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Where to Stay in Bohol for Family with Kids

Where to Stay in Bohol for Family with Kids

Bohol is one of the best family travel destinations in the Philippines. With its safe environment, kid-friendly beaches, nature attractions, and welcoming culture, it offers the perfect balance of relaxation and fun for travelers with children. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, school-aged kids, or teenagers, Bohol has an ideal area and accommodation that suits your family’s needs.

In this guide, we’ll help you choose where to stay in Bohol for a comfortable, memorable, and family-friendly experience. We’ll look at the best areas, types of accommodations, and hotel recommendations tailored for families with kids.


Why Bohol is Ideal for Family Travel

  • Safe and laid-back island vibe

  • Family-friendly beaches with gentle waves

  • Educational and fun activities like wildlife centers, river cruises, and Chocolate Hills

  • Convenient access via Tagbilaran Port or Panglao International Airport

  • Wide variety of accommodations that welcome kids of all ages


Best Areas to Stay in Bohol for Families

1. Panglao Island – Most Convenient and Family-Friendly

Panglao is the top choice for families. It’s home to Bohol’s best beaches and close to both the international airport and popular attractions.

Best for:

  • Beach time with kids

  • Island hopping and dolphin watching

  • Easy access to restaurants and shops

Family Perks:

  • Sandy beaches with shallow water (especially Dumaluan Beach)

  • Kid-friendly resorts with pools and play areas

  • Easy to hire vans or tricycles for sightseeing

Recommended Family Hotels:

  • South Palms Resort Panglao
    Beachfront resort with spacious rooms, wide beach area, and hammocks perfect for kids to play. Great food and shaded areas.

  • Bohol Beach Club
    Known for clean facilities, calm beachfront, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Offers paddleboards, bikes, and shallow waters.

  • Henann Resort Alona Beach
    Larger, more active resort with multiple pools, big family rooms, and direct beach access. Better for older kids.

  • Donatela Resort & Sanctuary
    Boutique option with villas, nature trails, and horse stables—great for curious kids and relaxed families.


2. Anda – Best for Peace and Privacy

Anda is a peaceful coastal town located 2.5–3 hours from Tagbilaran or Panglao. Its quiet beaches and laid-back environment make it excellent for families seeking relaxation and bonding time.

Best for:

  • Unplugging from the city

  • Exploring tide pools, caves, and waterfalls

  • Long-stay families or return visitors

Family Perks:

  • Very little traffic and crowds

  • Long stretches of beach with minimal waves

  • Local food and nature-based experiences

Recommended Family Hotels:

  • Anda White Beach Resort
    Relaxing and private, this resort has a calm shoreline, family-sized rooms, and friendly staff who love kids.

  • Island View Beachfront Resort
    Comfortable and peaceful, with clean accommodations and direct beach access.

  • 1Peace Beach Resort
    Eco-friendly resort with hammocks, gardens, and plenty of space for kids to explore safely.


3. Loboc – Best for Nature and Culture Lovers

Loboc is located inland and is perfect for families who love nature, rivers, and local culture. It’s also a great base for countryside tours including the Chocolate Hills.

Best for:

  • Families who love nature and slow travel

  • Educational activities (tarsiers, forest tours, cultural shows)

  • Active kids who enjoy adventure

Family Perks:

  • Safe riverside paths and activities

  • River cruises with lunch and local performances

  • Firefly watching at night—magical for kids

Recommended Family Hotels:

  • Loboc River Resort
    Large riverside property with a restaurant on stilts, small boat rides, and safe spaces for walking and exploring.

  • Fox & Firefly Cottages
    Rustic eco-resort with SUP tours and forest ambiance, great for slightly older kids and nature-loving parents.

  • Stefanie Grace Paradise Inn
    Budget option right by the river with a pool and family-friendly service.


4. Tagbilaran City – Best for Budget and Accessibility

If your family is on a tighter budget or arriving by ferry, staying in Tagbilaran City is a practical choice. While it doesn’t have beaches, it’s close to malls, ports, and transport terminals.

Best for:

  • Overnight stays or transfers

  • Budget-conscious families

  • Families with infants or toddlers needing city services

Family Perks:

  • Easy access to supermarkets and clinics

  • Near ferry terminal and transport hubs

  • Lots of local eateries and public parks

Recommended Family Hotels:

  • Kew Hotel Tagbilaran
    Clean and modern with connecting rooms and good accessibility.

  • Bohol Tropics Resort
    Classic local-style resort with pools and family amenities.

  • Arabelle Suites
    Budget-friendly, clean rooms with good service and nearby food options.


Activities in Bohol That Kids Will Love

  • Tarsier Sanctuary – Learn about the world’s smallest primates

  • Chocolate Hills ATV Ride – Safe and thrilling ride for older kids

  • Loboc River Cruise – Cultural performance + lunch on a boat

  • Firefly Watching in Abatan or Loboc

  • Dolphin Watching near Panglao

  • Island Hopping – Balicasag Island and Virgin Island

  • Snorkeling – Safe shallow reef spots near Panglao

  • Waterfalls – Visit Pangas and Camugao Falls (age-appropriate hikes)


Best Beaches for Kids in Bohol

Beach Area Highlights
Dumaluan Beach Panglao Shallow waters, shade, resorts with child-safe zones
Alona Beach Panglao Great for teens, more crowded, watersports
Anda Beach Anda Long, quiet stretches of sand, safe waves
White Beach Panglao Less busy than Alona, great for young children

Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel for Your Family

  • Check for family rooms or connecting units

  • ✅ Look for pools with shallow ends or lifeguards

  • ✅ Confirm child policies (some resorts are adult-only)

  • ✅ Consider proximity to food options

  • ✅ Prioritize safety and cleanliness

  • ✅ Read reviews from other families with kids


Itinerary Suggestion for 5 Days in Bohol with Kids

Day 1 – Arrive in Panglao
• Check in to resort, beach play
• Dinner at a family-friendly restaurant

Day 2 – Countryside Tour
• Visit Tarsier Sanctuary
• Chocolate Hills ATV ride
• Hanging bridge and butterfly garden

Day 3 – Island Hopping Tour
• Balicasag + Virgin Island
• Snorkeling and picnic lunch
• Back to resort for pool time

Day 4 – Loboc Adventure
• River cruise lunch
• Zipline (for older kids)
• Firefly watching at night

Day 5 – Relax and Departure
• Morning swim, buy souvenirs
• Transfer to airport or ferry


Final Thoughts

Bohol is one of the best destinations in the Philippines for a family vacation. Whether you stay in vibrant Panglao, quiet Anda, adventurous Loboc, or central Tagbilaran, you’ll find warm hospitality and a variety of activities that appeal to all ages.

For convenience and all-around family fun, Panglao remains the top pick. If you want tranquility, Anda is unmatched. For cultural immersion, Loboc is ideal. And for practicality on a budget, Tagbilaran gets the job done.

Whichever you choose, Bohol promises quality time, nature, smiles, and memories your family will treasure for years.


Frequently Asked Questions about Staying in Bohol with Kids

Which area in Bohol is best for families with kids?

Panglao Island is the top choice for families. It offers safe, swimmable beaches, plenty of resorts with kid-friendly amenities, and easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and tours. The Dumaluan Beach area is especially calm and suited for younger children.

Are there family resorts in Bohol with kid-friendly pools?

Yes! Resorts like South Palms Panglao and Bohol Beach Club have pools with shallow areas suitable for toddlers and young kids. Larger resorts such as Henann Alona also have multiple pools, including ones designed for families with older children.

Is Bohol safe for family travel?

Absolutely. Bohol is one of the safest islands in the Philippines. Locals are friendly, healthcare is accessible in Tagbilaran, and popular tourist areas like Panglao and Loboc have excellent safety records. As always, supervise children during activities and near water.

How do I get around Bohol with kids?

The most convenient way is by hiring a private van or using a hotel shuttle. These are safe, air-conditioned, and child-friendly. Some families also rent cars with car seats. Tricycles and multicabs are available but are less comfortable for longer distances with children.

Are there hospitals or clinics in Bohol?

Yes. The main hospitals are located in Tagbilaran City, including Governor Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital and several private clinics. Pharmacies are also widely available in tourist hubs like Panglao and Tagbilaran.

What activities in Bohol are suitable for kids?

Popular kid-friendly activities include:

  • Chocolate Hills tour and ATV rides (for older kids)
  • Tarsier Sanctuary visit
  • Loboc River Cruise with buffet lunch
  • Firefly watching at night
  • Beach time and snorkeling in shallow areas
  • Swimming in resort pools

Most of these can be done with toddlers, school-aged children, or teenagers.

Are there quiet areas to stay in Bohol with kids?

Yes. For a more peaceful experience, families can stay in:

  • Dumaluan Beach – calmer than Alona
  • Anda – remote, safe, and quiet
  • Loboc – ideal for nature stays and river views

These areas allow families to relax without the crowds of main tourist zones.

Can I find connecting rooms or family suites in Bohol hotels?

Yes. Many resorts in Panglao such as BE Grand Resort and Donatela Resort offer family suites, villas, or connecting rooms. Mid-range options like Bohol Beach Club also accommodate extra beds or cribs upon request.

Is Wi-Fi reliable for remote work or homeschooling during travel?

Most hotels in Panglao and Tagbilaran offer decent Wi-Fi. However, areas like Loboc and Anda may have slower connections. If you need consistent internet for remote learning or work, check reviews or contact your chosen hotel in advance.

Are there restaurants with child-friendly menus?

Yes, especially in Panglao. Restaurants near Alona Beach, Dumaluan, and Tagbilaran often offer pasta, fried chicken, rice meals, and fruit shakes that are popular with kids. Many resorts also allow you to request non-spicy or modified meals for young children.

Do we need to bring a stroller to Bohol?

A lightweight stroller is useful for airport transfers, malls, and resort grounds. However, not all areas are stroller-friendly (e.g., rough beach paths or countryside spots), so baby carriers are recommended for nature tours or rural areas.

When is the best time to visit Bohol with children?

The best time is during the dry season from December to May. The weather is ideal for beach time and tours. Avoid typhoon season (August–October) if you’re planning outdoor-heavy itineraries. Christmas and Holy Week can be busy, so book early.

What should I pack when traveling to Bohol with kids?

Essentials include:

  • Light clothes, swimwear, and hats
  • Sunblock and mosquito repellent
  • Refillable water bottles
  • Snacks for long tours
  • Small medical kit (plasters, fever medicine, etc.)
  • Water shoes or sandals for beach and waterfalls

Don’t forget child-safe floatation devices if your resort has a pool or you’re planning a beach trip.

Are island hopping tours safe for children?

Yes, especially if you go with reputable tour operators who provide life jackets and kid-friendly schedules. For younger children, half-day tours to Balicasag Island or Virgin Island are preferable. Avoid rough-sea conditions by booking during calm-weather months.