Summer in the Philippines is a season like no other. With schools out and the temperatures soaring, families have ample opportunities to spend quality time together creating cherished memories. From beaches to mountains and cities to provinces, the sprawling archipelago offers an abundance of kid-friendly activities perfect for bonding in the summer months.
Hit the Beaches
With over 7,641 islands and world-famous tropical destinations like Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu, it’s no surprise that beach vacations top the list of family summer favorites. Spend your days swimming, snorkeling, building sandcastles, beachcombing for shells and sea glass, flying kites, and simply relaxing in the warm ocean breezes. Many resorts offer fun outdoor activities like beach volleyball, kayaking, banana boat rides, and more to keep kids entertained.
Explore Nature
The Philippines’ diverse natural landscapes, from soaring mountains and volcanic formations to underground cave networks, provide limitless opportunities for eco-adventures. Hike to thundering waterfalls tucked in emerald green rainforests, go bird watching in wildlife preserves, or discover the fascinating creatures in marine reserves. Kid-friendly destinations like Masungi Georeserve offer safe and guided treks suitable for families with young children.
Visit Amusement Parks & Water Parks
When the midday sun gets too intense, head to one of the country’s amusement or water parks. Massive playgrounds like Enchanted Kingdom south of Manila and Funtastic Park & Aqua Resort in Cebu offer thrilling rides, games, and attractions like roller coasters and giant water slides alongside kids’ zones with pint-sized amusements. It’s a surefire way to beat the heat while still being outside.
Discover Cities
The main metropolitan areas of Manila, Cebu, and Davao are brimming with educational and cultural exhibits perfect for summer learning disguised as fun. Explore the interactive science exhibits at Mind Museum, get up close with marine life at oceanariums, tour historic sights, or catch a stage play, music concert, or street festival celebrating local customs and cuisine. Malls also provide refuge from the heat with movies, bowling alleys, arcades, and playgrounds.
Get Crafty
For slower-paced summer days spent at home, bust out the art supplies and get crafty with classic kids’ activities like making colorful banners from plastic parols (Christmas star lanterns), painting ceramic plates and pots, weaving fans from bamboo strips and leaves, folding origami shapes, or molding gooey sectors from classic Filipino sweet treats like halo-halo and buko pie (coconut pie).
Go Camping
Under the brilliant night skies of summer, take the family on a camping adventure right in your own backyard or at a local campground. Kids can experience sleeping in tents, cooking hot dogs over an open fire, stargazing, telling stories and jokes around the campfire, and getting back to nature through activities like fishing, hiking, and pitching camp. It’s a wonderful way to unplug from technology and bond as a family.
With its natural splendors, rich culture, and infrastructure for tourism, the Philippines has something for everyone to fill their summer with fun and togetherness. These family-friendly activities and destinations are just the start for creating priceless warm-weather memories that will last a lifetime.
