Chris has obviously had some interesting experiences as a tourist family in Manila.
For me, with a family, the things to do in Manila list is somewhat is limited unless you like malls or unless you want to go out of town for day trips.
Things To Do In Manila With Family
- Manila Ocean Park is a good half day outing and quite educational
- Rizal Park is a good stroll with the family during week days . . very crowded weekends, especially Sundays
- Museums and art galleries (there are bunch in Manila) on weekdays if the children are old enough
- Intramuros (the old walled city of Manila) offers a blast of history
- Theme parks at CCP (Cultural Center of the Philippines) offer some hours of fun
- Corregidor Island for a day trip (or overnight) should not be missed - visit the ghosts in Malinta Tunnel
- Pasig River ferry rides are interesting, if a bit smelly at the top of the river
- Cawit, Cavite, is a half day history tour to the home of the first president of the Philippines
If you like to mall then there is only one mall worth visiting in my opinion: Mall of Asia (Pasay). Glorietta (Makati), if they ever finish it - after the gas explosion - may be worth visiting again. Megamall (Pasig) is a bit old in the tooth now and has little to offer except electronic games.
If you like ice skating, it is worth noting that there are ice skating rinks at Megamall and the Mall of Asia for those who possess a good sense of balance. Mall of Asia also has the best 3D cinemas.
Day Trips Out Of Manila With Family
- Tagaytay / Taal Lake - don't forget to go to the Taal Lake Yacht Club to take a Taal Volcano Tour.
- Pagsanhan Falls - take your swimming costume
- Angono Petraglyphs - the oldest rock art in the Philippines
- Hot Springs (Calamba) - most cater more for couples but there are still some for families
- Ultralight/Microlight flying (Angeles City) - every day except Wednesdays
- Candaba Wildlife Reserve - birdwatching and rural life experience
- Enchanted Kingdom - theme park
- Splash Island - water theme park (avoid local school holidays - gets crowded)
To avoid the challenges that Chris encountered in Manila: for day tours use a reputable tour operator, if your hotel does not have one then contact
Swagman Travel Service; and, use the all-yellow airport taxis wherever possible - a little more expensive but trustworthy and almost always courteous.
I have done all of the above and more but many of the day tours require a little courage and an early start - because they are not so well known and public transport is less available.
P.S. If I came to the Philippines with a family I would not stop in Manila, I would go on to explore the beautiful highlands, the islands and the beaches . . . endless experiences of exploration for all the family.
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