Is your toddler or baby fond of animals? You don't need to go far to experience a real zoo - take a detour on the way to Tiendesitas and stop by Ark Avilon. This attraction is meant to be a sneak peek of the zoo's main branch in Rizal, but can hold its own by showcasing animals such as bears, deer, and a white tiger.
Best of all, you don't have to drag (or more likely, carry) your sensitive baby through miles of rough terrain under the sweltering sun to meet and greet with these wild creatures! Patterned after Noah's ark, most of your Ark Avilon experience would be in an enclosed area (both shady and clean!) with the exception of a petting zoo for farm animals at the 2nd level and a mock waterfall at the ground floor for their selection of birds.
The only drawback for me is the price - P300/person; P200/kids no taller than their ticketing counter. The admission fee is a tad extravagant given the small exhibit. Be sure to get that photo-op with the monkey to get your money's worth!
Travel Tips:
(1) Wear light clothing; though jeans are recommended for those who would be iffy at the thought of bumping into the animals that are allowed to roam around freely (mostly the birds).
(2) Call beforehand to check if there's a scheduled party or event so you can avoid a big crowd.
(3) If you have a thing against mice, stay away from the cages by the entrance. I am fond of the occassional hamster and guinea pig, but the sheer number of white mice and rodents on display made me imagine that one of the little critters may escape and find their way in our bags.
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Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Toddler Travels: Gymboree, Westgate Alabang
Gymboree Westgate Alabang - unlike other kids' play areas that I'd rather not mention - proved to be kid-friendly with staff that is accommodating and courteous to Filipino and foreign children alike. My active toddler enjoyed her romp around the variety of colored tunnels, slides, ladders, balls, mats, and bridges. And mommy got quite a workout chasing her around too!
What sets this Gymboree branch apart from others of its kind (besides the competent and welcoming staff - sorry, I can't help but gripe about a bad experience with another branch) is its size, which is larger than some branches. The entrance also makes an impression. When you go through the doors, you'll first find yourself in a small space where you'll be asked to leave your shoes. The guard will also give you a generous spray of alcogel before you go through the second set of doors to the main reception and play area.
It's a bit pricey at P300+/hour (for non-members) - pretty much the same as similar kids' gyms, but of course nothing beats the price of a free run around the neighborhood playground ;) Still, if you're dealing with a baby or energetic toddler, its best to stick to playgrounds of this caliber that are fitted out with every kind of mat, foam, and safety measure.
Travel Tips:
(1) Only 1 adult can accompany the child once in the play area.
(2) Adults are required to wear socks. Children must not wear socks in the play area.
(3) Bring a change of clothing for your baby - and you!
(4) Pack a water bottle for your baby - and you!
(5) There's a sign that says you must keep your baby within hug's reach. Heed this well. Although the matted flooring keeps your child relatively unharmed from the unavoidable stumble/fall, there's little it can do against your toddler's attempt to launch herself from the top of the ladder.
What sets this Gymboree branch apart from others of its kind (besides the competent and welcoming staff - sorry, I can't help but gripe about a bad experience with another branch) is its size, which is larger than some branches. The entrance also makes an impression. When you go through the doors, you'll first find yourself in a small space where you'll be asked to leave your shoes. The guard will also give you a generous spray of alcogel before you go through the second set of doors to the main reception and play area.
It's a bit pricey at P300+/hour (for non-members) - pretty much the same as similar kids' gyms, but of course nothing beats the price of a free run around the neighborhood playground ;) Still, if you're dealing with a baby or energetic toddler, its best to stick to playgrounds of this caliber that are fitted out with every kind of mat, foam, and safety measure.
Travel Tips:
(1) Only 1 adult can accompany the child once in the play area.
(2) Adults are required to wear socks. Children must not wear socks in the play area.
(3) Bring a change of clothing for your baby - and you!
(4) Pack a water bottle for your baby - and you!
(5) There's a sign that says you must keep your baby within hug's reach. Heed this well. Although the matted flooring keeps your child relatively unharmed from the unavoidable stumble/fall, there's little it can do against your toddler's attempt to launch herself from the top of the ladder.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Toddler Travels: Fun Ranch, Alabang
I went to Fun Ranch thinking I'd find animals (my daughter is overly fond of horses and ducks). Silly me! Instead, I feasted my eyes on this enormous children's play area encompassing 4-5 levels of plastic balls, obstacle courses, slides, foam, foam, and more foam.
