Top 7 Best Amusement Parks in the Philippines 2017

Since school is out, summer is the best time for parents to bond with their kids. One place where they can do this is at amusement parks. Offering rides, dining, shopping, and so much more, children and adults can have a wholesome, family-friendly good time at theme parks in the Philippines. But which ones are worth going to in a family-friendly getaway? Our ShoppersGuide readers weigh on what they consider the top amusement parks in the Philippines.

Starting off our list for a family-friendly getaway is SM by the Bay Amusement Park. Located right beside SM Mall of Asia (MOA), this theme park in the Philippines consists of 16 rides scattered around 1.5 km. of land overlooking Manila Bay. The park opened in 2011, with much hype around the MOA Eye. At 160 ft. high, it was touted as the tallest and biggest Ferris wheel in the Philippines back then. As for the other rides, these are grouped into family rides and thrill rides. Visitors of this amusement park in the Philippines can also see live bands perform, sit down on the grass, or eat at the many restaurants lining the area.

Operating hours: 3:00 PM to 12:00 AM, Monday to Thursday; 3:00 PM to 1:00 AM, Friday; 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM Saturday; 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM, Sunday

Entrance fee: None, PhP50 to PhP250 per ride, regular price for MOA Eye is PhP150, VIP price is PhP250

If you want to see exotic animals up close, one of the amusement parks in the Philippines you can go to is Zoobic Safari. They boast of being “the only tiger safari in the Philippines” with more than 40 tigers in the park. For a family-friendly getaway, this 25-ha. theme park in the Philippines offers 11 attractions where guests can see python snakes, iguana lizards, guinea pigs, and other animals. One of their unique attractions is the Aeta trail and show, where members of their indigenous tribe perform their butterfly and war dance, and show off their amazing physical prowess.

Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday to Sunday

Entrance fee: PhP695 for adults; PhP595 for kids 4 ft. and below, free for kids 3 ft. and below

Another place for family-friendly getaway is also for the animal lovers, the Manila Zoo, which snagged the fifth spot in our list. Built in 1959, the 5.5-ha. zoo is home to about 500 animals. The most famous of its inhabitants is Mali, a 42-year-old Asian elephant donated to the Philippines from Sri Lanka. Other interesting animals include at this theme park in the Philippines are the hebras, a cross between a zebra and a horse, and endemic species like the Palawan binturong, long-tailed macaque, and Philippine crocodile. This amusement park in the Philippines also has a botanical garden, arboretum, and a Kinder Zoo where children can interact with the animals.

Operating hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Mondays to Sundays

Entrance fee: PhP60 for Manila residents, PhP100 for non-residents

For a quick, family-friendly weekend getaway, one viable option is to head to Sky Ranch in Tagaytay. Developed by SM Prime Holdings, this 5-ha. amusement park in the Philippines boasts of 22 rides suitable for kids, teens, or adults. One of the highlights of this amusement park in the Philippines is the The Sky Eye, touted as the tallest Ferris wheel in the country. Adventure seekers can also ride a zipline to enjoy the view of Taal Lake. Other amenities at this theme park in the Philippines include food establishments and gazebos, as well as a souvenir bazaar and play zone. Sky Ranch also has a branch in Pampanga.

Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday to Friday; 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday to Sunday; 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, holidays

Entrance fee: PhP80 on weekdays; PhP100 on Saturday, Sunday, and holidays

Making a splash at number three for the family-friendly getaway is Manila Ocean Park, the first marine theme park in the Philippines with world-class facilities. Its main draw is the 25-m. The Oceanarium, is a curved walkway tunnel where visitors can marvel at a total of 14,000 sea creatures from 277 species that are endemic to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. In this amusement park in the Philippines, guests can interact with Humbold penguins at the first penguin facility in the country, encounter sharks and rays in the water, or watch the mesmerizing glow of jellyfish in the Jellies Exhibit. It is a perfect option for a family-friendly getaway since they even have a Mermaid Swim Experience for those who want to fulfill their fantasies of morphing into these mythical creatures. After strolling around in this amusement park in the Philippines, one can buy trinkets or native delicacies at their shopping outlets, or fill one’s tummy with food from various restaurants and food stalls.

Operating hours: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM Saturday to Sunday

Entrance fee: Packages range from PhP610 to PhP2,985

“...because the magic is here!” – @kyutkatpusa

Clinching second place for the family-friendly getaway is Enchanted Kingdom in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. This amusement park in the Philippines is popularly known as EK among Filipinos, this theme park in the Philippines is divided into seven themed zones, namely Victoria Park, Midway Boardwalk, Jungle Outpost, Spaceport, Brooklyn Place, Portabello, and Boulderville. The rides and attractions at this amusement park in the Philippines are divided to family, teens, kids, extreme thrill, water, or gated attractions. If you need a break from the rides, there are skill game booths scattered throughout the park. Visitors can buy merchandise at their souvenir shops, or grab a bite at their themed restaurants. EK also hosts song and dance performances, animal encounters, and a fireworks show perfect for the family-friendly getaway.

Operating hours: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM Wednesday to Friday; 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM Saturday and Sunday

Entrance fee: PhP600 to PhP700 for adults; PhP300 to PhP375 for kids; free for kids below 36”

“...because the star is here! ;)” – Yolly

Star City bags the top spot in our reader-recommended list of amusement parks in the Philippines. This theme park in the Philippines have been in existence for 25 years. Promising “Fun for Everyone,” Star City has over 30 rides for kids and kids at heart. This amusement park is definitely a family-friendly getaway the rides are divided into kiddie rides, family rides, and older kid, teen, and adult rides. This amusement park in the Philippines have 10 attractions, which are themed facilities ranging from a horror booth featuring creatures from Filipino folklore, and a snow slide with animals that can be seen from the North Pole.

Those looking for the most bang theme park in the Philippines for their buck can take advantage of their Ride-All-You-Can package which costs PhP450 and gives one unlimited access to all rides and select attractions.

Operating hours: Monday to Thursday, 4:00 PM onwards; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 2:00 PM onwards

Entrance fee: PhP70; rides range from PhP100 to PhP450