Philippines with kids
Philippines With Kids: How to Plan a Family Trip to the Philippines
The Philippines is 7,641 islands of warm water, white sand, and some of the most genuinely welcoming people in Southeast Asia. English is widely spoken everywhere, which makes it one of the easiest countries in the region to travel with kids. The beaches here rival anything in the Caribbean or the Maldives, but at a fraction of the cost. Palawan’s limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons look like they were pulled from a movie set. Bohol has tarsiers the size of your fist and chocolate brown hills that your kids will want to see in person. Boracay has the kind of powdery white sand beach that makes your ten year old forget about the iPad for a week. The food is kid friendly, the flights are affordable once you are in Asia, and the Filipino people treat children like family. It is one of the most underrated family destinations in the world.
The thing that catches most families off guard about the Philippines is how easy it is. Everyone speaks English. The currency is straightforward. The food is familiar enough that even picky eaters find things they like. Adobo is chicken or pork braised in soy and vinegar, and kids who eat teriyaki at home will eat it here. Lumpia are spring rolls. Pancit is noodles. Halo halo is shaved ice with sweet toppings, and your kids will order it every single day. The Filipino approach to hospitality is something you feel from the moment you step off the plane. People smile. They help. They ask about your kids by name.
What makes the Philippines different from Bali or Thailand for families is the variety packed into one trip. You can do a world class beach resort on Boracay, island hopping through hidden lagoons in El Nido, whale shark snorkeling in Oslob, chocolate hills and river cruises in Bohol, and a city day in Manila with Intramuros and the best food scene in Southeast Asia. All of it connected by short domestic flights on Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific for 30 to 80 dollars per person. That kind of range does not exist in most beach destinations.
The families I plan Philippines trips for come back talking about two things. First, the water. The Philippines has some of the most biodiverse marine life on the planet. The snorkeling in Coron, around Apo Island, and off the coast of Cebu is as good as anything in the world, and much of it is shallow enough for kids. Second, they talk about how affordable it was. A family resort that would cost 800 dollars a night in the Maldives runs 150 to 300 here, and dinner for a family of four at a good restaurant is 20 to 40 dollars. That price point means families can stay longer, do more, and actually relax about the budget.
When to go
Philippines on a US school calendar
- 1December through May
Dry season
The best window for families. December through February is the coolest and driest, with temperatures in the low 80s and almost no rain. March through May gets hotter, especially April and May when temperatures push into the high 90s. The sweet spot is January and February. Dry, warm, not too hot. Palawan and Boracay are at their best during this window. Book resorts early for Christmas and Chinese New Year, when Filipino and Asian travelers fill the popular spots.
- 2December and January
Winter break
This falls right in the best weather window. The catch is that it is also peak season, so Boracay and El Nido are at their busiest and most expensive. Book three to four months ahead for the best resorts. Prices are 30 to 50 percent higher than shoulder season but the weather is nearly perfect. If you are flexible on dates, the first two weeks of January after New Year clear out fast and prices drop.
- 3June through August
Summer break
This is the beginning of the wet season. June and July bring afternoon rain showers, but mornings are usually clear. Typhoon season runs June through November, with the highest risk August through October. Palawan and the Visayas (Cebu, Bohol, Boracay) get less rain than Luzon and the eastern islands. Travel insurance is non negotiable during this window. The upside is lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush green landscapes. If your family is flexible about afternoon rain, summer works.
Where to go
Islands, cities, and adventure
Most first time families combine two or three destinations. The classic route is Manila for a day, then Palawan or Boracay for beach time, plus Cebu or Bohol for nature and adventure. Ten to fourteen days lets you see three islands comfortably without rushing the transfers.
Palawan
Repeatedly voted one of the best islands in the world, and it earns it. El Nido is the star, with hidden lagoons, island hopping tours, and some of the clearest water in Southeast Asia. Coron has world class wreck diving and snorkeling over sunken Japanese ships from World War II. Port Barton is the quieter, less touristy alternative. The El Nido Resorts (Pangulasian, Miniloc, Lagen) are purpose built for families who want all inclusive island luxury without the crowds.
Boracay
Four kilometers of powdery white sand on White Beach, consistently ranked among the best beaches in the world. The island is small enough to walk or tricycle everywhere. Discovery Shores and Shangri-La Boracay are the top family picks, both with kids clubs and pools. Stations 1 and 2 have the best sand and calmest water for young kids. The sunsets are spectacular. Boracay is the easiest Philippine island for families who want resort time with good restaurants and nightlife nearby.
Cebu
The adventure capital of the Philippines for families. Whale shark encounters in Oslob (controversial but regulated), canyoneering at Kawasan Falls, sardine runs at Moalboal, and world class diving at Malapascua. Mactan Island off Cebu City has the big resorts: Shangri-La Mactan, Plantation Bay, and Crimson Resort. Use Cebu as a base and day trip to the adventures. Direct flights from Manila in about 90 minutes. Cebu Pacific often has fares under 50 dollars.
