School is perhaps the best place for learning, but that doesn't mean we can't take education outside the four walls of the classroom. Below are some places where learning will prove to be a lot more fun than usual.
Children need not go into a jungle or rainforest to see a white tiger, a jaguar, or a sun bear up close. Right at the heart of Pasig City is Ark Avilon, an indoor zoo resembling Noah’s Ark wherein visitors can ride a donkey, feed rabbits and sheep, pet a cockatoo, and take a picture with a cute orangutan. While interacting with bearcats, Philippine eagle owls, and farm animals, children will learn about nature, wildlife, and conservation.
Entrance Fees:
Adult: PhP300
Children less than 3.5 feet: PhP200
Perhaps there is no better place to learn about the history and legacy of the Filipino people than in the National Museum. Consisting of the Museum of the Filipino People and the National Art Gallery, the museum showcases archaeological treasures, works of national artists like Guillermo Tolentino and Juan Luna, and exhibits about the origin and cultural heritage of the nation. Make sure to also catch a show at the museum’s Planetarium.
Entrance Fees:
Museum of the Filipino People
Individual
Student: PhP30
Adult: Php100
Groups of 50 or more
Student: PhP25
National Art Gallery
The National Art Gallery is currently being renovated. Entrance is free until the renovation is complete.
Planetarium
Student: PhP30 Adult/Faculty: PhP50
3. Intramuros
Visit the Walled City for a dose of history. Built in 1571 by the Spaniards, Intramuros retains some of its old-world charm because of its restored stone fortifications and walls. Many structures were ruined in World War II, but renovations were made in the 1980s to save the ancient capital. The Manila Cathedral, San Agustin Church, and Fort Santiago are some of the places to see in Intramuros.
Entrance Fees:
Entrance to the churches are free.
Fort Santiago
Adult: PhP75
Children/Students/Teachers: PhP50
No tour of Manila is complete without a stop at Rizal Park. It was here that our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was shot by firing squad in 1896. A few meters from the marker indicating the actual execution site is Rizal’s bronze monument. The 22-hectare park proper also has bust relief of heroes, a large monument of Lapu-lapu, a relief map of the Philippines, Japanese and Chinese Gardens, a dancing fountain, and picnic grounds perfect for field trippers.
Entrance Fees:
Entrance is free, except for the Japanese and Chinese Gardens where visitors have to pay PhP5 for admission.
This marine park boasts of an oceanarium with a 25-meter walkway tunnel, enabling visitors to watch thousands of sea creatures at leisure as if they are underwater. It also has a Jellies Exhibit where children will be treated to a sight of different kinds of jellyfish, and an Aquanaut Voyage, where visitors can interact with rays and fishes. Aside from getting spectacular views of marine life, visitors can also enjoy glass bottom boat rides and exciting shows like the All-Star Bird Show and the Musical Fountain Show.
Entrance Fees:
Oceanarium
Adult: Php 400 (regular rate)
Children 4ft & below: Php 350
Free for children 2ft & below
Jellies Exhibit
Per head: Php 150
All-Star Bird Show
Per head: Php 300
Musical Fountain Show
Per head: Php 300
*For a list of the other shows, rates, and promos, visit their website.
Along Roxas Boulevard is this museum catering specifically to kids. Its exhibits encourage youngsters to play while learning about nature, the Old Manila, the planet Earth, the human body, children’s rights, and various cultures. Children can play pretend and practice math skills at the same time in play stores, explore different career options, and even dress up as sea creatures.
Entrance Fee:
Per head: Php100
Manila residents with valid ID: Free on Tuesdays and 50% off on other days
Museum workers, street children, and teachers: Free
No field trip is complete without some play time, so be sure to visit this amusement park just within the CCP Complex. Star City has the usual rides—carousel, bump cars, and ferris wheel—but it also has something for the more adventurous type. The Star Flyer, the only inverted rollercoaster in the country, the Jumping Star, and the Lazer Blaster will give visitors the thrill they’re looking for.
Entrance Fees:
Entrance only: PhP60
3 Cheers Ticket: PhP300
Ride-All-You-Can: PhP350
Lazer Blaster: PhP100
*Check their website for Star City’s promo and school tour packages.
Beside Greenbelt 3 is the Ayala Museum, a place dedicated to fine arts and history. The museum hosts changing exhibits, sometimes works by young artists, but at the core of its collections are sixty dioramas showing the highlights of Philippine history and important works of three prolific Filipino painters—Juan Luna, Fernando Amorsolo, and Fernando Zobel.
Entrance Fees:
Adult
Resident: PhP150–225
Non-resident: PhP350–425
Child, Student, Senior Citizen
Resident: PhP75–125
Non-resident: PhP250–300
Teachers get complimentary admission upon presentation of their faculty IDs.
9. Aerospace Museum of the Philippine Air Force
Just inside the gate of the Villamor Air Base, this museum exposes guests to modern aerospace science, the Air Force heritage, and the history of aviation in the country. But what visitors will especially love about this place is its outdoor aircraft park where they would be able to see actual planes used in World War II up close, climb into a real helicopter, and sit in the cockpit of jet fighter planes.
Entrance Fee:
Per head: PhP20
This 33-hectare park is located just outside the La Mesa Watershed in Quezon City and gives visitors a genuine forest experience. It has a vast picnic ground, a salt water swimming pool, a boating lagoon, flower terraces, fitness and bike trails, and a butterfly hatchery. Children will learn about biodiversity conservation and environmental protection while enjoying the fresh forest air and the welcome greenery the park offers.
Entrance Fees:
Swimming Package, minimum 50 pax
Per head: PhP130
Swimming and Zip Line
Per head: PhP230
Swimming and Wall Climb
Per head: PhP180
Swimming and Rapelling
Per head: PhP180
*The above packages include park admission and a guided walking tour.
*For customized educational tour packages, contact the park administration
11. Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center
Children, and even adults, will fall in love with science and technology thanks to this 3,000-square meter discovery center that boasts of hands-on exhibits and state-of-the art equipment. The place abounds with interactive learning tools that will entice visitors to learn about robotics, the solar system, the human body, marine life, and other science concepts. Among its many attractions are the Grossology Exhibit, the Virtual Reef, and the 3D 158-seater Digistar Planetarium.
Entrance Fees:
Walk-in rate for adults and children: PhP330
Tour rate, minimum of 40pax: PhP250 (weekday)/PhP280 (Saturday/Holiday)
Located in Bonifacio Global City, this is the first world-class science museum in the Philippines. It has over 250 interactive exhibits and five galleries focusing on the universe, Earth, the atom, life, and technology. Children will also enjoy its outdoor Science-in-the-Park area where they will learn about music, math, water, and living. The impressive architecture, well-conceived hands-on displays, and breathtaking exhibits will hook children and adults alike.
Entrance Fees:
Adults: PhP600
Children and Students (Up to College): PhP450
Public School Students (Up to College): PhP150
Teachers: PhP150
(Check out buses for charter or rental for your school's field trip)
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