Ark Avilon Zoo

Ark Avilon Zoo in Frontera Verde, Pasig City, is a super mini version of Avilon Zoo in Montalban, Rizal. The structure was built like an 'ark,' which is kind of cute, hence, the name Ark Avilon. Entrance fee is PhP200, syempre, magrereklamo na naman ako, hehe.., mahal! Why? Because there were, I think, only about a dozen animals on display. Okay, I am exaggerating pero konti lang talaga! I suggest you visit instead Avilon Zoo in Montalban because it is a lot bigger and it offers a larger variety of animals for (also) only PhP200 or so entrance fee.

Of course, the kids, especially the little ones, will enjoy every nook of the place. They are not the ones paying the entrance fees, so why should they make a fuss about it? Hehe. My kids enjoyed the feeding area where, for PhP10, your child will be given a carrot to feed the rabbits or a bag of chickenfeeds to feed the...well, chickens, you choose. Every hour, there is an animal show - like when we visited the place, they let out a chimpanzee and a hairy dog (i don't know the breed) - and the kids/parents may pose for photos with the animals, sometimes with an extra charge or for free. There is also a mini playground where the kids can play around while their parents wonder if they got their money's worth! I hope they make places like these worth visiting for the parents as well, because we are the ones shelling out the cash!

In fairness, the place is clean. The ambience is great. The restaurant inside, however, has not much to offer, or maybe, we were just to early, but still...Oh well, more photos here! :)

Kidz Republic

2nd floor, SM Mall of Asia

This is one of my kids’ favorite places to visit! Fees are PhP150 or PhP170 per kid for an hour (sorry, I really can’t remember, I had epidural twice!), PhP60 for every half-hour extension, and PhP70 for each adult companion of kids less than 3 feet. The children and the guardians get photographed in the registration area for security measures, which I think, is very important.

The place is colorful and big compared to other ‘playhouses’ we’ve visited and hence, will surely tire those super hyperactive kids out in an hour if you’re lucky, otherwise, you might find yourself paying for half-hour or so extension! The play area has tunnels, ball pit, slides, trampoline, etc. There are a few staff scattered around to assist unaccompanied children, especially in the big slides and trampoline which could be dangerous for little kids. I just hope they always clean and disinfect the place and all the toys there because when I tried to squeeze myself in one tunnel, I felt some kids’ sweat! The best time to bring the kids there is in the morning or as soon as it opens because the place gets filled with little rascals by noontime.

There is a restroom inside so you wouldn’t have to go out if nature calls, and a refreshment store when the kids get tired and thirsty. I just have one warning though for the adult companions, never ever try the slides because you wouldn’t be able to describe the feeling and your position the moment you hit the floor – talk about gravity, leave it to the li’l kids, trust me! :P