Puerto Vallarta Kids and Family

Cravings: Nopales: At first glance, there is nothing particularly exciting about this rather unattractive, prickly vegetable. And yet, the unassuming cactus, or nopal as it is known locally, packs quite the star power. Native to Mexico, it was deeply entrenched in Aztec mythology, called “the plant of life” for its ability to produce a brand-new offspring from an old, dying specimen.

Mexican Collectibles: Harkening back to an era when no respectable soft drink would be sold in a can or plastic bottle, Lee and Nancy Chapman’s “Vintage Refresco Collection” of 198 unopened Mexican soda bottles makes a nostalgic statement in their Puerto Vallarta home.

Hot Spot: El Pitillal Plaza: Thanks to modern conveniences, most of us today can tootle along major supermarket aisles and shopping centers finding just about every item we could possibly require on a day-to-day basis. This was not always the case, however, as exemplified today by the small-town charm of Pitillal Plaza.

Military Macaws: Military Macaws, or guacamayas as they are known locally, are a class of medium-sized parrots native to Mexico, Central and South America. Not quite as colorful as some of the larger members of the macaw family, the Military Macaws are equally impressive.

La Piñata: The Soul of a Mexican Fiesta: Piñatas are the very soul of children’s parties in Mexico. All youngsters wait impatiently for the moment they can try to break this model made of papier mache and metal, its belly a clay pot filled with candies. This folk art attracts not only children; adults also fall under its colorful spell when it appears at a Christmas party or even sometimes at a wedding.

Empowering the Youth of Banderas Bay: Today’s young people hold the future in their hands. Yet the Mexican educational system alone is not equipped to prepare them to benefit from and cope with the challenges and opportunities inherent in Vallarta, which is experiencing largescale tourism and development.

Marvel of the Sea: Long before jet skis and condominiums, ATVs and fishing trawlers, female sea turtles crawled from the oceans and bays along the Pacific coast of Mexico to fling away loose sand and construct their nests.

Best Storyteller: Lee “Lencho” Chapmpman: Oral and written storytelling traditions are well and good, but painting blueprints for the imagination in his folkloric “Lencho” style is the one that comes most naturally to this teller of tales.

Best New Canine Congregation: Daiquiri Dick’s Pet Picnic: Dogs ruled in December at PV’s first-ever charity picnic designed just for them, canines big and small and some 60 devoted owners sharing good times and delicious doggie bag lunches on the beach. The brainchild of videographer Laura Gelezunas and restaurant owners Peter and Tari Bowman, it shows that working out sparks great ideas.

Best Place to Develop a Green Thumb: Botanical Gardens: Historically, a garden was not only an escape from the enclosed interiors of impersonal construction, but also a way of creating an Eden by including Mother Nature in the embracing environment. Bob Price of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens focuses on “bringing native Mexican plants into safe contact with us so we can see them face to face.”

Dolphin Swim: Symbols of freedom, grace and serenity, dolphins have a universal appeal. Admired for centuries, these sea mammals were once seen as saviors of the seas, reputed to rescue drowning sailors. Today we celebrate their intelligence and extraordinary qualities, and those fortunate enough to swim or play with these intriguing creatures find it a fascinating experience.

Puerto Vallarta Navy Museum Opens Its Doors: Puerto Vallarta's brand-new Navy Museum and Naval Historical Center opened its doors this week in El Centro next to Los Arcos. Discover this new attraction that will allow you to learn more about Mexico's maritime history, as well as that of other cultures.

What’s in a Name, Anyway?: What’s in a name? Well, at the video store, a clue as to what movie we’re holding in our hands would be nice! Most of the movies in Puerto Vallarta were made in English and then translated for the Mexican market - and we certainly don’t mean literally - their titles sometimes differ so vastly from the originals that they boggle the mind.

Dim the Lights: There’s something special about going to the movies – and now there are myriad options in Vallarta, so plan to settle down in the dark and enjoy the show!