9 Things To Do In Cebu With The Family

Bea
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 3 min read
things to do in cebu with family

If you’re flying to Cebu for an adventure-filled holiday, you might have already realized that there’s so much to do in so little time. Cebu is buzzing with life everyday, and you can expect that no matter who you’re with or what you’re looking for (R&R or an adrenaline rush), you’ll find it in Cebu. So if you’re going with the family, make sure to check out these family friendly spots in Cebu during your trip!

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1. Mantayupan Falls - contributed by Tour Guide, Cherald Padojenog

Mantayupan Falls

Be sure to visit the gorgeous Mantayupan Falls of Cebu. The flowing water is surrounded by greenery that will make a beautiful backdrop for photos with your loved ones. There’s a rocky area right below the falls where you can pose together.

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2. Picnic in the park in Plaza Independencia

The Magsaysay Monument in Plaza Independencia
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user I am makoy used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Having a picnic in the park may seem like a thing of the past, but you’ll be surprised to find that this is still very popular in Cebu - and primarily because the park is so beautiful, you’d want to spend your afternoon here anyway. Head over the Plaza Independencia, a public park located along MJ Cuenca Avenue and a popular hangout for locals in the area. Not only does this park have a garden for your picnic, it has a skating rink too!

Picnic at Plaza Independencia

Address: M.J Cuenca Avenue, Cebu City

Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm; Sat-Sun 5am-12mn

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3. Museo Sugbo

Museo Sugbo
Source: Photo by user Constantine Agustin used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Formerly a known provincial jail of Cebu, Museo Sugbo was transformed into a must-see attraction for all Cebu visitors. Now, it contains a gallery filled with art from the Spanish and American eras, so walking through this museum is like walking through the history of the Philippines through art. Located along MJ Cuenco Avenue, Museum Sugbo has a small entrance fee of 30 PHP (0.60 USD) for Filipino visitors, and 75 PHP (1.50 USD) for foreign tourists.

Museo Sugbo

Address: M. J. Cuenco Ave, Cebu City, 6000 Cebu, Philippines

Price: from 0.60 USD for Filipinos and 1.50 USD for foreign tourists

Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on Sundays.

Website: Museo Sugbo

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4. Mountain View Nature Park

Posted by Mountain View Nature's Park on Thursday, 29 December 2016

Found in Busay, Mountain View Nature Park is considered a haven among lovers of the great outdoors. Here, you can go swimming, camping, explore their gardens and mini zoo, and maybe treat yourself to a relaxing picnic in the afternoon. They have a KTV too, so you can be sure you won’t get bored at all. If your family is looking for an activity to quench your thirst for adventure in the outdoors, this one’s for you.

Mountain View Nature Park

Address: Busay, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Price: 1 USD entrance fee

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Cebu Island Tour Guide

Alp Asa

Alp Asa

I was a former concierge staff of one of the prestigious hotels in Cebu. I had a training in Tour Guiding from the DOT (Department of Tourism). With my experience for over 10 years in hospitality industry and with the training I had from DOT. Hence, gives me the passion to show my city, neighboring islands and the cultures to my visitors. This is to ensure them for a Memorable, Priceless visit ... Read more

5. Beach around at Bantayan Island

Sugar Beach Bantayan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user TheCoffee used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Maybe your bunch loves the great outdoors, but you’re not really looking for an adrenaline rush. If that’s the case, you can laze around on white sands, swim to your heart’s content, and even go snorkeling right here at Bantayan Island. Bring with you your beach towels, sun block, picnic mat and baskets, a frisbee, food for sharing and a book: you’ve got yourself a relaxing weekend in Cebu for the family.

Bantayan Island

Address: Bantayan Island, Cebu

Website: Bantayan Island

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6. Visit the oldest church

Santo Niño Church and Convent Facade Cebu City
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Nickrds09 used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Cebu Island in itself is perhaps one of the regions first to appear in Philippine history: Mactan, Cebu is after all the setting of the first encounter between the Spaniards and the Filipinos in the 1500s. That’s why it’s no surprise that Cebu also plays host to the oldest church in the Philippines, the Sto. Nino Church. Located along Santo Nino Chapel Lane, this church is one of the most visited attractions in Cebu, not just for the rich history it has, but also because of the intricate detail in its architecture and because of how prominent an image the Sto. Nino is to the Cebuano people. Entrance is free too, so your family can stay here for as long as you wish!

Sto. Nino Church

Address: Santo Nino Chapel Lane, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Price: free

Facebook: Sto. Nino Chapel

Tip from tour guide

Nino church 1 Nino church 2 Nino Church

Every 3rd Sunday each year, we commemorate the feast of Sr.Sto Nino in Cebu. It is the famous and biggest festival in the Philippines. Cebu is proud of it’s cultural & historical importance.

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7. Take your breath away at TOPS Lookout


If your family is looking for a nice, serene getaway in Cebu that’s not too far, consider checking out TOPS Lookout. This spot is popular among Cebuanos and tourists alike because it gives anyone who visits it an enchanting and gorgeous view of Cebu from high up. You can trust that you’ll get great photos here too - and who knows, maybe your next framed family photo can come from here!

TOPS Lookout

Address: Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Price: Entrance fee of 2.00 USD

Opening Hours: 9am - 12mn

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8. Get the international experience at Temple of Leah

Posted by Temple of Leah on Friday, 10 October 2014

One of Cebu’s newest offerings, Temple of Leah promises a memorable visit to each and every one of its visitors. This attraction was created as a monument and symbol of love to the owner’s wife, Leah, and suffice to say that a visit here feels much like a visit to Greece, what with its landscapes and architectural design. Make sure you and your family can drop by and check out this newest attraction!

Temple of Leah

Address: Cebu Transcentral Hwy, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

Price: entrance fee of 1 USD

Opening Hours: 6am - 11pm

Website: Temple of Leah

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9. Have a fun family day at Cebu Safari and Adventure Park

Contributed by Tour Guide, Leila Eldian

Source: Leila Eldian

Cebu Safari and Adventure Park is over 170 hectares. This safari park in the Philippines is located in Carmen, Northern Cebu, a 2-hour travel from the city. It’s a sanctuary for hundreds of varied species of plants, flowers, and animals. The park’s main features are the African Savanna, Botanical Gardens, the White Lion Safari, Bird Show, Adventure Park, and accommodations. It’s not only a wildlife park, but there is also an Adventure Park where you can go ziplining, ATV riding, sky biking, and more. Restaurants are available on-site as well.

Cebu for the family

Cebu is no stranger to playing host for a wide variety of guests - couples, solo backpackers, groups of friends, and of course, families, which is why it is jam-packed with many family activities you can choose from. From beaches to museums, Cebu doesn’t run out of delights for its visitors - so make sure to not miss out on any of these things to do during your trip!

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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A young Filipina passionate about seeing the world, understanding its people and creating new ways for them to explore their potential and lead more meaningful lives. Also a big fan of beaches,...Read more

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Top 10 Must-Do's In Cebu For First Time Visitors - Updated 2024