In 2024, we took a family trip to Cebu to celebrate our daughter’s second birthday. It was also our first trip outside Mindanao after the pandemic.
My partner and I had visited Cebu before, but this time, we got to experience it with our daughter. Since she loved Baby Shark, fish, and animals, we planned our itinerary around attractions we thought she would enjoy.
We spent four days exploring Cebu as a family. Here’s our itinerary, the expenses we can confirm, and a few things I learned that may help if you’re planning a similar trip with a toddler.
Note: This is our actual itinerary from 2024. Prices and attraction policies may have changed, so treat the costs mentioned here as historical references. I also included details on where you can check the latest information before your trip.
Cebu with Kids: Our Four-Day Family Itinerary at a Glance
Here’s how we spent our four days in Cebu.
Day 1: Cebu City
- Had lunch at Rico’s Lechon
- Checked in at Hamersons Hotel Cebu
- Visited Cebu Ocean Park
- Had dinner at SM Seaside City Cebu
Day 2: Cebu Safari & Adventure Park
- Left early for the safari park
- Explored the animal exhibits and gardens
- Watched an animal show
- We also rode the tram, which was another way to get around and see more of the park.
- Had lunch inside the park
Day 3: Simala Shrine, Anjo World, and Mactan
- Visited Simala Shrine
- Spent the afternoon at Anjo World
- Went shopping and had dinner at The Outlets at Pueblo Verde
- Crossed the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX)
Day 4: Cebu City
- Bought pasalubong at Taboan Market
- Returned our rental car at the airport
- Flew home in the afternoon
We wanted our daughter to enjoy the attractions while revisiting some places my partner and I had been to before. We managed to fit quite a bit into four days, although looking back, some parts of our itinerary were busier than others.
Here’s a closer look at each day, including what we enjoyed and the expenses we can still confirm.
Day 1: Rico’s Lechon and Cebu Ocean Park
We arrived in Cebu around lunchtime and headed to Rico’s Lechon. This was a special stop for us because it was where my partner and I had our first meal together on a previous trip. Returning with our daughter made the visit even more meaningful.
After lunch, we checked in at Hamersons Hotel Cebu, where we stayed for three nights. Once we had settled in, we headed to Cebu Ocean Park.
Revisiting Cebu Ocean Park
Cebu Ocean Park was one of the last places my partner and I visited on our previous trip in February 2020, just before the pandemic. The park was relatively new back then, so it was interesting to return and see what had changed, especially in the dining area.
This time, we experienced it through our daughter’s eyes.
She enjoyed seeing the sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish. There were also birds, reptiles, and an animal show to watch. It was wonderful to see her curiosity as she explored the different exhibits.
We bought her a starfish pillow as a souvenir.
Admission was around ₱600 per person in 2024. Our daughter didn’t qualify for free admission because of the height requirement at the time, so we paid for her ticket.
For reference, Cebu Ocean Park’s website lists rates of ₱750 on weekdays and ₱900 on weekends in the 2026 information I checked. If you’re planning to visit, check Cebu Ocean Park’s official website for the latest ticket prices, child admission rules, operating hours, and available packages.
After exploring the park, we headed to SM Seaside City Cebu for dinner before returning to the hotel.
Day 2: Exploring Cebu Safari & Adventure Park
We started early because Cebu Safari & Adventure Park was one of the places we were most excited to visit.
The drive from our hotel took roughly two hours, as I remember. Travel time can vary depending on traffic and road conditions, so check your route before leaving and allow extra time for the journey back.
Google Maps helped us find our way there.
Getting Close to the Animals
Our daughter loved seeing the animals up close. We saw giraffes, zebras, a tiger, and a gorilla from a safe viewing area. We also spotted a lion resting in the distance.
One unforgettable moment was watching the giraffes being fed. We also had the chance to feed birds and watch an animal show.
There was so much to see that we took our time exploring the different areas.
