John Travolta hit the nail on the head when he sang, “Summer lovin’ happened so fast / summer lovin’, having a blast,” and while we often complain about the oppressive heat, we really don’t know what we’ve got ‘til it’s gone. In the blink of an eye, summer of 2010 will soon be over, meaning out with the dry spells and in with the torrential rains that keep us cooped up indoors; out with the kids lazing around the house and in with regular classes—which all equate to, sadly, less bonding time with the family.
So before you start scampering to the mall to buy umbrellas, jackets, and boots to wade through messy floods, here are some suggestions for activities to do with your family that are low on the maintenance and high on the fun factor.
BONDING WITH THE BROOD
When it comes to family jaunts, the rule of thumb is to make sure that there is always something for everyone. Therefore, it’s important to pick a place that will make sure you, your hubby, and your kids will have a good time. Get some much-needed fresh air at La Mesa Ecopark, located in Quezon City. Swimming and boating costs P150 per head, and kids can get into crafts like figurine painting, paper clay art, and face painting. On the other hand, their ates and kuyas can try rappelling and going on the zip line for only P50. To cap off the day, the whole family can scrimmage in a great game of paintball!
HAVE A SPLASHIN’ GOOD TIME!
Water parks are a fun and convenient way to cool off, and there are plenty to pick from in Manila. Manila Water Boom Park, located at the CCP Compound, corner Gil Puyat Avenue, has air bounce slides and pools for kids and adults. It’s perfect for a refreshing dip at a reasonable P250 entrance fee. Ace Water Spa features indoor pools equipped with hydrotherapy stations that target different parts of the body. Kids can get a kick out of the Bubble Pool, while mommies and daddies will love the Hot Herbal Pool designed to get rid of any aches and pains. Enjoy an alternative family movie night at Blue Water Day Spa; get a foot, body massage, and free movie at their Spa Theater, all for P550 per person.
THRILLA IN MANILA
Think you’ve seen all you’ve wanted to see in Manila? Well, you ain't seen nothing yet. Spot.PH has a great list of family-friendly adventures, like singing karaoke while touring Intramuros inside a jeepney. Nope, we’re not kidding! With Jeepneytours.com, kids—and adults too!—can learn about the country’s history in a non-stuffy, sing-songy atmosphere. Also, families can get some action with Powerkite Manila, which offers weekend lessons at P500 per person. Feel the rush as you get lifted into the sky by a kite while hanging on to a nylon rope! And did we mention you’d be on a skateboard? If you’d rather go with the big blue ocean than the bright blue sky, go on an aquatic adventure with Manila Ocean Park’s summer promo—P500 includes an Oceanarium trip, a fish spa, and boat ride. After the adventure, grab a dash of yummy eats and food history tidbits at the Makasantra Asian Food Village.
HOMESPUN FUN
If you’d prefer to sit out the rest of the summer at home but still want to keep your hubby and kids entertained, try a fun family fiesta! This includes Filipino games like patintero, tumbang preso, piko, langit-lupa, or pabitin. Prizes could be more opportunities for family bonding like cheap ice cream treats or a choice pick of resto for next Sunday’s family lunch or dinner out. For refreshments, prepare Pinoy treats like homemade halo-halo and mais con hielo. Afterwards, dry up with a game of Pinoy Henyo or unearth old family albums and videos for a fun, nostalgic stroll down memory lane.
Whether you want to soak up some sun or some of our nation’s history, it’s never too late to indulge in some last-ditch summer fun with your loved ones.
(Photo source: sxc.hu)
