A Family Travel Guide to the Best Attractions in Clark, Pampanga 2025

Sometimes, the best family adventures are the ones you don’t overthink–but they bring out the best memories anyone could ask for

Spontaneous family outings rarely start with perfect plans. They begin with a group chat, calendars that don’t always align and one brave soul saying “I just booked it. Have you booked yours, too?” I laughed at my balance after buying the tickets—₱1.36 left. A single peso and thirty-six centavos. I sent the screenshot and joked, “Kaskas now, dasal later!” (Swipe now, pray later.)

In under three months, we had a Clark weekend getaway pencilled in. In under two months, each of us booked our flights separately. From June 19 to 21, three families (with kids in tow) met up halfway and spent a wonderful weekend exploring some sights and sounds of Clark Freeport Zone. You read that right: we all came from the same place, but through different routes and on different dates—because that’s how some family logistics work 🤣.

My sisters-in-law—Dhoree and Deanne—and I kept in touch through our group chat, updating where we were on the map. Team Deanne came a day early, June 18, via Bohol → Manila → Clark. Team Adrienne followed next on June 19 via Bohol → Clark and Team Dhoree completed the lineup after their multi-leg trek: Bohol → Cebu → Clark.

Of course, a trip wouldn’t be complete without a few hiccups like rescheduled flights and a sudden room cancellation due to miscommunication. Thankfully, it was all ironed out before touchdown.

Day 1 — Our First Flight as a Family

We flew out of Panglao on a propeller plane at around 7:40 a.m. under clear, sunny skies. It was a fully-booked 50-seater Cebu Pacific plane packed with locals and tourists, eager to start the day with excitement. It was our first trip as a family—with my mom along, too—and Sean’s first-ever flight. You could feel his excitement in our little row: legs swinging, eyes sparkling in wonder, fingers pressed to the window as he pointed at clouds and islands. He handled takeoff like a champ and never took his eyes off the morning view. 

Two hours later, Pampanga welcomed us with a postcard: Mount Arayat standing proud against a cloudy sky. It was majestic—like it had been waiting for us all along. A shuttle met us on the tarmac and took us to Clark International Airport, which was massive, spotless and almost surreal in its quiet. I honestly thought it was NAIA but on silent mode—no chaos, no heavy drama. 

For transport, we booked Grab for convenience but we also learned that the Clark Loop Bus comes by the airport on schedule. It’s cheaper and covers key stops around Clark, showing sights and sounds for first timers—perfect if you’re not in a rush. Click on the images below to see the full schedule!

We headed straight to Andeo Suites in Angeles City, an apartment-hotel that feels like a compact condo: clean, practical and family-friendly. The staff were warm and helpful from check-in to checkout. We met up with Deanne, Luigi, and Iggy, who had just finished an early dip in the hotel pool. After exchanging updates and chugging some snacks, we set off for SM Clark for lunch and a quick tour.

We did what families do best on Day 1: buy groceries. It’s always worth stocking up on essentials, especially with the next few days packed with plans. Mid-afternoon, Dhoree, Emil, and their three kids—Lian, Drei, and Mhel—finally touched down, checked in and also went to the mall for a late lunch. Later on, they caught up with team Deanne at the open grounds for some breezy, kid time through the Loop Bus.

Meanwhile, we stayed loyal to the air-conditioning at the mall and indulged in a few “Oh look, it’s on sale!” detours and bought some souvenirs (Uhmmm, hello Uniqlo, Kiko Milano and many more! 🤣). By evening, we finally checked into our new accommodation after the reservation mishap: a one-bedroom suite with a living room and kitchenette. Think typical condo unit: comfy, practical, kid-approved.

Three families, each with kids, arriving separately like a staggered parade. But it already felt like a story we’d laugh about later and we knew the next few days would be a blast.

Day 2 — Clark Safari & Adventure Park and Aqua Planet

Morning Trek at Clark Safari and Adventure Park

Our morning started with an adventure at Clark Safari & Adventure Park, one of the top family-friendly attractions in Clark Pampanga. We booked via Klook the night before (Clark pro tip: some attractions might not accept same-day online bookings). 

