10 Best Places to Bring Your Toddler Series
Manila Ocean Park is a giant underwater playground for your toddler. For the first time in Manila, you can bring your kid to have a live encounter with the diverse marine creatures indigenous to the Philippines and South East Asia. It is priceless to see your toddler amazed and excited throughout the Oceanarium’s self-paced tour of giant aquariums, coral reefs and live marine exhibits. Don’t miss interacting with starfish and sea cucumber in the Agos (Flow) area, which is the first aquarium exhibit that features the natural flow of water from land to sea. The highlight of the tour is the 25 meter-long tunnel, which feels like watching the marine interaction of different fish, stingrays and sharks from their underbellies. In the end, you’ll be awed and intimidated by the remarkable display of sharks, showcasing the Blacktip and Whitetip Reef Shark, Gray Bamboo Shark and the Giant Guitarfish.
Most of the Oceanarium aquarium facilities are in covered and air-conditioned areas, except for the Agos (Flow) area and the walkway from parking to the Oceanarium’s main entrance. You can bring strollers, which are convenient to push around, except for areas with stairs (particularly the Agos area and Oceanarium exit going to the second floor). Taking photos and videos is allowed, except for flash photography because it would scare the marine animals.
Food and beverages are not allowed in the premises, except for infant formula. It would take a maximum of 2 hours to go around the exhibits, so better feed your toddler before entering. Popular fastfood outlets like Chowking, North Park, etc. can be found in the vicinity. Tamayo’s Ozeano on the 2nd Floor offers an Eat-All-You-Can buffet with a mouthwatering dessert display, which can lure your toddler to beg you to eat there. On average, budget P500/head for your trip to Manila Ocean Park.
Address: Behind the Quirino Grandstand Luneta, Manila, Philippines
Telephone Number: (+632) 567-7777
Email: Reservations@manilaoceanpark.com
Website: www.manilaoceanpark.com
Entrance Fee: Php 400 (Adult), Php 350 (Children 4 ft & below), Complimentary (Children 2 ft & Below), P320 (Senior Citizens), P360 (Manila Resident)
Park Schedule: Weekends and Holidays 9am-9pm; Weekdays (Mondays-Fridays) 10am-9pm. (Note: The ticket counter closes at 8:15pm.)
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
We visited Manila Ocean Park last December! It was okay but they can do more to improve the showcase of our sealife. But kids will surely enjoy the experience.