Family Vacationers Seek Quality Time In Mexico
By Erick Laseca
For those looking for something a little out of the ordinary, various destinations in Mexico offer a wide array of amenities, prices and activities catered to adults and children alike.

PUERTO VALLARTA
Velas Vallarta features ideal family-style accommodations. This beach-front resort, located in Marina Vallarta, offers a year-round complimentary children's program including a Kids Club for children 4 to 12 years old. The beautifully landscaped grounds, which include flowered walkways and rustic bridges, make this location a true family paradise. For more information, contact 1-800-VELAS –PV.

For those that enjoy larger family-friendly resorts, La Jolla de Mismaloya in Puerto Vallarta features 303 luxurious suites with private terraces and an exceptional program for kids ages 5 to 11. The program features handicrafts, painting, singing, beach soccer, bingo, piñatas, treasure hunts, a kid's parade, bobbing for apples and more.

What to Do
Vallarta Adventure Tours offers an opportunity for families to swim with dolphins at the Nuevo Vallarta Dolphin Center, watch Humpback whales at the Marietas Islands, take a brief flight up to the 16th century mining village of San Sebastian, explore the Sierra Madre foothills or simply relax on the pristine beach of Caletas.

CABO SAN LUCAS, SAN JOSE DEL CABO AND LA PAZ
Fiesta Americana Grand offers a program known as Fiesta Kids. Specially designed for children, the activities include arts and crafts, table games and access to an air-conditioned area with television programs playing for kids. The resort also features a game room and arcade and provides babysitting services and cribs upon request.

Families looking for a little diversity can enjoy Hotel Cabo San Lucas where a variety of unique children's activities and programs are available. Families can participate in a marine biology tour of the tide pool, sign up for a day of whale watching, play doubles on the tennis courts, sail, parasail, or even discover hidden trails on horseback.

What to Do
Several local excursions are great for families interested in experiencing the rich eco-tourism offerings of the area.

The Baja Adventure Company offers whale watching trips, diving adventures and kayaking expeditions on Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.

Santiago Zoo: This small but well maintained zoo is located in Miraflores (about 30 minutes north of San Jose del Cabo). Residents of Parque Zoologico include petcarts, bears, coyotes, foxes, monkeys, parrots, and ducks, some which are Cape Region natives. The park is open daily 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. in summer and admission is free.

ACAPULCO
Fiesta Americana Condesa Acapulco caters to families with on-site children's activities and a Fiesta Kids Club program in the summer. Located right on the beach in the center of downtown Acapulco, families can easily stroll around town visiting many of the dozens of restaurants, stores and arts and craft shops.

At

the Radisson Resort Acapulco you’ll find a spectacular view of the Acapulco Bay from the private beach, two swimming pools, and a children's wading pool. A tramway takes you from the lobby down to the guestrooms and pool.

What to Do
Parque Papagayo - This Pacific port playground is a kid’s delight and adults will love it too. It features a 52-acre playing field filled with an aviary, roller skating rink, mini racetrack, bumper boats, and replica of a space ship. Located at Costera Miguel Aleman, the park is open daily from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Call 011-52-7-485-9623 for more information.

Swim with the dolphins, watch seal shows and glide down water slides at Cici Water Park. It’s located along the Costera Miguel Aleman, and open daily from 10-6. Call 011-52-7-484-8210 for more information.

CANCUN
Hyatt Regency offers something different and fun for kids: Camp Hyatt. This recreational program is designed exclusively for Hyatt guests 3 - 12 years old and includes a pin, t-shirt, hat, beverages and a special meal created by the Camp Hyatt chef. Activities are offered Tuesday - Sunday, with two sessions daily: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. Prices range from $10 per child per session, or $15 for a full day. Other fun activities for kids include a game room, arcade and a private children's pool.

Aquamarina Beach Hotel offers all-inclusive family accommodations with services such as a Children's Club, where kids can play miniature golf right at the hotel. Up to two children aged 11 or younger stay free at the hotel with at least two accompanying adults.

What to Do
Yucatan Ecotourism & Adventure Tours: Children can experience an adventure through bird watching, Mayan ruin exploration, jungle trekking, kayaking, scuba diving & snorkeling, swimming with dolphins and wildlife observing.

Xcaret ecological theme park is sure to amaze the entire family. Just a short drive away from the hotel zone, families can participate in a myriad of activities including swimming with dolphins, snorkeling, visiting turtle hatcheries, floating down rivers and watching displays of ancient Mayan dances.

About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) brings together the resources of federal and state governments, municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico's tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999, the MTB is Mexico’s tourism promotion agency, and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Latin America.

# # #

Erick Laseca
Mexico Tourism Board
312-228-0517 ext 14
erick.laseca@bm.com
http://www.visitmexicopress.com

Erick LasecaMexico Tourism Board312-228-0517 ext 14erick.laseca@bm.comwww.visitmexicopress.com