My favorite part was Michel’s Garden. It was a lovely place to walk around and take photos, giving us a change of scenery from the animal exhibits.
The park had three restaurants during our visit, so we had options for lunch. We ended up ordering pizza and pasta, which made the meal convenient without having to leave the attraction.
Things to Know Before Visiting Cebu Safari
Admission was about ₱1,000 per person in 2024, although I no longer have the receipt. Treat this as an estimate rather than a confirmed historical rate.
Before visiting, check the Cebu Safari & Adventure Park official website for current admission prices, inclusions, opening hours, and available packages.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Allow time for the drive. The park is outside Cebu City, so factor in the journey in both directions.
- Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes and lightweight clothes. It was humid during our visit, and a portable fan would have been useful.
- Ask about souvenir photos. We noticed that visitors could have photos printed before leaving. Ask the staff about the process and cost if you’d like a keepsake.
Cebu Safari was one of the highlights of our trip because it gave our daughter the chance to see so many animals in person. If your child enjoys wildlife, consider setting aside most of a day for the visit rather than trying to squeeze in several other attractions.
Day 3: Simala Shrine, Anjo World, and The Outlets at Pueblo Verde
Day three took us from Simala Shrine to Anjo World, followed by shopping and dinner at The Outlets at Pueblo Verde in Mactan. Looking back, it was our busiest day, and spreading these activities over two days would have given us more time to enjoy each place.
A Visit to Simala Shrine
Simala Shrine was not new to us. It was my fourth visit.
We attended Mass, wrote down our prayers, and lined up to pray before the image of the miraculous Mary of Simala. We also lit a candle in thanksgiving for our daughter’s birthday.
For us, the visit was a meaningful part of the trip. It gave us time for prayer and gratitude alongside the more activity-filled days.
We paid for parking, but I no longer remember the exact amount.
If you’d like to read more about our experience in South Cebu, you can also visit my earlier travel story about Oslob, Sumilon, and Simala Shrine.
An Afternoon at Anjo World
After Simala Shrine, we headed to Anjo World. We planned our visit around the park’s afternoon opening schedule at the time, so we could enjoy the rides without trying to fit everything into the morning.
Since our daughter was still a toddler, we focused on the rides she could enjoy at her age and height. We rode the Anjo Eye, the Golden Carousel, and Mr. Cup, and she also spent time at the indoor playground.
One of the sweetest moments was when her dad played the balloon-popping game and won a small toy for her. She also tried cotton candy for the first time and picked out a dinosaur toy.
These little moments were just as memorable as the rides.
I don’t remember which ticket package we purchased or the exact amount we paid in 2024. Anjo World has different ticket options, so check the official ticket page before visiting. Review the ride inclusions and height or age restrictions to find an option that suits your family.
Shopping at The Outlets at Pueblo Verde
After Anjo World, we went to The Outlets at Pueblo Verde in Mactan for shopping and dinner.
We also bought a cupcake to celebrate our daughter’s birthday back at the hotel. It was a simple way to end a busy day and make the occasion feel special.
We crossed the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) during this part of our trip. I remember the toll being around ₱90 in 2024, and I enjoyed seeing the lights along the bridge.
We also paid for parking at Simala Shrine, Anjo World, and The Outlets at Pueblo Verde. Unfortunately, I no longer remember the exact amounts, so I wouldn’t want to give readers figures that might be inaccurate.
Tip: Driving around Cebu can take some getting used to, especially when you encounter one-way streets or turns that are easy to miss. Google Maps helped us navigate, but it’s worth allowing extra time between destinations.
Day 4: Pasalubong at Taboan Market
On our last day, we visited Taboan Market to buy pasalubong before our afternoon flight home.
Whenever I visit Cebu, Taboan Market is always on my itinerary. This time, we bought danggit, otap, and Cebu chorizo to bring home.
If you’re planning to buy dried fish, ask the seller to pack it properly for air travel. It’s also wise to check your airline’s baggage rules before your trip, especially if you’re bringing food with strong odors.
