19 Fun Activities, Attractions, and Things to do in Cebu With Kids

With the Philippines on many peoples’ bucket lists, in this article, we’ll share some of Cebu’s best-known attractions and popular tourist spots for families with children of all ages. There’s a wide range of fantastic things to do in Cebu with kids, including active adventures and cultural sites. Most are outdoor activities, but we’ve shared a few indoor options for when it’s raining or you want (need!) to escape the heat!

We spent nearly three months in the Philippines with our kids, including 10 days in Cebu City and exploring its surroundings. (The rest of our time was on the nearby island of Bohol). If you’re planning family outings in Cebu, read on to find all the details!

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Our first time in the Philippines and our first trip to Cebu City

Cebu City is a group of cities and towns that all run into one another. It’s very sprawling!

One of the first things we noticed about Cebu City is that the traffic is hectic. The city is bustling but feels and looks run-down in many parts. At the same time, some big modern shopping malls are dotted all over the place. However, they don’t necessarily appear that way from the outside!

Right next to the big malls, you can find yourself amid extreme poverty. Of all the places we have traveled to date, Cebu City was where we found poverty to be the most noticeable. Young children came up to taxi windows asking for money, and we saw them begging on the streets, sometimes with a tiny baby in their arms.

However, it’s only around a 20-30-minute drive to get up into the hills, which feels an absolute world away from the city. You can easily escape the hustle and bustle for a half-day or full-day. The island of Cebu has a lot of natural beauty, and many travelers who visit get straight out of the city. 

People, food, and walking the streets in the city of Cebu!

We found people all over Southeast Asia to be friendly. They seemed especially so in Cebu City, and it’s clear they really love kids. Every day at least one person said that Romy looked like a doll!

We weren’t overly impressed with Cebu City’s food items or in the Philippines in general. There are loads of seafood and meat-type stews on offer, with minimal or no vegetables. So it was a little challenging being a health-focused vegetarian at times. The dishes are often flavored with lots of vinegar, salt, and soy sauce.

Food tours are a fantastic way to get insider tips on the best places to eat. This 3-hour Cebu city historical street and food tour is an excellent way to dive into the heart of Cebu’s authentic street food, with dinner and beverages included.

We like to walk wherever we can on our travels. We’ve definitely had strange looks in places all around Southeast Asia when we’ve been walking from place to place. This was especially apparent in Cebu City! Every time we walked somewhere, we’d be offered rides by several taxis. We were even offered rides from policemen once or twice! If you do want to catch a taxi, it’s definitely easy to do so here.

A digital nomad family in Cebu

Since 2017, we’re a full-time slow-traveling family. We stay in each country for an average of three months, often longer. We live in the local community and do lots of regular things like visiting playgrounds. Plus, we take turns working and hanging out with the kids.

Therefore, you’ll see quite a range of activity suggestions for families below, not just the regular tourist attractions. We’ve shared our personal experiences and added in other attractions and activities we know other families have enjoyed.

As digital nomads, the Internet in Cebu was mega slow for us. We did get the heads up about that before we left. There were several co-working spaces in Cebu City, which we didn’t try since we were only there for a short while. But perhaps they can offer a better internet connection than we experienced.

Top family-friendly activities and attractions in Cebu City and beyond

There are plenty of things to do in Cebu with kids. From indoor and outdoor playgrounds to nature hotspots, cultural activities, and more, read on to discover our top recommendations for the city and attractions further afield around the island.

1. Anjo World Theme Park

Anjo World Theme Park is located in Cebu, 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) southwest of the city center. It offers a wide range of thrilling rides, fun attractions, and entertaining shows for visitors of all ages. From roller coasters to family-friendly rides, Anjo World provides a delightful and memorable experience for those looking for a day of excitement and entertainment.

Snow World is part of Anjo World Theme Park, where you can experience winter in Cebu. Marvel at hundreds of ice sculptures, zoom down an ice slide on a tube and immerse yourself in a winter wonderland in the heart of Cebu.

Grab your all-day adventure pass ticket for unlimited rides at Anjo World Theme Park.

2. Ayala Center Cebu

During our 10-day stay in Cebu City, we only visited a mall once (apart from the outdoor playground at SM Seaside Mall). And what a big overwhelming place it was! Well, maybe just for us folks that aren’t into malls!

We noticed that many people in the Philippines love hanging out at malls. We came to Ayala Center Cebu because:

a. There are chiropractors and dentists there.

b. It was Elly’s workday, and Colin needed something easy to do with the girls.