Bohol
The Chocolate Hills are more than 1,200 perfectly shaped mounds that turn brown in dry season, and they look like something from a Dr. Seuss book. The Philippine tarsier sanctuary lets your kids see one of the smallest primates in the world up close. The Loboc River cruise is a floating lunch through jungle. Panglao Island, connected by bridge, has white sand beaches and good resorts including Amorita and Henann. A two hour ferry from Cebu or a short flight from Manila.
Where to sleep
Rooms for a family of 4 or 5
The Philippines has everything from five star island resorts to boutique guesthouses on quiet beaches. The best family options cluster on Boracay, Mactan (Cebu), Bohol, and in El Nido. Prices are significantly lower than Bali, Thailand, or the Maldives for comparable quality.
| Option | Sleeps | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| El Nido island resort | 4 to 6 | El Nido Resorts operates four properties: Pangulasian (the most upscale, on a private beach), Miniloc (lagoon access, more rustic), Lagen (rainforest setting), and Apulit in Taytay. All are all inclusive with island hopping, kayaking, and snorkeling included. Boat transfer from El Nido town. No TVs, limited wifi, which is the point. Best for families with kids 5 and up who are comfortable with water activities |
| Boracay beachfront resort | 4 to 6 | Discovery Shores is the top family pick: suites with living areas, a kids club, and location on the quieter north end of White Beach. Shangri-La is on a private cove with its own reef, pool, and kids club. Crimson Resort has a waterpark. Station 1 properties are calmer than Station 2. Many mid range options in the 100 to 200 dollar range are perfectly good for families. Avoid Station 3 with young kids, it skews to nightlife |
| Cebu and Mactan resort | 4 to 6 | Shangri-La Mactan is the gold standard: marine sanctuary for snorkeling, water sports center, two pools, kids club. Plantation Bay has a huge saltwater lagoon that is calm enough for toddlers. Crimson Mactan has a good kids pool. All three are on Mactan Island, 30 to 45 minutes from Cebu airport. Cebu City hotels are cheaper but the beach resorts are worth the drive |
| Bohol and Panglao resort | 4 to 5 | Amorita Resort on Panglao has infinity pools, cliff top views, and reef snorkeling from the beach below. Henann Resort Alona Beach has a massive pool complex. The Bellevue Bohol is mid range and family friendly. Panglao is connected to Bohol by bridge, so you can day trip to Chocolate Hills and the tarsier sanctuary. Ferry from Cebu docks at Tagbilaran, 20 minutes from Panglao |
Getting around
Flights, ferries, and tricycles
- There are no nonstop flights from the US to the Philippines. Connect through Tokyo (Narita), Seoul (Incheon), Taipei, or Hong Kong. Philippine Airlines flies Manila to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York JFK with a fuel stop or connection. Total travel time is 15 to 20 hours depending on the routing. Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong and Japan Airlines via Tokyo are the most comfortable one stop options
- Manila (MNL) is the main international gateway. Ninoy Aquino International Airport has four terminals and can be chaotic. Terminal 3 is the newest and handles most international flights. If connecting to a domestic flight, confirm the terminal, as some connections require a terminal change by taxi or shuttle. Allow at least three hours for a domestic connection at Manila
- Domestic flights are cheap and frequent. Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines connect Manila to Cebu (1.5 hours), Boracay via Caticlan (1 hour), Puerto Princesa for Palawan (1.5 hours), El Nido (1.5 hours direct on AirSWIFT), and Tagbilaran for Bohol (1.5 hours). Fares run 30 to 100 dollars per person one way. Book on the airline websites for the best prices. Baggage is often not included on Cebu Pacific
- Ferries connect many islands. The OceanJet fast ferry from Cebu to Bohol takes two hours and runs multiple times daily. Ferries to Boracay depart from Caticlan jetty port (a 10 minute ride). For longer routes, 2GO Travel runs overnight ferries. FastCat operates newer vessels between Cebu and Bohol. Book ferry tickets online or at the port
- Getting around on the islands is part of the experience. Tricycles (motorcycles with a sidecar) are everywhere and kids love them. Taxis work in cities. Grab (the Southeast Asian Uber) works in Manila, Cebu, and some tourist areas. For day trips and island hopping, hire a private van and driver for 40 to 80 dollars per day. Renting a car is possible but not recommended because of the driving conditions
- US citizens do not need a visa for stays up to 30 days. Your passport needs at least six months validity from your arrival date. You can extend to 59 days at any Bureau of Immigration office for a small fee. Fill out the arrival card on the plane. You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket
- The currency is the Philippine peso (PHP). One US dollar equals roughly 56 to 58 PHP. ATMs are available at airports, malls, and in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at resorts and larger restaurants but carry cash for smaller shops, tricycles, and markets. Many island areas have limited ATM access, so withdraw before leaving the main towns
Before you go
The boring stuff, sorted
“The Philippines is the Southeast Asian trip that families do not think of first, and that is exactly why it works so well. No crowds at the level of Bali. No sensory overload like Bangkok. Just warm water, warm people, and a pace that lets your family actually enjoy it. Your kids will hold a tarsier the size of a tennis ball, snorkel over coral that is teeming with life, eat halo halo until they are sticky with mango and ube, and ride in a tricycle through a town where everyone waves. The English makes it so much easier than most of Southeast Asia with young kids. You do not need a guide to order food or ask for directions. The resorts are good, the domestic flights are cheap, and the value is hard to beat anywhere. It is the kind of trip where families say they wish they had planned more days.”
