Los Cabos with Kids

MexicoLos Cabos › For Families
Updated: March 6, 2022

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Top 8 Family Activities in Los Cabos, Mexico

Los Cabos, Mexico has long been known as a hot getaway for honeymooners, sport fishermen, and spring breakers. The truth of the matter is that this sunny destination at the tip of the Baja Peninsula also makes a fantastic getaway for families.

Visitors quickly fall in love with the dramatic natural beauty of white-sand beaches, mysterious desert hills, the mighty Pacific Ocean, and the incredible turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez. Just a short flight from most US gateways and home to two distinct cities, Los Cabos offers beautiful resorts, world-class activities, and plenty of charm. Cabo San Lucas (often known simply as “Cabo”) is the bustling heart of the action, with magnificent views of the iconic arch at Land’s End, restaurants, shops, and beautifully swimmable Médano Beach. San José del Cabo is the colonial sister city, with quaint boutiques and a historic plaza. Between the two cities lies the sun-swept 20-mile stretch of beaches known as the Tourist Corridor.

From one end of Los Cabos to the other, families will find plenty of fun both on land and sea. Here are some of our top picks for a fantastic family getaway with the kids:

1. Pirate Ship Cruise

Los Cabo Boat Tour for Kids
The Buccaneer Queen is a magnificent tall ship that has appeared numerous times in film and TV. Boat tours include options for sunset sails, whale watching, swimming, and snorkeling. You’ll admire the postcard-pretty views and kids will love the onboard pirate fight.

2. A day at the Beach

The warm beaches of Los Cabos offer the perfect setting for a sun-drenched day of beachcombing and sandcastles. Because of the strong confluence of the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, strong undertows make many beaches unsafe for swimming. However, the gentle waters of Médano Beach in Cabo San Lucas are a family favorite and this stretch is fantastic for people-watching. For an added bit of fun, head out on a snorkeling tour to experience the vibrant underwater sea life of what Jacques Cousteau called “the World’s Aquarium.” (The Cabo Half-Day Luxury Sailing Adventure with Snorkeling is excellent.) And, of course, no trip to Cabo San Lucas is complete without a water taxi ride out to scenic Lover’s Beach, located near the famous arch. While the beach offers no services, it’s a great spot to spend a few hours playing in the sunshine. On the Tourist Corridor, Santa Maria Bay and Chileno Bay are must-sees for their beautifully protected waters.

3. Whale Watching

California gray whales make a remarkable annual migration from Alaska each year to the warm waters of the Sea of Cortez to give birth. Whale watching in Los Cabos during the winter months with an experienced guide is a truly unforgettable experience that will move visitors of any age. Whale mothers have been known to bring their young right up to vessels to get a close look at the gawking, awe-struck humans aboard.

4. Work off some steam at the playground

While you won’t find much in the way of children’s play areas in Cabo San Lucas, in the San José del Cabo area there’s a pleasant park (Parque Ballena) with kids’ equipment located between the Mega shopping center and Plaza Garuffi, toward the west end of the hotel zone.

5. Glass Factory

Stop in to see glass-blowing artisans at work in this busy Cabo San Lucas workshop. In operation for over two decades, the glass-blowing factory employs over 30 highly-skilled artists who produce hundreds of pieces every day. Kids will find the process fascinating and there’s an on-site gift shop with unique hand-blown items to browse. While many tour operators offer this as a guided activity, you’re free to show up on your own in your rental or a taxi.

6. Turtle Release

Every year, several species of endangered sea turtles nest in the warm sands of Los Cabos. Conservation efforts focus on ushering the fragile, tiny hatchlings safely into the sea. Baja Outback Adventures offers a certified naturalist-led program in which participants can “adopt” a hatchling and help them make their way into the Sea of Cortez.

7. Horseback Riding

Explore pristine beaches and beautiful desert scenery as you ride with Cuadra professional horseback riders. Towering desert cacti and sparkling ocean vistas will make this a ride to remember.

8.Zip Lines

The zip-line tours offered by Wild Canyon will have you and the kids soaring over desert arroyos as you admire the dramatic Baja scenery and views. Highly trained guides help ensure a fun-filled experience.

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  1. Cabo Hotels

    I’ve been to the glass factory on a tour of Cabo! It was actually quite interesting to see how they do the glass blowing. I have heard great things about the zip lines too, it is next on my list of things to do when I go to Cabo! Great article!

    Alex

  2. Travis from L.A.

    Good stuff here, thanks. Just booked a hotel for the long weekend and a few extra days, and now need some good ideas for things to do with kids. This is my first time to Mexico and a little nervous. If we can find a good beach and a water park I’ll be happy, but have definitely taken down a few of your suggestions. Adios.

  3. Ann

    Hey…I think you just planned my vacation for February. This will be our first time in Cabo. Thanks for the tips!

  4. Captain Dola

    We have 2 children -ages 7 and 11. Our 11 year old son is finding the traveling life lonely. He and his sister have become very close but he still misses his friends deeply. He is at an age where friendships with other boys really matter. To honor his need-we are trying to figure out where to plunk down for 3-4 months at a time where there will be other homeschooling families to connect with. Have you come across communities in your travels where there are families with older children who are not in formal schools? Thank you

  5. Miranda L

    We are going for 4th of July with 3 children, ages 1, 8 and 10. I was trying to find something we could all enjoy together but also get some tips on Mexico with a 1 year old,it’s our 1st time taking the kids out of the country and we can’t wait!! Thanks for any help, love the article!!!

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Hi Miranda. Not sure how much I can add here. There’s a Chedraui in Cabo which is a huge grocery store and has everything you would need (from diapers to baby food to beach toys). Also a great place to shop and save money. Our kids always like going (maybe it’s the donuts).

      Wish I could be more help. Good luck.

      David

  6. Rent Car in Cabo?

    We are headed to San Jose del Cabo in April… I’ve got 3 kids (9, 5, 9 months) and I’m debating renting a car. We’ll be there 2 weeks and I’m worried that if we don’t rent a car we’ll be limited in what we can do. However I’ve read some discouraging reviews about renting a car in Mexico. What do you suggest… Rent or rely on public transportation?
    Thanks
    Matt

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      Renting a car is a pain in Mexico. I would use a combination of taxi and bus – and it will probably be cheaper unless you’re doing something substantial every day.

  7. Car Seats for Kids in Cabo

    Hello. Before having my twin boys, I was a Cabo regular. They are now 19 months and we would like to take them to Cabo. Reading your thread, I’ve noticed that no one mentions car seats. This makes me nervous. Do people not use car seats on vacation?
    Jessica Sandoval

    1. Mexico Dave The Hotel Expert

      When my kids were younger I took car seats with us everywhere. Finding working seat belts can be tricky but you should be OK in Cabo area as taxis are in pretty good shape. Taking a bus can save you the hassle of a car seat but for airport to resort transportation (in Cabo area) you’ll almost certainly need a taxi/car service, so take your car seats.

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