Creating more family memories is the utmost priority in every family trip. It certainly is of utmost importance once your kids reach the school-aged level. At this age, kids started reading books by themselves and having discussion at school. They become more curious and independent, and want to try out almost anything. They’re also keener to take charge of the trip, hence the need to make compromises during the planning stage. Today, Stephanie, a mother from Philippines, is introducing the top 9 best places for family trip with schoolers (Age 6 to 12) in the Philippines.
According to Lonely Planet, “If you are a sun worshipper in search of the perfect beach“, choose Philippines!
Table of Contents
Family Trip with Schoolers — 10 Best Places Recommendations in the Philippines
Historical Places
1. Intramuros in Manila City
Intramuros, “The Walled City,” is the oldest district in Manila. It is an architectural wonder built during Spain’s colonial rule in the country. There are various historical catholic churches that you can find within intramuros, for example, the Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church. Both churches have been declared as National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines by UNESCO.
Fort Santiago, a known stone fortress, is also another tourist attraction in Intramuros. Just recently, the dungeons of the said fortress used as storage vaults are opened to the public.
Other notable places include Casa Manila Museum, Rajah Sulayman Theater, and Baluarte de San Diego. If you want just to relax and take in the peace of the place, Plaza Moriones is the best area to be.
And, the best part of visiting this historic tourist attraction? You can ride on kalesas and tour around the area with bamboo bikes you can rent for an hour for under $2!
If you’re piqued, Zenrooms can take you on a virtual tour of the other tourist attractions in Intramuros. For admission fees, visit the Intramuros Administration’s official page.
2. Vigan
If your schoolers are up for some long family trip in north of Manila in the Philippines, Vigan is the place we recommend you visit. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site in December 1999, this Spanish city is another great way to learn the Philippines’ history.
Once you’re in Vigan, take your kids to Calle Crisologo. This street is known for its cobblestone pavements and traditional Spanish houses. Take your kids for a city tour while riding on a kalesa, or a horse-drawn carriage. It will only cost you under $3 an hour for 3 people.
If ever you get hungry, there are lots of restaurants in the area.
Drop by the Buridek Children’s Museum as well. Not only can your kids learn Ilocano words through games, but they can also watch videos of Ilocano legends.
Plus, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the place by having a picnic or riding on a zip line. And, if you want to cool off after all these activities, you can always take a dip in their swimming pool.
Make a pit stop at the family-run Pagburnayan Pottery to get hands-on experience in making clay jars. But, as the jars you made would take weeks to dry and bake, you can buy ready-made ones instead.
The Smart Local and the AsianParent have listed out all the other tourist spots in Vigan.
Kids Play on Land
3. Baguio
Now, if your family prefer to escape the hustle and bustle and prefer more quiet places for schoolers in the Philippines trip, not to mention the heat, of the city, Baguio is where you should go. In just under 5 hours, you’ll be able to reach the city of pines via bus liners that have multiple trip schedules in a day.
There’s no need to stray far from the city proper as there are lots of kid-friendly places you can go to. Take your schoolers to Burnham park and ride with them inside swan boats. You can also rent bikes and pedicabs to tour the vast park.
The Treetop Adventure in Camp John Hay should be part of your itinerary as well if your kids love adventure. Klook lists out all the daring rides one can avail from this adventure park.
For fruit-loving kids, go strawberry picking on La Trinidad’s strawberry farm. Whatever you end up picking, you get to bring it as your pasalubong. Their strawberry ice cream is a must-try before going home.
Lastly, watch the beautiful sunset while having a 360-degree view of Baguio in Mines View Park. You can also buy souvenirs in this place before you go back to Manila.
Pinoyadventurista lists other itinerary picks for Baguio aside from the ones mentioned here.
4. Pampanga
For the energetic young schoolers, take them to Pampanga as family trip in the Philippines.
And, just like Baguio, Pampanga is only 2-3 hours away from Manila. Once there, take your kids to Sandbox. From aerial walking to kart racing, your kids will surely have a grand time in this adventure park. Wandrera lists out Sandbox’s updated rates and activities.
Now, if your children are obsessed with dinosaurs, take them to Dinosaur Island. The kids will be able to both watch and interact with these prehistoric reptiles at a close glance.
For animal-loving schoolers, Zoocobia Fun Zoo is the way to go. Aside from watching ostriches and riding on a camel, they can also bottle-feed baby animals in “The Barn.” And, if you get hungry, you can pick out mangoes that you can bring home with you.
Zenrooms has listed all the other tourist attractions in the area aside from the ones mentioned above.
5. Bohol
When you prefer to take your kids south of the Philippines’ capital, Bohol is one of the best places to go. Located in the Visayas group of islands, Bohol is a heavenly retreat for nature-loving children.
Don’t miss out on seeing the Chocolate Hills, named for its chocolate brown color during the dry months of the year. The best part is, you don’t have to specifically pick out a viewing point as there are lots of them surrounding the area. But, if you want to dine while taking in the serene view of the Chocolate Hills, go to Sagbayan Peak.
Don’t miss out on seeing the adorable tarsiers in the Tarsier Conservation Area as well. After paying a small entrance fee, you can now tour the sanctuary where you’ll see these smallest monkeys sleeping.
