Family Vacation in Macau, China

For summer of 2016, we wanted to explore this one place we've never given a chance of visiting even during our trips to neighboring Hongkong: Macau. Most of the time, the first thing that comes to mind about Macau is the casinos and the gondola ride in Venetian Macau. Quite a lot of people don't know that kids can also enjoy a trip to this destination that's quite close to the Philippines. Because I was in between projects the past couple months, I was able to research about things to do and places to go in Macau. So let me give you a rundown of some of the highlights of our trip with our 8 year old daughter.

1. When asked what her favorite part of the trip was, my daughter would always say it was SHREKFAST. It's a character breakfast with the characters of Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon and Madagascar. It takes place in the Holiday Inn Cotai Central. Each ticket costs MOP 238++ for adults, and MOP138++ for child.

Breakfast was buffet style and we enjoyed everything.

2. My daughter's next favorite memory of Macau was the gondola ride in The Venetian Macau. The experience was lovely and relaxing. We loved that our Italian gondolier sang a familiar Taiwanese love song that my father loved. They sell your photos after to you but because we didn't avail of them, I forgot how much they cost. But the gondola ride costs MOP128 for adults and MOP98 for kids. The whole ride takes about 15 minutes and the gondolier sings 2 songs.

3. If toys and candies are what your children are looking for, then check out KIDS CAVERN. It's in the Sands in Cotai Central. They have the largest candy selection I've ever seen and they have all kinds and brands of toys for both boys and girls. My daughter was so overwhelmed it took her a long time to decide what to buy!

4. QUBE. One is in Venetian Hotel and the other one is in Sands Cotai Central. The one inside the Venetian Hotel is an 838 sq m indoor playground that's both innovative and interactive. Entry price is MOP90 for two hours. If your older kids are no longer into hitting the slides and jumping around, there are computer games around as well.

5. DreamWorks All Star Parade. Since you're already in the area, there's a parade of DreamWorks characters that happen every 4-4:20pm in the Shoppes in Sands Cotai Central. Admission is free.

6. Macau Science Museum. Although we have not visited this place, I have heard nice reviews about their Science Museum and the entry price is as follows: Exhibition Galleries MOP25, Planetarium, Dome/SKY Shows MOP 35, Planetarium 3D Dome/3D Sky Shows MOP 45, Free admission for children under age 2.

7. Panda Pavilion. This one's sort of out of the way as it is not in the Macau Peninsula nor in the Taipa side, but it's in Coloane. Though it is reachable both by public bus and cab, we haven't the time to go visit this place. Admission is only MOP10 and free for kids under 12 and for senior citizens. However, remember that they are closed on Mondays and admission is at 6 intervals per day.

8. Food and shopping Senado Square, Rua de Mercadores, Taipa Village and New Yaohan Department Store. I think it's the 5th floor of New Yaohan that has the kids stuff like toys, clothes and stationery.

9. Wave pools in Galaxy Hotel. Reviews of their pools are all thumbs up and when you check out youtube videos of their swimming pools, you'd maybe consider checking in Galaxy Hotel as non-staying guests are not allowed in their swimming pools.

10. Kids City in City of Dreams. Be sure you dress up your kids in long sleeves, trousers/long pants and socks if you want them to play in this fun 17,000sq ft interactive playground. They have all kinds of slides, inflatables, arts and crafts areas for your little girls as well as interactive corners!

So there. With all these fun and exciting activities, isn't Macau family friendly after all? :)