Cebu is a beautiful city in the Philippines that offers a range of activities and attractions for families with kids. As the most well-known Philippine city after Manila (and the oldest city in the country), Cebu should be part of your travel to the Philippines with kids. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will explore the best things to do, places to go, where to stay, where to eat, when to go, how long to stay, family itinerary, and how to get around Cebu with kids.
Things to Do in Cebu with Kids
Cebu is a great place to visit with kids. There are many activities and attractions that are perfect for families.
- Visit the Magellan’s Cross: The Magellan’s Cross is a wooden cross that is said to have been planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Cebu’s history.
- Visit the Taoist Temple: The Taoist Temple is a beautiful temple located in Cebu City. It is a great place to learn about Chinese culture and religion.
- Take a boat trip to Oslob: Oslob is a small town located in southern Cebu. It is known for its whale sharks, which can be seen swimming in the waters near the town.
- Go hiking in the mountains: Cebu is home to a number of mountains, including Osmeña Peak and Mount Kanlaon. Hiking in the mountains is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Visit the waterfalls: Cebu is home to a number of waterfalls, including Kawasan Falls and Tumalog Falls. Swimming in the waterfalls is a great way to cool off on a hot day.
- Go island hopping: Cebu is home to a number of islands, including Malapascua Island and Bantayan Island. Island hopping is a great way to see the different islands and enjoy the beaches.
- Go diving or snorkeling: Cebu is a great place to go diving or snorkeling. There are several dive sites around the island, including Apo Island and Moalboal.
- Visit the museums: Cebu is home to a number of museums, including the Casa Gorordo Museum and the Museo Sugbo. The museums offer a glimpse into Cebu’s history and culture.
- Go shopping: Cebu is a great place to go shopping. There are a number of malls and markets located in the city, where you can find a variety of goods, including souvenirs, clothes, and food.
Where to Go in Cebu with Kids
Here are some of the best places to go in Cebu with kids:
- Tumalog Falls: Tumalog Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in Oslob, Cebu. It is a great place to cool off on a hot day and enjoy the stunning scenery.
- Kawasan Falls: Kawasan Falls is another beautiful waterfall located in Badian, Cebu. It is a great place to swim, cliff jump, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- Oslob: Oslob is a small town located in southern Cebu. It is known for its whale sharks, which can be seen swimming in the waters near the town.
- Magellan’s Cross: The Magellan’s Cross is a wooden cross that is said to have been planted by Ferdinand Magellan in 1521. It is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Cebu’s history.
- Casa Gorordo Museum: The Casa Gorordo Museum is a museum located in Cebu City. It is home to a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Cebu’s history and culture.
- Museo Sugbo: The Museo Sugbo is a museum located in Cebu City. It is home to a collection of artifacts that tell the story of Cebu’s history and culture.
- Adventure Cove Waterpark: Adventure Cove Waterpark is a waterpark located in Lahug, Cebu. It is a great place to cool off on a hot day and enjoy the water slides, wave pool, and other attractions.
- Cebu Safari and Adventure Park: Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is a safari park located in Carmen, Cebu. It is home to a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, elephants, and monkeys. It is a great place to learn about animals and their habitats.
- Aventura Park: Aventura Park is an amusement park located in Lahug, Cebu. It is home to a variety of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and kiddie rides.
Where to Stay in Cebu with Kids
Here are some of the best family-friendly hotels in Cebu:
- Radisson Blu Cebu – a luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering family-friendly amenities and stunning ocean views.
- Marco Polo Plaza Cebu – a modern hotel that features a range of family-friendly amenities, including a kids’ club, swimming pool, and spacious rooms.
- Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan – a luxurious resort located on Mactan Island, offering stunning views, spacious rooms, and family-friendly activities.
- Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino – a great hotel located in the heart of Cebu City, offering spacious rooms and a range of family-friendly amenities.
- Plantation Bay Resort and Spa – a stunning resort located on Mactan Island that offers a range of family-friendly activities, including water sports, biking, and kayaking.
Where to Eat in Cebu with Kids
Here are some of the best places to eat in Cebu with kids:
- Kuya J Escario: This restaurant serves Filipino comfort food in a casual setting. It is a great place to try traditional Filipino dishes like lechon, kare-kare, and sinigang.
- Zubuchon: This restaurant is known for its roasted pig, which is cooked over an open fire. It is a great place to try a traditional Filipino dish in a modern setting.
- Talipapa Sugbu: This food market is a great place to find fresh seafood and other local delicacies. It is a great place to try different types of food and to experience the local culture.
- STK ta Bay: This is a popular seafood restaurant that offers a range of local dishes, including grilled seafood, squid, and kinilaw.
- CnT Lechon: Another famous lechon restaurant in Cebu that is loved by locals and tourists alike.
