Things to do in Los Cabos with Kids
Los Cabos is an ideal destination for a family getaway. It combines beautiful beaches, family-friendly activities, and plenty of amazing villas and Airbnbs, including a handful of affordable, all-inclusive resorts. When traveling with little ones, having food and drinks at arm’s reach can allow mom and dad some much-needed relaxation.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, you’ll find something to keep everyone in your family entertained.
Cabo is Great for Families
Los Cabos offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, making it ideal for families of all sizes. You’ll have all the amenities you expect in many US and Canadian cities as well. The Southern tip of Cabo features calm beaches for young children. The West and East sides are divided by a mountain range that provides a host of thrilling excursions for older kids and adults. Plus, family-oriented resorts make it easy to stay together and enjoy activities without the stress of planning every detail. Los Cabos is a perfect family vacation destination with great weather year-round, affordable dining options, and tons of fun things to do.
Tip #1: Choose Family-Friendly Accommodations
Selecting the right place to stay is key to a smooth family trip. Choose resorts that cater to families, offering amenities like kid’s clubs, family suites, and babysitting services. Many properties also offer all-inclusive packages, which can help keep your budget in check and reduce the hassle of constantly thinking about meals. Look for accommodations with pools, proximity to the beach, and plenty of open spaces for kids to play. This way, everyone can enjoy downtime without leaving the resort.
Tip #2: Plan Kid-Friendly Activities in Advance
Los Cabos is a treasure trove of activities and experiences, making it a fantastic destination for families. However, with so much to see and do, a little planning can go a long way in creating a stress-free and enjoyable trip. By mapping out your activities ahead of time, you’ll avoid the last-minute scramble to book excursions or figure out logistics, especially during peak seasons when popular tours may sell out quickly.
Tailored Family Adventures
Many resorts in Los Cabos specialize in family-friendly excursions that make it easy to entertain and educate kids while keeping things stress-free for parents. Options like snorkeling trips, where kids can marvel at vibrant marine life in the calm waters of the Sea of Cortez, or dolphin encounters, which allow children to interact with these incredible creatures, are perfect for creating lasting memories. Wildlife tours, such as whale-watching trips during the migration season, are another excellent way to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in children.
When booking these excursions in Cabo, consider your kids’ age and interests. Shorter trips or activities with a hands-on element tend to work best for younger children, while older kids may appreciate more adventurous options like zip-lining or paddleboarding. In Cabo, there is a large canyon where they can have a fun afternoon rock climbing, riding safe ATVs in Cabo for kids, and even a zipline. Most resorts also provide babysitting services or kids’ clubs, giving parents the option to enjoy more grown-up adventures while the kids are safely entertained.
Low-Key Activities for Balance
While it’s tempting to fill your schedule with exciting outings, don’t underestimate the value of low-key, unstructured activities. A simple beach day is often a highlight for kids, where they can splash in the waves, build sandcastles, and enjoy some downtime. Los Cabos is also home to several scenic parks and plazas, like the charming town square in San José del Cabo, where families can stroll, relax, and soak up the local atmosphere.
Another tip is to explore your resort’s amenities. Many have pools, playgrounds, and organized kids’ activities like crafts or movie nights. These options provide a break from the sun and sand while keeping children entertained and engaged.
An Ounce of Planning is worth a Pound of Cure
1. Pre-Book Popular Activities: Whether you’re interested in a glass-bottom boat tour to the Arch or a camel ride on the beach, secure your spots in advance to avoid disappointment. Most excursions include round-trip transportation, and if not, local taxis are available.
2. Create a Flexible Schedule: Plan one or two major activities per day and leave room for rest or spontaneity.
3. Pack Essentials: Bring snacks, sunscreen, water bottles, and any comfort items (like a favorite toy or book) to keep kids comfortable during outings.
4. Look for Family Discounts: Many tours offer discounted rates for children or family packages, so inquire when booking.
5. Time Activities Wisely: Schedule active outings like snorkeling or hiking in the cooler mornings and save relaxing activities for the heat of the day.
The Joy of Being Flexible
Planning ahead doesn’t mean every moment needs to be structured. Leave room for the unexpected—a roadside fruit stand, a family of pelicans by the shore, or an unplanned dip in the ocean. These spontaneous moments often become the most cherished memories. By mixing planned adventures with relaxed downtime, you’ll create a vacation that’s both exciting and rejuvenating for the whole family.
Tip #3: Pack Smart
Packing for a family trip can be tricky, but a little preparation goes a long way. Start by making a checklist for each family member to avoid leaving behind essentials. For young children, be sure to pack snacks, toys, and their favorite comfort items.
For teens, include tech essentials like chargers, headphones, and portable devices. If you forget anything, there are replacements available at Walmart or Radio Shack, but you don’t want to get a private driver to get there unless necessary. And for the whole family, bring sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothing. Never forget the lightweight coat, or you’ll buy a few souvenir clothing items for the family. Remember, Los Cabos can be sunny and hot, so layers for cooler evenings or sun protection are necessary.
Tip #4: Make Time for Relaxation and Fun
With so many exciting activities to choose from, it’s tempting to pack your itinerary to the brim—snorkeling in the morning, ATV tours in the afternoon, and fancy dinners in the evening. While these plans might sound amazing on paper, overscheduling can quickly lead to vacation burnout, especially for kids.
Think about it: kids thrive on routine and downtime, even during vacations. Constantly rushing from one activity to another can leave them feeling overstimulated, cranky, and exhausted. Instead of cherishing those magical vacation moments, they might just remember the stress of being hurried along. This can also take a toll on parents, as managing a packed schedule means you’re always checking the time, worrying about logistics, and leaving little space to truly relax.
A more balanced approach is to allow for some unstructured time in your day. Whether it’s lounging by the pool, enjoying an impromptu beach walk, or simply sitting together for a relaxed breakfast, these quieter moments are often where the best vacation memories are made. Being in the moment, free from the pressure of sticking to a tight schedule, lets everyone recharge and appreciate the simple joys of being together.
Vacations are about escaping the stress of everyday life, not adding new pressures. If you allow some flexibility, you’ll not only reduce stress on yourself and your kids, but you’ll also create space for unexpected adventures—like stumbling upon a hidden taco stand or watching a beautiful sunset you didn’t plan for. After all, isn’t that what a great vacation is all about?
Bonus Tips for Traveling with Toddlers and Teens
- Traveling with Toddlers: Plan naps and quiet time into your schedule, as toddlers can get overwhelmed by too much stimulation. Consider renting baby gear, such as strollers or cribs, as it’s much easier than lugging your own around. Many resorts also offer toddler-friendly amenities, such as kid’s pools or play areas, to keep little ones entertained.
- Traveling with Teens: Teens might crave more independence, so look for activities they can enjoy solo, like kayaking or a surfing lesson. Allow them time to explore on their own while keeping in touch via text or a family meeting spot.
