5 Family Spots in Manila for a Day of Adventure

Bored at home with the kids on a weekend? Or don't want another trip to the mall? We've got the solution! Head to these Metro Manila spots where you and your kiddos are guaranteed an adventure-filled day: 

1. Upside Down Museum


IMAGE Upside Down Museum/Facebook
The Upside Down Museum, with its eye-catching façade, is located at the CCP Complex along Roxas Boulevard. It’s an interactive optical illusion museum where you can be part of the exhibit and take the most mind-blowing photos! See the photo on the right? Looks like magic, doesn't it? 

Featuring over 15 illusion experiences, each installation has a marshall to guide you on how to take the perfect shot for the best outcome. Tip: come in clothes you can move around so you're free to make the wackiest poses and make sure you're phone is fully charged! 

Upside Down Museum
Boom Na Boom Grounds, CCP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City
Facebook.com/UpsideDownMuseum.Manila

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2. Breakout Philippines


IMAGE Breakout Philippines/Facebook
We know what you're thinking. Isn't Breakout Philippines too scary for children? Some of their offers might be, but they also have “rooms” that are perfect for families with kids looking to test their smarts. In Accidental Agent, for example, you play a character whose brother just told you he's a secret agent. The next day he goes missing but leaves a clue for you to decipher. Find the hidden clues in the room, solve them and you and the kids have saved the world from doom! 

Another good choice for kids is Press Play. Here, you play a character who suddenly finds himself inside a video game. Solve the puzzle and you get back to reality. Fail and you're stuck in the 8-bit world. Ready to play? 

Breakout Philippines
For a list of Breakout Philippines branches click here.
Breakout.com.ph

3. QCX Museum


IMAGE QCX: Quezon City Experience/Facebook
The QCX stands for “Quezon City Experience” but you don't have to be a resident of the city to find something to love about this interactive museum. Located inside the Quezon City Memorial Circle, the museum highlights not only the city's history but also its present day culture. Ever heard of the spooky stories about Balete Drive? They have a whole exhibit for it which (spoiler alert!) may give little kids a bit of a fright. 

There's also interactive exhibits like a scale-replica of a typical Pinoy home in the 80s (kids will get a kick out of the rotary phone), a hall replicating the streets of Q.C. complete with sari-sari stores with tindang ulam, taho and dirty ice cream vendors, a classroom where visitors can compete on their knowledge of the city, and more. The museum is well-designed and well-maintained, and definitely worth dedicating a weekend afternoon to. 

QCX: Quezon City Experience Museum
Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Quezon City, Philippines
Facebook.com/QuezonCityeXperience

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4. Intramuros


IMAGE @intramurosph/Instagram
There's lots you and the kids can go to and explore in Intramuros. Aside from simply walking around and marvelling at the time-tested remnants of our country's rich past (point out how the streets are made of cobblestone!), consider going on a kalesa ride and touring the walled city that way. 

Then you can visit Casa Manila, a home-turned-museum that shows visitors how Pinoys lived during the colonial era -- they had side-by-side toilets so you could chat while doing your business! And moms, don’t forget to drop by The Manila Collectible Co. where you can find unique local products, like shorts for tots made by Maguindao weavers. For more spots to visit in the walled city, check out our Intramuros DIY tour here. 


5. Camp N


IMAGE Camp N at Nuvali/Facebook
Camp N is located in Nuvali which, we admit, is a little outside Metro Manila but it's still perfect for a day adventure, especially for a sporty family. First off, there's the Adventure Tower with activities suited to kids. Here, they can try wall climbing (all safety gear provided), rappelling, free falling and the zip line. There's also the bike trails encompassing the 6-hectare land. You can bring your own bikes, or rent theirs (from kiddie to adult). 

For parents, there are a more to try including the obstacle course, high ladder, high ropes, cargo net, aerial walk, archery and more. Excited? Don't forget to bring water, sunscreen and extra clothes! 

Camp N
Nuvali, Calamba, Laguna
Facebook.com/NuvaliCampN

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