Owning a vacation home in one of the most beautiful locations in Mexico has many advantages, not least of all being surrounded by a host of activities to keep our kids happy and fully entertained. Here are just some of the ways you can surprise and delight your children when you become an owner at Garza Blanca Signature Residences.
Resort Activities
Owning real estate on the Garza Blanca Preserve means that you can also take advantage of the resort facilities and activities program. What that means for your children is adventure on your doorstep. Three swimming pools, kayaks, paddle boards, snorkeling gear and a beautiful beach that is safe for swimming and sandcastles are on offer to residents any day of the year. Likewise, your children can take part in the many kids’ activities such as pebble painting, mini-hiking, plant a tree, tennis and more.
Walks to Las Animas Beach
A hike to Las Animas is a great all round day trip as it combines time with the kids with some chill-out mom and dad time. In order to do this you’ll need to head along the South Shore highway (Carretera a Barra de Navidad) from the Garza Blanca resort for about 10 minutes until you reach Boca de Tomatlan. Once you arrive, head to the south side of the river where you will find the path that leads along the coast towards Las Animas Beach. This coastal path gives great views, is fairly easy to walk, and will take you by many wonderful plants, hidden beaches, tropical birds and even a small river.
This hike is manageable for children of 5 or over, but the real magic comes when you get to Las Animas by one means or another (you can get an organized tour to bring you here, too). The great pier, clear waters, waterfall (found at the south end) and abundance of fish make this beach just perfect for kids of all ages. They can snorkel, swim, jump from the pier, feed the fish, and make new friends, and when they’re hungry there are great restaurants just nearby. Everything needed to satisfy even the most demanding of kids.
Rio Cuale
There are some places that just don’t get enough good press, and the area called Isla Rio Cuale (found in the heart of downtown Puerto Vallarta) is one such place. Designed by the municipality of Puerto Vallarta in the 70’s as a place for kids to let loose and be kids, Isla Rio Cuale is a water locked strip of land which is isolated by the natural braiding of the River Cuale. On this island you’ll find a cultural center, flea market, a statue of John Huston, and a startling number of friendly domestic cats who are cared for by animal lovers in the locality. You can reach this island via two hanging bridges that generally prove popular with the kids.
El Rio BBQ
If you find yourself caught by a day of “what to do?” then you can be sure that the El Rio BBQ will delight your kids, and yourself for that matter. This is an inland hidden gem which can be reached really easily by following a bumpy road off the Libramiento bypass. When you get there you are sure to be delighted not only by the menu, but by your surroundings. The grounds are impeccably kept and there is a low lying river which means kids can make sandcastles, play on the rope swing and even swim if they wish. There’s also a resident dog who loves to play! This means that while you and your lover kick back, enjoy a few cocktails and enjoy your vacation you can rest easy knowing your kids are safe, well-fed and having load of fun!
Charity
We all want to spoil our kids now and then, to give us things we might not have had when we were there age, and this is especially the way of it when we’re on vacation. Nonetheless, it’s just as key to show our kids how lucky they are, and it’s possible to do so and spend time together while in Puerto Vallarta. There are plenty of charities and organizations who would be happy for the help. Purr project, Corazon de Nina Children’s home, Casa Hogar Maximo Cornejo Orphanage and the DIF old age home are all stellar examples.