Family-friendly activities in Tagaytay - Philippines Best

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"Are we there yet?" my overeager and hyperactive niece at the back of our van kept asking. Good thing our destination is Tagaytay City, just a couple of hours drive from Metro Manila. This pleasant city is a popular weekend getaway due to its proximity to Manila as well as its cool clime along with a smorgasbord of dining choices and dramatic views of a unique island within a lake. Tagaytay is also a perfect place to bring along the family as it offers attractions and activities for both adults and kids.

Zoo-hop

Photo by Ferdz DecenaKeep the young ones' eyes glued on the furry and feathered friends in Tagaytay's mini-zoos. The Mini Zoo at Residence Inn has a Serpentarium, bird aviary, lions, puma, bats and a nice bonsai garden with a beautiful view of the Taal Lake and Volcano. Visit early on weekends to catch the Magic and Pantomime shows all kids would enjoy.

Driving to the inner suburbs about 15 minutes from the highway to Mendez, you can find  Paradizoo. Owned by the same people managing the Mini Zoo at Residence Inn, This 2-hectare zoo has free roaming Shetland Ponies kids can ride.   There are  also huge cages for camels, goats and a llama. The huge garden and butterfly farms are pleasant places for taking a stroll or leisurely walks. (Check if there are tiger cubs for petting and feeding)

Entrance fees are P200 for Residence Inn Mini Zoo and P100 for Paradizoo. Tip: going to Residence Inn first as the P200 ticket will also cover the entrance fee for the Paradizoo.

Zip away

Photo by Ferdz DecenaGot hyperactive kids? Exhaust their pent-up energies with some thrilling rides in Tagaytay. Try the short zipline at Residence Inn located beside their zoo and restaurant where your toddlers can ride secured on your back while you zoom away. Up the ante for a more exciting experience when you head over to the Picnic Grove and visit the Tagaytay Ridge Zipline.

Just 250 meters long and 300 feet high, it may look and sound tame but zipping at 60 kilometers per hour would be a daring enough feat to challenge the kids. Want a slower pace? There's also a cable car ride for the whole family.

Shop for fresh finds

One of the best things about Tagaytay is the availability of fresh produce freshly picked from the city's numerous organic gardens. Mahogany Market offers a wide selection of fruits and vegetables that moms and dads would surely enjoy adding to their salad bowls. Bahay Pastulan (Good Shepherd) has tasty Ube Jam and Ube Dimples (sweet purple yam balls with dimples). Also try the oven-fresh cookies from Pink Sisters Convent.

Dine with a view

Photo by Ferdz Decena

With a good mix of different cuisines and restaurants coupled with the stunning view of Taal Lake and Volcano, Tagaytay is a favorite when it comes to dining out.  Drop by at Leslie's which is popular for its tasty Bulalo (Beef Bone Marrow Stew). The world's most expensive coffee, Coffee Alamid, can be ordered at Bag of Beans. Enjoy sumptuous Vietnamese dishes at Bawai's. Wine and dine atAntonio's Fine Dining, one of Mielle guide's Top 10 restaurants in Asia. At Tagaytay, the tasty possibilities are endless.