Like everyone else, Filipinos love visiting amusement parks during holidays. Be it going with the family or friends, they always love the opportunity to frolic and be a kid for a day. Here are a few ones around the metro where you can take your loved ones for one fun day.
Manila theme parks no. 1: Kidzania Manila
Since you will often be heading out with the kiddos, then why not begin your amusement park adventure with one that is specifically for them? Kidzania Manila in Bonifacio Global City is exactly just that. Here, you will find various activities they will enjoy the whole day.
The most popular of these are the role-playing activities where they can act out various jobs, complete with real props and tasks. Your kids can choose from over 100 jobs like:
- Bank employee
- Aircraft pilot
- Bakeshop owner
- Car designer
- Construction worker
Aside from these activities, there are others where your kids can learn some great lessons. For instance, they can open a bank account and deposit the KidZo credits they earn. They can spend these credits on the different products the theme park has. This is a great way to teach your young ones about saving and using money.
Manila theme parks no. 2: Manila Ocean Park
If you and your young ones are fond of undersea creatures, the Manila Ocean Park near Luneta is a must for the holidays. Its main attraction is the Oceanarium, one of the largest underwater viewing tunnels in Asia. It houses over 14,000 creatures representing 277 different species, You and your little one will be in awe while walking through the tunnel and seeing these creatures swim above and beside you.
Another notable attraction is the Jellies Exhibit. This one houses a myriad of jellyfish, including ones that are bioluminescent or give of their own light. Their otherworldly glow makes for a mesmerizing sight anyone will enjoy. Meanwhile, Trails of Antarctica is a must-see for penguin lovers of all ages.
Other attractions
Besides the sea life displays, the Manila Ocean Park features other attractions that will interest you and your kids, like:
- Augmented Reality Encounter: You get to see a unique animated display of whales, sharks and other large creatures through the latest tech.
- All-Star Bird Show: Expert handlers showcase the talents of different birds like parrots, macaws, and eagles. There are also audience interactions.
- Back of the House: This tour lets visitors learn more about how the theme park functions and what scientific knowledge are employed in keeping its resident creatures alive.
- Fish Spa: Get pampered by immersing your feet in the water and letting the fish nibble on your dead skin cells and feel refreshed afterward.
All of these attractions are included in an affordable one-day pass. Just be sure you book in advance and choose the right date when there are not a lot of visitors. Note that other attractions require a separate entrance fee, so be sure to have some extra cash.
Manila theme parks no. 3: Enchanted Kingdom
Enchanted Kingdom is probably the closest thing in the country to an actual Disneyland. This theme park in Santa Rosa, Laguna will bring out the kid in you with over 25 hectares of rides and attractions. Some of the popular ones to line up for are:
- Anchors Away: A huge galleon-themed ride that swings back and forth. Just a few swings and you will be seasick even without water.
- Jungle Log Jam: Ride on a log boat up this water ride and scream silly as you rapidly descend the waterfall at the other end.
- Space Shuttle: The amusement park’s largest roller coaster. There are enough loops and turns here that will satisfy your high-G cravings.
- Flying Fiesta: This ride looks deceptively simple but you will feel the rush when your seat starts to rise sideways.
The rides are located in different zones so you can decide which ones to try out first. There is an available day pass that lets you enjoy almost all of them. Just be prepared for long waiting times, especially during the holidays.
Manila theme parks no. 4: Dinosaurs Island
Dinosaurs are one of those things that will get both kids and adults excited. And while it isn’t Jurassic Park, Dinosaurs Island in Clark, Pampanga will give you that experience. Its biggest attraction is the Dino Trail Tour, where you get to watch 20 animatronic dinos come to life. Some of the featured beasts are the T-Rex, spinosaurus, stegosaurus, and triceratops.
If you want a more interactive experience, hop on the Jungle Safari ride and get even closer to these behemoths. You can even recreate those scenes from Jurassic Park where you get chased by some of them.
The theme park also has the 7D Super Screen, where you get to ride a virtual roller coaster. If you are not into dinos, you can get a picture at the Wonders of the World attraction instead. You will find a lot to enjoy here if you are the explorer type.
Enjoy these amusement parks this holiday season
These theme parks are just some of the many that you can find around the metro. And with the various attractions they offer, you will find something that fits your taste. Set the date and have fun with your family and friends.