Traveling with a 3-Year-Old and 10-Month-Old isn’t a vacation—it’s a change of scenery. But in Puerto Vallarta, it’s a change worth making. We recently spent a week at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa in the Marina area with our children and here’s the honest breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and why we’d do it again.

Why We Chose the Marriott Marina

Location and convenience were key. We didn’t want to be downtown in the middle of the hustle, but we didn’t want to feel isolated either. The Marriott’s spot in the Marina hit that balance. It’s 5 minutes from the airport (huge win with small kids), walkable to restaurants and shops, and still feels like a real resort. Plus, they had cribs available, a kids’ pool, and a vibe that made us feel like having kids in tow wouldn’t be so difficult.

The Room Setup

We booked an ocean-view room with a charming balcony, and while we were understandably nervous about the available space (hotel rooms combined with babies can create quite a tight squeeze), it surprisingly worked out well for our needs. The crib fit easily in the designated area. The balcony provided us with a lovely space to enjoy during naps and early bedtimes, allowing us to feel less confined and more relaxed. Mamma tip: be sure to ask for a room on a higher floor to enjoy some gentle breeze and take in the stunning views—the sunsets were truly breathtaking and not to be missed.

The Pool Scene

The infinity pool featured a shallow end that was not only perfect for toddlers but also a great area for parents to relax while keeping an eye on their little ones. Additionally, there was a separate kids' pool that our 3-year-old enjoyed immensely, splashing around with delight. There were plenty of umbrellas available for shade, ensuring that both kids and adults could stay cool and comfortable under the warm sun. The staff were incredibly attentive and friendly, bringing out fresh towels and offering refreshing water throughout the day—truly exceptional service that made our time by the pool even more enjoyable.

The Food

Breakfast at the buffet was a true lifesaver for our busy family. They offered a wide variety of fresh fruit, delicious pancakes, smooth yogurt, and well-cooked eggs—all great kid-friendly options that appealed to both adults and kids alike. We also enjoyed a few casual dinners on-site, and the staff didn't bat an eye when we rolled in with our stroller and two tired kids in tow, making the experience wonderfully stress-free for us as parents.

The Location

One of the biggest perks of staying at the Marriott in the Marina was how easy it made our evenings. After long pool days and nap schedules, we didn’t always have the energy (or courage) to wrangle two small kids into a taxi or venture downtown. Luckily, we didn’t have to.

Being in the Marina meant we could take short stroller walks right from the resort, often with a warm breeze and the sounds of boats rocking in their slips. The Marina Vallarta boardwalk is quiet, flat, and full of little discoveries for toddlers—colorful fishing boats, statues of sea creatures, and friendly shop cats lounging in doorways.

There were plenty of moments when we just needed a quick outing before bedtime—and the Marina delivered. We’d grab ice cream or paletas from a local stand and watch the pelicans dive into the water. Our 3-year-old loved pointing out the different boats and we appreciated not needing to plan anything too involved.

One evening, we had a casual, delicious dinner at Victor’s Place Café Tacuba, a no-frills, family-friendly spot just a short walk from the hotel. It’s the kind of place where locals and tourists blend in, and where you’ll likely be offered a welcome tequila shot before you even sit down. The staff was incredibly kind to the kids—offering smaller plates, bringing out rice and beans right away, and not even flinching when our baby tossed a spoon and food on the floor.

The food was exactly what we wanted—fresh guacamole, shrimp ceviche, rellenos and of course steak and fries for our 3 year old. We didn’t have to rush, didn’t feel like we were bothering anyone, and were back in our room in less than 10 minutes when the baby started to melt down. Perfect.

These simple outings—walks, ice cream, a no-pressure dinner—ended up being some of our favorite memories. The Marina gave us just enough outside-the-resort feel, without the exhaustion of dragging everyone into a cab or managing full-day plans.

One pleasant evening, we decided to venture out of the resort and make our way into the charming Romantic Zone for a delightful dinner at La Palapa, a highly praised beachfront restaurant we had heard many great things about from fellow travelers. We brought both of our kids along for the adventure, took our time strolling along the picturesque Malecón for a bit, and arrived just in time, right before the breathtaking sunset.

