In looking for an affordable family summer activity, don’t limit yourself to strolling in the mall.
An old-fashioned adrenaline rush is available in the five-month-old St. James Amusement Park in the North Reclamation Area of Mandaue City.
Don’t try the thrilling rides alone. Share the fun with family or barkada.
The entrance fee is P50 per son person and tokens are sold at P30 each.
For unlimited access to everything in the park, go for the P300 all-day pass.
Joy Climaco, the park’s general manager, assured that all their rides are brand new and safe.
As you enter the park, you’ll hear people screaming from the Black Pearl, a ship that swings like a pendulum as if riding a pirate’s ship tossed by waves on a stormy day.
The Revolution swings you around in a carousel that brings you up and down.
Young ones can enjoy a ride on a prototype plane as a pilot on the Journey to Mars.
“The rides are of European technology and we maintain the rides everyday. We are very particular with safety because one small mistake would ruin the reputation of the park,” Climaco said.
Two weeks ago, St. James Park opened the Inflatable City which includes the tallest and longest inflatable water slide that is 30 feet high and 50 feet long.
Don’t forget to bring extra clothing when you decide to take this cool water splash.
“It’s kind is the world’s longest and it’s here in Cebu,” said Climaco.
The Infalatable City is designed for small children to jump, bounce, and play hide and seek on an inflatable playground.
The park also offer bump cars and mini roller coasters.
The park was first opened in December 2011
The original plan was to cater to Christmas and New Year merrymakers.
After much prodding from their clients, the owner extended the park’s stay and eventually decided to stay for good.
The park is open daily from 4 p.m. until 1 a.m. depending on the crowd.
The park uses one hectare of a four-hectare lot across Parkmall in Mandaue City.
“We can’t open additional rides all at once. We want to open it little by little so we can leave room for surprises,” Climaco said.
Cebu Daily News photographer Choy Romano could not resist the trampoline.
“It feels good. It relieves stress,” Romano said after several minutes of hopping and jumping.
Just make sure to wear socks or else you can buy a pair at the store in the amusement park that also sells shirts, shorts and other souvenirs.
Bicycle riders and skateboard enthusiasts have a venue in the skate park.
A BMX bike rider can enter the park for free then can opt to pay P70 for unlimited use of the skatepark.
Bikers and skateboarders are required to have a complete set of safety gear like a helmet and knee pads.
FOOD
Flavored cotton candy, hotdogs, and other favorite children’s snacks are for sale.
Adults who are just there to accompany their children can enjoy the breeze and clean benches while asking Mr. Canton to cook them rice toppings.
Dads can also enjoy an ice cold beer while waiting for their kids.
If the kids are tired from playing all day, wind down with the park’s other enteratainment.
Watch the Sandiego Dance Troupe in Walt Disney character costumes as they sing and dance in the shelter of an inflatable dome. /Marian Z. Codilla, Senior Reporter