Things to Do in San Pancho With Your Kids - Adventure Awaits
- Mara
- Dec 9, 2025
- 6 min read
Beaches, wildlife tours, art classes, tasty cafés - this guide shares the best things to do in San Pancho with your kids for a fun family trip in paradise.
San Pancho, perched along Mexico's Riviera Nayarit just 40 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta, is a town that welcomes families looking to slow down and really savor each moment. This laid-back beach spot is all about connecting with nature and joining a warm, close-knit community. Golden sand beaches, lush jungle paths, delicious local eateries, and family-focused programs await travellers of all ages. Here’s a guide packed with local options of things to do in San Pancho with children so you can make memories together.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in San Pancho: Family Beaches to Explore
Playa San Pancho, the town’s main beach, stretches out wide and clean, lined with swaying palms and thick green jungle. That soft sand is perfect for tossing down a blanket or letting your little ones get busy building sandcastles! If you crave shade, friendly local vendors have umbrellas and loungers for rent, no need to pack your own.
The waves here break stronger than in Sayulita, so if someone in your family surfs (especially at an intermediate or advanced level), San Pancho’s fast beach break really delivers. Have younger kids who are eager to swim? Look where the crowds are in the water, but if waves are abundant it's better to take a pool dip. For a gentler ocean option for toddlers, hop in the car for a short drive to Lo de Marcos or Chacala. Both offer tranquil, protected bays where everyone can splash around at their own pace.
Staying at PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical puts you just a quick five minutes from the sands. Forget renting any gear, the hotel offers complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. Just pack your sunscreen and go!
Local Tours & Adventures
There’s so much to do together here! The town’s unique spot between ocean and jungle means you have adventures within arm’s reach. Travelling between December and March? Humpback whales pass right through Banderas Bay, and you can sometimes spot them from the shore. But for a closer view, take a boat tour—they’re easy to book and often include snorkeling at the Marietas Islands. Kids will love peeking at vibrant fish and sometimes even a curious sea turtle or two.
Ready for a jungle venture? Local guides like Santa Madre Adventures and Nayarit Wild set up hikes for every age. Choose a quick, easy stroll for younger kids or go for a longer trek like the Cerro del Mono climb—spectacular panoramic views await at the top. If you're keen on something new, don’t skip horseback riding. You can ride across jungle trails or right along the beach. Sunset rides? Simply unforgettable.
Bird-watching in San Pancho is a delight, especially if anyone in your group loves wildlife. The region sits right on a migratory path. Book a morning with a local guide and spot vibrant parrots, herons, and countless other birds. Even the youngest ones get a thrill watching these colorful creatures go about their day!
Things to Do in San Pancho: Kid-Friendly Restaurants & Snack Spots
For such a cozy town, San Pancho boasts a surprisingly lively food scene. Craving a classic street taco? Or maybe a refreshing vegan dish? How about Japanese-Mexican fusion? The town has it all. Most places have a low-key, family-friendly vibe, so you’ll feel right at home.
Start your taco journey at Taqueria Los Arbolitos, the prices are gentle, the salsas zing with freshness, and you won’t feel rushed. Over at Maria’s (locals call it Maria Bonita Restaurante), breakfast takes place on a leafy patio. Do yourself a favor and order the chilaquiles; it’s a family winner! Looking for lighter fare? At Itzalanyasayan, families savor hearty blue corn quesadillas stuffed with whatever fresh veggies are in season. Everything’s homemade, and the owners always have a smile for travellers.
If your crew loves a big breakfast, Casa Emilia is an excellent choice. Their menu ranges from bagels to omelettes, with plenty of vegetarian options. For dinner, stroll to Dolce Jardin (once Dolce Amore), the community’s go-to Italian stop. Pasta portions are generous—it’s smart to plan on sharing. A great tip for parents: it’s bring-your-own-alcohol, so you can keep meals affordable.
Restaurants cluster around Calle Tercer Mundo (that’s the town’s main strip), making it easy to wander, try new places, and be at the beach in minutes. Need personalized tips? PAL.MAR’s friendly team loves sharing their local favorites. Even better, you can download an exclusive food map created especially for guests—it’s a stress-saver!
Summer Camps & Activities for Younger Children
San Pancho is all about community, and the locals make sure to include kids in everything. The Entreamigos Community Center is a vibrant hub. They put on more than 600 classes and workshops every single year! Pick from art, dance, sports, swimming, English, and more. In summertime, two-week camps draw over 200 children for activities like theater, cultural exploration, and even hands-on tech projects. Ask about drop-in sessions, you’re welcome to join if space is available.
One of the most original programs is Circo de Los Niños de San Pancho. Here, kids try their hand at circus skills from acrobatics to dance. The creative energy is infectious, and with equipment donated by Cirque du Soleil’s own foundation, kids feel like stars. Over 150 young people train here, it’s a true local highlight!
A quick drive out to San Ignacio brings you to Casa Clu, a joyful recreation and learning space set up with playgrounds and communal gardens. Their mission? Giving all kids safe places to learn and thrive, even families from rural areas are welcome. Don’t hesitate to contact them for day passes or special activities.
All of these programs are about real connection. By joining in, your children not only have fun but also build real friendships with local kids and get a deeper sense of Mexican culture. When looking for things to do in San Pancho, these local programs provide more than memories, you bring back new perspectives that stay with you for the long run.
Immerse in Local Culture & Nature
For families wanting things to do in San Pancho that are truly enriching, San Pancho’s turtle project is a must. The Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde has helped more than a million baby turtles reach the ocean! From May through December, you can volunteer or simply join one of the evening release events at sunset. Kids don’t just get to watch adorable turtles, they learn about marine conservation right on the shore. The experience stays with them long after vacation ends.
If you’re in town on a Tuesday (November through June), don’t miss the weekly artisan market on the plaza. Here, families nibble organic treats, chat with local crafters, and get swept up in the lively atmosphere. It’s a friendly place to pick up handmade souvenirs or just enjoy the hustle and bustle together.
Interested in giving back? Plenty of volunteering opportunities are available. Join Entreamigos, pitch in at the turtle project, or help at a workshop. Just a few hours can make your family’s travels more meaningful, and it’s a wonderful way to connect more deeply with San Pancho.
Plan Your Next Family Adventure
San Pancho is more than a beach, it’s a welcoming community with abundant adventure, fresh food, and a pace that invites you to slow down. The whole town is walkable, daily sunsets are friendly get-togethers, and the local spirit is contagious.
PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical sits right at the heart of it all, three blocks from the waves and a stone’s throw from shops and restaurants. Every suite comes with a stocked kitchen and dining nook (super handy for families who want to cook), plus access to a heated pool, loungers, and free beach equipment. It couldn’t be easier to settle in and start exploring!
With ocean fun, jungle hikes, artisan markets, and local traditions, there are plenty of things to do in San Pancho. Let PAL.MAR Hotel Tropical be your home base. You’ll have everything you need to make incredible family memories in this special corner of Mexico!
