April 27, 2018

Family Getaway 2018: List of Summer Destinations for Families near Manila

A good destination for one might not be a good destination for others. My standards might not be good enough for your standards. However, if you are looking for a destination for your family, this list would be enough. Why? because is no better destination than a refreshing no-hassle trip and there can be no better place than that with your family.

Filipinos are known to be family-oriented. Every free time is better spent with family and those people who treat us as one. We go to work, school, and other things that make us busy, which hinders the time we want to spend with them. Away from work schedules and a new environment away from home, here’s a list of destinations you can bring your family to catch up and bond.

Picnic Grove, Tagaytay

We all know Tagaytay as a tourist spot to spend summer, an escape from the heat in Manila and a new literally cool place perfect for chilling. Letting you indulge your sight with a picturesque view of Taal volcano and lake, this is perfect for catching up, for long conversations and rest. After 10 to 15 minutes of trekking, the place will be perfect for bondings and picnics with food stalls to grab some snacks.

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Picnic Grove in Tagaytay is perceived to be family-friendly as activities are suitable for families. For only Php 50 entrance fee, families can enjoy this recreational area with various activities. Cottages and huts range from Php 100 to Php 500 as you rent. Also, available activities are horseback riding ranging from Php 150 to Php 200 per hour, zipline ranging from Php 200 to Php 400 and Eco-trail.

Also Read: Picnic Grove in Tagaytay

Paradizoo, Tagaytay

For families with kids, we pick destinations that kids would enjoy and learn at the same time. Paradizoo in Tagaytay is a farm and zoo with landscapes and gardens that would let you learn agriculture, gardening and farming practices which young members of the family would take some interest into. What makes it unique is that it is not your ordinary zoo where you mostly see wildlife. The zoo contains llamas, camels, miniature horses, ostriches and other domestic farm animals which are not those that you see every day in farms.

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The place also gives you activities that would let you have that get together through picnic in their meditation garden, vegetable and flower picking, camel riding, shopping at their souvenir shop, and more. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking your own car or commuting, going to the place is not difficult even though it’s far from the main road. Besides, long drives usually takes a lot of talks and sometimes, sleep.

Also Read: Paradizoo in Tagaytay: The First and Only Theme Farm in the City

The Grounds Resort, Antipolo

A peculiar family? Worry no more. From The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit house is already in the Philippines, bringing you a more cozy atmosphere out of the crowded city you want to escape from. For families who’s been a fan of profile-changing photographs, The Grounds Resort would take you to Hobbiton for your family gatherings and summer getaway. Also, this one’s a private resort that can accommodate up to 30 persons for a more personal and closed bonding with your loved ones.

IMAGE The Grounds Resort

Also available are amenities like a swimming pool and an outdoor bed stationed close to the pool. Catering to weddings, maternity shoots, prenuptial shoots and birthdays, this would enable your families to take photos to keep as time goes by. Though rates change during peak season, the experience of living like a hobbit will never be the same… unless you visit New Zealand.

Also Read: The Grounds Resort in Antipolo: Live like a Hobbit

Enchanted Kingdom, Laguna

Wanting to go back to younger days? If fun is what your family is looking for, fun knows no age to welcome. Enter the door to fun and magic as Enchanted Kingdom welcomes your family for a day of adventure. With only an hour drive from Manila, get to experience the Philippines’ world class theme park. Food stalls and kiosks are available on different zones. However, the mood here is not cozy or refreshing.

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The place will double your energy from rides to performances. This will surely make you think twice on how to spend your vacation. Operating hours of the park vary from time to time. There are seven zones that separates the theme of each namely Victoria Park, Boulderville, Portabello, Brooklyn Place, Jungle Outpost, Midway Boardwalk and Spaceport. Felt a little bit out of place? It’s time for your vacation to spent at Enchanted Kingdom then. Let the magic stay with your family.

Also Read: Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna: An adventure land for children and adults

Hidden Valley Springs, Laguna

Families who love nature will surely love Hidden Valley Springs in Laguna for a natural way of experiencing paradise. Located between Laguna’s Mount Banahaw and Mount Makiling,

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our last destination is a tropical forest consisting three pool springs. Kids will enjoy more of its pool including the most famous one, the soda pool which is said to need only a sugar to taste like sprite and a food coloring to taste like coke.

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As it is in between two mountains, the place does not have a good reception neither for your mobile phone nor for Wi-Fi. A good edge to spend your vacation is to remove all gadgets and just enjoy the company of your family. Talk personally. There’s nothing but a good place, good ambience and complete relaxation for each of the members of the family.

Also Read: Hidden Valley Springs in Alaminos, Laguna

Written by Vinnise Marcelo, Philippine Primer Intern