After seemingly endless months of age-specific restrictions that were not very forgiving to children — we’re sure the kids in the family are excited to go out and explore again! If you’re planning on a post-pandemic getaway that the young ones will enjoy, look no further.
Here are the best places in and around Manila where the whole family with kids will surely have a great time!
The National Museum Complex
After a long period of no face-to-face classes, the best place to take your kids is somewhere they will be re-immersed into learning and discovery. There’s no better place than the National Museum Complex, currently composed of three buildings for Fine Arts, Natural History, Anthropology. The fourth, National Planetarium, closed its old building in 2021 and is set to be redeveloped in a new location in the complex.
The buildings themselves are already a sight to behold, and there is a lot more to discover in each museum’s vast collections!
Location: Ermita, Manila (near Rizal Park)
Website/Facebook: www.nationalmuseum.gov.ph / National Museum of the Philippines
Museo Pambata
Another children’s museum worth visiting is Museo Pambata, well-loved for the immersive, interactive educational experience it offers for kids.
Even if you’ve been here before, the museum will surely be different from when you last saw it as the foundation has continued to put efforts into developing new facilities. Among them is the honeycomb-themed Bahay Pukyutan, an outdoor play space with a fun obstacle course that both kids and parents will enjoy.
Location: Roxas Blvd., Ermita, Manila
Website/Facebook: www.museopambata.org / Museo Pamabata
The Dessert Museum
Here’s another museum but not your typical one. Kids with a sweet tooth will never want to get out of The Dessert Museum. There are eight themed rooms where your family can take as many photos as you want, play games, and even get to try making your own dessert!
Location: Unit 124, S Maison at Conrad Hotel Manila, Marina Way, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City
Website/Facebook: www.thedessertmuseum.com / The Dessert Museum
DreamPlay
Do your little ones love DreamWorks characters like Shrek, Po the Kung Fu Panda, or the Penguins of Madagascar? Or, do they just simply want to play? Either way, they’ll definitely enjoy the indoor theme park DreamPlay at City of Dreams, where there are movie-themed activities to burn off all the extra energy of your tireless kids!
Location: City of Dreams Manila, Asean Ave. cor Roxas Blvd., Entertainment City, Parañaque City
Website/Facebook: www.cityofdreamsmanila.com / DreamPlay
Enchanted Kingdom
Enchanted Kingdom is probably the place that kids and kids at heart missed the most. There’s a long list of thrilling rides to check off — from Space Shuttle and Jungle Log Jam to Anchors Away and the Rio Grande Rapids, and these are just the classics.
There are also newer attractions you shouldn’t miss, such as the Twin Spin. This latest roller coaster ride will test your guts as it gives you twice the spin — with rotating seats and carts!
Location: San Lorenzo South, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Website/Facebook: www.enchantedkingdom.ph / Enchanted Kingdom
Zoori (Zoo at Residence Inn)
Another fun yet educational experience for children after the pandemic is visiting the zoo. And at Zoori in Tagaytay, you not only get to meet wild animals up close but also witness the natural wonder of Taal Volcano right from the zoo. Part of the unique experience the zoo offers is a zip line that you can ride across the view of the volcano!
Location: Km. 65 Barrio Neogan, Tagaytay City
Website: zoomanity.com.ph
Inflatable Island
Inflatable Island is a play paradise and an Instagram heaven! Those who love the beach should head to this colorful floating playground in Subic, where the whole fam can play through various obstacle courses. Afterward, keep lots of memories by taking Insta-perfect photos at the themed beach areas such as the Bali Lounge and the Pool Cabanas.
Location: Subic Bay Waters, National Highway, Lower Kalaklan, Olongapo City, Zambales
Website/Facebook: theinflatableisland.com / Inflatable Island Ph
Ocean Adventure
For more educational fun, take your kids to Ocean Adventure where children can not only enjoy animal shows as an audience but also get to interact or swim with them! It’s the perfect way to instill an awareness of the ocean, the wildlife, and the environment in young minds.
Location: Ocean Adventure Approach Rd., Ilanin Forest West, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Facebook: Ocean Adventure Subic Bay
Zoobic Safari
Encourage your children to be closer to nature with an adventure trip around Zoobic Safari. Here, you can watch wild animals like tigers, monkeys, and tigers freely roaming on the safari. You can take it a step further by going on a safari-themed glamping staycation at Zoobic Glampz!
Location: Group 1 Ilanin Forest, Subic Bay Freeport Zone
Website/Facebook: www.zoomanity.com.ph / Zoobic Safari
Dinosaurs Island
The Jurassic lives on in Dinosaurs Island, where lifesize animatronic dinosaurs are waiting to greet fearless visitors (the dinos don’t bite!). It’s the perfect place to learn about creatures from the bygone area and tickle the kids’ imagination. There are different attractions to enjoy, from Jurassic Jungle Safari and dino shows to recreations of the Wonders of the World.
Location: Clark Freeport Zone, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Website/Facebook: clarklandph.com / Dinosaurs Island Clark
From museums and theme parks to family staycations, find more family-friendly activities you can book on KKday!
*Featured image via Inflatable Island, Ocean Adventure, DreamPlay, Dessert Museum
