Days of Summer: Fun Summer Activities for Your Kids (PART 1)

While it would be easy to simply park your children in front of the TV or their computers for the entire summer, they deserve happier times and so do you! Harness their boundless energy and engage them in activities that will push them to grow, to broaden their minds and possibly, even leave them with lasting memories. Remember, learning is not only done in the classroom, but through play and everyday exploration.

Before they even have the chance to complain, “Mom, I’m bored!”, plan for them an exciting summer of endless fun. Here are a few activities that will be a sure hit.

1.      Life’s a Beach – With beaches a short few hours away, pack your bags, floaters and sunscreen for a fun-filled beach retreat. Drive south to the cool beaches of Puerto Galera and Batangas, or drive north to sink your toes into the sands of Bataan and Subic Bay Beaches. Look for child-friendly resorts, such as Acuatico Beach Resort & Hotel in Batangas, who make family travel less stressful by offering a children’s playroom. www.acuaticoresort.com.ph 

2.      Call of the Wild – No matter how many episodes of National Geographic you let your kids watch, nothing compares to seeing the majestic creatures up close and personal. Discover more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife at Avilon Zoo, a 7.5 hectare sanctuary located in Rizal. It’s P600 per adult and P400 for children below 3ft. www.avilonzoo.ph  

3.      Paint Me a Picture – Celebrate your child’s creativity at Sip & Gogh, the first art studio of its kind in the country.  No need to bring paints, brushes or even canvases as all these come with the package. After reserving your slot online, you can enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or shake (for the kids), and painting in guided sessions by a host. Family sessions are held every Tuesday to Saturday at 4p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 4p.m. (Package price: P1000 for every participant). Children 7 years old and above are invited to the kid-friendly sessions every Saturday at 10 p.m. (P900 per child). For the calendar of sessions, visit www.sipandgogh.com. 

4.      Who Let the Dogs Out?– If you’re looking for an afternoon of laidback fun and lots of cuddles, Barkin Blends Dog Cafe in  Loyola Heights, Quezon City, offers playtime with man’s fluffy friends, including Beagles, Siberian huskies, Shih Tzus and Labradors. And when the kids are spent from running around, the family can enjoy a delectable selection of shakes, coffee and cupcakes at the cafe. Enjoy two hours of play time and one drink for P180. For more information, check out their Facebook Page: Barkin' Blends Dog Cafe. 

5.      Minds at Work – It has often been said that we need more scientists in this country, so ignite a child’s wonder in the world at Mind Museum, located in Bonifacio Global City. With over 250 interactive exhibits that are shared through five interconnected stories, the Mind Museum explores every inch of our world, from the minute atom to the grand universe. The exciting science exploration continues outside with Science-in-the-Park and the JY Campos Park. Mind Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Visit www.themindmuseum.org for the promos, fees and time slots. 

6.      Blast from the Past –Take your family to the heart of Manila and show them the grand history of what lies within the Intramuros walls. Retrace Jose Rizal’s final steps from his jail cell to his site of execution in Fort Santiago, or just enjoy the architectural beauty of the San Agustin Church, Barbara’s Cafe and Ilustrado restaurants, and boutiques. Young kids will enjoy the leisurely ride on a kalesa (around P350), while the older children can take the informative and highly entertaining walking tour by Carlos Celdran. For walking tour fees, schedules and reservations, contact  63 920 9092021 (Glenda)  or celdrantours@hotmail.com.

7.      By the Bay –Watch the sun set and the lights of SM Mall of Asia brighten up the Manila Bay skyline aboard Sun Cruises Manila Bay Cruise.  For promo prices of P550 per person (Mon-Thurs) and P650 (Fri-Sun), you can enjoy 90 minutes of cruising time aboard the yacht, inclusive of meals. Reserve tickets at www.smtickets.com.

8.      Kingdon of Wonder – For over two decades, Enchanted Kingdom has served as the country’s local Disneyland. With adrenaline pumping rides and attractions like the Space Shuttle, a day is definitely not enough to experience everything. To enjoy unlimited rides for the day, avail of the weekend/ holiday promo of P600 per person or weekday rate of P500. Junior passes of P320 (weekend/ holiday rate) and P250 (weekday rate) apply to children between 3ft to 3 ft 11’. Children below 2ft 11’ and under may enter free. 

9.      Under the Sea - While they may not find their Disney princess Ariel, your kids can find her friends at Manila Ocean Park (MOP). Take a stroll through the different exhibits to see the exotic fish, penguins, stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and other majestic creatures of the deep.  Your little girls can enjoy being a mermaid for a day too with MOP’s Mermaid Swimming Experience. Wear a mermaid tail and take a swim. Of course, souvenir photo is included. www.manilaoceanpark.com 

10.  Aquatic Adventure – After an exciting day at Manila Ocean Park, the family can enjoy a quiet evening at Hotel H20, which sits on the same property complex. Book a suite at this unique staycation and wake up to colourful tropical fish or jellyfish swimming across your wall.  www.hotelh2o.com