Mom Shares How To ‘Travel Responsibly’ With Kids In Dinosaurs Island Clark

• Editor’s Note: The family traveled before the announcement of ECQ in the NCR Plus Bubble on March 29, 2021. On Tuesday, June 1, Subic Bay announced it is now accepting visitors of all ages from NCR Plus.

  Parents know the COVID-19 pandemic is taking a toll on our everyday lives. Unfortunately, we’re not the only ones carrying the burden. The little ones, who have been staying indoors for over a year, can get bored, too, and we’re sure they’re longing to play outdoors as well.

  This is the reason why Michelle Ann Lopez, a mom of two, decided to take her kids to a day tour at Dinosaurs Island in Clark, Pampanga.

  “After a year of living under lockdown, it’s good to have a vacation to improve our overall health and well-being. Nabo-bore din ang mga bata kaya importante na kahit papaano, nakaka-labas-labas din sila to enjoy, learn, and discover new things,” she shared with SmartParenting.com.ph.

  

  “We followed all protocols like wearing face masks, face shields, and always sanitizing our hands,” Michelle said.

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Michelle Ann Lopez

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  “Buti na lang din we trained the kids to wear masks and face shields when we’re out. As much as possible, I don’t allow them to touch anything and if hindi mapigilan, I sanitize their hands agad,” the mom added.

  How to travel safely with kids

  The rising number of COVID-19 cases in our country may cause you to second-guess your decision to schedule a much-deserved trip with the whole family at this time. As Tourism Secretary Berna Puyat advised in an exclusive interview with Smart Parenting, “it is possible only if you are mindful of and strictly adhere to health and safety protocols.” 

  If you’re in need of a change of scenery and you’d like to reward your kids with a quick respite as well, Michelle shares these tips when traveling with children:

  Plan ahead and choose a destination that’s near you

  Michelle did her research and looked into the logistics of traveling with kids. She planned ahead of time to make sure the family will have a good time.

  “Hindi pwede na basta-basta ka na lang pupunta sa isang lugar. You also need to check if there’s a check-point you need to go through or if the place you want to visit requires a health certificate,” she shared.

  No travel requirements are required when entering Clark but expect checkpoints. To make the most of the time you spend outside, choosing a destination that can be reached in a few hours or less via land travel also helps.

  CONTINUE READING BELOW

  Recommended Videos

  Pick a child-friendly place with safety rules in place

  

  They chose to check out Dinosaurs Island in Clark, Pampanga since the kids love dinosaurs.

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Michelle Ann Lopez

  Since the trip is for the kids, it’s important that you go to a kid-friendly place with attractions they will love. “We looked for an open space or a place with open areas because we don’t want to go to a crowded area,” Michelle said.

  Dinosaurs Island welcomes kids and families into the park with an entrance fee of Php560 per person (Kids 2ft. and below are FREE!). The park’s main attraction is the Dinosaur Trail where visitors can feel like they’re in the jungle. Dinosaurs that make sounds and kids can marvel at are the stars of the trail.

  One of the reasons why Michelle also chose the park is it follows safety protocols. Guests are asked to accomplish health declaration forms, body temperatures are checked, and social distancing is imposed. When looking for a place to visit with your little ones, it’s a must to make sure they have such rules in effect.

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  Schedule your trip on a weekday, if possible

  

  To avoid crowds, Michelle suggests visiting Dinosaurs Island on a weekday. Aside from avoiding more people, you also get to enjoy the attractions more.

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Michelle Ann Lopez

  “Taking a break with your children is the best way to bond with them, especially during this time. We need to give them more time at hindi puro work lang tayo,” she shared. 

  Make the most of the outdoors

  Dinosaurs Island is just one of the establishments welcoming families at this time. If there’s a specific place you want to visit, don’t hesitate to call ahead to check if your kids will be granted admission. 

  “Simula noong nagka-pandemic, mas na-appreciate naming ang mga zoo at parks na before hindi namin masyado pinapansin or pinupuntahan. Na-realize namin na there is something magical about traveling with our children and we can experience nature and wildlife together. Sana we have more parks, zoos, and open spaces we can visit aside from spending time in malls,” Michelle mused. 

  ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW

  Travel responsibly

  

  These days, visiting parks and open spaces can be considered as a blessing.

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Michelle Ann Lopez

  At the end of the day, choosing to leave the comforts of home is your decision. The pandemic is far from over and we should never let our guard down just because vaccines are being rolled out.

  Continue to practice physical distancing, wash your hands frequently, and wear your face mask and face shield properly. Double the effort of following these protocols when traveling with your kids.

  Click here for tips to have a safe vacation amid the pandemic.

  What other parents are reading