- The Pig & Palm: This restaurant serves modern Filipino cuisine in a stylish setting. It is a great place to try creative takes on traditional Filipino dishes.
- The Oriental Spice Gourmet: This restaurant serves Southeast Asian cuisine in a fine-dining setting. It is a great place to try a variety of Southeast Asian dishes in a sophisticated setting.
- Feria: This restaurant serves Filipino fusion cuisine in a casual setting. It is a great place to try a variety of Filipino dishes with a modern twist.
- Bantayan Burrito Company: This restaurant serves burritos made with fresh ingredients. It is a great place to try a healthy and delicious meal.
- Cafe bai: This restaurant serves Filipino comfort food in a casual setting. It is a great place to try traditional Filipino dishes like adobo, kare-kare, and sinigang.
- House of Lechon: This restaurant is known for its roasted pig, which is cooked over an open fire. It is a great place to try a traditional Filipino dish in a modern setting.
- Cafe Laguna: This restaurant serves Filipino comfort food in a casual setting. It is a great place to try traditional Filipino dishes like kare-kare, sinigang, and sisig.
When to Go to Cebu with Kids
The best time to visit Cebu with kids is between December and May when the weather is dry and sunny. The months of January and February are the best months for diving and snorkeling in Cebu, while April and May are the best months for beach activities and island hopping.
How Long to Stay in Cebu with Kids
We recommend staying in Cebu with kids for at least 5-7 days to fully experience the city and its surrounding areas. This will give you enough time to explore the city’s historical landmarks, enjoy the beaches and water activities, and experience the local culture and cuisine.
1-Week Family Itinerary in Cebu
Day 1: Explore Cebu City
- Start the day by visiting the Magellan’s Cross, an important historical landmark in Cebu that marks the spot where Ferdinand Magellan planted a cross upon arriving in the Philippines in 1521.
- Next, head to Fort San Pedro, a military defense structure built by the Spanish in the 17th century. The fort features a museum with exhibits on Cebu’s history.
- After visiting Fort San Pedro, head to the Cebu Taoist Temple, a colorful and ornate temple that offers great views of the city.
- For lunch, try out the famous lechon (roast pig) at Rico’s Lechon, a popular local restaurant known for its delicious and crispy lechon.
Day 2: Swim with Whale Sharks at Oslob and Explore Tumalog Falls
- Take an early morning drive to Oslob, a town in the southern part of Cebu known for its whale sharks.
- Swim with the gentle giants and watch them up close in their natural habitat.
- After whale shark watching, visit Tumalog Falls, a beautiful and stunning waterfall located nearby.
- For lunch, try out the local delicacies at Oslob Market.
Day 3: Enjoy the Beaches and Water Activities at Mactan Island
- Head to Mactan Island, a popular tourist destination in Cebu known for its beautiful beaches and water activities.
- Spend the day lounging on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, or engaging in water activities such as parasailing and jet skiing.
- For lunch, try the seafood at Mactan Island’s local restaurants.
Day 4: Visit the Cebu Ocean Park and Jpark Island Resort Waterpark
- Start the day by visiting Cebu Ocean Park, a marine life attraction that features a variety of marine creatures such as stingrays, sea lions, and penguins.
- After exploring the Cebu Ocean Park, head to the Jpark Island Resort Waterpark for a fun-filled day of water activities.
- The waterpark features several pools, water slides, and attractions suitable for all ages.
- For lunch, try the food at the resort’s restaurants.
Day 5: Take a Day Trip to Sumilon Island
- Take a day trip to Sumilon Island, a small and beautiful island located off the coast of Cebu.
- Enjoy the pristine beaches, go snorkeling or diving to explore the island’s rich marine life, and visit the Sumilon Island sandbar.
- For lunch, try the local seafood at the island’s local restaurants.
Day 6: Explore the Local Culture and Cuisine
- Visit the Taoist Cemetery, a serene and peaceful cemetery that features Chinese-inspired architecture and design.
- Try out the local food at Cebu’s famous restaurants, such as Casa Verde, Zubuchon, and La Vie Parisienne.
- End the day by visiting the 10,000 Roses Cafe, a unique and popular cafe that features a garden of LED-lit roses.
Day 7: Relax at Your Hotel and Enjoy the Family-Friendly Amenities
- Spend the day relaxing at your hotel and enjoying the family-friendly amenities such as the swimming pool, playground, and kid’s club.
- For lunch, try out the hotel’s restaurant or order room service for a relaxing and convenient meal.
How to Get Around Cebu with Kids
The best way to get around Cebu with kids is by hiring a private van or car. This will give you the flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. Taxis and Grab (a ride-hailing service) are also available but may be more expensive and less convenient than hiring a private vehicle. Public transportation, such as jeepneys and buses are also available, but they may not be as comfortable and convenient for families with kids.
