We just booked a trip to Ixtapa, going in 2 weeks. Don't know anything about this area and am starting to do my research. Any tips of things to see and do (besides relaxing on the beach with a good book)? ? My partner gets a little restless after a day on the beach and needs to have the odd day trip planned.

Isle Ixtapa is a short boat ride to good, not great snorkeling but go early as it tends to cloud in the PM.
You really need to spend time in Zihuatanejo but a 7 peso or 55 peso cab away.
Great restaurants, beaches, shops etc, Two great out beaches are Barra de Potosi a lovely dirt road village with a 9 1/2 mile mostly empty beach, bur swimable with great seafood cafés, a lagoon with kayaks for rent, a wildlife preserve & a children's library. Stop at the library & if you feel moved leave a small donation. Founded by Dona Laura she almost single handedly built it. A true saint!
Troncones about 30 minutes North is a surfers Paradise on miles of empty beaches but not swimable.
Another great day trip is Petatlan where one of the few Gold Markets in Mexico exist. You can but pre made items or have your own design made at one of the many "talliers". Add in a unique all white church with a Jesus Negro said to preform miracles, a lively market, a nice town square & friendly folks. I spend a day here every trip.
Farther afield is Patzcuaro, Uruapan & Morelia all fabulous destinations with native crafts, national parks, unique architecture 4 to 6 hours away. Requires a overnight or longer trip.

Thank you for those great tips! ! I am now getting very excited to explore the area. How do we get to Barra de Potosi from our resort Il Presidente? When going to Petatlan do you take local buses or get a taxi to take you?

You can take a bus but it requires a transfer at La Chote to the back of a truck with bench seats. You take the Petatlan bus from Zihua.
A cab of course is a lot easier. You can make a deal for the day or one way. I highly recommend Margarito Sanchez Arroyo, a English speaking cabbie who grew up in Fresno Ca. He moved back to his native land a few years ago opening his taxi service with his father. Phone 755-124-2198.
You probably work a deal to visit both Potosi & Petatlan. Or check out a trip to Playa Valentino near Petatlan. This requires a boat trip to cross a lagoon to a fabulous beach populated by 2 brothers & their sister all in their 80s. The sister has never lived anywhere else. The only thing else there is a Turtle sanctuary but no other people. The lagoon is filled with huge gar fish that the locals dive for catching by hand,lovely & diverse wildlife & an occasional Crock. On our last trip we observed a Humpback whale "jump" 3 times about 100 yards off the shore.
Anyways he is a great guy, Tell him Sydney's friend Phil recommended him.

PS The Brother/sister will cook you lunch but it's always smart to take some food in case they have nothing to share. We usually take a couple of BBQed chickens along just in case the fishing has been poor.
Margarito's cell is 755-111-8726

Stewbear - do you think there is any chance of renting a villa with a pool for a week during our winter school break March 12-19? Where would these two young families go to check that out recognizing that they are a little behind in their planning? Two couples and two young toddlers - want some sun, swimming and access to shopping and doing their own food prep for breakfast and lunch. Thanks in advance for all your help and advice.

Where my home is (townhouses) some rent their units out but No kids allowed.
I would try http://www.paradise-properties.com.mx/ owner Judith Whitehead. Good Luck!