5 Must-Visit Adventure Parks in Pampanga

Growing up in Pampanga, I watched the province rapidly urbanize. We don’t just have one or two big malls, but five. From SM to Ayala to Robinsons and even S&R, we no longer have to go to a metropolis like Manila to get our shopping fix.

Pampanga has more to offer than just retail therapy though. Visit San Simon, San Fernando, Angeles or Porac and you’ll find hotels, resorts and even adventure parks to make your visit to the Culinary Capital of the Philippines worthwhile.

If you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, below is a list of what I think are the five must-visit adventure parks in Pampanga. Spend a few days in the city to hit up all five spots or pick one or two for a full day tour!

Dinosaurs Island

C.S. Lewis fans might liken entering Dinosaurs Island to finding the secret door to Narnia. Although you won’t get to meet Aslan or any other talking animals inside, the sheer number and size of the dinosaurs you’ll see here is still enough to make you feel like you’ve entered a different world – one that existed millions of years ago.

Photo taken by Elle Caravana

With over 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs roaring while you follow the Dino Trail, don’t be surprised if you see some kids crying and screaming out of fear.

If you want an even closer encounter, hop on the Jurassic Safari Ride to experience what it’s like to have dinosaurs popping their heads inside your tramcar.

Aside from the animatronic dinosaurs, they also have a Fossils Museum where you’ll find dinosaur skeletons and other types of exhibits to give you a preview of life in the Mesozoic Era.

Entrance fee costs Php 350 per person.

Paradise Ranch

Managed by a non-profit organization to help provide jobs for individuals affected by the Mount Pinatubo eruption in 1991, Paradise Ranch has become both a tourist attraction in Pampanga and a self-sustaining facility in just 6 years.

Head up to the Little Baguio section of the ranch and be reminded of the famous Mines View Park all while enjoying the fresh air and the lush green picturesque view that overlooks the plains and nestled hills of Tarlac, Arayat, Clark and Angeles.

Photo from paradiseranchphilippines.com

For animal lovers, you can fish feed, check out the Butterfly Kingdom and walk through their aviary to get a closer look at peacocks, ostriches and even the so-called “Ibong Adarna.”

Zoocobia Fun Zoo

Start your visit to this 50-hectare zoo theme park by catching their animal show featuring tricks performed by a poodle, a monkey and a pot-bellied pig. After that, you can pet and feed different kinds of birds and wild animals (like the bearcat)!

Perfect for kids, they even have a barn that features horses, pigs, camels and even the famous llama.

Don’t leave Zoocobia without trying the Zooc ride! The first and only gravity car in the Philippines, it has a unique steering and braking system that allows it to continuously move down the 400-meter track. It sounds easy to maneuver although some might find it a bit challenging – but fun nonetheless!

Photo from zoomanity.com

Other activities at Zoocobia include the Superman Zipline and their new ATV rides.

Miyamit Falls

If the explorer in you is ready to face all the hurdles and inconveniences of trekking, Miyamit Falls is where the wild meets beauty—a place of adventure where the Aetas teach you their ways in the wildlife.

To behold the beauty at the peak requires more than four hours of walking and discomfort.

Photo from Certified Lagalag

ATVs are available, but walking through the trail rewards you with a different view and experience, more than just being a spectator in the ride all the way to the top.

Located in Porac, Pampanga, trekkers who have been here recommend that a) first-timers bring tons of water, b) ascent should start before dawn or much earlier, and c) they keep the good vibes.
Summer is the best the time to visit Miyamit Falls for a refreshing swim and trek.

Deca Wakeboard Park

Deca Wakeboard Park is where extreme sports meets fitness enthusiasts and swashbuckling wakeboard experts. For the wakeboarding n00b, the enormous pool with ramps and cable wires will quickly make you ask yourself, “What have I gotten myself into?”

Face your fears and go with the flow. That’s probably the best advice I can give to anyone who wants to try wakeboarding. Depending on the package, operators and instructors on site will provide basic 2-hour tutorials at the beginners’ pool, which includes gear.

Photo from My Life on Board

“It’s all about balance,” according to my friend, Cony. “You must be teachable and listen to the instructions until you master the position.”

You’ll first learn how to ride on your knees on the kneeboard. As you become more comfortable, you switch to the slipper board, which requires a standing position.

For first timers, expect to experience muscle pain afterwards. But it’ll all be worth it.

Instead of going to Nuvali or Davao, Deca Wakeboard Park is the closest place in the North to learn how to wakeboard and meet new friends (mostly yuppies) at the same time.