We could all agree that after facing immense uncertainty during the height of COVID-19 pandemic, we now put more value on the time we get to spend with our family and friends-including time for bonding and recreation. In fact, most, if not all of us went full-on revenge travel mode at some point last 2022. (Aminin!)
READ ALSO: 7 Highly-Recommended Hotels In Boracay When Traveling With The Family
In Smart Parenting, we observed that a lot of parents are becoming more open to the idea of travel and recreation as not just a luxury or "luho lang" but actually a necessity to raise a happy, healthy family. As pointed out in one of our most-read articles, "Family vacations become 'happiness anchors' when kids grow up." Read it here.
If you are also trying to be more intentional in carving out time for your family without spending too much on a full-blown vacation, a quick weekend stroll within the metro is the perfect alternative!
To help you plan your next wander family weekend, we've listed down seven spots around Metro Manila where you can have a fun-filled day with your kids. Most of these places recently underwent renovation or are relatively new for that elevated experience.
7 Fun Spots Around Metro Manila
1. Manila Zoo
M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila
Regular ticket rate: Php300
Open daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Reopened in November 2022, the newly-renovated Manila Zoo is one of the must-visit attractions now in Metro Manila. Sitting on a 5.5-hectare land, there is a lot of wildlife to uncover and learn about in this modernized pasyalan.
It's primarily outdoor but there are indoor areas as well like the reptile section and the butterfly garden. There's also a "Children's Park" inside where a playground is set up and kids can roam and interact with other children.
The man-made pond at the center is also a sight to behold on its own. One of the best things about Manila Zoo is that it is stroller and wheel-chair friendly, making it convenient for a lot of families.
Watch our Smart Parenting quick guide to Manila Zoo here:
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2. Art In Island
15th Ave, Cubao, Quezon City
Regular ticket rate: Php850
Open Tuesdays to Sundays 10:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Also just reopened in the latter part of 2022, Art In Island is offering it's guests a new experience with various immersive mixed media art.
Inside, prepare to be mesmerized by awe-inspiring interactive projections that are bursting with colors. A relaxing, and almost somber at times, background music also completes the one-of-a-kind audio-visual experience.
Some rooms still have 2D artworks, sculptures, and other art installations that are all equally impressive and definitely Instagrammable. All corners of this space are literally IG-feed-worthy!
Watch our Smart Parenting quick guide to the new Art In Island for other must-knows and a tipid tip you shouldn't miss here:
3. PlayLab PH Robinsons Galleria
Dubbed the first digital kids’ play park in the Philippines, PlayLabPH marries digital and physical elements in their activities that kids will surely enjoy.
Get your little ones moving with the Ball Strike Game, have fun in the Fantasy Slope slide, or get a bit of adrenaline rush as they try climbing the Planet Defense Wall.
Know more about PlayLab PH by visiting their Facebook page.
4. Museo Pambata
Roxas Boulevard corner South Drive, Manila
Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Probably one of the "OG" educational and interactive pasyalan for the kids in Manila, Museo Pambata also saw temporary closure during the height of pandemic and only welcomed guests again last September 2022.
Aside from strolling and appreciating the installation inside the museum, there are also arts and crafts workshops, and other play-based activities for the kids.
Visit Museo Pambata's Facebook page to know more.
5. Dream Lab
Upper Ground Floor Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati City
Regular ticket rate starts at Php788
Open daily 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Now here's an indoor attraction with a unique concept: business and entrepreneurship. Dream Lab dubs itself the "biggest business simulation playground in the world" where they promise their guests to get a feel of what it is like to be your own boss.
Outside looking in, Dream Lab is a curated world on its own complete with mini offices, business establishments, and even government offices that will let parents enjoy pretend play with their kids!
6. Whimsical Wonderland
4F Eastwood Mall Quezon City
Regular ticket rate starts at Php449
Open Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM
As the attraction's name suggests, walking inside the Whimsical Wonderland is an out-of-this-world experience. With intricate and over-the-top installations, guests would feel like they are exploring the pages of Alice in Wonderland.
It's the perfect spot to stimulate kids' creativity (and for parents to escape reality even for just a couple of hours, IYKWIM!)
Visit Whimsical Wonderland Facebook page for more details.
7. Fun in the City
Arcovia City, E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave. (C-5), Pasig City
Open daily 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
If your family is more into amusement parks, Fun in the City is right up your alley. Here, there are rides for every member of the family. Think your regular town perya but more upscale. Probably the most unique ride that separates them from other amusement parks is their cable car ride!
Watch this video about the newest indoor slime playground in Metro Manila!
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