You can also go river cruising on the famous Loboc River. You can even have a lunch buffet cruise while being serenaded by musicians.
To see other tourist destinations in Bohol, Around Bohol has a few more suggestions on the topic.
Kids Play in Water
6. Subic
If you want to travel outside of Metro Manila with various attractions in it, Subic is where you should go. You can take a bus ride and be in Subic after 4 hours.
Take your kids to the fun and adventurous Inflatable Island. Think of it as a beach resort with an inflatable, unicorn-themed playground on the beach. Though you can buy tickets as walk-ins, you’ll be able to save 10% from the whole-day access if you book online. I am Aileen lists out all the amenities, fees, and details in staying in this resort.
You can also plan an up-close trip with the animals by visiting Zoobic Safari. For an entrance fee of about $13, you can view camels, bearcats, snakes, and even lizards. You can even feed the tigers inside their caged vehicle.
But, if your schoolers prefer to see birds, you better take them to J.E.S.T Camp’s Magaul Bird Park. You can then visit their Bird Sanctuary and feed the winged creatures there. You can even buy birds if you fancy bringing home one.
For some indoor fun, Funtastic Park is one great bonding place for your kids. It features unique activities like the Mirror Maze, an Enchanted Forest Walk-in 3D room, a grass slide, and many more.
For other kid-friendly places in Subic, Lumina lists a few more attractions you’ll find here.
7. Palawan
Marine-loving kids will squeal over a trip to Palawan. Though you can go to this island in various ways, the fastest way is to travel via airplane in 1 hour 30 minutes average.
One activity you shouldn’t miss is taking a boat ride in the Puerto Princesa Underground River. This is considered the world’s longest navigable underground river. Marvel at the various stalagmite and stalactite formations during your tour.
If you’re not fond of underground boat trips, then you can also book island hopping tours. Trip Advisor has a long list of all the breathtaking beaches that you can visit whilst you’re in the area.
Mad Monkey Hostels lists all the tour packages you can book depending on the itinerary that you want.
If your kids want more than just swimming and kayak rides, visit the Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center. You can see the 2 endemic crocodile species in the Philippines, as well as other wildlife animals.
But, if you prefer a more African safari-like experience, book a tour in the Calauit Safari Park. Though it’s a bus and a boat ride away from mainland Palawan, you won’t be disappointed. The Poor Traveler has a detailed account of their visit if you want to know beforehand.
8. Boracay Island
School-aged kids who love everything that has to do with water will enjoy Boracay. A 1-hour long direct flight from Manila will easily take you to this popular family destination in Visayas.
If you don’t want to stray away from the main beach, you can enjoy the island’s white sand and build sand castles there. But, for adventurous tourists, you can go island hopping on a paraw, snorkel, and hold beach picnics.
There is also the Slides N’ Splash Water Park, where your schoolers can jump on the trampoline. Among the other attractions in this water park include ladders, floaties, and the like. Just make sure the kids wear life jackets for safety.
For a more serene but Instagrammable activity, book a glass-boat bottom view. Your kids will appreciate Boracay’s underwater scenery without ever leaving the boat.
To visit Boracay without a hitch, visit Aklan’s website for their travel guide for tourists. To stay longer for Boracay’s full experience, Hotels.com suggests other places to go to.
9. Davao City
“Life is Here.” That is the tagline for Davao City, one of the cities in Mindanao that are considered highly urbanized. You only need to take a 2-hour plane ride from Manila to reach this place.
But, mountain climbing might be at the back of your travel list even if you love Mt. Apo due to your kids. Regardless, you need not stray far from the city to see animals.
The nearest zoo you can get to is the Davao Crocodile Park. You can see crocodiles in outdoor habitats, feed tigers, and watch bird shows. For those with an adventurous palate, visit a nearby restaurant for crocodile ice cream.
If you want to know about the endangered Philippine Eagle, visit the Philippine Eagle Center. You can have a free guided tour, but it’s advised to call them beforehand to ensure tour guide availability. If you’d like, you can even join in falconry activities to have a closer look at these majestic birds.
Lastly, you can take your kids to a more laid-back resort, the Malagos Garden Resort. You can tour the resort while riding the calesa. Kids can also enjoy close animal encounters with the Petting Zoo, and take a dip in their outdoor pool.
Just don’t forget to drop by the Chocolate Museum and make your chocolates in the Chocolate Laboratory. Afterward, head to Chocolate Park to have some Instagram-worthy family photos.
Additional Tips When Traveling With Kids to the Philippines
Generally, it’s safe and inexpensive to visit this beautiful tropical archipelago. Just make sure you planned to avoid the raining and typhoon season (June-September) and enjoy the other time like Christmas.
We have listed the top 9 places for family trip with schoolers in the Philippines. There sure are a lot of noteworthy places that you can take your kids to when traveling. Guide to the Philippines even lists another 21 places that families with school-aged kids can visit in this tropical country.
Enjoy the family traveling tip from a local mother and don’t forget to check the Department of Tourism’s official Facebook page for any travel restrictions.
About Me
Hi, there. I am Lin. Together with my husband and two kids, we live in the beautiful Netherlands in Europe. I am dedicated to self-development, creating quality time for the whole family, and fully supporting kids with their potentials and possibilities with all I have learned from engineering, MBA, and 10+ years of working experience in the energy sector.
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