The archipelagic nation of the Philippines is known for its thousands of islands, world famous beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. Apart from the awe-inspiring natural formations and resources it is blessed with, there are more to see and look forward to in the country. The Philippines also has man-made attractions such as theme parks that can make the kids and kids-at-heart giddy with joy.
While the number of theme parks is way less than the number of beaches or mountains, what the Philippines has is enough for a fun and spectacular day with family and friends.
If you want to add theme parks to your itinerary, here are some of the best in the Philippines.
Enchanted Kingdom
Enchanted Kingdom | Image Source
Location: Sta. Rosa, Laguna
Enchanted Kingdom is a place where magic lives on forever, at least according to their tagline. It opened its doors in 1995 and has been operating since then although it temporarily closed in 2020 due to Covid-19.
Currently, the park has around 30 rides and attractions including a roller coaster, 130-ft high ferris wheel, carousel, motion simulator theater, go-kart race track, giant swing, river rafting ride, and many others. Trying all the rides and attractions is definitely a fun experience.
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Manila Ocean Park
Manila Ocean Park
Location: Ermita, Metro Manila
Manila Ocean Park is a world-class marine theme park located in Manila. Its main attraction is the Oceanarium which houses 14,000 sea creatures from 277 species local to Southeast Asia. The oceanarium has a curved walkway tunnel where guests can see various marine life overhead. The park also boasts of its educational activity area, penguin facility, bird sanctuary for Brahminy Kites, birdhouse, and World of Creepy Crawlies. Performances inside the park include All Star Bird Show, Sea Lion Show, and Penguin Talk Show as well as The Symphony which involves fountain and multimedia effects.
Those who want to stay the night can book a room at Hotel H2O, a hotel inside the park with fitness center, outdoor jet pool, meeting rooms, and function halls that can accommodate up to 500 people.
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Sky Ranch
Locations: Tagaytay, Pampanga, and Baguio
Sky Ranch has three branches in the Philippines, its first branch opened in Tagaytay in 2013. The park’s main feature is the ferris wheel, the one in Pampanga measures 65-meter tall which makes it the tallest ferris wheel in the Philippines. Aside from the ferris wheel, the parks have other rides and attractions which include a roller coaster, carousel, bump cars, bumper boat, kiddie trains, and many thrilling rides for absolute fun and extreme experience.
Fantasy World
Location: Lemery, Batangas
Fantasy World was envisioned to be the Disneyland of the Philippines however, construction was halted due to financial issues and the park remains unfinished up to this day. The park has a medieval theme and its main attraction is the Bavarian-inspired castle. There are rides installed in the park but none are operational.
Despite the lack of operational rides, Fantasy World opened its doors to the public in 2010 and has been used for photoshoots and television films and movies.
Ocean Adventure
Ocean Adventure | Image Source
Location: Morong, Bataan
Ocean Adventure is a marine zoological park in Morong, Bataan portion of the Subic Special Economic and Freeport Zone. It opened in 2001 with false killer whale viewing and sea lion shows as the main attractions. The park now has an Ocean Discovery Aquarium where guests can see various marine plants and animals thriving in the waters of Subic Bay.
Catch the bottlenose dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphin, and rough-toothed dolphin when you watch the Sentinels of the Sea show or the South American Sea Lions during the Sea Lion Marine Patrol.
For a more epic adventure, head to the nearby Adventure Beach Waterpark to experience the thrill of their twister slide, river bend, wading pool, and many more.
Gloria’s Fantasyland
Gloria’s Fantasyland | Image Source
Location: Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte
A theme park may be rare in the Southern Philippines but you can find one in Dapitan, a city known for its connection with Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero. Gloria’s Fantasyland features more than 30 rides and attractions such as carousel, train ride, carousel, swinger, and galleon ship. There is also a cinema, a horror house, and a commercial center where you can shop or stroll if you’re not into the fun rides.
You can also catch entertainment shows, fireworks displays, and parades complete with colorful floats.
Dinosaurs Island
Dinosaurs Island | Image Source
Location: Mabalacat, Pampanga
Add Dinosaurs Island to your itinerary when traveling to Pampanga with kids. The theme park features dinosaur animatronics with motion sensors which trigger reaction with movement around them. The park’s main attraction is the Dinosaur Trail where you can see 26 species of dinosaurs. The trail has a jungle vibe complete with dinosaur sounds and screams for a more realistic experience. Other attractions include Dinosaur 7D Experience, Fossil Museum, Jurassic Safari, Wonders of the World Museum, and live dance show.
Aqua Planet
Location: Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga
Fancy a day at the largest water park in the country? Head over to Aqua Planet for another kind of thrill and adventure. With 38 water slides, two wave pools, and other attractions, a day at the theme park is surely an experience one can never forget.
Avilon Zoo
Location: Rodriguez, Rizal
A 7.5 hectare facility with more than 3,000 animals, Avilon Zoo is the largest zoological institution in the Philippines in terms of land area and animal collection. The zoo has different collections of local animals, most of which have been bred through the zoo’s conservation programs. Aside from animals, Avilon Zoo is also home to a diverse collection of plants, half of which are native to the Philippines.
The zoo opened in 2005 and currently offers guided tours and educational trips as well as runs Avilon Wildlife Conservation Foundation.
Star City
Location: Pasay City, Metro Manila
Opened in 1991, Star City is one of the first theme parks in the Philippines. It is located in the Cultural Center of the Philippines complex and is around 15 minutes away from Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
The park used to have 30 rides and attractions but was reduced to 25 when it reopened in February 2022 following a fire in 2019. One of the park’s main attractions is the Giant Star Wheel, a ferris wheel with 32 air-conditioned gondolas. It also has a double-deck carousel, a 360-degree-loop roller coaster, water log ride called Jungle Splash, and many more. With all the rides and attractions available, there is surely something for everyone – kids, teens, adults, and for the whole family.
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These theme parks provide entertainment, education, and memorable experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re seeking thrilling rides, cultural exhibits, or interactive play areas, the Philippines offers a range of options to choose from.
READ MORE: Attractions in the Philippines
