A Parent's Guide to KidZania Manila

Here is what the bracelets look like (photo from the KidZania Manila website):

If you have toddlers or younger children, the bracelets will be placed on their ankles instead of their wrists. (Our toddler insisted on having hers on her wrist though, like her older siblings!)

Once you have passed “security checks” at the airport, you — well, more like your kids actually — can begin having fun!

Click “Continue reading” to see what you can do inside of “KidZania Manila”… 

KidZania Manila: Things to do once you’re inside

One of the “main attractions” for the kids is the Airline Crew Training Facility, or “aviation academy,” as my son calls it. Note that kids have to pay for the activity here, similar to real life, when one pays to attend training workshops, etc. So make sure that your child has already exchanged his/her check for cash before you go here (or anywhere else, for that matter)!

Also shown in the photo is the city’s Radio Station, where kids can be part of a live radio broadcast, and the Theater, where they can show their acting talents in a stage play, or be part of the marching band at the City Clock Tower (on the balcony of the theater).

Among the other activities that kids can do at KidZania Manila (clockwise, left to right): Learn how to care for trees and plants at the Urban Garden; create their own treats and snacks at the Oishi Creative Hub; visit the KidZania Tiangge and make their own handmade arts and craft creations to take home; and learn how to file for and pay taxes at the City Tax Office (kids can also help compute and collect taxes from businesses inside the city).

Other fun activities, which my kids tried so they could earn more kidZos: Apply for a job at the Magazine Publishing House and make your own comic strip — Tim did this while his little sisters were at the Beauty Salon nearby.

One of the most amusing experiences for me as a parent at KidZania Manila: Our toddler was a “police officer” alongside her sister, while their Kuya helped put out a fire! (The firefighting activity is actually one of the most popular ones in KidZania, because the kids get to ride a moving fire truck and use actual water to “put out” a fire at a hotel).

Click “Continue reading” to see more of what you can do inside of “KidZania Manila”… 

Here’s another place where the girls spent some time in: The KidZania Hospital, where kids can be part of a paramedic team, or work together to perform a transplant operation. The ambulance is mobile and goes around the city with the fire truck when the kiddie firefighters go to put out a “fire.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our 2-year-old was allowed inside some of the establishments just for that day — usually, only kids ages 4 to 14 are allowed inside to do the activities.

Actually, kids ages 3 and below are welcome to roam around KidZania — walking, sitting in strollers (must not be larger than 36″ x 52″ or 92 cm x 132 cm), carried or “worn” by their parents — BUT are not allowed to participate in the activities.

There are, however, two special areas designated for them: the RightZKeepers’ House, and the Kindergarten. Our toddler had a blast at the former (we were unable to visit the latter) — it’s basically a play area that is full of pretend play items perfect for little ones! The “bedroom” is actually a “bouncy-house” area, and the bathtub is like a ball pit.

More places your kids can check out: The Bookstore, where they can browse freely through the books, or take part in storytelling sessions; the Ice Cream Factory, where they can learn how to make their own ice cream; the Climbing Building, where they can pretend to be cable service installers (IMPORTANT: your kids need to be wearing shoes for this — our son wasn’t able to try it because he was wearing sandals); and the Hotel, where they can have a go at working in housekeeping, food and dining, or reception.

These are just some of the places you can see and the things your kids can do in KidZania Manila. Check out a more complete list of activities on their website.

When your kids are ready to go (or your time limit is up, whichever comes first!), all of you have to proceed to the Immigration Office. That is where you surrender your security bracelets and “check out.”

The KidZania Manila souvenir shop — dubbed the National Store — is strategically located right below the Immigration Office, so if you want to get souvenirs of your visit, you can do so.

Click “Continue reading” for FAQs about “KidZania Manila”… 

FAQs about KidZania Manila

When my friends saw the photos of our KidZania “field trip,” a few of them had questions for me, the answers to which I think will be helpful to other people as well — so I am sharing their Q’s and the A’s here:

1. Is there a separate fee for each establishment/activity area inside KidZania Manila?

No. The fee you pay (when you buy your tickets) covers entrance to ALL the establishments/activity areas inside KidZania.

2. Are children with disabilities allowed to enter KidZania Manila?

Yes! They are very welcome! Should they need assistance doing the activities, the Zupervisors can help them out or the child’s adult companion can do so.

3. Are we allowed to bring our own food and drinks?

No, except for the following:

• Distilled drinking water for infant formula
• Any food required for medical purposes and medically–indicated nutritional   supplements
• Any food required for special dietary needs
• Canned, jarred, or processed baby food, breast milk and infant formula
• Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a   disability or medical condition are permitted “in the absence of suspicious   activity”

*If needed, you may also bring soft-sided insulated bags no larger than 8.5″ wide x 6″ high x 6″ deep.

4. Where can we buy food and drinks while inside KidZania Manila then?

I recommend that you eat a heavy meal before going inside KidZania Manila. However, you may also buy food and drinks there, you can choose from the following food outlets: McDonalds, Yellow Cab, Via Mare, Goldilocks, Mini-Store and Purefoods.

5. Is there a discount for PWDs?

Yes, there will be a 20% discount during the soft opening. Beyond that, there is no information yet regarding special discounts.

If you want to be really, really sure though, contact KidZania Manila ahead of time via phone: +632-711-KidZ, or email: info@kidzania.com.ph, or via their Facebook page.

6. Are parents allowed inside the establishments/activity areas?

No, but you will be able to view your kids through the glass doors and windows of the establishments/activity areas. If your kids are old enough to be left roaming around the city, you can even have some “me-time” at the Parents’ Lounge, if you want!

7. Will bringing kids younger than 3 years old be “worth it”?

It depends on your budget. If you have the resources, go for it — although, kids 3 and below are only allowed inside two areas, the RightZKeepers’ House and the Kindergarten.

8. Can our kids bring home the kidZos that they earn inside KidZania Manila?

Yes, they can, but you need to make sure that they are not damaged so that they can use them again on their next visit.

Better yet, open a bank account inside KidZania Manila before you leave, and have them deposit their extra kidZos there for safekeeping.

9. Can we bring bags and/or strollers inside?

Yes, you can. There are baggage and stroller counters available, for your convenience.

10. Are we allowed to re-enter KidZania within our allotted time for the day?

Kindly note that only adults are allowed to re-enter KidZania within the allotted time for the day, but you must make sure that your kid companions 8 years old and below have accompanying guardians with them.

For more information about KidZania Manila, visit www.manila.kidzania.com, “Like” KidZania Manila on Facebook, or follow KidZania Manila on Twitter @KidZaniaManila and Instagram (KIDZANIAMANILA). You can also call them at +632-711-KidZ (711-5439).

Republished with permission from: TrulyRichMom

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