Maiba Naman! 7 Family Activities To Do For The Holidays That Are Educational, Musical, And Yes, Free

The most wonderful time of the year is here! Many families are eager to spend more time outdoors now, too. Of course, not everyone is ready to splurge on long road trips or farther domestic and international travels.

Some might simply be bored at home. They might want to bond with the family in a different scenery—like others say, “para maiba naman.” Then, there are others that countdown the weeks before Christmas by giving the kids special experiences this season, especially with things getting back to normal this year.

Whichever category you fall under, we’ve got you covered, moms and dads. If you want to stay in the metro, hereare some things you can do with the kids this November.

7 Family Activities To Enjoy In The City

1. Experience the return of Ayala’s Festival of Lights.

When: November 10, 2022 to January 8, 2023, every hour from 6-10 PM
Where: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City
Fee: Free

This spectacle of festive lights and sounds will run from November 10 to January 8. Many who’ve been to this spot pre-pandemic around this time of the year make a tradition out of it. The motif changes annually, and the one for  this year is yet to be revealed. Any guesses what the Ayala Triangle Festival 2022 theme will be? Head there to find out!

Aside from the lights fest, there are plenty of other things to do in the area. For instance, there will be a Christmas market from December 2 to 31 and evening mass from Simbang Gabi (Dec. 15 to 23) until the end of the year. There will also be a Christmas Concert from December 20 to 22 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Be sure to visit Make It Makati's Facebook page for all the updates!

2. Catch the limited rerun of Joseph the Dreamer.

When: November 12 to 27, 2022
Where: Maybank Theater, BGC Arts Center
Fee: Ticket prices start at P1,751 each.

If your family is more musically inclined, this show is perfect for the family. 

The musical headlined by Sam Concepcion and Gary Valenciano, Joseph the Dreamer is back on stage for a limited time only. Behind the production is Trumpets, the first professional Christian theater company in the country. It will also be directed by Mr. Pure Energy’s son, Paolo Valenciano.

Catch the musical every weekend from November 12-27 at the Maybank Theater, BGC Arts Center. Buy your tickets here (starts at P1,751 each).

3. Go on an educational tour with Ayala Museum's Who's Your Hero Adventure Tour.

When: November 26, 2022, 10:30 AM to 12 NN and 4:30 AM to 6 PM
Where: Ayala Museum, Makati
Fee: P850 (bundles and special discounts apply)

Here's an educational activity to try this month at Ayala Museum, Who’s Your Hero: Adventure Tour, happening on November 26, 2022. Choose either the morning or the afternoon slot and embark on a Philippine history-themed journey.

Aside from touring the galleries, you will be given missions and play fun games while learning about the country’s historic icons. Perfect for kids aged 6 to 12, this adventure tour costs P850 (ealry bird rates, bundle deals, and special discounts apply). Find out more and purchase tickets here. 

4. Rediscover the new and improved Manila Zoo.

When: Opens November 21, 2022
Where: Manila 
Fees: P150 (Manila residents) and P300 (non-residents) for adult and child
P100 (Manila residents) and P200 (non-residents) for students
20% for senior citizens and PWD.
Children two years old and younger are free.

When the famous city attraction opened after its restoration last year, it drew thousands of visitors until it temporarily closed for renovation last June. It was even more popular among families since entrance fees were waived back in February.

This month, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuña has reopened the now-called Manila Zoological and Botanical Garden. It will no longer be free, though, and fees will be P150 (Adult and child) and P100 (students) for  Manila residents and P300 (adult and child) and P200 (students) for others. Kids two years old an below are free.

Tune into the website or the Facebook page of the Manila Public Information Office for more updates.

RELATED: This Is Your Guide To The Newly Opened Manila Zoo

5. Take advantage of special experience promos for birthday celebrants.

Is anyone in the family celebrating their birthday this month? Look for special “November baby” promos like that of Gootopia, Dessert Museum, and Bakebe. The celebrant gets a free pass, as long as he or she has at least one paying companion.

They also have other exclusive deals you can explore (like Bakebe’s mom-and-kid baking sesh promo). Have some slimy fun, explore a fantastic land of sweets, and make your own cake or confection! Just book an appointment on their websites or check for available slots onsite. 

RELATED: Bake Your Cake, And Eat It, Too: A Sweet Family Experience At Bakebe

6. Book a professional photoshoot at holiday-themed studios.

Have you ever dreamed of having Christmas postcard-worthy photos? Do any of your family’s milestones happen to be during the season? Why not get pictures professionally taken this month? Find the set-up that suits your fancy, prepare your family OOTDs, and practice your poses!

There’s a number of studios around the metro offering marathon shoots with cheerful backgrounds. Check out the promos and upcoming schedules of Sweet Street Manila Event Styling, Bright Owl Studio, Canary Studios PH, Prelude by CamZar Photography, and The Party Project Manila.

7. Enjoy the holiday feels with a free concert.

Where: Festival Mall, Muntinlupa City

It's always fun to enjoy Christmas lights and decorations outdoors because we can feel the holiday breeze too! Malamig ang simoy ng hangin.

Visit Festival Mall's River Park and show the kids beautiful decorations to get them into the Christmas spirit with you.

Festival Mall also has other holiday events lined up, to know more visit Festival Mall's Facebook page.

Which of these family bonding activities are you raring to do?