The park is spacious and less crowded than our Cebu Safari experience, so you can linger and wander around at your own pace. But I’ll be honest: some enclosures felt small and the heat was punishing—especially for cold-climate animals (the arctic wolf gasping in tropical noon heat broke my heart 🥺). If you’re sensitive about animal welfare, this might be a skip. Still, seeing exotic animals up close is a bittersweet reminder to be kinder to Mother Nature.

We had our lunch early inside the safari (a good call) because the next stop needed full energy and zero hangry. The next stop was Aqua Planet Pampanga, one of the largest water parks in the Philippines. It’s just a kilometer away from Clark Safari, though not an ideal walk under the heat of the sun—especially with kids and grandparents.

Grab rides were scarce and time was running, so we had no choice but to call for blue taxis that cost ₱300 per cab for a 1-km hop. Painful? Yes, a bit. Worth the additional expense to avoid a kiddie (and maybe also parent) meltdown? Also yes.

Basics — Clark Safari & Adventure Park

• How to get there: Grab or blue taxi (more expensive)
  
• Bookings: Walk-in or via Klook
  
• Admission: ₱599 (adult, Klook) | ₱499 (child 3ft–4ft) – Walk-in only | Free (2ft & below)
  
• Bring: Extra clothes, towel, umbrellas/caps; stroller-friendly
  
• Don’t bring: Outside food & drinks (there are snack shops and a restaurant inside)
  
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  
• Size: ~40 hectares

Afternoon Plunge at Aqua Planet

Upon arrival, the splashy, wavy entrance of Aqua Planet was already enticing under the sweltering heat of the midday sun. However, we made the mistake of not booking a day in advance and missed the chance to avail of a discount. We did make one rookie mistake: we hadn’t booked the day before, so we missed the ₱100-per-head discount. They also offered a 3+1 deal for kids—come as a group of four and the 4th gets a discount—just present valid IDs for all four.

Everyone gets a Planet Band that you need to wear at all times when inside. Just tap to pay at counters once you’ve loaded it with cash at kiosks. No cash at food shops are required but some accept GCash. You can rent a locker for valuables or skip it if you’ve got a trusty bag you can easily carry everywhere. 

What I love about Aqua Planet is the security and order. Lifeguards are everywhere—visible, alert and firm without being scary. They do height checks (whistles included), keep the queues moving at the slides, and are quick to step in when a little one hesitates at the top. Life vests are free and readily available in multiple sizes.

In the kiddie pools, they’re strict: once your child clears the height line, no adult companions are allowed in the water—only lifeguards may assist. It sounds intense, but honestly, it made me feel safer. Sean lined up for his first solo slide, disappeared into the curve and then popped out grinning in excitement. Then he did it again. And again. For two more hours.

The water park is huge and vibrant, with plenty of slides and activities to choose from. It’s best to spend a day at Aqua Planet to fully immerse yourself and enjoy a splashy day with family and friends.

Basics — Aqua Planet

• How to get there: Grab or blue taxi (more expensive)

• Hours: Weekdays 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | Weekends/holidays 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

• Rates: ₱1,080 (weekdays) | ₱1,280 (weekends/holidays) | Walk-in or Klook
  
• Promos: Birth-month deals & Klook discounts
  
• Payments: Planet Band (load at kiosks); GCash accepted; counters are cashless
  
• Extras: Lockers (paid)
  
• Cabanas: Great for families; come with fans + charging outlets
  
• Included: Free life vests for all guests
  
• Not allowed: Outside food & drinks
  
• Size: ~10 hectares
  

What to Bring / Pro Tips

• Footwear: Wear slippers—easy on/off and they won’t hog locker space.
  
• Towel: Pack a thin, quick-dry towel to keep weight and bulk down.
  
• Dry bag: Bring a small waterproof bag for phone, wallet, and essentials—water finds a way.
  
• Go early on: Weekends/holidays get busy; arrive early to snag a good table/spot.

It was a bit of a bummer when the 4:00 p.m. closing announcement came on. Good thing, though, we successfully snagged a grab ride and saved on the fare. We headed back to the hotel tired but happy—hearts full after watching the kids stack new memories on top of an already perfect day.

