The natural place that comes to mind when we think of fun places for kids who love animals is the zoo, but animals in zoos are often kept in protective enclosures. So the better choice would be interactive petting zoos and farms that will nurture your kids love for animals and their responsibility in caring for them and for nature.
Since you're probably familiar with Ocean Park, Zoobic Safari, and Ocean adventure, we've rounded up more places that your little animal lover will enjoy!
Sta Elena Fun farm
Barrio Malitlit, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
0920-4688785, 0918-8886588
Open daily 9am-4pm, by appointment only
Located in Cabuyao, Laguna, the Sta. Elena fun farm is both a paradise and playground for nature-loving kids. It offers a space for kids to explore nature and enjoy playing with animals. The fun farm has vast picnic areas, zip lines, a giant sand box, animal feeding stations, horse stables, and a lagoon you can fish in.
Kids will surely enjoy their pony rides, carabao pulled-cart rides, and row boating!
For more information, visit the Sta. Elena Fun Farm official website.
Ark Avilon
Frontera Verde Ortigas Avenue Corner C-5, Pasig; (02) 7062992
Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri-Sun 10am-7:30pm
This giant petting zoo, which resembles the bilical Noah's ark is located within Manila. Specifically, in Tiendesitas, Pasig. Various species of exotic wildlife call it home, such as the white tiger, jaguar, javan leopard, sulcata tortoises, sun bear, meerkats, prarie dogs, and Humbolt Penguins!
Kids will surely have fun interacting with the animals while learning about the amazing beauty of nature and conservation.
For more details, visit the Ark Avilon official Facebook page.
Avilon Zoo
9003 GP Sitio Gulod, San Isidro, 1860 Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines
(02) 948 3986, (02) 948 9866, (02) 9418530 (Fax), avilonzoo@gmail.com
According to their site, the Avilon Zoo is "largest zoological institution in the Philippines in terms of collection of live animals". Located in Rodriguez, Rizal, this 7.5 hectare facility houses over 3,000 species of exotic animals and more than 500 species of mammals, reptiles, birds, amphibians, and freshwater fish.
Kids can learn more than simply interacting and feeding the animals; through their educational tours, kids and adults alike will learn more about the importance of conserving and protecting nature and its wildlife.
For more information, visit the Avilon Zoo website or official facebook page.
H2O hotel
Located a minute away from Manila Ocean Park, H2O hotel is a great option for parents looking for a staycation which they're animal loving kids will enjoy. What better than an underwater paradise to keep kids occupied and parents relaxed for hours on end?
To learn more, visit H2O hotel's official website.
Paradizoo Farm
Km. 63 Panungyan, Mendez, Cavite
(02) 8999828, 0946-3011228
Open daily 8am-5pm
This Cavite farm promises a truly interactive experience with farm animals. Kids can experience bottle-feeding baby goats and milking momma goats. Miniature horses, goats, and camels call this mini-zoo home. Within the grounds there is space for camping and even fishing in the nearby duck pond. The pet cemetery, were dead pets are laid to rest, is a unique part of this facility. This is where kids can pay their respects and nurture their love and respect for all living creatures.
For more information, visit Paradizoo Farm's website.
El Kabayo Riding Stables
El Kabayo Road, Binictican, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, 2222 Subic, Zambales
0918-9395730
Daily 8:30am-5:30pm
This paradise for aspiring equestrians has riding trails for beginners and experts. They also offer a grassy, level, tree-lined trail for kids with no riding experience. It's perfect for quick day trips or for those interested in taking riding lessons.
Plus: they have exotic Arabian horses!
To learn more, visit El Kabayo Riding Stables' website.
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