Boracay for children and kids activities
Boracay is a very easy if you have kids
Boracay is first and foremost a romantic destination, but it also has plenty to offer families with kids. In fact, a growing number of foreign tourists, as well as local families especially from Manila, go to the island to enjoy excursions and active vacations with their children.
Filipinos are fond of children, so you can be sure that Boracay is child-friendly. Locals will likely admire your child and comment on how good-looking he or she is. Do not be alarmed as this is pretty normal anywhere in Asia and particular if your kids are blonde and blue-eyed.
Boracay is generally safe for children with low risk of kidnapping and low crime, but you still need to be wary of other hazards, as kids can always get lost.
It is easy to make sure your kids can have fun while in Boracay. The larger, popular hotels have more family-friendly facilities and surroundings to ensure children can safely frolic in private playgrounds and enjoy the kid-friendly food. Even if you stay in a budget hotel, you will find that staff are friendly and attentive to children, ensuring that they are safe during their stay.
Fun activities for kids in Boracay
Bat Cave adventure
An excursion to the famous Bat Cave is a great way to let kids see animals in their natural habitat. The cave houses quite a number of huge fruit bats in its caverns. Gear up with a flash light, some protective pads and helmets and take a guided tour inside this stunning attraction on Boracay. Caution should be observed especially for young children as the trail angles can be steep and handrails are absent.
Some Boracay hotels have kids clubs
Children’s clubs
A lot of the resorts and hotels on the island offer exclusive clubs just for children. Let your kids mingle with others of their age while you enjoy some quality adult time. They can participate in club activities, which can be anything from building sandcastles to friendly beach games. You can also join in the fun and have your whole family compete together.
Island cruise
Children would also very much enjoy a cruise to nearby islands as they can see so many great sights along the way. With a small motorboat, you and your family can easily tour around the whole island of Boracay in a day. Explore the inlets and islets and take some snaps of the happy moments of your do-it-yourself cruise.
Games
There are many non-competitive, kid-friendly water games to join. You can have experts teach your kids the basics of jet-skiing, parasailing and water-skiing. You can also check with your hotel if they have a games room for children to enjoy arcades or board games.
Beach fun
The beach itself can already give kids hours of fun. The long stretch of sand is great for strolling and sightseeing. Grab a bucket and a spade and play along with your child’s imagination, helping them build their very own sandcastle.
Travelling with children in Boracay
Taking your kids to a foreign country can be a daunting task, so advanced and careful planning is necessary. For starters, look for activities and places to visit in Boracay which will appeal to your entire family.
Fortunately, you can find several activities on the island to amuse young visitors. The key is to choose the right hotel to stay in. More on hotels.
Getting around is easy even if you have children. You can take them with you for a fun ride on a tricycle or on a boat for an island cruise or to access other beaches, which will seem like an adventure to them. Still, you need to keep your children within sight or with a trusted guardian. Keep watch while they are swimming and do not let them talk or mingle with strangers.
Stray dogs are common in some parts of Boracay and, even more so than with home, be sure to tell your children not to touch them or call them. Also, there could be mosquitoes at the beach so be sure to wear protective clothing or apply mosquito repellent to lower the potential for contracting dengue fever. You should also make sure your children wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing to guard against sunburns. More on safety.
There are plenty of food selections in Boracay so there will almost certainly be something for the finicky eater, including lots of bakeries to satisfy sweet-toothed kids.
If your child gets sick, there are plenty of healthcare options in Boracay provided by licensed medical professionals. More on healthcare.
Childcare: Some hotels offer babysitting services if you want to leave your children behind, so that you can shop or explore the island on your own, for example. If your hotel does not have a babysitting service, you can hire a reputable nanny or arrange for a babysitter, but consider hiring somebody who is highly recommended within a licensed firm on Boracay.
Points to keep in mind on Boracay
The following is a list of useful pointers to consider before you take your children to Boracay. Just a little common sense ensures that you and your children can make the most of your holiday in one of the Philippines’ top holiday destinations.
Remember the heat: When visiting between March and June, know that temperatures can rise to the upper 30s (Celsius) and possibly higher. Therefore, keep your child hydrated and provide loose-fitting cotton clothing.
Reconsider taking that stroller: You will be spending most of your time on beaches or inside your hotel. If you happen to stray from the beach, the roads are not that smooth and public transport is not spacious, so taking a stroller may not be a good idea.
Adult-oriented areas: Boracay is also a party place and has a fair amount of seedy areas. If you have children, avoid taking them with you in bars frequented by adults or restaurants with loud, blaring music.
