Where to Go Out of Town with a Preschooler: 7 Places Near Manila

Thinking of taking your preschooler out of town? Worrying about long drives and potential meltdowns can feel overwhelming. But a short trip is a great way to bond and give your child new experiences.

Plus, traveling to a new environment gives your preschooler more chances for hands-on play. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says play is essential, as it enhances brain function and builds core social skills.

While playing at home is vital, taking this play outdoors to parks, farms, and beaches adds another layer of benefit. A 2023 review in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening suggests that exposure to nature is linked to consistent, positive effects on children's psychological well-being. (Read this guide about the benefits of family travel to learn more.)

Ready to plan your family trip? Here are seven places near Manila that are perfect for kids aged 3 to 5 years old. Plus, tips on whether to go for the day or stay the night.

1. Sta. Rosa, Laguna: Parks and Farms 

Sta. Rosa offers a mix of activities just a short drive from the city, making it ideal for day trips. Head to the open-air Ayala Malls Solenad in Nuvali to feed the massive koi at the lake (you can buy fish food there). Large grassy fields surround the area, making it ideal for a picnic, running around, and playing. 

If your preschooler loves to explore, Enchanted Kingdom’s gentle rides can keep them entertained. You can also book tickets for the Sta. Elena Fun Farm. Your preschooler can ride a cart pulled by a carabao, go horseback riding, feed rabbits and goats, and play on mini-ziplines and swings in this massive farm playground.

Parent tip: Book tickets online in advance for Sta. Elena Fun Farm as they limit slots to keep it from getting too crowded. 

2. Tagaytay: Cool Weather and Kid-Friendly Spots 

There are a lot of kid-friendly places in Tagaytay, where the cool air is a welcome relief. While you can do a long day trip, it’s often much more relaxing as an overnight or weekend trip. 

Head to Paradizoo, where your preschooler can feed goats and camels, explore the butterfly garden and honey bee farm, and even try a pony or carabao-pulled cart ride. 

For a different kind of farm experience, visit Nurture's Farmacy. You can join a guided tour to learn about local plants, help your child feed the animals, and even go glamping overnight.

For something quirky, check out the Puzzle Mansion, or drop by the Sky Ranch for fun and safe rides. Then spend a leisurely afternoon at Picnic Grove or a cozy café with a view of Taal Volcano.

If you still have time, drop by Yoki's Farm in nearby Mendez, Cavite, to explore its hydroponic greenhouses, orchidarium, and quirky museum displays.

Parent tip: Leave Manila early! Weekday trips are best, as weekend traffic in Tagaytay can test a preschooler's patience (and yours).

3. Batangas: Beach Time for the Whole Family 

Ready for a weekend getaway? You can't beat the beaches in Batangas for some family fun in the sun, sand, and sea. Drive to the coastal town of San Juan, Laiya, which is famous for its family resorts like La Luz and Acuaverde. 

While it's a longer drive from Metro Manila, the payoff is clean beaches and calm waters. Other spots in Nasugbu also have kid-friendly pools and playgrounds, so you can relax while your preschooler splashes around. 

Parent tip: Plan to stay at least one night to make the drive worth it. Acuaverde is famously pet-friendly, so you can bring your fur baby along for the family trip! 

4. Quezon: Museum Tours and Waterfall Dining

Villa Escudero is a classic destination that works as a full-day tour or a fun overnight stay. Your child can go on a museum tour to see artifacts, religious icons, and historical memorabilia from Pre-History, Spanish colonial times, and World War II.

Afterwards, your family can eat at the restaurant by the Labasin Waterfalls, enjoying delicious Filipino food while soaking your feet in the running water—a huge hit with kids. You can also take your preschooler on a leisurely paddle on a bamboo raft or swim in the kid-friendly pools. 

Parent tip: Kids 2 years old and below get in for free. Make sure to pre-book your day tour, and don't forget to bring proper swimwear for the pools 

5. Subic: Wildlife and Aquatic Animals 

If your child loves animals, take a trip to Subic for one of those family days out they'll talk about for months. At the Zoobic Safari, your family can ride in a secure jeepney as tigers roam right outside your window. The Croco-Loco bridge (where you walk over crocodiles) and the petting zoo area are huge hits for kids. 

At Ocean Adventure, you and your preschooler can also enjoy interactive encounters from swimming near dolphins to watching the sea lions paint and play!

Parent tip: Plan this as a weekend trip. The drive is a bit longer for a preschooler, and trying to drive there, do all the activities, and return in one day can be exhausting for everyone. Book a hotel and split the activities over two days.

6. Pampanga: Dino Adventures and Fruit Picking 

If your preschooler is obsessed with dinosaurs, a trip to Clark, Pampanga is a must. You can choose to do a day trip or an overnight stay. The main event is Dinosaurs Island, an animatronic park where your child can see life-size, roaring dinosaurs like a T-Rex and Triceratops. Hop on the Jurassic Jungle Safari ride for extra fun.

For a change of pace, Fiona's Farm in Magalang has a kiddie pool, aviaries with peacocks, and even fruit-picking when in season.

Parent tip: Dinosaurs Island can have long lines on weekends, so it's best to visit on a weekday morning. Also, the life-size animatronic dinosaurs are loud, which can be scary for some preschoolers. Wear light clothing and bring extra shirts for everyone because it can get hot!

7. Rizal: Zoo and Farm Fun  

Rizal is close to Manila and packed with animal and nature spots. There, you can visit the 7.5-hectare Avilon Zoo with over 3,000 animals, including 500 kinds of birds, mammals, and reptiles. You can join a guided tour for a fun and educational day. 

Your family can also visit the Lyger Animal Sanctuary in Pililla to learn about exotic animals like ligers (a cross between a lion and a tiger), white lions, ostriches, and even crocodiles. Your preschooler can also feed certain animals like camels and rabbits.

Parent tip: Both spots require booking in advance, and it's best to go on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds.

Make Your Trip Out of Town a Success 

A successful trip with a preschooler is all about managing expectations and planning smart. A good first step is to check the calendar for the upcoming 2026 Philippine holidays and long weekends to see when you can go. 

Keep the travel time short. 

Preschoolers may become impatient on long six-hour drives. Stick to destinations that are one to three hours away from Manila.

Decide on a day trip or overnight. 

Be realistic about your child's schedule. A two-hour drive might be manageable for an active preschooler. But if your child still needs a long midday nap, turning that same trip into a relaxed overnight stay can be much less stressful. 

Pack smart, not heavy. 

You need the essentials: extra clothes, lots of snacks, water, a basic first-aid kit, and their favorite small toy. 

Don't overschedule your day. 

Avoid the temptation to do everything. Pick one main activity (like the farm) and leave lots of room for naps, snacks, and just relaxing. A rushed preschooler is a stressed one. 

Talk about the trip. 

Before you go, show them pictures of where you're going. "We're going to a big farm to see sheep!" or "You get to feed fish!" This builds excitement and helps them know what to expect. 

Your Next Family Getaway Awaits 

Planning a trip out of town with your preschooler doesn't have to be complicated. By choosing kid-friendly places that focus on interaction, animals, and open spaces, you set yourself up for a fun family trip. So, pick a spot, pack the car, and get ready to explore. (For more ideas, check out the travel and activities page for your family.)

What are your favorite kid-friendly spots out of town? Join the ParentTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group and share your travel tips with other parents.