Manila is a great family holiday destination, offering a mix of cultural, recreational, and outdoor activities. Families can explore historical sites like Intramuros and Rizal Park, visit interactive museums such as The Mind Museum, and enjoy theme parks like Manila Ocean Park. Outdoor attractions include the scenic Manila Baywalk and the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. For shopping and dining, Mall of Asia and Greenhills Shopping Center are ideal. Nearby getaways like Tagaytay Picnic Grove adds to the adventure, making Manila a well-rounded destination for a memorable family trip.

If you’re planning to visit Manila, here’s 20 things to do in Manila with family to help you create fulfilling and beautiful memories together.

Opening Hours: 09:00-16:00 (full day), 07:30-12:00 (half day morning session), 12:30-17:00 (half day afternoon session)

Explore historic sites like Intramuros, the centuries-old walled district, and visit landmarks such as San Agustin Church, Manila Cathedral, and Baluarte de San Diego. Continue south to Cavite to see the Aguinaldo Shrine, the birthplace of Filipino independence. Conclude the tour at the serene American cemetery, home to 17,206 marble headstones. This tour offers a deep dive into the heritage of Filipino history and culture, showcasing the contrast between Manila’s bustling city life and its tranquil historical sites. They offer full day and half day tours (you can pick the morning or afternoon session).

Opening Hours: between 09:00 and 15:30

Make your trip to Puerto Galera or Manila easy and hassle-free. Avoid long lines and multiple tickets by seamlessly transitioning from bus to ferry, straight to the soft white sand. Book your return trip to Manila for a worry-free experience. Bus only tickets are also available.

Opening Hours: you can request them

Manila 6/12 Hours Private Car Charter offers half day and full day service where you get to travel around Manila privately with a chartered car and driven by a qualified and experienced chauffeur. This service helps you and family to make your Manila adventures less hassle and more convenient. Good news for you! Plan your itinerary. However, the typical destinations are Taal Crater Lake or Mount Pinatubo.

Opening Hours: daily from 10:00-22:00

The Dessert Museum is an interactive tasting journey through eight delectable rooms, transforming your favorite sweets into a fantastical, imaginative wonderland. With ticket price starting from RM 56, you’ll get 3-4 tasty treats and maximum stay in each room is 15 minutes or a total of 2 hours. And if you have a certain food allergy, notify them when filling out a waiver form.

Opening Hours: daily from 16:00-24:00

Nightmares Manila (Nightmares Haunted House & The Haunted School House) is for the thrill seekers. Put yourself to the test by completing this haunted house attraction. Test your limit and prove how brave you are when facing some of the scariest figures right in front of you.

Opening Hours: daily from 11:00-20:30

Take your family to experience Art in Island, the largest Mixed Media Art Museum in the Philippines. It offers a fully immersive experience with stunning art and light displays crafted using the latest media technology. Visitors can explore a mesmerizing, surreal world through animated projections and art installations, discovering and appreciating various art forms in each section of the museum.

Opening Hours: 12:00-14:00 (lunch), 18:00-21:30 (dinner)

Treat your family at the Luxurious Buffet Lunch and Dinner Experience in Manila by Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, a renowned 5-star luxury resort hotel, boasts Spiral, a restaurant celebrated for its culinary excellence. Spiral offers more than just a dining experience, it also presents a gastronomic journey with 21 dining ateliers or stations, each showcasing flavors from around the world under one roof.

Opening Hours: starts from 12:30-17:00

Stroll around the world’s oldest Chinatown with Manila Chinatown Guided Street Food Tasting Tour. This tour will also help you to experience the perfect way exploring Chinese and Filipino-inspired delicacies from local restaurants. Enjoy flavorful dishes like grilled Kikiam (Chinese sausage) and Fried Lumpia (Filipino Spring Rolls), and for the adventurous, try the exotic Soup No. 5 (Bull Testicle Soup).

Opening Hours: daily from 05:00-20:00

There's a playground where kids can play and have fun with slides, swings, and climbing structures. Set up a picnic amidst the lush gardens and open spaces. It's a great spot to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. At night, the fountain dances to music and bursts into colorful explosions. Visit the park at night to witness this beauty. And you can visit Rizal Park without an admission fee.

