Can't wait to have some outdoor fun with the kids and meet some furry friends? Here are some nice farm zoos near Metro Manila that you can visit with the whole family!
"Where to take the kids this weekend?" When the family is looking to have some fun and adventure, a road trip to Manila's nearby provinces always comes to mind.
What if we tell you that within a couple of hours, you and your family can be transported to a magnificent sanctuary of the most amazing plant and animal species? A day's tour is enough to appreciate their beauty, making for a learning and adventure-filled day for the family.
Check out these zoos and farm that are just a few minutes away from Manila!
Farm and zoos near Metro Manila
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Paradizoo
Paradizoo is an expansive agri-farm and zoo in Mendez, Cavite.
Here, families can immerse themselves in agriculture and see a variety of animals up close. There is a petting farm for mammals, a fish pond, an aviary, a mini bee farm, a pet cemetery, and an activity field for camel and horseback riding.
The grounds feature rolling hills where children can run freely, and vast patches of land cultivating a multitude of plants, both ornamental and edible. With so much to see, a carabao-driven carriage is the best way to get around the farm.
A visit to their restaurant, which serves homegrown crops, is definitely in order. Included in the menu is their own goat's milk and a healthy, refreshing drink called Zoomanitea.
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Yoki's Farm
One of the farm zoos establishments in the south that is gaining a lot of following is Yoki's Farm in Mendez, Cavite. This place offers safe and supervised animal encounters at an affordable price. This place also puts safety as their priority as they require all their adult guests to be fully vaccinated.
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Zoori
Another one of the zoos in Tagaytay and within the enclave of Residence Inn and fronting the wondrous view of the Taal Volcano is Zoori.
Zoori houses a myriad of animals and offers interactive activities for the family. It has a showcase of insects, reptiles, birds, and a vast area holding many kinds of mammals, including camels, tigers, and lions.
On some days, animal shows are held with performers presenting the animals in a delightful manner. Guests are encouraged to go up on stage and even hold the animals that are in the show.
For photo souvenirs, guests can pose with a pony, a monitor lizard, a white parrot, a yellow python, and even a tiger.
Other activities include a zipline for adults and kids, as well as horseback riding. Food and refreshments are served at the picturesque dining area overlooking the Taal Volcano.
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Sta. Elena Fun Farm
If you're looking for a place where the kids can see and interact with some farm animals, run around and have a picnic, then Sta. Elena Fun Farm in Cabuyao, Laguna is your best bet.
This outdoor playground boasts of wide-open picnic areas, a small lagoon, a gigantic sandbox, animal feeding stations, horse stables, and an amphitheater. Advance bookings are required.
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Angel field’s Sanctuary
While it was originally a popular venue for weddings and events. Angel fields have also opened their space for day tours for kids of all ages. Your kids will have so much fun feeding the ducklings and chickens, fishing and just revel in the great outdoors while you enjoy the cool Tagaytay breeze and the delicious food.
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Heading north? Check out these fun zoos and farms in that area.
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Avilon Zoo
This 7.5-hectare, newly-renovated zoo in Rodriguez, Rizal has opened its doors again to the public this year. According to its website, it houses more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife representing more than 500 species of birds, mammals reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, and invertebrates. Surely, your kid will find something interesting in that wide mix of species.
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Lygerzoo
Another zoo to check out in Rizal is the Lyger Animal Sanctuary. According to its Facebook page, it is a local sanctuary for exotic animals, housing some of the rarest animals in the world such as ligers, and white lions.
Have you ever heard of the animal liger? Visit this place with your kid and learn more about it.
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Zoocobia Fun Zoo
Nestled in a hidden valley in Clark, Pampanga is a safari-inspired farm zoo that promises a fantastic time for the family.
Inside this cascading valley is an aviary, an ostrich field, exotic animals like civets, porcupines and serpents, a monkey-feeding area, a maze, a bunny barn and a petting zoo for camels, horses, sheep, goats, wild boars, even a Wagyu cow!
Zoo highlights include long curving slides, Zoocology, a gallery of animal artifacts, and the Zooc, a gravity car that makes for an exhilarating ride on a 400 meter zigzag track.
The mini Aeta town inside the farm also offers unique experiences, as the friendly Aetas genuinely extend their hospitality to anyone who visits. You won't soon forget their warm and bright smiles.
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Zoobic Safari
Zoobic Safari at the Forest Adventure of Subic Bay Freeport is a massive property that exhibits wild animal life in a simulated natural habitat.
Families will get a thrill from getting a close encounter with exotic animals in various habitats of forests, streams, and grasslands.
This 25-hectare property hosts an impressive list of attractions for the family.
It has a huge forest park that is suitable for trekking and witnessing wild and semi-domesticated animals in their natural habitat. It also offers a petting area for friendly animals, such as parakeets, bearcats, and camels.
In controlled and safe surroundings, families can comfortably wander in the serpentarium, aviary, and a rodent area with cute guinea pigs!
There's also the crocodile-feeding area, a wildlife sanctuary that houses ostriches, potbellies, wild boars and guinea fowls, and a facility that offers a view of the Siberian-Bengal tigers within 2 feet from where you stand.
The highlights of Zoobic include the Aetas' Trail, which features the Aetas' rituals and traditional dances, and the Tiger Safari, a heart-stopping encounter with full-grown, free-grazing tigers, aboard a special safari jeep.
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Dinosaur Island
Is your little one obsessed with dinosaurs? Then the 3-hour trip to Clark would be all worth it. Kids will surely be amazed at the life-sized robotic dinosaurs in the park, and if that’s not enough, there’s also a playground and zip line made especially for little adventurers. It's going to be a treat for the whole family. Check out their website to know more.
Safety tips in bringing your kids in farms and zoos
Bringing kids to farm and zoos can be both fun and educational, but it's essential to prioritize safety. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience if you’re going to bring your kids to these farm and zoos this summer:
Supervise closely
Always keep a close eye on your children, especially in areas with animals. Make sure they understand the importance of staying with you at all times.
Follow rules and signs
Farms and zoos often have specific rules and guidelines for visitor safety. Make sure to read and follow all posted signs and instructions.
Hand washing
Encourage frequent hand washing, especially after touching animals or surfaces in animal areas. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
Animal interaction
Teach your children how to properly interact with animals. Remind them to approach animals gently and avoid startling them. Supervise any interactions closely.
Respect barriers
Respect barriers and enclosures meant to keep both visitors and animals safe. Avoid reaching into enclosures or crossing barriers.
Stay on designated paths
Stick to designated paths and areas. Venturing off can be dangerous, especially in areas with potentially hazardous terrain or animals.
Be prepared for the weather
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions, including hats and sunscreen for sunny days, and jackets or rain gear for inclement weather.
Sun protection
Use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against sunburn, especially on sunny days when spending extended periods outdoors.
Stay hydrated
Bring plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated, especially on hot days. Pack snacks to keep energy levels up.
Know emergency procedures
Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits, first aid stations, and contact information for staff in case of an emergency.
Educate your children
Take the opportunity to educate your children about the animals they encounter, including how to respect them and why it's important to keep a safe distance.
Stay calm around animals
If an animal appears agitated or startled, calmly move away and alert staff if necessary. Avoid making sudden movements or loud noises that could startle animals.
Mommy and daddy, by following these safety tips, you can help ensure that your visit to a farm or zoo is both enjoyable and safe for your children.