20 Amazingly Fun Things to do in Cabo with Kids

You might be surprised there are tons of fantastic things to do in Cabo with kids! Over the years, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico has changed from a rowdy, party town to a family-friendly vacation destination.

It’s a great place for the entire family, with a wide range of adventures catering to guests of all ages, so there is no need to stay at the beach or resort pool! Imagine making memories on a thrilling snorkeling tour or seeing stunning rock formations from above on a parasailing excursion. If you’re curious about just what Cabo San Lucas, Mexico offers families with kids, then keep reading.

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Where is Los Cabos located?

Los Cabos sits at the foot of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortez. The area of Los Cabos is made up of 2 separate areas: San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas.

The Cabo San Lucas Marina is located in downtown Cabo, and this is the departure point for many popular excursions such as sunset cruises and whale-watching tours.

Are there multiple airports for Cabo San Lucas?

The main airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) with many direct flights from the United States. It’s the closest airport to San José del Cabo, but you can get to Cabo San Lucas in about 40 minutes by car. And private planes fly into Cabo San Lucas airport, which is closer to the marina.

Is Cabo San Lucas a good place for families?

Absolutely! There are many family-friendly activities at the resorts and throughout the Los Cabos area. You’ll find top-notch kids’ clubs at the resorts for younger children who want to spend their days at the pool. And there are endless outdoor activities for older kids who love a thrill. Time to plan your family vacation at the beach and head to Los Cabos!

Best Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas with Kids

1. Go zip lining in Cabo

Wild Canyon Adventures has the largest zip-lining circuit in Baja. There are 8 zip lines of varying lengths, with the longest coming in at 2,673 feet. That’s the same length as 9 football fields!

Some lines are solo while others are tandem, and how you go is up to you. Kids must be 8 years old and weigh at least 55 pounds. Zip lining through the canyons on the longest lines in Cabo is an adventure you’ll never forget!

2. Enjoy a scenic hike

If your family loves to hike, there are plenty of opportunities in the Los Cabos area. Check with your hotel for nearby trails and make sure to bring hats, sunscreen, lots of water, and good shoes.

For those looking for a hike with a view, head up to Cerro de la Z for 360-degree city views. If you want a safe trail near the water you can walk along the Cabo Marina from the Solmar Hotel to El Farito Beach.

3. Whale watching in Cabo San Lucas

The best time for whale watching in Cabo is from December to March. This is when gray whales and humpback whales are migrating in the Sea of Cortes off the Baja California coast.

Don’t miss a cruise to see the majestic creatures of the sea. This activity is definitely on our family bucket list. Just be sure to take precautions if you or your child suffers from motion sickness as the boat rides can be rough.

4. Try flyboarding

Ever wonder what it’s like to fly above the water? Cabo Flyboard takes visitors on a high-flying adventure that’s fun for the whole family.

The minimum age is 10 years and kids must weigh at least 85 pounds. I guarantee once your kids know this is an option, they won’t want to do anything also except this high-flying excursion!

5. Explore Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and meet the locals

One of our all-time favorite experiences in Cabo with kids is leaving the resort property and meeting the locals. Cabo San Lucas is the larger, more touristy of the 2 towns, while San José del Cabo is more quiet and charming.

You could spend a day exploring one or both of them. Have a great time shopping, talking with the locals, eating at the best restaurants, and learning about life in Cabo.

6. Swim with whale sharks

What would your child think about snorkeling next to a 40-foot whale shark? This is the kind of adventure my kids and I live for!
Children 8 and older can go on a whale shark adventure with Cabo Adventures where they swim and snorkel alongside these giants of the sea. You can book this adventure from October through May. It’s definitely an experience you’ll never forget!

7. Help endangered sea turtles at Tortugueros Las Playitas

About an hour north of Cabo in Todos Santos is Tortugueros Las Playitas, a conservation and rescue center for sea turtles. Families can volunteer at the center and partake in the hatching release in the evening.

If your kids have been dreaming of helping the turtles, you’ll want to plan your Cabo San Lucas vacation for the winter months. November through January is the busiest season with releases every day and nesting turtles several nights a week. February through April there are fewer releases, but they still want volunteers.

And while you’re here, be sure to spend some time exploring the surrounding area. Use this complete guide to Todos Santos to help you plan your trip!

8. Learn How to Surf

If you want to try surfing in Cabo San Lucas with kids, head to Mike Doyle Surf School at Cabo Surf Hotel where they offer lessons for all levels of experience! They offer surf lessons, board rentals, and surf excursions with their certified instructors.

9. Go on a Los Cabos sea adventure

We loved this experience with Cabo Adventures. A high-speed boat ride to El Arco, followed by snorkeling with a water scooter, then paddle boarding! There’s a little bit of all the water sports, and kids only have to be 5 years old for this experience.

Plus, tour guides come along for the tour and take pictures of your family in and out of the water. This means everyone can be in the pictures and there’s one less thing for you to worry about! (Note: there is an additional cost for any photos you purchase)

10. Take an ATV tour

Just north of Los Cabos, head to Migrino with Cactus ATV Tours for an off-roading adventure through the desert and along the coast!

