10 Best Things To Do in Cebu, Philippines with Kids

The fastest way to reach Cebu is by plane. Cebu is an international destination with flights from Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Arrival is at the Mactan International Airport almost daily. From Manila, Cebu is just an hour away by plane. Therefore, you can easily come to Cebu with one click. The best time to visit Cebu is from December to May when it’s dry. It enjoys sunny days, cool nights and it is less humid at this time of the year. You shouldn’t go on the rainy season between June and August since it usually has heavy downpours and typhoons. Let’s start your journey with a family in Cebu.

If your family is animal-lover and wants to have fun, learning about various species in their habitat. You should visit the Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is a newly built attraction in Cebu. Here, you can discover various bird species such as the scarlet ibis, the red and blue lory, the Victoria crowned pigeon, and more! Especially, let your kids see a number of giraffes, Philippine deer, and llamas also live peacefully around the area. Get to explore the majestic sceneries around the adventure park, very much similar to the wildlife landscape of Africa, when you travel only 2 hours from Cebu City and approximately 2.5 hours from Mactan Island.

Cebu just opened a new theme park called Anjo World and Snow World that provide your kids to enjoy the magic of attractions like the Golden Carousel, Mr. Toad, and London Taxi and if Cebu weather is quite hot, then they can enter Snow World Cebu, the city’s first-ever world-class ice theme park. There you can romp around and play in the snow, marvel at intricate ice sculptures, and befriend the snowmen waddling around. This is definitely a must for families and friends looking for some quality time in Cebu and it’ll make any vacation there more memorable.

Cebu does not only have the beach with white sand along the seaside, but they also have many impressive places of landmark that you could bring your kids to come and see at least once time. Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño is Cebu’s holiest church houses a revered Flemish statuette of the Christ child (Santo Niño) that dates to Magellan’s time. On Sundays and Fridays, the street outside the church is closed to vehicular traffic, all-day outdoor masses are held and the basilica turns into a sea of pilgrims, water sellers and replica Santo Niño salespeople.

Another famous place in Cebu is Simala Shrine where thousands of devotees visit the shrine every week which located on Lindogon, Sibonga, Cebu. It will be an omission if you traveling to Cebu but haven’t visited this place for one time. Your kids may not really understand about the religion but should let them visit here since this is the beautiful structures, spacious and green environment. The sculptures and architecture inside Simala Shrine Church are also the most interesting things you can find and enjoy, aside from praying and showing devotion to the Virgin. Certainly, paintings on the ceilings, just like some of those you can find at Sistine Chapel in Rome, are quite conspicuous especially if you have that artistic taste for icons and religious symbols.

After a day to walk around the road to explore famous landmarks in Cebu, you should let the kids free with their kid-spirit at Sky Waterpark. Plunge into the cool waters and get to slide, swing, swirl at the family-friendly waterpark and enjoy its various amenities such as the swim-up pool bar, jacuzzi, and sun loungers. The fun doesn’t stop at the end of the day as Sky Waterpark turns into a space for live cultural shows such as fire dances and delectable international cuisine feasts on selected nights. You also can enjoy the water park with your kids like their friends. What a great moment for the whole family!

If you are tired of physical activities, you need to find a green and relaxing space for your kids. Cebu understands that and they have Celosia Flower Farm and Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary for all that you need. This place is known as the “Little Amsterdam” with the colorful flame-like celosia flowers in bloom all year round and many of a variety of tulips. After that, you also can visit the oldest butterfly sanctuary in the Philippines, Jumalon Butterfly Sanctuary, and see exotic insects. This also a chance to let your kids learn about these insects and their species with many interesting facts about the flora and fauna of the Philippines. 

Sailing on 2 hours yacht tour is the must-experience should try when you are in Cebu. Bringing your kids onboard the cruise then down the stream around the Mactan Channel, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the sunset as you sail. Together with your family, enjoy the warm tropical breeze and the salty smell of the sea, and indulge in free-flowing drinks throughout your cruise. Dig into a scrumptious dinner feast as you watch the golden sunset into the horizon and the city lights onshore begin to appear.

Don’t just go around Cebu, you can sail out to the sea and visit some nearby islands. Cebu Hilutungan, Nalusuan, and Caohagan Island are a few islands that you could consider to hop on. On the way to each island, you can swim with some tropical schools of fish, and observe big jack fishes, parrotfishes, and more passing by or just lie down with your kids on the boat and admire the panoramic views over the islands and beaches dotting the Olango Reef. You and your family will have a leisurely stroll along the shoreline and admire the picturesque bamboo cottages, don’t forget to take many photos here to save the best moment of your family in Cebu.

The island of Kalanggaman is famous for its crystal clear water, white powdery sand and long sandbars stretching on both sides of the island. The surrounding of the beach is really calm, safe and truly relaxing that’s why it’s suitable for family holidays or for a short weekend trip. When the sun is out and bright, so don’t forget to capture or take a dip in the island’s pristine waters along the stunning sandy-white beach. Walk along the path of the island’s long, spectacular sandbar or travel far and wide by feet on the cool limestone rocks washed by the beach water. Let’s take some family photos here with your loved ones and enjoy this time.

Cebu is quite well-known with clear beaches, white sand along the seaside and many beautiful islands nearby. That would be a great place for a family trip with your kids. Moreover, Cebu also has some landmarks and new build of attractions extremely family-friendly. Traveling to Cebu with kids will be more fun and convenience with many things to do.