Introducing guest blogger Patrick from Embrace the Epic
Manila is undoubtedly a busy city marked by fast-paced living, seemingly endless traffic, and safety risks for kids and families. But that doesn’t mean it’s completely void of fun things to do with the kids if you’re visiting or planning to live here. In this article, I share 10 fun and kid-friendly things you can do in Manila.
We lived in Manila for a while but soon decided to transfer to a smaller province in the Philippines to live a more quiet life. Still, Manila is the capital, so my wife and I go back for work and leisure several times a year. Most times, we bring our kids along with us.
If you’re heading to Manila with kids, you should definitely keep this list close if you want your children to have a good time (and stay safe too!). Here are ten places to keep in mind.
This post is part of our Explore My City series – come and visit cities around the world through the eyes of locals
1. Learn New Things at the Mind Museum
On top of this list is my children’s top favorite— The Mind Museum. While there are many wonderful museums in Manila, this is one that kids will absolutely enjoy most. This world-class science hub is in Bonifacio Global City, Manila. It houses many interactive exhibits distributed among themed galleries. Each exhibit is both fun and educational, catering to kids of all ages and backgrounds.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
I believe that most children are curious, and The Mind Museum is a great place to challenge and satisfy that curiosity. The hands-on learning about the universe, earth, life, the atom, and technology is worthwhile, educational, and fun. We also find that the interactive and kid-friendly exhibits can turn complex scientific concepts into easily understandable and fun experiences.
Where to go: JY Campos Park, 3rd Ave, Taguig, 1634
2. Visit Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park is one of the first marine theme parks and oceanariums in the country. It is an all-weather and indoor ocean-themed park located behind the Quirino Grandstand in Manila (except for the stadium for the Sealion show). One of the highlights is the walkway tunnel with a 360-degree view of the oceanarium filled with marine creatures from the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
My kids are absolutely fascinated by aquatic life, and they can see them up close in the Oceanarium. Most kids we see when we’re at Manila Ocean Park have eyes filled with wonder at the marine creatures, colorful fish, majestic sharks, and rays.
Where to go: Quirino Grandstand, 666 Behind, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Metro Manila
3. Spend a Day at Bonifacio High Street
Any weekend for us is a great time to head over to Bonifacio High Street, a mixed-use development area in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Manila. High Street has all kinds of high-end retail shops, restaurants, and entertainment facilities that are perfect for families. You also won’t run out of green spaces and frequent community events. Yes, you’re allowed to bring families with pets here too.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
High Street is great for walking, running, biking, and even skateboarding. Events like outdoor shows, concerts, and holiday-themed activities keep the location lively and engaging for kids and families.
Plus you’ve got a great selection of restaurants in High Street and around BGC come meal time. We love bringing our kids to Shake Shack, Krispy Kreme, or Mary Grace.
Where to go: Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, Metro Manila
4. Play Around Greenbelt Park
Greenbelt Park is pretty much a serene green oasis nestled within Makati City’s bustling commercial district. Around you, you have busy skyrises, but the park itself is quite open and safe. It’s surrounded by several Greenbelt Mall buildings and Glorietta Mall buildings close by too.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
The park is a great playground for kids amidst the urban landscape. The beautiful landscape and calming ambiance provide a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. There’s also the Ayala Museum nearby if you want to bring your kids to a place where they can learn something new.
Where to go: Greenbelt Malls, Makati Ave, Makati, Metro Manila
5. Go Ice Skating at SM Megamall
Our eldest daughter always has one request when we end up in SM City Megamall in Mandaluyong City— ice skating. SM Megamall’s ice skating rink is a cool and unique attraction in the heart of the tropics. The rink is part of one of the largest malls in the Philippines, offering an exhilarating break from shopping with its frosty fun.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
Skating on ice is a thrilling experience, especially in a tropical country like the Philippines. It’s no wonder the place gets packed really quickly! The experience is a great way for them to learn a new skill, gain confidence, and, most importantly, have tons of fun.
Where to go: Mega Mall D Fashion Hall, EDSA, Cor Doña Julia Vargas Ave, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong, 1550 Metro Manila
6. Spend a Late Afternoon at SM MOA Amusement Park
The SM MOA Amusement Park is at the back part of the SM Mall of Asia complex, facing the Manila bay. This area offers a delightful blend of rides and attractions overlooking Manila’s open bay area, which you’ll enjoy most during late afternoons going to around sunset time. The park includes a Ferris wheel (MOA Eye), a mini-train ride, a two-tiered carousel, and other carnival-type games and attractions.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
Kids will absolutely adore the variety of fun rides and games at the SM MOA Amusement Park. The excitement of the Ferris wheel ride, the enchanting carousel, and the mini-train ride will keep them entertained for hours. Parents will love this place too because it’s super close to Ikea Manila (great excuse to go shopping!)
