Lake Chapala with children?

Hello,

We are in the early stages of planning our trip. We have 5 children and are wondering if there are any activities/things to do geared towards children in the area?

Thanks so much!

There is a pool and theaters in the local vicinity and lots of other things to do if you don't mind driving. There are zip lines, ATVs, horses, hikes, funky towns, a zoo, etc. within a 2 hour perimeter. How old are the kids?

Thanks so much for the reply! :) They are 13, 12, 9, 5 and 3.

I am sure you will find activities they will all enjoy.

If you are willing to drive, there is a lot in Guad. Mazamitla has a park with some outdoor activities.

Locally, it depends on their interests. There are playgrounds. Chapala has a skateboarding park. The thermal waters in San Juan have a children's area. Many of the restaurants out that way have play areas for kids, as well.

Mine get bored on a regular basis, but have friends. If you are only here a couple weeks, you will have plenty to keep them occupied. After a few months, they start getting bored, from my experience.

Mine are 14 and 6.

Thanks!!

Sadly we will only be able to stay a week...so it sounds like there will be enough to keep them entertained. :)

While we have never visited the Guadalajara Zoo, there have been superb reports on this facility. Here is a link to their website:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=auto&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zooguadalajara.com.mx%2F
I did it through a translator program in case your Spanish isn't all that good. It isn't a comprehensive or complete translation but you should be able to get some ideas.

Thanks, that looks great!! :)

The zoo is great and there is an amusement type park next to it. The zoo has a little train you can take or you can walk all over in pretty surroundings and see the canyon too while you have lunch there.

The zoo is fantastic! And very affordable.

Definitely lots to do with kids.

Thanks all! I've looked into the Zoo and it's a must now! The kids have seen videos on youtube...it looks huge! Way bigger than any zoo near us!

Thanks so much for the tip, I never would have known about it. :)

They probaably would enjoy riding horses in La Floresta as well.

There's horseback riding nearby? *I* would love that!! Is there a website?

no web site but go to lower La Floresta and the guys who rent horses or take kids and people on rides are there everyday. Kids love the rides.

I think they would enjoy the 15 minute boat ride to Mescala Island and hiking and exploring the battlements and ruins of the old church and prison. That, followed by a late lunch at Focaccia Restaurante Italiano (closed Tuesday) would be a pleasant and memorable afternoon.

Here's a link: http://cookjmex.blogspot.com/2008/02/mezcala-doorway-to-dramatic-history.html

Here is a link to my post on Mezcala Island complete with pics...

http://lakechapalainfo.forumotion.net/t1148-mezcala-island

In fact if you look under here http://lakechapalainfo.forumotion.net/f5-jalisco you will find all sorts of posts on various "things to do" complete with pictures.

You might also enjoy reading some of the excellent blog posts on the following:
http://cookjmex.blogspot.com/

There is a great deal of excellent information along with some excellent photography. In the right hand column, you will see various categories providing topics on various areas.

Lots of great info. Thanks so much! Very helpful...lots of good ideas now... :)