20 Amazingly Fun Things to do in Cabo with Kids
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico has changed over the years from a rowdy, party town to a family-friendly vacation destination. Visitors might be surprised to find there are numerous excursions that cater to guests of all ages, so there is no need to stay at the beach or resort pool. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Cabo with kids, here are some fun ideas for your visit.
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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 two separate areas: San José del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Downtown Cabo San Lucas is where the marina is located and the departure point for many popular excursions such as a sunset cruise or snorkeling trips.
Are there multiple airports for Cabo San Lucas?
The main airport is Los Cabos International Airport (SJD) and there are many direct flights here from the United States. It is the closest airport to San José del Cabo, but Cabo San Lucas can be reached in about 40 minutes by car. 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 fun activities both at the resorts and throughout the Los Cabos area. Whether you have younger children who want to spend their days at the pool or older kids who want to try all of Cabo’s adventure activities, you’re sure to find something they love. 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. Zip lining in Cabo
Wild Canyon Adventures has the largest zip lining circuit in Baja. There are eight zip lines of varying lengths, with the longest coming in at 2,673 feet. That’s the same length as nine football fields!
Some lines are solo and others are tandem, how you go is up to you. Kids must be 8 years old and weight at least 55 pounds. Zip lining through the canyons on the longest lines in Cabo is an adventure you will never forget!
2. Hiking
If your family loves to hike, there are plenty of opportunities in the Los Cabos area. Check with your hotel for nearby spots and bring hats, sunscreen, lots of water, and the right shoes wherever you go.
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 to see whales in Cabo is from December to March when gray whales and humpback whales are migrating in the Sea of Cortes off the Baja California coast.
Cabo Expeditions is one of the most recommended companies with excursions to see the majestic creatures and this 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. Flyboard
Ever wonder what it’s like to fly above the water? Cabo Flyboard takes visitors on a high flying adventure that is fun for the whole family.
The minimum age is 10 years and kids must weigh at least 85 pounds. I guarantee once they know this is an option, they won’t want anything but this high flying excursion!
5. Explore Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo and meet the locals
One of our favorite experiences is leaving the resort property and meeting the locals. Cabo San Lucas is the larger, more touristy of the two towns, while San José del Cabo is more quiet and charming.
Spend a day exploring one or both of them, go shopping, talk with the locals, eat at the best restaurants, and learn about life in Cabo.
6. Swimming with whale sharks
What would your child think about snorkeling next to a 40 foot whale shark? I know I would be amazed and I’m pretty sure our kids would be too.
Children 8 and older can go on a whale shark adventure with Cabo Adventures where they swim and snorkel along side these giants of the sea. Available from October through May. This is one of those memorable experiences 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.
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 visiting the area, be sure to spend some time exploring the 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, why not 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. Snorkeling, paddle boarding, and a high speed boat ride to Los Arcos
We loved this experience with Cabo Adventures. A high speed boat ride to El Arco, followed by snorkeling with a high speed water scooter, then paddle boarding. A little bit of everything and kids only have to be 5 for this experience.
Helpful guides come along for the tour and take pictures of your family in and out of the water. Everyone can be in the pictures! (Note: there is an additional cost for any photos you purchase)
10. Take an ATV tour
Cactus ATV Tours takes you off road on fabulous desert trails, through mountains, canyons, and streams to the majestic scenery of the Pacific Ocean.
Children must be 7 years old to go on a tour. Children 10-and-up can drive a Mini Side by Side 170 (depending on the tour’s availability of the vehicle) and kids 16 and above will be allowed to drive by themselves with a valid driver’s license and parental consent. We had friends do it and said it was a blast!
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 just make sure yours is family friendly. Some can get quite rowdy, especially with spring breakers, so look for a family-friendly option.
Most tours sail out of the marina, out past Land’s End, watch the sunset, and return. It usually takes about three hours and includes dinner. If you have younger kids, I might consider 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. Sport fishing
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 marlins, tuna, and dorado, making it a fun place to head out on the water with kids.
13. Swimming
Most of the beaches at Cabo 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 Medano Beach. It’s the most popular beach for both tourists and locals wanting a day in the sun.
There are a couple of 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 Hilton Los Cabos. Both are good for families looking for calm waters to enjoy with little kids.
14. Water parks
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 – temporarily closed as of 1/2022
- Los Cabos Wagoona Splash Island – owned by Wild Canyon Adventures, 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. Day trip to La Paz or Todos Los Santos
La Paz is an easy two hour drive north of Los Cabos, and is a popular destination for swimming with whale sharks. The area is also known for its sea lion colony, and you can arrange tours to visit and swim with them. This is definitely 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. We promise it’s a meal you’ll never forget!
16. Horseback riding in Cabo San Lucas with kids
There are many organized horseback riding tours, 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. Kayak tour
High Tide Los Cabos offers an amazing kayak tour of the Arch along with snorkeling. Get up close with the local marine life swimming near the Arch, 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 and possibly seeing whales from above!
19. Camel rides
Cabo Adventures offers a camel ride safari that will entertain all ages. The tour included transportation, a guided nature walk, tortilla making class, visit to an eco-farm, a mezcal tasting (for young adults and parents only), and the camel ride. Children under 5 years of age cannot participate.
20. Cabo Submarine
This sixty foot semi-submarine will transport you under the sea for a magical adventure. The tour lasts just over an hour and kids will love seeing marine wildlife everywhere they look! The boat is open up top, and built like a submarine below, the perfect way to spend a day on the water!
As you can see, there some exciting activities if you want to leave your resort. Cabo is the perfect place for families who love adventure and we 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, Hilton Los Cabos and Hacienda Encantada.
Looking for other Mexico destinations? Don’t miss our favorite things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids and Cancun with kids.
Travel Tips
Book Your Flights
You can find discounted fares using sites like Momondo or Skyscanner. If you want to keep an eye on discount fares, we suggest signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights, a daily newsletter with flight sales around the world.
If you travel frequently, consider investing in a Priority Pass for airport lounge access. It’s nice to have a space where you can relax before your flight.
Book Your Accommodation
We regularly use Hotels.com and Expedia.com to find lodging when we travel. It’s a great way to compare vacation rentals, hotels, and resorts.
If your family knows they want to stay in a vacation rental, we recommend looking at VRBO and Plum Guide.
Book Your Transportation
For rental car agencies, try Rentalcars.com. We tend to use Hertz simply for the quality of service.
Book Your Tours and Travel Photos
We regularly used companies like Viator and GetYourGuide to book tours when we travel. Both have great communication and a large variety of activities that work for all ages.
If you’re visiting a city with multiple attractions, be sure to check out a discount pass, such as CityPASS or Go City. Tiqets is another place to purchase tickets for attractions.
Context Travel is another option and they offer more educational based activities. The former teacher in me loves their tours.
One of our favorite things to do annually is take photos with Flytographer. They have photographers around the world and we’ve used them on four separate occasions. This is our favorite travel souvenir.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
With the state of travel these days, it’s important to have some type of travel insurance to cover any unforeseen accidents, illnesses, threat or cancellations. We always travel with insurance and would recommend SquareMouth, Travelex, or Medjet as good options. And if you want to compare different insurance options, use Travel Insurance Master to find the best policy for your group.
