Manila With Kids

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a bustling and vibrant city that offers a wide range of activities for families with kids. From historical landmarks to modern attractions, Manila has something for everyone, making it a must-stop when you visit the Philippines with kids. In this travel guide, we’ll cover the top things to do, places to visit, accommodations, restaurants, and more for families visiting Manila with kids.

Things to Do in Manila

Here are a few of the top things to do in Manila:

• Visit Intramuros: Intramuros is the walled city of Manila and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to a number of historical landmarks, including Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Church, and the Casa Manila.
• See Rizal Park: Rizal Park is a large public park in the heart of Manila. It is home to the Rizal Monument, which commemorates the life and death of Jose Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines.
• Visit the National Museum of the Philippines: The National Museum of the Philippines is a complex of museums that houses a collection of artifacts that tell the story of the Philippines.
• Go shopping at SM Mall of Asia: SM Mall of Asia is the largest mall in the Philippines (and one of the biggest in the world) and is a great place to find everything from clothes and electronics to food and entertainment.
• Take a walk along the Baywalk: The Baywalk is a waterfront promenade in Manila that offers stunning views of Manila Bay.
• Visit the CCP Complex: The CCP Complex is a cultural complex in Manila that is home to the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Theatre of the Philippines, and the Philippine International Convention Center.
• Explore Manila Chinatown: Binondo is the oldest Chinatown in the Philippines. It is located in the heart of Manila and is home to a large Chinese community.
• Explore the different neighborhoods: Manila is made up of a number of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character. Malate and Ermita are historic districts in Manila known for their nightlife and vibrant atmosphere. It is home to a number of bars, clubs, and restaurants.
• Take a jeepney ride: Jeepneys are the public transportation of choice in Manila and are a unique way to see the city.

Where to Stay in Manila

Here are some of the best family-friendly hotels in Manila:

1. Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila – Located near Manila Bay, the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila offers luxurious accommodations and family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and a kid’s club.
2. Diamond Hotel Philippines – A 5-star hotel located in the heart of Manila, the Diamond Hotel Philippines offers spacious rooms and suites and family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and a kid’s club.
3. Conrad Manila – A modern and luxurious hotel located near Manila Bay, Conrad Manila offers spacious rooms and suites and family-friendly amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and a kid’s club.
4. The Manila Hotel: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Manila and is a great choice for families with children. It has a number of amenities for families, including a kids club, swimming pools, and a playground.
5. The Bayleaf Intramuros: This boutique hotel is located in the historic walled city of Intramuros and is a great choice for families with children who are interested in history. It has a number of amenities for families, including a kids club, swimming pools, and a playground.

Where to Eat in Manila

1. Vikings Luxury Buffet – A popular buffet restaurant in Manila, Vikings Luxury Buffet offers a variety of international dishes suitable for families.
2. Spiral at Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila – Located inside the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Spiral offers a variety of international dishes and a kid’s buffet section.
3. Café Mary Grace – A casual dining restaurant in Manila, Café Mary Grace offers a variety of Filipino and international dishes suitable for families.
4. Max’s Restaurant – A popular Filipino restaurant chain, Max’s Restaurant offers a variety of Filipino dishes and a kid’s menu.
5. Pancake House – A casual dining restaurant in Manila, Pancake House offers a variety of breakfast dishes, pancakes, and waffles suitable for families.

When to Go to Manila

The best time to visit Manila with kids is from December to February, when the weather is cool and dry. However, this is also the peak season, so expect crowds and higher prices. The months of March to May are also a good time to visit but expect hot and humid weather. The months of June to November are the rainy season, so it’s best to avoid visiting during this time.

How Long to Stay in Manila

We recommend staying in Manila for at least 3 to 4 days to fully explore the city’s attractions and landmarks.

Family Itinerary in Manila

Here is a possible 3-day itinerary for a family trip to Manila:

Day 1

• Morning: Visit the Intramuros, the walled city of Manila. This is a great place to learn about the history of the Philippines and to see some of the city’s most important landmarks, such as the Fort Santiago, the San Agustin Church, and the Casa Manila.
• Afternoon: Take a walk through the Rizal Park, a large public park in the heart of Manila. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There are also a number of museums and monuments in the park, such as the National Museum of the Philippines and the Rizal Monument.
• Evening: Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Makati, the central business district of Manila. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to everyone’s taste.

Day 2

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Anthropology, which houses a collection of artifacts from the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries. This is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.
• Afternoon: Take a cooking class and learn how to make some of your favorite Filipino dishes. This is a great way to experience the local culture and to learn about the different ingredients used in Filipino cuisine.
• Evening: See a show at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, which hosts a variety of performances, such as plays, concerts, and dance recitals. This is a great way to experience the local arts and culture.

Day 3

• Morning: Visit the Manila Ocean Park, an aquarium that is home to a variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. This is a great place to learn about the ocean and its inhabitants.
• Afternoon: Take a boat trip to Pasay City, which is located across the Pasig River from Manila. This is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
• Evening: Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the Philippines. This is a great place to try some traditional Chinese food.

How to Get Around Manila

The most convenient way to get around Manila with kids is by private car or taxi. However, there are also other transportation options, such as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) or the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), which offer an affordable and efficient mode of transportation for families.