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Former social studies teacher, mom of three, 60+ countries.
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Start planningQuick answers
Is the Philippines safe for families?
The tourist areas of the Philippines are safe for families. Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol are well traveled and well set up for visitors. Petty theft can happen in Manila and crowded areas, so use the hotel safe and keep valuables close. The US State Department advises against travel to parts of Mindanao in the south, but that is far from the tourist islands. Natural hazards include typhoons (June through November) and earthquakes. Travel insurance is essential. The biggest day to day safety concern is sun and water: reef shoes, sunscreen, and watching currents.
How many days do you need in the Philippines with kids?
Ten to fourteen days is the sweet spot. The travel from the US takes a full day each way, so you want enough time on the ground to justify it. A typical first trip might be one night in Manila, four to five nights on Palawan or Boracay, and three to four nights on Cebu or Bohol. If you only have seven to eight days, pick one island and go deep. Trying to squeeze three islands into a week means spending too much time in airports and on ferries.
What is the best age to take kids to the Philippines?
Five and up works best for island hopping and adventure activities. Most boat tours, canyoneering, and snorkeling work well for kids who are comfortable in the water. The beach resorts on Boracay and Mactan work for any age including toddlers. The tarsier sanctuary in Bohol is a hit with kids three and up. The whale shark encounter in Oslob has a minimum age of around eight and requires basic swimming ability. Teenagers love the water sports, diving, and the independence of the islands.
What food will kids eat in the Philippines?
Filipino food is one of the most kid friendly cuisines in Asia. Chicken adobo (braised in soy sauce and vinegar) is a staple that most kids love. Lumpia (spring rolls) are crispy and mild. Pancit (noodles) come in many styles. Lechon (roast pork) is tender and flavorful. Halo halo is shaved ice with sweet beans, ube, leche flan, and ice cream, and your kids will want it daily. Fresh mango in the Philippines is among the best in the world. Resort restaurants always have international options including pasta, pizza, and burgers for selective eaters.
How expensive is the Philippines for families?
The Philippines is one of the best value family destinations in Asia. Beach resorts run 100 to 300 dollars per night for a family room. El Nido island resorts are higher at 400 to 800 dollars per night but are all inclusive. Dinner for a family of four at a good restaurant costs 15 to 40 dollars. Domestic flights run 30 to 100 dollars per person. A private van and driver for a day trip is 40 to 80 dollars. International flights from the US run 600 to 1200 dollars round trip per person depending on routing and season. Overall, a two week Philippines trip costs roughly half of what the same trip would cost in the Maldives or French Polynesia.
Do you need vaccines for the Philippines?
The CDC recommends routine vaccines plus hepatitis A and typhoid for the Philippines. Japanese encephalitis is recommended if you are spending time in rural areas. There is no malaria risk in the major tourist areas (Manila, Cebu, Boracay, Palawan towns) but the CDC notes risk in some rural areas. Dengue fever is present, so mosquito repellent is important, especially at dawn and dusk. Bring reef safe sunscreen, insect repellent with DEET, and a basic first aid kit with electrolytes and rehydration salts. Pharmacies are available in cities and tourist towns but island areas may have limited options.
Is the flight to the Philippines too long for kids?
There are no nonstop flights from the US mainland to the Philippines, so you are looking at 15 to 20 hours total with a connection. The most common routing is through Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, or Hong Kong. Philippine Airlines operates flights from LAX, SFO, and JFK with a fuel stop or connection. The trick is to pick a routing where the layover is comfortable and the longest leg is overnight. Tokyo Narita with Japan Airlines or ANA is a popular family option because the Japanese airports are clean, efficient, and have play areas. Consider a one night stopover in Tokyo or Seoul to break up the travel, which turns the long journey into part of the trip.
Keep planning: Japan with kids, Vietnam with kids, international travel with kids, step by step.
Nicole Damiano, ASTA Verified Travel Advisor · Certified Family Travel Advisor with FG Luxury Travel. Adventures We Seek is my travel blog and planning resource. Trips are booked through Favorite Grampy Travels. Prices, fees and rules last checked October 2026 and change often.
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