You’ll wind along fabulous desert trails, through mountains, canyons, and across streams. Then enjoy the majestic scenery as you zip along the ocean to see rock formations and dunes!

We had friends do it and said it was a blast! Just keep in mind that this tour is only for children who are at least 7 years old. Children 10 and up can drive a Mini Side by Side 170 (depending on the tour’s availability of the vehicle). Kids 16 and above can drive by themselves with a valid driver’s license and parental consent.

11. Go on a sunset cruise

You can’t visit Cabo San Lucas with kids and not take a cruise. There are several tour companies offering sunset cruises, so make sure yours is family-friendly.

Some can get quite rowdy, especially around spring break. You’ll want to look for a boat tour that specifies that it’s appropriate for kids.

Most tours sail out of the marina, out past Land’s End, the southernmost tip of the Baja Peninsula. You’ll watch the sunset and return. It usually takes about 3 hours and includes dinner.

If you have younger kids, I suggest taking a private tour. Another option is the Cabo pirate ships which put on a show for seafaring families! Everything is pirate-themed and comes with dinner and a show.

12. Spend the day Sportfishing

Cabo is known as the “Marlin Capital of the World”, and is home to the sport fishing tournament, Bisbee’s Black and Blue. This area has all types of marlin, tuna, and dorado, making it a great spot for families who have a passion for fishing.

13. Swim at the best beaches

Most of the beaches at Cabo’s resorts are non-swimmable. There are strong rip currents along the coast, so it is not advised to swim in the sea.

If you want to take your kids to a safe beach, then head to Playa El Medano. It’s the most popular beach for both tourists and locals wanting a day in the sun, with its calm, shallow waters and soft sandy beach.

There are a couple of other good options if you want a resort in Cabo with a swimmable beach. Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos has a man-made lagoon and so does Paradisus Los Cabos and Hilton Los Cabos. Both beaches are good for families looking for calm waters to enjoy with little kids.

14. Visit a water park

If you’re staying at a family resort, odds are you’ll have access to kid-friendly pools, water activities, and possibly water slides. If you don’t, there are several waterparks in Cabo your kids will love.

• Wild Wet Fun Aqua Park
• Los Cabos Wagoona Splash Island – owned by Wild Canyon Adventures, it has pools, water slides, and even a waterfall
• Splash Water World – located in Hotel Riu Santa Fe, the best of both worlds, a hotel with a waterpark!

15. Take a day trip to La Paz or Todos Los Santos

La Paz is an easy 2-hour drive north of Los Cabos and is a popular destination for swimming with whale sharks. The area is also known for being a natural habitat for a sea lion colony, and you can arrange tours to visit and swim with them. This is a unique experience all ages will enjoy.

Todos Los Santos is just over an hour from Los Cabos and offers a charming downtown for shopping, surfing, and hiking. If you time it right, stop at Jazamango for lunch. I promise it’s a meal you’ll never forget!

16. Go horseback riding

There are many organized horseback riding tours to try when visiting Cabo San Lucas with kids, but there are also horses available to ride on the beach.

Usually, around sunset, you’ll find people walking horses along the beach offering “rides”. This might be good for small children who don’t need an extended tour.

17. Take a kayak tour

High Tide Los Cabos offers an amazing kayak tour of the Arch along with snorkeling. You can get up close with the local marine life swimming near the famous Arch. It’s a great way to do some sightseeing and get some great exercise while you’re at it!

18. Parasailing

Several companies offer parasailing in Cabo. A shuttle will pick you up and take you to the boat where you’ll have an epic adventure flying over the water. You’ll take in unbroken views of Cabo San Lucas Bay and possibly even whales!

19. Ride a camel

Cabo Adventures offers a camel ride safari that’s a good time for all ages. The tour included transportation, a guided nature walk, a tortilla-making class, a visit to an organic farm, a mezcal tasting (for young adults and parents only), and the camel ride. Children under 5 years of age can’t participate.

20. Cabo Submarine

Climb aboard this 60-foot semi-submarine for a magical adventure that’s perfect for families! It includes a visit to the sea lion colony, an authentic Mexican lunch, and an opportunity to go snorkeling.

The tour lasts about 3 hours and kids will love seeing tropical fish, sea turtles, coral reef, and more. The boat is open up top, and built like a submarine below, the perfect way to spend a day on the water!

Don’t Miss Out on Visiting Cabo San Lucas with Kids

As you can see, if you’re looking for things to do in Cabo with kids, there’s plenty to find outside your resort. Cabo is the perfect place for families who love adventure, and I promise you’ll want to come back for more!

Want to know where to stay in Cabo with kids? These are our favorite Cabo all inclusive family resorts. Check out our favorite all-inclusive resorts in Mexico for families including Esperanza and Grand Velas.

Looking for other Mexico destinations? Don’t miss our favorite things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids and Cancun with kids.