As a parent of 3 young kids, I know that one cannot just bring hyper kids just anywhere. Each outing should be well planned and kid-friendly. So, this has inspired me to compile a list of places to bring your kids where they will be sure to enjoy. Great ideas for the long weekends where you can make it an overnight trip or a day-trip on Sundays! I also know that price and expenses are a factor (especially for those with more than 2 kids and yayas tagging along), so will also include my own little pros and cons and whether it's worth spending on.
*Remember, all comments are strictly my own and not official whatsoever. :)
1. Mind Museum (Fort Bonifacio)
PROs:
+ Lots of things to see, ride, touch. Their playground is very interactive.
+ Kids (especially gradeschool aged ones) will learn something.
+ Brand new so everything is well maintained and clean.
+ You can finish the whole place in half a day, just enough time to grab a bite with the family after or hang out in the Serendra.
CONs:
- Hefty entrance fee (P600 for adults, P450 for kids)
2. Philippine Aerospace Museum (Beside NAIA 3 and Resorts World)
PROs:
+ Cheap entrance fee (P50)
+ Actual planes and helicopters so kids will be in awe seeing it all up close.
+ Kids can ride in the cockpits
CONs:
- Small museum, you can finish it in 2 hours.
- Non airconditioned
- Dusty (unless you are a scheduled big group then I think they clean it, haha)
- Everything is Old (I guess ergo the museum, right?)
3. Fun Ranch (Beside Tiendesitas, Pasig)
PROs:
+ Lots of things to do and ride for the kids.
+ Many places to eat and so kids won't be bored while waiting since they can play.
+ No entrance fee, accessible to public
+ Free parking
CONs:
- All rides have a fee (P50 per ride)
4. Manila Ocean Park (Roxas Blvd, Manila)
PROs:
+ Lots of things to see and do, kids will enjoy
+ A lot of places to eat
+ Small tiangee area for a little shopping, toys for kids
+ Great view of ocean
+ Hotel H2O for those coming from out of town and looking for a place to stay (think Disney hotel in Disneyland)
CONs:
- Pricey entrance (but then you can get bundles for a certain number of attractions)
- During weekends there may be long lines and lots of people
5. Luneta Park (Manila)
PROs:
+ Free!!
+ Great for outdoor activities: think picnic, sportsfest, kite flying, and anything else you can do outdoors!
+ You can visit nearby monuments
CONs:
- Rain (If it does) and Heat
6. Enchanted Kingdom (Sta. Rosa, Laguna)
PROs:
+ Fun for the whole family
+ Lots of rides, attractions and shows
+ Open until late at night with shows to watch
CONs:
- Price
- Far location: you will need a car or a private rented vehicle (think Gas and toll)
- Could have long lines if there are a lot of people
7. Avilon Zoo (Montalban, Rizal)
PROs:
+ Huge facility with a lot of animals
+ Some parts you can interact with animals and take photos
CONs:
- Far (think transpo, gas)
8. Nuvali Water Park (Sta. Rosa)
PROs:
+ Boat rides, shopping, bike riding
+ Lots of good places to eat
+ Out of town but not too far
CONs:
- Not much to do aside from the boat ride
- Need private car, toll and gas
PROs:
+ Big facility, lots of things to do
+ Can spend the whole day there with the family
+ Lots of shows, attractions, animals
+ Reasonably priced for the place
CONs:
- Far, out of town trip (gas, toll)
- You might have to consider staying overnight somewhere so not so tiring for kids
10. Ocean Adventure (Subic, Pampanga)
PROs:
+ Big facility, lots of things to do
+ Can spend the whole day there with the family
+ Lots of shows, attractions, animals
+ Reasonably priced for the place
CONs:
- Far, out of town trip (gas, toll)
- You might have to consider staying overnight somewhere so not so tiring for kids
11. Active Fun (Fort Bonifacio)
PROs:
+ Affordable
+ Huge play area for kids to run and do whatever they like
+ Parents can stay at food area while waiting
+ Air conditioned
+ Accessible
+ Can make an outing out of it and head on to Serendra for some snacks or for kids to play some more in the park
CONs:
- Kids are naturally drawn to toy store there and so you might end up buying them something, haha!
12. Gymboree
PROs:
+ Safe in terms of everything being padded
+ Good for even infants
+ Enroll kids in classes or just free play
+ Free trial sessions
+ Easily accessible
CONs:
- Pricey
13. Open park in the Fort
PROs:
+ Well maintained
+ Lots of areas to play
+ Free and open space
CONs:
- Could have a lot of kids there, may be a bit rough
- Hot (if during afternoons)
Well, these are just some of the places you can consider going to... but I am sure if you ask around from family and friends, you will discover new places and fun things to do. Share them here! Would love to discover these places too. Have a fun-filled family weekend! :)