You’ll find plenty of coffee shops and gift stores if you need them at Ayala Center Cebu.

Also referred to as Ayala Mall, there are a few things to do here with kids. First of all, head to The Terraces, which are signposted. You’ll find the outdoor playground and a kind of greenish area to hang out. The trees are lit up at night. Music is blaring all the time too. This was something we noticed in many places in Cebu City, including the beach?.

Inside the mall is an indoor playground called Kids Paradise. There’s a basic one in the basement, which is a little cheaper, or a big one up on level three where they can watch (loud) movies, play in a huge ball pit, build Lego, etc. There’s lots of simulation, and maybe even too much, in my opinion. It’s 400 pesos for unlimited play. I managed to negotiate 200 for the baby!

3. Tops Lookout, Cebu

I love taking my family on adventures. And I was pretty set on doing at least one adventure from Cebu City since we really wanted to escape the busyness of the city and get back to nature.

Granted, if you’re a single or couple traveling around, this might not seem like a major adventure. But with a young kid and a baby, this felt like a nice wee adventure for us!

Part one of our first adventure took us up to Tops Cebu. Everyone says you can only go to these places as part of a tour (maybe around 3000 pesos). However, it’s not true. It’s an easy ride in a private vehicle.

You probably won’t get a grab taxi to take you up there, but if you flag down a regular taxi, you can negotiate a price. It’s up a steep hill, so you’ll pay more than what’s on the meter. We jumped in a taxi for 500 pesos, which suited us better than a tour because we like to go at our own pace. Tops Cebu is about a 30-minute drive from the city.

We chose possibly the only day that it rained the entire day (during dry season?), and it was completely foggy, so we couldn’t see anything??. But it was still worth it! It was a lovely, cool day and so peaceful and quiet. We loved it!

I’ve been told there are normally stunning views out over Cebu City, Mactan Island, and beyond, and I’d believe it based on what we saw a few days later.

There’s an upscale restaurant at the top and also a few other top-end restaurants on the road up, so you can have a meal or a drink after enjoying the view, or the haze, depending on when you go.

Prefer a guided tour experience? Check out this affordable 5-hour evening tour from Cebu, including dinner and sunset vistas from Tops Lookout.

4. Dr Emelio Osmena Botanical Gardens

Part two of our first adventure day took us on a 10-minute walk down the hill from Tops Cebu to Dr. Emilio Osmeña Botanical Gardens. We’d definitely recommend adding this to your list of things to do in Cebu City, with or without kids!

It’s a pretty unique place. Entry is 100 pesos entry per person, and yep, you can swim in the pool there, which is only 2-4 feet deep. The water was very murky, although there was fresh water running in. It was also kind of cold because we chose the coolest day to go! We finished our swim smelling of chlorine, so hopefully, the pool was clean enough?.

The garden is small but pretty, and the surroundings are gorgeous. You can take your own food to eat on the benches around the pool, and there are a few basic options for buying food there. We’d recommend bringing your own!

There are also these cute, tiny huts around the garden. They’re very basic with a place to lie down, and you can rent them for 200 pesos, which is just a few dollars! Apparently, you can stay in them for the same price overnight if you wish! Check-out is by 7 a.m.

From here, we walked 10 minutes back up the hill and then 10 minutes back down to the main road, where we planned to try and flag down a ride home. But we were offered several motorbike rides before then and a ride in a van just before we reached the main road, so we got home fine.

We’d definitely recommend this as one of the things to do in Cebu, Philippines that’s just a little different. It’s not far from the city but feels a world away.

 5. Casa Gorordo Museum

The Philippines has lots of activities and attractions that let you immerse yourself in Filipino history. For Philippine history and culture, check out the Casa Gorordo museum, offering a glimpse back in time to the Spanish colonial era.

Step into the former Gorordo family home and check out the artifacts and multimedia displays highlighting affluent lifestyles in the area during the 19th century. Choose between a guided tour or a virtual iPad tour, and the museum even has a fun activity sheet for the little ones.

Those interested in Cebuano history could opt for a private half-day Cebu city sightseeing tour, including a visit to the Casa Gorodo museum. Private tours are a fantastic way to gain additional insights into history and culture through the knowledge of an expert local guide.

6. Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral

The Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Holy Angels and of St. Vitales, stands as a significant religious and historical site in Cebu City, Philippines. Originally established in the 1590s, the cathedral has witnessed centuries of history, undergoing various restorations and rebuilds due to natural disasters and wartime damages.

