Museo Pambata, Children’s Museum in Manila
I still remember the first time I walked through the doors of Museo Pambata. Back then, I was just a kid on a school trip, wide-eyed and curious. Through the years, this place has popped up in different seasons of my life. Dee had his OJT here. We even had a date inside those halls once. And during grad school, I spent weeks studying the museum for a case study. So when it reopened in December 2024, we were excited to take Audrey. It felt right to show her a place that holds so many stories for us.
The building itself carries a lot of history. Before it became Museo Pambata, it was the Elks Club Building built in 1910. With its neoclassical design by William E. Parsons, the structure stands out along Roxas Boulevard in Ermita. A piece of the American colonial era, now repurposed for childhood wonder. This spot has always drawn kids and families in. This time, we stepped inside as parents.
We arrived around 2:30 in the afternoon.
The entrance fee has changed—it’s now ₱450 per person. It’s quite a jump from the ₱150 I remember paying years ago. But then again, the museum has changed too.
From the start, it felt different. Each themed room had its own guide. Our tour wrapped up after about an hour, just in time for the storytelling session. There were only two kids there, but the storyteller didn’t let that dampen the energy. She pulled them into the tale with voices, movement, and gentle prompts. Audrey was hooked. She sat cross-legged, eyes fixed on the storyteller.
Then came her favorite part: arts and crafts. She made a puppet out of colored paper. Simple stuff, but she was so proud.
When we got home, we even recreated the puppet together. It reminded me how experiences don’t need to be grand to stick with you.
Museo Pambata has always been known for its themed rooms. These are spaces meant for touching, exploring, role-playing. There’s a sense of discovery around every corner.
Kalikasan pulls you into a mini rainforest and seabed. It’s hands-on and sensory-rich. You can hear the sounds, see the colors, even feel the textures. It teaches kids to think about nature beyond the classroom.
Then there’s Maynila Noon, a space where kids step into the past. I loved seeing Audrey pretend to ride a tranvia and walk through a bahay na bato. It’s a throwback to early Manila, but it also makes history feel alive.
Pamilihang Bayan is all play. Mini markets, sari-sari stores, and panaderia. Kids get to “shop” with play money and act out daily life. Audrey was very serious about buying pandesal.
And then Katawan Ko, which shows how the human body works. They make the science of organs and health very visual. For kids who ask a lot of questions about how their bodies work, this one hits the mark.
Another one was Tutubing Bakal. It’s a decommissioned Vietnam War helicopter turned into an exhibit. At first glance, you’d think it’s just a display. But then we found out it was meant to encourage storytelling and imagination. Kids sit inside and talk about where the helicopter would take them. Audrey said she was flying to the clouds.
What’s new since the last time I came? Plenty. Museo Pambata Manila added areas that weren’t part of the original experience, and Audrey had the time of her life in them.
Outside, there’s this new play area called Bahay Pukyutan. Think of a structure shaped like a beehive, tucked under the trees, and connected with tunnels and ladders. It’s made for kids to run, climb, and crawl through. Audrey zipped through it like she was in a maze. I sat on one of the benches and just watched her figure out her way from one pod to the next. That moment reminded me of how much space matters when it comes to play. Wide-open areas where they can move freely? Always a win.
Then there’s Bahay Kubo, now a redesigned herbal garden. It’s quiet and green—very different from the busier rooms. The plants are labeled, and there are small signs that explain what each one is used for.
One area that stood out to me as a parent was the special Khan Academy room. This is part of a partnership with Samsung, IKEA, and Globe. It’s got tablets, and a few interactive tools set up for learning and digital play. We spent around 15 to 20 minutes inside. Audrey liked one of the touchscreen activities where she had to solve puzzles and match images. It’s quiet, air-conditioned, and gives kids a breather from the running and climbing. But what I appreciated the most was that it showed how digital learning can still be mindful. There were no flashing ads, and no overstimulating visuals.
Going back to Museo Pambata exhibits made me realize something. As a child, I loved it for the play. As an adult, I now see its value in helping children explore ideas through experience. It’s rare to find places where they’re allowed to ask questions, touch things, and act out what they’re learning.
Sure, the entrance fee is higher now, and yes, some parts could still be refreshed even more. But what it gives in return is worth it. It’s not just about play. It’s about planting ideas and nurturing curiosity.
There’s something special about seeing your kid enjoy the same places that shaped your own childhood. While the rooms have changed and the displays have grown, the soul of Museo Pambata Manila feels the same. It still pushes kids to learn through doing. It still encourages parents to be involved to sit with their kids, to guide them, and sometimes to just let them run and explore on their own.
When I saw Audrey pretending to fly the helicopter, it felt like a full-circle moment. I was once the kid running through those halls, and now I’m the mom watching from the sidelines, cheering her on.
Planning Your Visit to Museo Pambata Manila
If you’re thinking of taking your own kids, the trip to Museo Pambata is pretty straightforward. It’s right along Roxas Boulevard, facing the bay. Ermita is familiar territory to most locals, and the museum sits between big landmarks. If you’re commuting, it’s a jeep or bus ride away from most central areas. Parking is limited though.
We got there just after lunch. I suggest coming earlier if your kids are still in the toddler-to-preschooler range. That way, they don’t get too tired before you even finish half the museum. We only planned to stay an hour, but we ended up staying longer because she wanted to go back to the puppet-making and play a second round at the Bahay Pukyutan playground.
Bring water and maybe a small snack; kids get hungry fast when they’re running around. But if you’re looking for a full meal after your visit, I suggest walking or driving over to nearby Malate or Intramuros. Lots of food spots there.
Museo Pambata Contact Information
Address: Roxas Boulevard cor. South Drive, Ermita, Manila 1000
Website: museopambata.com.ph
Facebook: museopambata
Operation Hours:
– Friday and Saturday 10 AM — 5 PM
– Sunday 1 PM — 5 PM
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