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 places to go with kids in Cabo off the resort property, here are some fun ideas for your visit.
*This post contains affiliate links, but all opinions are 100% my own.
The Best Places to Go with Kids in Cabo
1. Ziplining
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.
Nothing beats a hike along the beach!
3. Whale watching
The official whale watching season runs from December to March when whales are migrating in the Sea of Cortes off the Baja California coast. Many companies offer excursions to see the majestic creatures and this is definitely on our bucket list. Just be sure to take precautions if you or your child suffers from motion sickness. We have some helpful remedies here.
Photo credit: Creative Commons
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. Kids must be 10 years of age and weigh at least 85 pounds, but 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 Jose del Cabo is more quiet and charming. Spend a day exploring one or both of them, go shopping, talk with the locals, and learn about life in Cabo.
A day out in San Jose del Cabo can be a rewarding experience for everyone.
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.
7. Volunteer and 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.
They’re so little!
8. Surfing
If you want to try surfing, 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.
Perfect place to catch a wave!
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 Los Arcos, 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. They even have a professional photographer (aka “paparazzi”) along for the ride to take pictures of your family in and out of the water.
Underwater fun and your own photographer to help preserve the memories. Photo credit: Cabo Adventures
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!
Photo: Cacinda Maloney – Points and Travel
Have you been to Cabo? What do you like to do there?
Looking for more Cabo info? Read about our recent stay at Hacienda Encantada resort or the other resort we visited, Grand Fiesta Americana Los Cabos on the Travelocity Inspire website.
*This article originally appeared in February 2016, but was updated in June 2017.
