Cebu with kids: easy beaches and family fun

Cebu is a lovely place to travel with children. Filipinos are warm and welcoming to families, the sea is warm all year, and there are calm beaches, easy boat trips and fun outings for every age. Long journeys and the heat are the main challenges, so a little planning goes a long way.

Easy beaches for families

• Mactan: close to the airport, with many resorts that have pools, calm beach areas and kids' activities. Great for the first and last nights of a trip.
• Bantayan Island: soft white sand and shallow, calm water around Santa Fe. A good choice for slow beach days.
• Lambug Beach in Badian: a wide, quiet beach with gentle water on calm days.
• White Beach in Moalboal: a sandy beach with clear water, near the famous sardine run.
• Sumilon Island off Oslob: a pretty sandbar reached by a short boat ride.

Always check the water before swimming. Tides, waves and currents change, and many beaches have no lifeguards.

Fun and safe activities

• Snorkelling: older kids can see fish and turtles close to shore. Bring a child-size life vest and mask. See snorkelling in Cebu.
• Island hopping: a short boat trip from Mactan to marine sanctuaries and small islands is a fun day out. Check that there are life jackets in children's sizes. Read island hopping in Cebu.
• Birdwatching: the wetlands of Olango Island are a stop for migratory birds, especially in the cooler months.
• History walks: the old fort, Magellan's Cross and the basilica in Cebu City are close together and make a short, interesting outing.
• Cool hills: Busay in the hills above Cebu City has viewpoints, gardens and cooler air.
• Waterfalls: Kawasan Falls has big pools for swimming. Use life vests, which are available there, and stay close.

Canyoneering is exciting for teenagers, but operators set age and fitness limits. Read our canyoneering guide and ask before you book.

Getting around with kids

• Car seats are rare in taxis and Grab cars. Bring a light travel car seat if your child needs one, or book a private car and ask in advance.
• Long bus rides to the south or north take several hours. Hire a private car with driver if your budget allows, and stop for breaks.
• Strollers are hard to use on uneven pavements and sand. A baby carrier is easier.
• Plan short travel days and avoid rush hour in Metro Cebu, roughly 7 to 9 am and 5 to 8 pm.
• See getting around Cebu for transport options.

Health and comfort

• Sun and heat: use sunscreen, hats and rash guards, and plan activities in the morning and late afternoon.
• Water: drink bottled or filtered water, and keep kids drinking through the day.
• Mosquitoes: use repellent, especially at dusk, as dengue is present in the Philippines.
• Food: rice, grilled chicken, fruit and noodles are easy wins with children. Malls have familiar food too.
• Supplies: nappies, baby food and medicines are easy to buy in Cebu City malls, supermarkets and pharmacies, but harder to find on small islands. Stock up first.
• Bring a small first-aid kit with plasters, rehydration salts and any medicine your child takes.

A sample family plan

For a relaxed week, spend two nights on Mactan to rest after the flight, with a short island-hopping trip. Then move to Moalboal or Bantayan for three or four nights of beach time and easy snorkelling. On the way back, stop in Cebu City for a morning of history and a lechon lunch. Keep one day free in case someone is tired, or the weather turns.

Where to stay

Families often enjoy a mix: a resort with a pool on Mactan, and a few nights in a quieter beach town. Look for family rooms or connecting rooms, and ask if cots are available. On small islands, check that there is a clinic nearby. For ideas, see where to stay in Cebu.

Good to know

• Carry cash in small notes. Many beaches and islands charge small entrance or environmental fees.
• Weekends and holidays are busy at popular spots. Go on weekdays if you can.
• From about June to November, rough weather can cancel boats. Keep plans flexible.
• Pack swimwear and a change of clothes for every outing.

Packing for the family? Our Cebu packing list and best time to visit guides will help you plan.

Photo: "Beach Bantayan Children 2017" by Øyvind Holmstad, via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.