Day 3 — Dinosaurs That Roar and Souvenir Sprints

After a good night’s rest, we greeted the morning with another air of excitement as we headed off to Dinosaurs Island, another must-visit Clark Freeport Zone attraction. Of course, we booked on Klook (hello, discount!). Think animatronics, leafy trails and the kind of surprise roars that make both kids and adults jump and laugh. The trees offered shade (and mosquitoes, etc.), so load up on repellent before you go.

Our ₱799 Klook ticket covered 5 attractions: the Dino Trail, Jurassic Jungle Safari, 7D Superscreen, Insectlandia, and Wonders of the World. A guide stayed with our group the whole time—explaining things, answering questions and happily taking photos in between—which made the experience more personal. We even bought a printed photo because sometimes the day needs a physical souvenir.

Basics — Dinosaurs Island (5-in-1 ticket)

• Price: ₱799 via Klook (other packages vary depending on the inclusions)
  
• Includes: Dinosaurs Island (Dino Trail & Dino World of Fun), Jurassic Jungle Safari, 7D Superscreen, Insectlandia, Wonders of the World
  
• Size: ~3.2 hectares
  
• Wear: Light clothes; bring mosquito repellent; umbrella/cap for rain and drizzles
  
• Shops: Food stalls & souvenir shops inside
  
• Photos: ₱200 per printed photo (but you can ask staff to take photos using your phone)
  
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
  

By lunch, we were back at SM Clark and gobbled a sumptuous meal combo at Reyes Barbecue. We strolled for a couple more hours to buy pasalubong, then hopped on the Loop Bus for a look around Clark. We rode for an hour and enjoyed the fantastic view. No rush. Just roads, trees, old houses and buildings, a wide expanse of greenery, humungous casinos and hotels and the gentle feeling of a trip landing well.

We headed back to Andeo Suites to rest because, plot twist, our return flight was rescheduled to 4:00 a.m. instead of 5:30. Total bummer. Note to airlines: more options, please. I like my airport lines served with a good night’s sleep and a happy stomach.

How We Got to Clark from Bohol (Real Routes That Worked)

We were three squads playing travel Tetris. Quite thrilling but everything played out well.

Inbound

• Group A: Bohol → NAIA, then P2P bus to SM Clark
  
• Group B: Bohol → Cebu → Clark
  
• Group C (us): Bohol → Clark
  

Outbound

• Groups A & B: P2P bus (SM Clark → NAIA), then NAIA → Bohol
  
• Group C (us): Clark → Bohol
  

P2P Bus (NAIA ↔ Clark)

• Fare: ₱450 per head
  
• Travel time: 2–3 hours (depending on traffic)
  
• Amenities: Comfy seats, charging ports and air-conditioning
  
• Vibe: Smooth, safe and budget-friendly—perfect for travelers who’d rather nap than navigate traffic

Quick Tips for Your Clark Family Trip

• Book on Klook at least a day before for Clark Pampanga attractions—it’s cheaper and hassle-free.
  
• Bring sun protection and hydration—umbrellas, caps, and water bottles.
  
• Travel with kids? Always bring extra clothes and snacks. Strollers work well around the safari and malls. We skipped bringing ours and rented one at SM Clark—highly convenient.

For Next Time (because there will be a next time)

• Clark Museum & 4D Theater
  
• SciENSE
  
• Clark Parade Grounds
  
• Air Force City Park
  
• A longer wander through the parks and bike paths
  

If you’re hunting for a quick getaway that feels fresh yet familiar—Clark is that weekend. Gentler crowds, bigger skies, slides that make kids brave and a quiet airport that lets you breathe. Sean still talks about Aqua Planet like it happened yesterday. That’s how I know it was worth it.

---

☕ Enjoying my stories over a cup of coffee?

Show your support and keep the stories coming by buying me a coffee. With every cup you buy, you help sustain Sturya, fueling this passion for sharing more captivating tales and ensuring that the power of storytelling continues to make a positive impact. Together, let’s continue to inspire, connect and transform lives through the power of stories.

Click Buy Me A Coffee to donate or share this story on your social media. Thank you! 🌻