Family-Friendly Adventures in Manila, Philippines!

Binondo (Chinatown)

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Day Tour Itinerary in Binondo (Chinatown), Manila

Morning

Start your day at Binondo Church, also known as Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz. It’s a perfect meeting spot and easily accessible via LRT-1 Carriedo Station, followed by a short walk. The church is a historical gem, founded by Dominican priests in 1596, making it one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the Philippines. Enjoy its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere.

Midmorning

Just a stone"s throw from the church is Ongpin Street, the heart of Chinatown. Take a leisurely stroll and soak in the bustling street scenes. Visit Dong Bei Dumplings, a popular spot among locals, to enjoy freshly-made dumplings. Walking along, you"ll find numerous shops selling everything from gold jewelry to traditional Chinese medicine.

Lunch

Head to Quik Snack on Carvajal Street for an authentic and affordable meal. This narrow alleyway is packed with food vendors and is famous for its local delicacies like kiampong (salty rice) and pancit (noodles).

Afternoon

Post-lunch, visit the Binondo Heritage Library, just a 10-minute walk from Carvajal Street. It"s a great way to immerse in the rich history of the oldest Chinatown in the world, established in 1594. The library offers a peaceful retreat and educational resources that highlight Filipino-Chinese contributions in various fields.

Late Afternoon

Cap off the day with a visit to Lucky Chinatown Mall. Accessible by a short tricycle ride from the library, this modern mall blends traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary shopping experiences. It"s perfect for picking souvenirs and enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere.

Interesting Fact

Binondo was established by the Spaniards as a settlement for Catholic Chinese, and it has evolved into a vibrant hub of commerce and culture, reflecting the unique blend of Filipino and Chinese influences through the centuries.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Sts. Peter and Paul Church (San Pedro Macati Church)

Why Visit?

Family Day Out at Sts. Peter and Paul Church (San Pedro Macati Church)

Morning Arrival

Start your day at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, an important cultural and historical site in Makati, Metro Manila. This iconic church, founded in 1620, stands out with its stunning Baroque architecture. To get there, take a taxi or ride the MRT to Buendia Station followed by a short jeepney ride towards Poblacion, Makati.

Explore the Church

Upon arrival, marvel at the church"s intricate facade and grand wooden doors. Inside, take in the beautifully preserved altars and statues, a testament to centuries-old religious art. The tranquility provides a perfect setting for a peaceful family moment.

Fun Fact

Did you know the church was originally built with nipa and bamboo? It has withstood multiple renovations over the centuries and remains a cornerstone of local heritage.

Lunch Break

Head to a nearby local restaurant like "Manam Comfort Filipino" just a few blocks away, where you can enjoy modern twists on traditional Filipino dishes. Try their sinigang na beef short rib and watermelon—a hit among locals and visitors alike!

Afternoon Activity

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk to Jaime C. Velasquez Park, about 15 minutes away. On weekends, this park hosts the Salcedo Community Market where families can enjoy local crafts, food stalls, and occasionally, live music.

Evening Wind Down

Conclude your day with a relaxing dinner at a café around the park, or opt for some local street food. Enjoy dishes like balut for the adventurous or turon for those with a sweet tooth.

Getting Back

Grab a taxi from the park back to your accommodation or head towards Buendia MRT station, a convenient way to avoid the rush-hour traffic.

With a mix of culture, history, and local flavors, your family’s visit to Sts. Peter and Paul Church will be memorable and educational!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Taal Volcano

Why Visit?

Embark on an exhilarating adventure to Taal Volcano, a must-visit for families exploring the Philippines! This unique geological wonder offers a blend of natural beauty and exciting activities suited for all ages.

### Morning: Journey to Taal

Start your day early from Manila, which is about 60-90 minutes away by car or bus. Head towards the town of Talisay in Batangas, the popular jump-off point for Taal Volcano tours. Here, you can arrange a boat ride across the stunning Taal Lake to reach the volcano island. The boat trip is short but scenic, offering great opportunities for family photos with the lake"s serene waters and the volcano in the backdrop.

### Midday: Trekking and Exploration

Once at the volcano island, families can choose a trekking option based on their comfort level. The trek to the viewpoint is gentle enough for kids and offers a fascinating look at this active volcano, which holds a smaller lake within its crater, known as the "lake within a lake." Horseback rides are also available, offering a fun alternative for children or those preferring not to walk.

