Museo Pambata in Manila - Philippines

Do you want to learn and have fun at the same time with your kids? Museo Pambata is what you are looking for. Being the first interactive childrens museum in the Philippines, Museo Pambata is a fun place for learning and leisure for kids and kids at heart.

Located at Roxas Boulevard, right beside the US Embassy, the childrens museum opened in 1994 as a realization of Nina Lim-Yusons dream of a hands-on museum in the Philippines. Upon seeing the Boston Childrens Museum in America, she wished that such museum existed in the country. She collaborated with Estefania Aldaba-Lim in 1993 for the proposal, which was followed by several meetings with designers, educators, and visual artists. After almost a year, the Museo Pambata opened to the public.

The Museo Pambata displays a number of exhibits on sciences, history, culture and ecology. The exhibits also vividly speak of the childrens rights to education, wellness, recreation, and development. Children and adults are encouraged to feel, touch and listen to the exhibits.

Eight theme rooms adorn the inside of the childrens museum. Each room provides a different learning opportunity and experience. The Body Works, or the Katawan Ko, features oversized body parts in a tunnel maze. Learning how they work is amazing with this setup. The Market Place, or the Pamilihang Bayan, is a fun place where visitors can pretend to buy certain commodities. The Craft Room allows visitors to become creative with different recycled materials. Each persons arts are displayed within the room. The Career Options, or the Paglaki Ko, gives the children infinite career options. This gives the children the opportunity to prepare for their future. The Science Through Discovery, or the Tuklas, discusses the science behind simple everyday things. The Children in the Global Village, or the Bata sa Mundo, demonstrates the different children around the world. It also displays toys, musical instruments, and different dolls in their national costumes. The Old Manila, or the Maynila Noon, brings the children back in time to see the old Manila. The Environment, or the Kalikasan, is a simulated rainforest where one can learn more about nature.

Aside from the theme rooms, the Museo Pambata also has the Karapatan Hall which showcases different activities and arts for the children. This hall is dedicated to childrens rights.

There are also various programs held inside the childrens museum. One can see the colorful light and shadow puppet shows about different childrens stories. One can also see the cultural dance performances of the Bayanihan Philippine National Folk Dance Company. Dance lessons are also provided after the performances.

Training workshops about arts and crafts are also held in this childrens museum by different artists. Film showings, interactive discussions, and demonstrations about health are also provided. These let the children become more aware about their health and well-being.

General admission to the childrens museum is P100.00. Being a Manila resident gives you free access on Tuesdays. A 50% discount is given on other days. The museum can also be used for childrens parties, which include clowns, balloons, face painting and storytelling. Group tours, starting at P2,000 for at least 30 people, are also available via advanced booking. For more information, visit http://www.museopambata.org.

So if you want your kids to learn so many things in a very fun and entertaining way, visit Museo Pambata. It is one place where the whole family can enjoy.