Showcasing an impressive facade of coral stone with carved reliefs, it harmonizes elements of neoclassical and Spanish colonial architecture. The cathedral’s interior offers a spiritual haven adorned with beautiful religious imagery and an artistically rich altar.

Beyond being a place of worship, the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral also stands as a testimony to the deep-rooted Christian heritage of the region, attracting both worshippers and travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Cebu.

Check out this half-day guided pilgrimage tour in Cebu city, including the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral, the Basilica Del Santo Nino, Our Lady of Guadalupe de Cebu Langub (cave) Shrine, and the Chapel of the Holy Relics.

7. Fort San Pedro

Another place to immerse yourself in Philippine history & culture in Cebu City with kids is Fort San Pedro.

It’s near the port, and you only need to pay a tiny entry fee of 30 pesos per person. Kids are free, and it’s a great place to take a look around and learn a bit about the history of Cebu City. It’s easy to understand where the Spanish influence in the city comes from when you read the information at the Fort.

From the Fort, you can walk a block down the road to Santo Nino Basilica and Magellan’s Cross (you’ll learn who Magellan was at Fort San Pedro).

We visited Cebu City during the lead-up to Sinulog, which is the busiest religious celebration of the year in Cebu City. So the Basilica was incredibly busy. It was definitely the loudest experience I have ever had at a place of worship, so we didn’t stay long!

8. Temple of Leah

On our second day-trip adventure from Cebu City, it was just the three girls! We caught a taxi 30 minutes into the hills again, just a little closer than the Tops lookout and botanical gardens.

Our first stop was the Temple of Leah. This is a very grand temple perched on the hillside with a magnificent view of the city and surroundings. And we chose an incredible day for it this time!

We arrived thinking that we were visiting some sort of ancient temple. But we soon realized that it’s pretty brand new as far as temples go!

The temple of Leah was built in 2012 and was only opened to the public in 2017. According to the info in the temple, a loving husband had this place built for his wife Leah. It’s still somewhat under construction. You can peer into the rooms, which are currently full of dusty items and furniture.

It’s a lovely place to hang out and enjoy the ambiance and scenery. The entry fee is 100 pesos per person.

9. Cebu Taoist Temple

In the Beverly Hills subdivision of Cebu city, you can visit the Cebu Taoist temple, which also looks fabulous. Admire the traditional Chinese architecture, calligraphy, and sculptures at one of the most popular attractions in Cebu City. 

You may want to book this 4-5 hour Cebu Highlands combination tour, which includes the Cebu Taoist temple, the Temple of Leah, and Sirao Garden with an experienced tour guide.

10. Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House

The Yap-Sandiego ancestral house is a popular museum to visit in Cebu city. It boasts a rich history as one of the oldest standing residential structures in the Philippines, located in the heart of Cebu’s Parian district.

Built in the late 17th century, this ancestral home has stood the test of time, offering visitors a glimpse into the Filipino life of bygone eras. Crafted largely from coral stone and wood, its architecture is a harmonious blend of Chinese and Spanish influences, reflective of the rich multicultural history of the region.

The house, which is currently a privately owned museum, houses a vast collection of antique furnishings, religious relics, and artifacts, well-preserved and showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the period. A visit to the Yap-Sandiego Ancestral House transports you back in time, offering an intimate portrayal of the daily lives and traditions of the Filipino-Chinese community that once thrived in the region.

11. Il Corso Battleship Playground

There are so many malls in Cebu City where you can find an array of indoor playgrounds and other activities to entertain the kids.

However, I always seek out outdoor activities and playgrounds when I can. We’re a very outdoorsy family, but it’s not always easy to live that lifestyle in Southeast Asia. I have mentioned before that many places do not have outdoor playgrounds at all.

So if I find one during my Google searching, we’re bound to check it out at some point! It was great to find a couple of amazing outdoor playgrounds in Cebu City, even if we did have to ride in a taxi for 40-60 minutes through crazy traffic to get there!

The IL Corso Battleship Playground is located at Cebu South Road Properties. There’s not a lot in the area at the moment. It has an industrial feel and lots of empty shops. However, you can tell that it’s under development and looks like it will be a bit of an upscale area in due course. There are a few restaurants open if you want to have a meal while you’re there, too.

This playground is located on the waterfront. There’s no beach, but it was fun enough to entertain my girls for a few hours, especially because there were some other kids to play with.

12. Skypark Outdoor Playground at SM Seaside Mall

The second awesome outdoor playground of Cebu City is the Skypark at SM Seaside mall. Yep, it’s at a mall but is actually located outside on level three, so you also get a bit of a surrounding view of the city.