Where to go: MOA Complex, Seaside Blvd, Pasay, 1300 Metro Manila
7. Ride a Gondola at Venice Grand Canal Mall
The Venice Grand Canal Mall in McKinley Hill, Taguig City is another great place for families. It duplicates Venice, Italy’s romantic and lively ambiance, complete with the Grand Canal and gondola rides. The mall also has shopping, dining, and entertainment, all encased within beautifully crafted Italian architectural designs. There are also street performers who dress up in all kinds of pop culture characters that kids love posing photos with.
Why Kids Will Love This Activity
Who wouldn’t love a gondola ride in the middle of the city? Kids will be thrilled to experience a slice of Venice in Manila, enjoying the quaint gondola rides across a smaller version of the Grand Canal. Besides the unique ride, they will also enjoy the lively atmosphere, a range of food choices, and the colorful and artistic structures around them.
Where to go: McKinley Hill Dr, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila
8. Jump Around in the WiiJUMP Trampoline Park Venice Mall
A stone’s throw away from the Venice Grand Canal Mall’s gondola area is the WiiJUMP Trampoline Park. This place is an indoor trampoline park offering a vast array of jumping facilities. There are wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pit areas, a short indoor zipline, dodgeball courts, and basketball hoops.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
Kids with a penchant for active play will come alive inside WiiJUMP. The trampoline park offers a thrilling, fun, and safe way for kids to release their energy. Kids come in bouncing high into the air, doing flips, playing dodgeball, or shooting hoops while jumping. You can also book birthday parties there and give all your children’s friends a full day of jumping around giant trampolines!
Where to go: 2nd floor, Marcowing Venice Grand Canal Mall, Taguig, 1630 Metro Manila
9. Visit the Manila Zoo
The Manila Zoo is located in Malate, Manila, and is one of the country’s most iconic and oldest zoos. It houses hundreds of animals from nearly 100 species. The zoo features both local and global animals. There are also several play and picnic areas within the park.
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
A visit to Manila Zoo is an exciting adventure for kids. They will enjoy seeing a variety of animals up close, from the majestic elephant to vibrant tropical birds, and learn about their natural habitats.
Where to go: M. Adriatico St, Malate, Manila, 1004 Metro Manila
10. Spend a Day at Intramuros
Intramuros, known as the “Walled City,” is a historic district in Manila that tells a tale on its own. The preserved site shares the Philippines’ Spanish colonial past. This cultural gem has centuries-old structures, cobblestone streets, and beautiful gardens. Some highlights include Fort Santiago, Manila Cathedral, and Casa Manila. And for the kids? Why not ride on a Calesa (horse carriage Spanish-style)?
Why Kids Will Love this Activity
Intramuros offers kids a tangible and interactive history lesson. Kids can learn about Philippine history and culture in a very engaging and memorable way, turning history into an exciting adventure.
Where to go: Bonifacio Dr & Padre Burgos St, Manila, Luzon 1002, Philippines
Final Thoughts
There you have it— these are some of the many fun and kid-friendly things you can do with the kids when you’re in Manila. More importantly, it’s also something that adults can enjoy too. So why not consider a visit to Manila soon? Yes, it’s a gateway to dream family destinations like Palawan, Boracay, and Bohol, but it also has so much to offer to families too.
About the Blogger
Patrick is a freelance writer and SEO and social media marketer in the Philippines. He loves to travel with his family (his wife Ces and two kids, Alexa and Sam). He tells his stories and gives insights on their travel blog, Embrace the Epic.
When he’s not traveling or eating, Patrick co-runs a marketing agency with his wife and helps companies with their digital marketing strategies.
BLOG
With thanks to Patrick for his contribution to our guest series. You may also like to read about Southeast Asian Destinations for your Family Bucketlist and the Best Outdoor Adventures in Southeast Asia.
Bookmark this page or save it to Pinterest for later
Did you catch the rest of our Explore My City Series?
Written by parents & travel writers who live in the city they love; Get insider tips, must-see events, and hidden gems from our guest bloggers; click here to learn more.
Please see our Guest Opportunities page here if you would like to become our next featured writer
Disclosures: This page contains affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions are those of the guest blogger. Our full disclosure policy and website terms of use can be found here.
© Our Globetrotters All Images © Embrace the Epic & Canva
As a family traveler myself, I’m eager to follow your lead and create lasting memories with my loved ones in Manila. Thank you for sharing your expertise and inspiring families around the world to embark on amazing journeys together!