adventures.

Pirate Ship Vallarta: this swash-buckling tour takes your family on an authentic wooden galleon for fun times on the high seas, perfect for adults and little matey's alike. Choose from a day tour which visits Majahuitas Island for beach and ocean activities like snorkeling, kayaking and banana boat rides, beach volleyball and treasure hunts, or the night tour which features their famous live-action pirate show complete with fireworks. Both tours come with meal service/open bar and Pirate Ship Vallarta runs frequent promotions including "Kids Free" days and discounted prices when you book directly online.

Jumping Time: there is nothing better for burning off some extra energy than a trampoline park and this one, located in the Galerias Shopping Center, is perfect for toddlers and big kids alike. Open daily from 11:00 am, this is the ideal indoor activity during the hottest days of summer or to ward off rainy day boredom.

Barracuda Restaurant: if you are like our family, finding ways to enjoy eating out as a family without resorting to keeping kids plugged into tablets for entertainment can be a challenge. Barracuda, located on Playa de Camarones, serves some of the best seafood in town with tables right on the beach, so kids can build sandcastles or chase waves on the shore, before and after their lunch or dinner.

La Isla Shopping Plaza: with family-friendly restaurants, a miniature fun park for smaller children, turtle and fish ponds to explore, gondola tours through the canal that winds through the center, a VIP movie theater and an H&M featuring large kids departments for little fashionistas, there is always something at La Isla for kids of every age.

Puerto Vallarta is such a family-friendly city and love raising our children here. If you're considering making a move to Puerto Vallarta or the greater Banderas Bay area, please contact me for information on great neighborhoods to consider that are close to schools and other family lifestyle amenities.