At the time, my toddler was only a little over a year old, but already able to walk so I figured we'd give it a go. She had the time of her life. At the corner just past the entrance was the "toddler's area", a mini play area just 2 levels high in the shape of a ship. It had steps, a wheel, slide, a vat of balls, and tunnels. There was also a large cushion in the shape of a starfish where she launched herself and lay down quite happily.
Of course, I knew it wouldn't end there. Eventually she wanted to go exploring to the big kid's area. This humongous structure reminded me of the medieval "gauntlet" in the movie, First Knight. There was actually a large ball with spikes (made of foam of course) hanging down one of the levels as part of the intricate obstacle course designed for kids. Did I mention everything was made of foam? One of the highlights for me was a rickety bridge that was fully covered by a net on both ends giving you the feeling of being suspended without any danger of falling.
We didn't stay long in the non-toddler area, mostly because there was a party that day and there were a lot of screaming kids and teenagers running around and I feared my little girl would be trampled in the melee. Also, the choice means to return to the first level is via the slides. Otherwise, you'd have to go through these holes on the floor and there is the added danger of a baby falling through one. This is probably why they have a designated toddler area ;)
Other features of note are the availability of walkers and toy cars - though these were rather worn already. There was also a section with large foam (what else?) blocks wherein kids could build an actual castle or fort.
I've only brought my daughter to Fun Ranch that one time, but have resolved to bring her back when she's older and can explore the place in full. Also, the rather finicky and prissy mom in me likened it to a playground - I'm the type who likes to keep my baby in uber clean, open and/or semi-isolated areas. At least until she turns 2. :)
Travel Tips:
(1) Bring socks. If you forget, don't despair - they will sell you some at the ticket counter.
(2) Go on a weekday so it would be less crowded. Call beforehand to ensure there's no party and/or reservation.
(3) Bring a change of clothes for your baby. A towel and/or change of clothes for you as well. The place is air-conditioned, but is just at the right temperature (i.e., not overly cold). Your child is sure to sweat if he/she overexerts himself/herself.
(4) Be prepared to go through the obstacles courses yourself to keep tabs on your child, especially if he/she is just a toddler.
(5) When I was younger, I've read about the dangers of sharp objects that may find their way in sandboxes or pools/vats of balls. I've yet to experience this firsthand, but it doesn't hurt to inspect the area before you let your child swim in a pool of plastic balls.
At the time, my toddler was only a little over a year old, but already able to walk so I figured we'd give it a go. She had the time of her life. At the corner just past the entrance was the "toddler's area", a mini play area just 2 levels high in the shape of a ship. It had steps, a wheel, slide, a vat of balls, and tunnels. There was also a large cushion in the shape of a starfish where she launched herself and lay down quite happily.
Of course, I knew it wouldn't end there. Eventually she wanted to go exploring to the big kid's area. This humongous structure reminded me of the medieval "gauntlet" in the movie, First Knight. There was actually a large ball with spikes (made of foam of course) hanging down one of the levels as part of the intricate obstacle course designed for kids. Did I mention everything was made of foam? One of the highlights for me was a rickety bridge that was fully covered by a net on both ends giving you the feeling of being suspended without any danger of falling.
We didn't stay long in the non-toddler area, mostly because there was a party that day and there were a lot of screaming kids and teenagers running around and I feared my little girl would be trampled in the melee. Also, the choice means to return to the first level is via the slides. Otherwise, you'd have to go through these holes on the floor and there is the added danger of a baby falling through one. This is probably why they have a designated toddler area ;)
Other features of note are the availability of walkers and toy cars - though these were rather worn already. There was also a section with large foam (what else?) blocks wherein kids could build an actual castle or fort.
I've only brought my daughter to Fun Ranch that one time, but have resolved to bring her back when she's older and can explore the place in full. Also, the rather finicky and prissy mom in me likened it to a playground - I'm the type who likes to keep my baby in uber clean, open and/or semi-isolated areas. At least until she turns 2. :)
Travel Tips:
(1) Bring socks. If you forget, don't despair - they will sell you some at the ticket counter.
(2) Go on a weekday so it would be less crowded. Call beforehand to ensure there's no party and/or reservation.
(3) Bring a change of clothes for your baby. A towel and/or change of clothes for you as well. The place is air-conditioned, but is just at the right temperature (i.e., not overly cold). Your child is sure to sweat if he/she overexerts himself/herself.
(4) Be prepared to go through the obstacles courses yourself to keep tabs on your child, especially if he/she is just a toddler.
(5) When I was younger, I've read about the dangers of sharp objects that may find their way in sandboxes or pools/vats of balls. I've yet to experience this firsthand, but it doesn't hurt to inspect the area before you let your child swim in a pool of plastic balls.
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