10 Best Places to Bring Your Toddler Series
Tell the story of Noah’s ark to your toddler before entering the first and only indoor petting zoo in the country — Ark of Avilon. It is the sister zoo of Avilon Zoo, the largest Wildlife Breeding Facility in the Philippines, located in Rodriguez (formerly Montalban), Rizal.
The Ark is famous for the permitted interaction with its friendly animal residents. Toddler favorites include Jenny the fashionable Orangutan and Brutus the Miniature Horse. They can also have a ride on Golem the Donkey around the first floor of the arc. Don’t forget to meet Puti, the high-flying Sea Eagle, and Narda, the talkative Cockatoo. Stay at a safe distance, though, since they can be intimidating for kids. Be extra careful when meeting Selina the non-venomous Albino Python, who is notorious for biting a kid in the past. Call the Ark of Avilon in advance to check the interactive animal display schedule of its famous residents before going.
The open-air facility can get really hot in the summer, but is cooler during the rainy season. Bring extra clothes and towels for the little one. Food is available at the roof deck area. There, you can also see the Arc’s less famous inhabitants, which include the albino carabao, peking duck and guinea pigs.
After visiting the Ark, the children can enjoy exploring the Fun Ranch beside it. It has the usual kiddie attractions like arcades, mini-carousel, mini-ferris wheel and junk food stalls. Also popular with the toddlers are the three-level playground of Active Fun where both parents and kids can play, the kids’ massage at Lambs Spa, inflatable playground at Jumpin Jacks, and the magic shows in the Big Red Barn Restaurant during weekends.
Put a budget cap of P500/head for your trip to Ark of Avilon and Fun Ranch (including meals). It would take a half-day to explore both areas.
Address: Frontera Verde, Ortigas Avenue Corner C-5, Pasig City
Telephone Numbers: +632 706-2992, 706-2993
Email: arkavilon@yahoo.com.ph / arkavilonzoo@gmail.com
Entrance Fee: Php 200/person, Complimentary (Children 1 year old and below), Php 160 (Senior Citizens)
Zoo Hours: Weekdays 9am – 6pm, Weekends and Holidays 9am – 8pm
10 Best Places to Bring Your Toddler Series
1. SM Science Discovery Center
2. Manila Ocean Park
3. Enchanted Kingdom
4. Leisure Farms Adventures
5. Philippine Air Force Aerospace Museum
6. Playa Calatagan
7. Ark of Avilon
8. Snow World in Star City
9. Zoobic Safari
10. Museo Pambata
Live an Awesome Life in God’s Grace,
Text by Anton Diaz. Copyright 2008.
Blog: www.OurAwesomePlanet.com
Mobile: +63917-LOVEOAP (5683627)
Email: anton@diaz.ph
have they settled the issue regarding the snakebite? is there already a credible clinic in the zoo or just the “helper” who will apply antiseptic?
hi! i think it’s ArK of Avilon. Last year we visited the Avilon Zoo during a school field trip of my daughter. Despite the long journey, it was pretty much an interesting adventure to go around the zoo. We haven’t visited the Ark yet though, although I heard it’s also nice.