KidZania Manila set to open on August 7
After months of waiting, KidZania Manila, the most-anticipated education-and-entertainment-themed attraction for children, is finally set to open to the public on August 7, 2015.
KidZania Manila is a place that provides the ultimate role-playing environment for kids. Located at Park Triangle in Bonifacio Global City, the “play city where kids do big things” features 8,000 square meters of play space. Kids aged 4-14 will have a blast pretending to be grown-ups and trying out different “careers.”
KidZania, one of the fastest growing global educational entertainment brands, actually has facilities all over the world — from Mexico to Tokyo to London. KidZania Manila is the 20th KidZania city in the world, and is proud to be the first of its kind in the Philippines.
Similar to many parents who are intentional in providing their children with opportunites for pretend play, the KidZania team believes that “realistic and imaginative role-play can promote change, inspire global citizenship, and build strong community awareness.”
My kids and I were blessed to be invited to the press preview of KidZania Manila, and I have to say, everyone present was truly impressed with what we saw! It is really a play city built to scale for children — complete with an international airport at the entrance, paved streets, transport system, food establishments, a hotel, a functioning economy (it even has an “income tax office”!), and an immigration office, which is where people exit.
What I especially like about KidZania Manila is how detailed everything is — indeed, every detail is intended to show how things work in “the real world”: from the activity that the kids need to do in each establishment, to uniforms and costumes, to the work gear and tools — and even the city interiors!
There are over 40 “establishments” in the city, and kids can choose from over 100 role-play activities. They can attend classes in the university and apply for jobs (or get recruited by roving Zupervisors, which is what the KidZania staff are called). They can go shopping at the supermarket, or file their taxes, and even drive electric cars — the possibilities seem endless, actually! (One day is probably not enough to do everything — there are so many things that kids can do and learn at KidZania Manila!)
Beyond playing and having fun, kids also learn the value of work, as they get to earn wages in KidZania’s currency called “KidZos.” I think this is a great lesson to teach kids, and I’m sure the lesson stuck too — my kids kept asking me, “What else can we do to earn money, Mama?” after they would complete each work task.
The KidZania experience also teaches kids to be responsible with their income — after earning kidZos, kids can choose to spend their money, or save it in the city’s own bank.
Truly, beyond being a mere family entertainment center, KidZania Manila creates a child-centered experience where kids can be completely in charge — they make their own decisions as to what to learn and how to earn, and what to do with their earnings (hopefully, save it!).
Maricel Pangilinan-Arenas, State Governor for KidZania Philippines, shares her and her team’s excitement for the opening of KidZania: “We can’t wait for Filipino children to finally enjoy the unique role-play experience that KidZania Manila offers. Kids will play and learn together, figure out what makes a good city, and collaborate to help run their own community. Play at KidZania will spark dreams and imagination — empowering them to believe that they can make a better world.”
My kids had a blast and can’t wait to visit KidZania Manila again — even now, days after the press preview, they keep asking me when we can go back! They’ve also been incorporating KidZania expressions and “work tasks” in their own play at home — proof that the KidZania Manila experience is truly unforgettable!
So, if you want your kids to have their own unique KidZania Manila experience, here’s what you need to know about its opening to the public:
The soft opening starts on August 7, 2015, with limited slots available. Book your tickets online at www.manila.kidzania.com starting August 3, 2015.
Opening Hours:
- Mondays through Thursdays, from 9AM to 4PM
- Friday to Sunday and national holidays, from 9AM to to 2PM (first shift) and 3 PM to 8PM (second shift).
Ticket prices from August 7 to October 7, 2015:
Weekdays: Mondays-Thursdays
· Children (4-14 years old) - P750
· Toddlers (1-3 years old) - P420
· Babies/ Kids below two (2) feet in height - FREE
· Adults - P420.00
Weekends: Fridays - Sundays (and National Holidays)
· Children (4-14 years old) - P1,000
· Toddlers (1-3 years old) - P550
· Babies/ Kids below two (2) feet in height - FREE
· Adults - 550.00
Ticket prices from October 8, 2015 onwards:
Weekdays: Mondays-Thursdays
· Children (4-14 years old) - P900
· Toddlers (1-3 years old) - P500
· Babies/ Kids below two (2) feet in height - FREE
· Adults - P500.00
Weekends: Fridays - Sundays (and National Holidays)
· Children (4-14 years old) - P1,100
· Toddlers (1-3 years old) - P600
· Babies/ Kids below two (2) feet in height - FREE
· Adults - 600.00
*Note: Toddlers, i.e. kids 3 years old and below, are not allowed to participate in the activities but have their own designated areas: the RightZKeepers’ House and the Kindergarten. To read more rules and regulations, please refer to the KidZania Manila City Codes.
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).
P.S. If you want to see more photos of our KidZania experience, please visit my Facebook page. If you want to read answers to some FAQs about KidZania, and/or get practical tips for planning your visit there, please visit my blog. You can also read our eight-year-old son’s “review” of KidZania here. If you experience any difficulties in opening the links, please send me an email at tina@trulyrichmom.com.