This playground is super modern and fun, and it’s free for all. We walked here from the IL Corso Battleship Playground. It’s about a 30-minute walk between the two along one straight (and busy!) road.

If we go again one day, we’ll be bringing the kids swimsuits because there is a fun little splash park there too. There’s a nice path to walk around, steps to sit on, and a few vendors selling ice cream and other sugary snacks. We’d definitely recommend this as a fun, contemporary-style playground.

13. Tumalog Falls

Families keen for road trips out of Cebu city are in for some amazing experiences around the island.

Tumalog Falls, nestled in the lush landscapes of Oslob, is 78 miles (126 kilometers) from Cebu city. It’s a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its ethereal beauty. As you approach the falls, a gentle mist from the cascading waters envelops the surroundings, creating a refreshing and serene atmosphere.

Often referred to as the “Toslob Falls” or “Mag-Ambak Falls,” Tumalog Falls offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rejuvenating waters at the base and enjoy a natural massage from the falling droplets. This idyllic destination is a must-visit for those seeking a peaceful retreat amid the unparalleled beauty of nature, making it a gem of Cebu’s rich and diverse natural heritage.

14. The Sumilon Sandbar

The Sumilon Sandbar is a small strip of white sand in Cebu. It’s on Sumilon Island, a little further south of Tumalog falls, and accessible by boat from Mainland Bancogon in Oslob, with four daily departures.

The sandbar is a popular spot where people go to relax and enjoy the clear blue water. It changes shape depending on the tide. Sometimes it’s long and narrow, and other times it’s more rounded.

It’s quite a sight to see, surrounded by beautiful blue waters, making it a favorite place for taking pictures. People often visit it for a fun day of swimming, sunbathing, and just hanging out with friends and family. It’s a simple yet beautiful place that offers a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

15. Kawasan Falls

Kawasan Falls in Cebu is a stunning natural wonder that’s popular among travelers, 66 miles (106 kilometers) from Cebu city. This three-tiered waterfall is known for its clear turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and cooling off on a hot day. The lush green surroundings create a picturesque setting, making it a favorite spot for nature lovers and adventurers. You can even try bamboo rafting or canyoneering adventures nearby. It’s a must-visit destination if you want to experience the beauty of the Philippines’ natural landscapes.

Check out this exhilarating 3-hour canyoneering experience in Kawasan Falls with lunch included. It includes transfers from Moalboal, Badian, or Alegria.

16. Pepito Beach – not exactly a Cebu tourist spot!

Our first Philippines beach experience wasn’t exactly what I’d call idyllic, but it did feel authentic!

There aren’t too many options for hanging out at the beach close to Cebu city. The ‘beachy’ areas have mostly been taken over by resorts, and you need to pay a decent fee to use the beach. These places usually take a bit of travel time to get to as well.

So we went to what I believe is one of the closest public beaches to Cebu city. It’s called Pepito Beach, and it’s a public beach, so you don’t need to pay an entry fee. In saying that, there’s often a bit more beach cleanup that goes on at the places that do charge fees.

Pepito Beach is in Liloan, which is another one of these places that’s basically an extension of Cebu city. That is, I can’t tell where one place finishes and the next one starts. It took us about 40 minutes to get there by taxi. Don’t confuse it with the Liloan that is at the bottom of Cebu island, which is a few hours away.

We paid the taxi an extra 50 pesos over and above the meter (agreed at the start) because it would be harder for him to pick passengers up there. We couldn’t get a taxi back, so we rode down the highway in a jeepny, which is a local open-back style bus. When we got close enough to the city, we called a taxi to take us the rest of the way back.

Pepito beach isn’t exactly clean. So, if you add it to your list of places to go in Cebu, first of all, remember to pack out your own rubbish. Secondly, consider taking a bag to fill with rubbish if you are able to.

We enjoyed a nice swim and time hanging with the locals, including the furry ones. There were not one but two videoke machines right by us. Obviously, this is a much-loved pastime in the Philippines! So we were treated to everything from pop to death metal☠️?.

I’m glad we checked it out. We like to see a wide range of places on our travels, not just the places the tourists visit. As slow travelers, we have a little more time to cruise around and really get a feel for each place. For us, that includes going to the places that local people go.

17. Hiking Osmeña Peak

Another one to add to your list of road trips in Cebu is a hike up Osmeña Peak, 62 miles (99 kilometers) from Cebu city. It’s 17.6 miles (28.3 kilometers) from Kawasan Falls, so you could do both of these in one day.