Our rental car company coordinated with us to pick up the vehicle at the airport. Returning the car was smooth, and having the arrangements made in advance helped make our last day easier.
When we got home, we ordered food for the family. Our daughter was delighted with her cake and presents, which made for a sweet ending to the celebration.
Where We Stayed: Hamersons Hotel Cebu
We stayed at Hamersons Hotel Cebu for three nights. Our accommodation cost ₱6,183.78.
For this trip, we wanted a practical place to stay while exploring Cebu City and visiting attractions outside the city. Since we were traveling with a toddler, having somewhere to return to and rest between activities was important.
When booking accommodation, consider its location, parking availability if you’re renting a car, and the amenities your family needs. Compare rates for your travel dates before making a reservation.
Our Cebu Trip Expenses: What We Can Confirm
The table below covers only the expenses we can confirm from our records. Our subtotal of ₱21,462.18 is not the full cost of our four-day Cebu trip.
We booked round-trip flights for three, stayed at Hamersons Hotel Cebu for three nights, and rented a Toyota Vios for three days. The table breaks down those confirmed expenses, including the additional car rental fees.
| Expense | Amount |
| Round-trip flights for three | ₱9,728.40 |
| Hamersons Hotel Cebu, 3 nights | ₱6,183.78 |
| Toyota Vios rental, 3 days | ₱4,500.00 |
| Carwash | ₱250.00 |
| Airport delivery fee | ₱400.00 |
| Airport pickup fee | ₱400.00 |
| Confirmed subtotal | ₱21,462.18 |
The car was provided with a full tank of fuel, and we returned it full. Fuel is not included in the subtotal above.
We also chose to pay for the carwash because it was more convenient for us. When collecting a rental car, it’s a good idea to check its condition and document any existing damage before driving away.
What Isn’t Included in the Subtotal?
The confirmed subtotal does not include:
- Meals and snacks
- Admission tickets for Cebu Ocean Park, Cebu Safari, and Anjo World
- Parking fees
- CCLEX toll
- Fuel
- Shopping and pasalubong
- Other personal expenses
I no longer have receipts or exact figures for all these expenses, so I won’t estimate a final trip total.
If you’re planning a similar trip, budget separately for these items and leave some room for unexpected expenses. Your actual total will depend on your travel dates, number of travelers, ticket packages, transportation choices, and spending habits.
Tips for Traveling to Cebu with a Toddler
Looking back, there are a few things I’d keep in mind for another family trip.
1. Leave Room for Rest
Meals, naps, and unexpected delays can affect your schedule when traveling with a toddler. Our third day was especially busy, and spreading those activities over two days would have given us more time to enjoy each stop.
2. Check Attraction Details Before Visiting
Admission prices, ticket inclusions, height requirements, and opening hours can affect both your plans and your budget. Check the official websites before your visit, especially when choosing rides for young children.
3. Keep Track of Your Expenses
I wish I’d kept a more complete record of our daily expenses. We could confirm our flights, hotel, and car rental costs, but I no longer had exact figures for several other expenses. A simple travel budget sheet would have made it easier to see how much the entire trip cost.
4. Pack for the Activities You Have Planned
Think about the activities on your itinerary and what your child will need throughout the day. For us, a portable fan would have been useful during our visit to Cebu Safari because of the humidity. Pack the essentials without bringing more than you can comfortably carry.
Final Thoughts
Our four days in Cebu gave us family adventures, meaningful moments, and the chance to revisit familiar places with our daughter.
From watching her discover the animals at Cebu Ocean Park and Cebu Safari to seeing her enjoy her first rides at Anjo World, the trip reminded me that family travel doesn’t have to be perfect to be memorable.
I wish we had kept a more complete record of our expenses, but I hope sharing our experience helps other families plan their own Cebu trips. Every family travels differently, and what matters most is finding a pace and itinerary that work for you.
Have you traveled to Cebu with young children? I’d love to hear which places your family enjoyed most.