### Afternoon: Picnic and Learning

After reaching the viewpoint, enjoy a packed picnic lunch while taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Use this time to educate the kids about the volcano’s history and its geological significance—Taal is one of the smallest active volcanoes in the world and has erupted over 30 times in the past 500 years!

### Late Afternoon: Return and Relax

Descend back to the boat area and return to Talisay. If time and energy permit, explore nearby attractions such as the heritage town of Taal, famous for its ancestral homes and the beautiful Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, before heading back to Manila.

This day trip to Taal Volcano provides a perfect mix of adventure, nature, and education, ensuring a memorable experience for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Pagsanjan Falls

Why Visit?

Embark on a captivating family adventure to Pagsanjan Falls, a renowned natural marvel in Laguna, Philippines. Known locally as Magdapio Falls, this spectacular destination offers a thrilling escape into nature and is perfect for a family day out.

### Morning Departure

Start your day early from Manila, driving approximately 2.5 hours to Pagsanjan. You can rent a car for flexibility or take a public bus heading to Sta. Cruz, Laguna, then catch a local jeepney or tricycle to Pagsanjan town.

### Bangkero Experience

On arrival in Pagsanjan, head to the tourism office to hire a licensed bangkero (boatman). The exciting two-hour boat ride begins at the Bumbungan River or the Balanac River. This river trip is not just a mode of transportation but an adventure itself, navigating through lush greenery and rocky riverscapes, thrilling rapids, and serene flows. It"s a great way to introduce children to the joys of nature and boating, under the safe guidance of skilled local boatmen.

### Pagsanjan Falls

Once you reach the falls, the sight of the majestic water cascading down into a natural pool is awe-inspiring. Families can enjoy a bamboo raft ride that takes you directly beneath the waterfall. It’s an exhilarating experience to feel the pounding water - a perfect spot for some family photos!

### Lunch by the River

Post the adrenaline rush, enjoy a packed lunch by the riverside or choose a local riverside restaurant for a taste of local cuisine. Don’t miss out on trying "sinigang na hipon" or "adobo" - local dishes that will refuel you for the journey back.

### Return Trip

The return trip can be either via the same boat ride, offering more time to enjoy the river scenes, or you can opt for a land route if the little ones are too tired.

### Interesting Fact

Did you know that Pagsanjan Falls has been featured in several international films, including the 1979 classic "Apocalypse Now"? This adds a touch of cinematic history to your visit!

End your day with a drive back to Manila, filled with memories of adventure, stunning nature, and family bonding at one of the Philippines’ natural treasures.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Roxas Boulevard

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary along Roxas Boulevard, Manila

Morning

Start your day at the iconic Rizal Park (Luneta), easily reachable via LRT-1 to United Nations Station or by taxi. This historical park is where national hero Jose Rizal was executed, sparking the Philippine Revolution. Families can enjoy a leisurely walk, visit the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, and see the grand Rizal Monument. Don"t miss the fascinating light and sound show at the Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal, perfect for educating kids about Philippine history in an engaging manner.

Midday

Head towards the Manila Ocean Park, just a short walk from Rizal Park. This oceanarium offers a plethora of marine life exhibits, which are both educational and entertaining. Attractions like the Oceanarium, the Sea Lion Show, and the Symphony Evening Show are perfect for children and adults alike. Have lunch at one of the park’s themed restaurants like the Makansutra Asian Food Village.

Afternoon

Continue your adventure by strolling along Roxas Boulevard, a major promenade known for its picturesque sunset views over Manila Bay. Stop by the Museo Pambata, an interactive children’s museum that"s about a 10-minute walk from Manila Ocean Park. Here, kids can engage in hands-on activities and learn about the Philippines in a fun environment. The museum’s facade is itself a historical artifact, being one of the pre-war buildings preserved in Manila.

Evening

Cap off your day with a relaxing dinner at the Harbor View Restaurant, just behind the Quirino Grandstand at Rizal Park. This place offers delicious seafood with a stunning view of Manila Bay. Make sure to time your dinner to catch the majestic sunset, a perfect ending to your family day out.

This itinerary balances educational content with leisure, ensuring a memorable visit along Roxas Boulevard for the whole family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.