Opening Hours: daily from 09:00-18:00 (except Monday)

With a diverse range exhibiting Philippine history, culture, art and natural history, National Museum of the Philippines is one of the recommended things to do in Manila with family. The highlight of this attraction is Spoliarium by Juan Luna and the Ifugao bulul (rice god) statues. The museum also offers guided tours and educational programs that cater to families.

Opening Hours: daily between 09:00-18:00

Oceanarium, Trails to Antarctica, All Star Bird Show, Sea Lion Show, World of Creepy Crawlies, Jellies Dancing Sea Fairies, Super Toy Collection are the attractions you can choose at Manila Ocean Park. You can pick any attraction that interests your family.

Opening Hours: daily from 08:00-17:00

Arroceros Forest Park or what the people call as the last lung of Manila is a park that you should give a try when visiting Manila with family. Not only for the beauty, but also the tough history behind this modern oasis in Manila. It is called an oasis because Arroceros Forest Park is like the green oasis amidst Manila’s concrete that offers the visitors a refreshing break from urban chaos.

Opening Hours: daily from 09:00-20:00

Come with your family to Fort Santiago and delve into Philippine history by exploring the well-preserved fortifications and historical structures dating back to the Spanish colonial era. Fort Santiago offers a blend of history, culture, and picturesque surroundings, making it an ideal spot for families to immerse themselves in Manila's rich heritage while enjoying a leisurely day out.

Opening Hours: daily from 08:00-18:00

You can find great deals and bargains, allowing you to stretch your budget while shopping for items that you won't find elsewhere at Divisoria Mall. This mall is famous for its wide range of goods at affordable prices. Whether you're looking for clothes, toys, accessories, or souvenirs, you'll find an extensive selection to choose from.

Opening Hours: weekday from 08:00-17:00

Visiting Malacañang Palace with your family is typically not open to the public for casual visits due to security and protocol reasons, as it serves as the official residence and workplace of the President of the Philippines. However, guided tours are occasionally offered to certain parts of the palace, such as the Malacañang Museum, where you can explore historical artifacts and learn about Philippine presidential history. It's advisable to check in advance for tour availability and any restrictions that may apply.

Opening Hours: daily from 13:00-22:00 (except Monday and Tuesday)

Explore Snow World, Time Warp Adventure and Dinosaurs Alive attraction at Star City with family. Experience the fun rides such as Lolly Swing, Mini Rocking Tug and Fun Swing with your kids. And if you want a more extreme ride, might as well try Star Flyer, Jungle Splash and Star Frisbee.

Opening Hours: daily from 06:00-18:30

Stroll around the 500 meters shore for free at Dolomite Beach. This newly developed beach offers a clean and safe environment suitable for families, with soft white sand and clear waters ideal for relaxing and playing. Enjoy picturesque views of the sunset, take leisurely walks along the promenade, and indulge in various recreational activities such as beach volleyball or simply lounging in beachfront cabanas.

Opening Hours: daily between 06:00-17:00

Originally a Spanish-era cemetery, Paco Park is a recreational park and cultural venue now. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may encounter cultural events or performances held within the park, adding to the experience of Philippine arts and traditions. Located in a strategic area, allowing easy access to other nearby attractions and historical sites in Manila, providing a well-rounded cultural experience for your family outing.

Opening Hours: daily from 07:00-17:00

It will be an enriching outdoor experience amidst nature in the heart of Manila. The park offers a serene environment with lush greenery, ponds, and wildlife exhibits, providing opportunities to observe various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals up close. Enjoy leisurely walks along well-maintained trails, explore educational displays at the Wildlife Rescue Center, and engage in activities such as boating and picnicking. It's a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle, ideal for bonding and learning about Philippine biodiversity and conservation efforts with your loved ones.

Opening Hours: daily between 08:00-20:00

The Picnic Grove in Tagaytay is a popular destination known for its stunning views of Taal Lake and Taal Volcano from the Tagaytay Ridge. Spanning 13 hectares, it offers diverse recreational activities such as zip lining, a cable car, and horseback riding. Surrounding greenery creates a serene atmosphere, complemented by an eco-trail featuring boardwalks and bridges through scenic landscapes, perfect for enjoying Tagaytay's refreshing breeze and natural beauty.

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