Mabalacat, Pampanga is one family-friendly destination, with several amusement parks and activities available for adults and children alike. Parents who are racking their brains trying to think of a place where they can bring their kids to keep them amused this summer can look no further than this town, which is about two hours away from Metro Manila.
1. Paradise Ranch
Paradise Ranch is a nature park and an environmental preservation project in one. It was developed to teach children and adults alike about the importance of taking care of Mother Nature. It offers a great view, as it overlooks Clark Freeport Zone, including the Sacobia River, Mount Pinatubo, and Mount Arayat.
Paradise Ranch comes with three layers of swimming pools for guests who want to cool down after they have visited the different attractions in the park. Please note that the park is located in a mountainous area, so those who want to visit will need to factor in that some uphill walking may be required to explore the area.
It is possible to explore the vicinity within one day. However, those who want to have an overnight stay can do so, as accommodation can also be provided in the park itself.
Paradise Ranch
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Price: from 5 USD (250 PHP)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am - 6pm.
Duration: 1 day required
Access: From SCTEX, exit on DMIA. Turn right on Sacobia Bridge. Follow the signage pointing to Paradise Ranch.
Contact: +63458895320; +639228600317
Nearby Food: Visitors can buy food in Paradise Ranch
Website: Paradise Ranch
2. Zoocobia Fun Zoo
The best-known attraction of Paradise Ranch is Zoocobia Fun Zoo. Families can look forward to seeing different species of animals such as farmyard animals, birds, fish, and butterflies endemic to the Philippines, and animal lovers can even pet some of them. The Menagerie also features stuffed animals. However, this is more than just a zoo. This attraction comes with a garden maze, where children can have fun getting lost. The Zooc is another feature of Zoocobia. Visitors can race down a 400-meter (1,312 ft.) track in a gravity car. This was based on Sentosa Island’s Skyline Luge in Singapore.
Zoocobia Fun Zoo
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Price: from 5 USD (250 PHP)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8am - 6pm.
Duration: 1 day required
Access: From SCTEX, exit on DMIA. Turn right on Sacobia Bridge. Follow the signage pointing to Paradise Ranch.
Contact: +63 458895320; +63 9228600317
Nearby Food: Visitors can buy food in Paradise Ranch
Website: Paradise Ranch
3. Dinosaurs Island
Dinosaur fans will get a kick out of this amusement park, which features life-sized, animatronic displays of these gigantic lizards, some of which they can even ride. Children can also learn something new while in this park when they visit the Fossil Museum, where they can learn more about the history of dinosaurs. In Jurassic Jungle Safari, visitors can experience what it feels like to be one of the characters in the movie “Jurassic Park,” with dinosaurs chasing after them. They can even go around the world when they go to the Wonders of the World exhibit, which showcases well-known attractions all over the globe.
Dinosaurs Island
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Price: 7 USD (350 PHP) for adults and 6 USD (300 PHP) for children (17 years and below)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 6pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: From NLEX, take the Sta. Inez exit. Take the service road to Clark Freeport Zone. Dinosaur Island is 2-3 kms. (1-2 mi.) on the right. Contact: +63 454993033
Nearby Food: There are food stalls in the park
Website: Dinosaurs Island
4. Insectlandia
Conquer your fear of bugs by visiting Insectlandia, which is about a couple of minutes’ walk from Dinosaur Island. Visitors can see giant animatronic bugs on display, much like the dinosaur theme park. It also features a butterfly garden.
Insectlandia
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Price: 7 USD (350 PHP) for adults and 6 USD (300 PHP) for children (17 years and below)
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am - 6pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: From NLEX, take the Sta. Inez exit. Take the service road to Clark Freeport Zone. Dinosaur Island is 2-3 kms. (1-2 mi.) on the right. Contact: +63 454993033
Nearby Food: There are food stalls in Dinosaurs Island
Website: Insectlandia
5. Fontana Water Park
Summer in the Philippines can be very hot. Families who want to beat the heat can choose to go to the Fontana Water Park, which is located within the Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino. The swimming pools come with giant slides where kids and adults can zoom down from. Sports fans can also get a bit of exercise from the Sports Center, where they can play games such as basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, or darts. Those who want to slow down the pace can opt instead to go fishing and boating in the man-made lagoon.
Fontana Water Park
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Price: from 7.50 USD (350 PHP)
Opening Hours: Mondays to Thursdays, 10am - 6pm. Fridays to Sundays, 9am - 6pm.
