Kids

Where Kids Can Go During GCQ: Pampanga Edition

by Kevyn Gohu
February 21, 2022

Metro Manila can be fun and all but there’s a lot more things for kids to do during GCQ in Pampanga.

It’s no surprise that Pampanga’s slowly transforming into a tourist spot. With the new highway, a trip to Pampanga’s around 30 minutes with regular traffic. It’s also a lot less congested than the metro since they still have parks and trees to enjoy. And since less time is spent traveling, it’s easier to fill up the kids’ itinerary of things to do during GCQ while in Pampanga.

1. Running around in the Children’s Park at Parade Grounds

Similar to Quezon City Memorial Circle, the Children’s Park at Parade Grounds has several play areas for our kids to enjoy in Pampanga during GCQ. They have tall slides, swings, and even a place to have a picnic. Due to it being away from the metro, the air’s a lot cleaner and less dust will end up in the food. Besides, Pampanga’s is known to have a lot of food stores to provide goodies for the trip like Nathaniel’s in San Fernando.

2. Swim at Aqua Planet Water Park

Help the kids beat the heat by giving them a splash-filled tre a t. Aqua Planet‘s one of the biggest water parks in Pampanga, measuring up to 10-hectares of water-filled fun in the Clark Freeport Zone. There are a lot of water obstacle jungles for the kids to enjoy, large water slides, and even food to enjoy if they want a break. Pampanga’s Aqua Planet Water Park’s perfect for kids who need to burn the pent-up energy from staying inside during GCQ or want to cool off with the summer coming in.

3. Relaxing at Citronnelle Spa & Café

If the kids are the more mellow type and want to relax, Citronnelle Spa & Café in Pampanga offers massages and foods after a long trip. Especially for the more grown-up kids like teens and young adults, they’ll want a massage. It’s around PHP 200.00 per hour for a massage which they need after dealing with so much stress. They’re located on the 2nd floor of the ESSEL Commercial Complex along MacArthur Highway, perfect after a long day of traveling and walking.

4. Hike through Mount Arayat National Park

Mountaineers and for kids who need to see green, Mount Arayat National Park‘s a fun challenge to take while in Pampanga. Although to get through the park, there needs to be a guide so that they can predict the weather. Going up Mount Arayat’s perfect for those who love nature shots and have older kids who are into nature photography. Teens and young adults are always looking for something to take a photo of so Mount Arayat’s perfect especially if they want some animals to take photos of.

5. Take a dip in the Puning Hot Spring

Hot springs aren’t common in the Philippines but the kids might enjoy the novelty of one in Puning Hot Spring. Surrounded by a variety of springs, people can enjoy them at their preferred temperature. There are also some huts there to enjoy some alfresco dining while there. Surrounded by nature, it’s perfect for the kids who have been kept inside for so long while observing the GCQ safety rules in Pampanga.

6. A bit of a history trip to The Lazatin House

Currently owned by the Lazatin family in San Fernando City, Pampanga, the house gained its historical importance and reputation by serving as the home of General Masaharu Homma. Built during the mid-1920s, the house will have some ancestral architecture that is definitely IG-worthy for our kids and teens who love posting on social media. The structure has such a rich history, even attracting people like Martha Stewart to check out the place.

7. Pilgrimage through the different churches in Pampanga

Filipinos have a strong sense of religiosity and having a pilgrimage is a fun way to get the kids moving and appreciate religion, history, and architecture of Pampanga. The Arzobispado De Pampanga Church is one of the most famous ones in Pampanga, even being the preferred choice for most weddings. The “Betis Church” or also known as St. James the Apostle Parish Church is a baroque-style church that has preserved its beauty for the last 4 centuries is also a place to check out for a bit of time travel.

There’s a lot of things for kids to do during GCQ in Pampanga

More places are opening up now with more kids being vaccinated. As the Philippines slowly transitions to the new normal, it’s time to check out more things beyond the borders of the metro. If the driving is too much, some families rent a car and driver and usually, their rides are at 70% maximum. Just make sure before spending GCQ in Pampanga with the kids, make sure that the travel itinerary is ready and the driver’s fully vaccinated.