To our pleasant surprise, La Palapa proved to be completely welcoming to families. They quickly brought out a high chair for the Lucca, stored our cars seat since we took an uber, didn’t flinch at the sight of our stroller, and offered a thoughtful kid-friendly menu that made dining with young children much easier. We ordered delicious coconut shrimp and fresh mahi-mahi for ourselves, along with tasty grilled shrimp and fresh fruit for the kids, and settled comfortably into our table right on the sand as the sun began to set beautifully over the bay.

It ended up being one of our favorite nights of the trip—wonderful food, live music playing softly in the background, and the kind of relaxed, laid-back atmosphere where kids could happily play in the sand between courses. While it wasn’t quiet or romantic in the traditional sense, it possessed a relaxed beauty all its own. If you're comfortable navigating the joys and challenges of dinner out with little ones, this welcoming spot is absolutely doable and highly recommended.

The Adventure Day

One of the highlights of our trip was booking a full-day catamaran excursion with the whole family. We weren’t sure how it would go with a baby and toddler in tow, but it ended up being one of the most memorable (and surprisingly manageable) days of our vacation.

The trip included snorkeling at Majahuitas, lunch on the beach, and a visit to the small coastal village of Yelapa—all only accessible by boat. We packed sun hats, snacks, a carrier for the baby, and crossed our fingers.

As soon as we got on the water, the magic started. We saw dolphins swimming alongside the boat, and further out, a couple of whales surfaced in the distance, drawing gasps from everyone on board, even our 3-year-old was wide-eyed and excited. On the way back, we spotted giant jellyfish drifting just below the surface—beautiful and a little spooky.

Our first stop was Yelapa, a tiny beach town with no roads, only cobblestone paths and ATVs. We walked through the village slowly with the baby in the carrier, greeted shop cats, and browsed small stands selling handmade jewelry and woven bags. At the beach, our toddler ran into the waves while we took turns sipping icy drinks from plastic chairs in the sand.

At Majahuitas, the water was incredibly clear and calm, making it ideal for snorkeling. We took turns jumping in—one of us stayed back with the kids while the other explored the reef and fish below. There was no pressure and the crew was amazing with families, offering help carrying bags, keeping the kids entertained, and pointing out wildlife from the boat.

After snorkeling, we went ashore for lunch at Majahuitas Beach Club, tucked beneath palm trees with ocean views and sand underfoot. We had fish tacos, grilled veggies, and fresh guacamole, while the kids munched on fries, fruit, and quesadillas. There was plenty of room to spread out, and the laid-back vibe made it feel like an actual break—not just a parent meal on-the-go.

By the time we got back on the catamaran, both kids were snoozing in our laps under a shaded canopy while the crew played soft music and passed out margaritas and juice boxes. It was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation—just enough excitement for us, just enough comfort for the kids.

If you’re traveling to Puerto Vallarta with little ones and are craving something beyond the resort, this day trip struck the perfect balance of nature, culture, and family-friendly fun. We’d 100% do it again.

What to Know Before You Go

• Bring a lightweight stroller. The resort paths are stroller-friendly, and it’s a must for airport and Marina walks.

• Stick to a loose routine. We tried to keep naps somewhat on schedule, but let bedtime slide so we could enjoy the evenings.

• Book airport transfers in advance. Getting two car seats into a random cab? No thanks.

• Pack more swim diapers than you think. Seriously. They weren’t the easiest to find if you stop at a store.

• If your kids are old enough enroll them into the kids club activities. Ours weren’t old enough to join but it looked like fun.

Final Take

Traveling to Puerto Vallarta with two little ones wasn’t easy—but it was worth it. The Marriott Marina gave us just enough comfort, convenience, and flexibility to relax (a little) while making memories. Our 3-year-old still talks about the “big pool” and we actually got a few quiet moments by the ocean.

If you’re thinking about a family-friendly spot that doesn’t sacrifice location or comfort, this is a solid choice. And if you can swing it, sneak in a romantic dinner or a low-key adventure on the water. Puerto Vallarta has so much to offer beyond the resort walls—yes, even with babies.