The hike up Osmeña Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cebu’s rolling hills and the nearby islands. It’s a relatively short trek, taking about 20-30 minutes to reach the summit, so it’s a good option for a family-friendly walk.

18. Go Island Hopping

Cebu is surrounded by many other small islands, offering an excellent opportunity for island hopping.

Check out this private tour of Gilutongan, Caohagan, and Nalusuan islands, including lunch, snorkeling gear, and hotel transfers.

19. Mountain View Nature’s Park

Part two of our second day-trip adventure from Cebu City took us to Mountain View Nature’s Park. We walked a few minutes down the hill from the temple of Leah to get here.

The entrance fee was 50 pesos per person to get through the first gate. We then walked about 10 minutes along an uphill road to the swimming pool area, where we paid 100 pesos per person to use the outdoor swimming pools. All up, this is about $5.80 USD for two paying guests (Our youngest, about to turn one at the time, was free).

On the walk up, we passed various interesting statues and also a few different types of accommodation. From the reviews I’ve read, it sounds like a very affordable place to stay.

The pool area seems kind of old but functional and offers superb views. There is a shallow kids’ pool and also shallow areas inside the play structure in the main pool. There is also a separate jacuzzi pool (with cold water, of course) and a karaoke machine. I was quietly happy that no one was making use of the one here while we were there, though ?.

We walked along the main road to the bus stop afterward. But you never really know when a bus (jeepny) will come by. So, in the end, we jumped on the back of a motorbike to get home. We didn’t get any vans or cars offering rides that day. We’d definitely recommend adding Mountain View Nature’s park to your list of things to do in Cebu City – or just outside of the city!

Other Family Friendly Things To Do Around Cebu Island that we don’t necessarily recommend

We don’t tend to visit or support zoos or aquariums. I personally believe in the intrinsic right of animals to exist freely in their natural habitats. Of course, I realize the issues aren’t always simple, especially with the destruction of natural habitats.

Despite efforts to create naturalistic enclosures, these facilities cannot replicate the complex and vast environments that these animals would have in the wild. This limitation often results in the animals exhibiting signs of distress and abnormal behaviors. These behaviors indicate the mental and emotional toll that captivity can have on these sentient beings.

Although many zoos and aquariums claim a role in conservation and education, these efforts are often insufficient and sometimes even counterproductive. I realize it’s not a clear-cut issue, and I respect that not everyone shares my beliefs on this topic.

I do support animal sanctuaries that I believe do more good than harm, focusing on conservation and keeping animals in their natural habitats. However, the animal and wildlife attractions I come across in many places, including those in Cebu, I feel are primarily for tourist entertainment, and I choose not to support them. There’s a fine line between protection and exploitation.

Some families might choose to visit the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park, 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Cebu city. The Cebu Safari and Adventure Park offers immersive wildlife experiences and adventurous activities amidst a lush green setting.

Others may enjoy visiting the Cebu Ocean Park, an aquarium next to the SM Seaside City Cebu shopping mall. 

What about the whale sharks?

For many, swimming with the whale sharks in Oslob is a bucket list activity and an unforgettable experience. I love the idea of swimming with the whale sharks, and, done right in the wild, in line with the whale’s natural patterns, I’d love the experience.

However, I feel the Oslob whale shark outfit is all about the tourists. It’s an ecological trap created by feeding the sharks to keep them coming back. This changes their natural habits and affects migratory patterns.

I totally respect that it brings tons of money in for the local community. It’s also great there are rules about not touching the sharks or wearing sunscreen, which can harm them. No motorized boats are allowed in the area. However, rules aren’t always followed, and I still believe an outfit like this creates more harm than good.

If you’re interested in reading more about the Oslob whale shark issue, this blog post offers an in-depth explanation highlighting reasons against supporting this tourist attraction.

Alternatively, (have you met the Arshads?) here’s our friends Nadeem and John sharing their views…

Things to do in Cebu with kids | In Conclusion

We hope you’ve gained some fantastic ideas about where to go in Cebu with kids. Cebu offers a diverse array of family-friendly activities and attractions that cater to a wide range of interests. From exploring historical sites like Fort San Pedro to enjoying outdoor adventures such as hiking Osmeña Peak and swimming at Tumalog Falls, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to visit Anjo World Theme Park for a day of thrilling rides and entertainment.

Overall, Cebu provides a rich and immersive travel experience for families, combining culture, nature, and adventure in one remarkable destination.

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If you’re visiting Southeast Asia with kids, check out some of our other articles on things to do with kids, including Singapore, Luang Prabang, Siem Reap, Sumatra, Hoi An, and Da Nang.

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