Access: Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino is 15 kms. (9 mi.) from the gate of Clark Freeport Zone
Contact: +63 455995000
Nearby Food: There are restaurants within Fontana Leisure Parks and Casino
Website: Fontana
6. El Kabayo
El Kabayo transports its guests to the Wild West, with its re-creation of an old western town, complete with a saloon, a trading post, a county jail, and a telegraph office. Visitors can learn horseback riding, or simply enjoy a quiet carriage ride.
El Kabayo
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Price: from 2 USD (100 PHP)
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 6pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: From the Clark Freeport Zone gate, turn left on the second guard post. Go straight until Gil Puyat Avenue. El Kabayo is on the left.
Contact: +63454990920, +639165199149
Nearby Food: El Kabayo has its own restaurant
Website: El Kabayo
7. Nayong Pilipino Clark
Nayong Pilipino, found in the Clark Freeport Zone, is a great destination for history and geography fans, as they will be able to see and experience the history and culture of the Philippines in just one day. The park’s attractions are clustered based on geography, each of which feature miniature versions of the notable landmarks in the Philippines, such as the Chocolate Hills, the Banaue Rice Terraces, and Magellan’s Cross. Statues of the country’s heroes and heroines can also be found in Nayong Pilipino Clark. Cultural shows are held regularly, showcasing native songs and dances in the Philippines.
Nayong Pilipino Clark
Address: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Price: from 1 USD (50 PHP)
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 8am - 5pm.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Nayong Pilipino is beside the Expo Pilipino tent.
Contact: +63454993239
Nearby Food: There is a restaurant inside the park
Website: Nayong Pilipino
8. Mount Pinatubo
Adventurous families can opt to hike to Mount Pinatubo, a semi-dormant volcano that became known for the devastation it caused when it erupted in 1991. Various tour companies offer trekking packages to this destination, which cover the guide’s fees, environmental fees, and transportation. Part of the adventure is in riding a 4x4 vehicle across the ashes from the 1991 volcanic eruption to get to the landing spot for the actual trek, and can be two hours or longer, depending on the speed of the group. High-energy snacks and water should be brought by visitors. Wearing sunscreen is recommended, given the high intensity of the sun, especially during summer. Expect to cross streams during the trek, so wear proper clothes and footwear.
The terrain can get rough, especially when it rains, so parents should exercise caution if they are planning on bringing their small children (they have to be at least 8 years old) along with them to this destination. Those who have health concerns should also take care in joining this tour.
Trekking Mt. Pinatubo
Price: from 53 USD (2,650 PHP)
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: At least half a day, inclusive of travel
Access: The tour package offers free pick-up from Manila
Contact: +63 9063318782; +63 9205472178
Website: Trekking Mt. Pinatubo
9. Clark Nature Park
Clark Nature Park is also a great option for families looking to have an adventure this summer. Visitors can explore the different attractions here, such as horseback riding, go-kart racing, wall climbing, and ziplines. They can also try out the different obstacle courses found in the park. Younger children, meanwhile, can play in the playground.
Clark Nature Park
Address: Clark Freeport Zone
Price: from 0.40 USD (20 PHP)
Opening Hours: 9am - 6pm. Closed on public holidays.
Duration: around 3 hours required.
Access: Clark Nature Park is along Gil Puyat Ave.
Contact: +63 454993019, +63 922710945
Nearby Food: There are various fast food outlets along the highway where Clark Nature Park is located
Website: Clark Nature Park
10. Puning Hot Springs
Puning Hot Spring is in Angeles City, 10-30 minutes away from Mabalacat. It can be a good choice for visitors as it has something to offer for everyone: adventure for children and relaxation for adults, especially those who are looking forward to getting relief from their aches and pains. Puning Hot Springs has 11 natural springs and two heated pools, lessening the chances of overcrowding. Fans of natural remedies can try out their sand spa, where they can bury themselves under hot sand for a few minutes to rid their bodies of toxins, or the mudpack area, where they can immerse themselves in the ashes from Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption.
Puning Hot Spring
Price: from 36 USD (1,800 PHP)
Opening Hours: 8am - 3pm.
Duration: around 5 hours required.
Access: From Clark Freeport Zone, travel for about 10 minutes to 1st Station, Sitio Target in Barangay Sapang Bato, Angeles City
Contact: +63 9193392795
Nearby Food: Food is available within the facility
Facebook: Puning Hot Spring and Resort
For a great day out with the family
The different destinations here have something unique to offer families. Given that each can be explored within a day, parents will practically never run out of ways to amuse their children this coming summer in Mabalacat, Pampanga.