“PV Loves Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Fun-Filled Days”

It is day three of your vacation and your family has exhausted the resort’s activities. The sun has given them a tan, their fingertips look like raisins, the menu has been memorized, and you are tempted to add a second vacation to recover from this one.

Need some creative ways to continue the fun and dare I say, make it educational and enriching?

Just climb aboard a bus headed in any direction and you will find a city that wants to share its rich culture, history and traditions with you. Below are some fun-filled ways to get involved.


Art & Entertainment
PV has it all from city tours to Mexican fiestas, from pirate ships to art walks. While you’re enjoying these, talk with your child about the sights and sounds he experiences.


Suggestions
• Buy a sketch book and art supplies from a local vendor, Wal-Mart or Office Depot. Ask your child if she can duplicate the certain things on your tour.
• Keep a daily journal of your travels or a Family Blog. Reward those who are faithful with entries.
• Find out about the Huichol culture and purchase an art piece to take home.
• Join the community by dancing in the Presidencia Square on Sunday evenings at 7 pm.
• Read about the Maya civilization (Vallarta Tribune, March 20-26, 2011, Issue 728).
• Learn Spanish or take a Mexican cooking class (www.mymexicankitchen.com).
• Plan a Photographic Scavenger Hunt using this starter list:
Mexican Flag
Iguana
Number written in Spanish
Musician
Someone bicycling
Soccer ball
Banderas Bay map
Whale
New friends
Sierra Madre Mountain Range


Community Involvement
Kids love kids and making friends here is very easy.

Suggestions
• Invite new friends to share a meal.
• Volunteer or donate supplies for local charities such as P.E.A.C.E. (www.peacemexico.org) and Families of Esperanza (www.familiesatthedump.org).
• Help a child with homework and reading (www.puertovallartaorphanage.org).
• Take photographs and write about your experiences on your family blog.
• Start a discussion about thankfulness and how you can get involved in your community.
• Read children’s books in Spanish and English at the local library (Biblioteca Los Mangos near Costco).



Nature and Animals
Celebrate Earth Day (April 22) everyday by helping us to take care of our environment. Look for ways to recycle, reuse and dispose of trash responsibly.

Suggestions
• Make a photographic journal as you hike, fish or horseback ride.
• Visit the Botanical Gardens (12 miles south of PV on Hwy. 200).
• Have a “Trash Contest” by seeing who can pick up the most items.
• Purchase souvenirs that have been made from recycled products.
• Walk or ride a bike to your destination.
• Limit the amount of water you use and turn off lights.
• Take pictures of the unique plants and wildlife.
• Join the “Adopt an Animal” program at the Vallarta Zoo (zoologicodevallarta.com).
• Volunteer or donate to groups such as Grupo Ecologico de Puerto Vallarta A.C.
• Help a community group clean the beach or assist animals (www.peacemexico.org).
• Count how many constellations you can see on a clear night.


Bay of Banderas
The water-related activities here are vast. Take time to go boating, kayaking, parasailing, scuba diving or snorkeling. While you’re at it, sneak in some fun facts.

Trivia
• What does “Bahia de Banderas” mean? (Bay of Flags)
• What is the largest ray in the bay that is harmless to people? (Giant Manta Ray)
• What ray has a whip-like tail and a poisonous spine? (Spotted Eagle Ray and don’t worry, it likes to dine on crustaceans and mollusks at the bottom of the ocean.)
• What creature has 6 arms, 2 legs and can grow up to 3 feet (.91 m) long? (Octopus)
• What type of dolphins visit our bay? (Bottlenose)
• What months can you see the dolphins? (April-December)
• Which whales come here to give birth and nurse their calves? (Humpback Whales)
• When can you see the whales here? (December-March)
• What creature has a sharp hook on the tip of its beak? (Hawksbill Turtle)
(Information taken from www.marinamismaloya.com.)

Sporty/Adventure
It’s true; we have our fair share of Canopy tours, ATVs, and jungle adventures that expose you to another side of Mexico. While you’re out for the day, try some of these ideas.

Suggestions
• Take a picture of your family with new friends.
• Make photo journal of unique birds and insects.
• Go for a swim in the fresh mountain water pools.

Enjoy this time with your family learning about the Mexican people and customs. The impression will last a lifetime and who knows, you may have enough material for the next “What I Did on My Mexican Vacation” school report.