Covid-19 closes Kidzania

ABS-CBN Corp. has decided to cease the operations of its edutainment facility Kidzania Manila, operated by Play Innovations Inc., due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It will be permanently closed on August 31.

The lockdown to contain the spread of Covid-19 has caused a “massive impact” on the revenues of Play Innovations Inc., as it was forced to suspend its operations to prevent the spread of the disease.

“Even if we are allowed to operate in the future, the ‘new normal’ will prohibit mass gathering and require children to remain at home. These conditions have left us with no choice but to close the play city’s doors permanently,” the company statement read.

The company said it will provide its employees with severance benefits, as mandated by law, and will help them with job placements.

Kidzania Manila allowed children to play and learn about different careers in various industries.

The theme park opened in August 2015 and catered to youngsters aged 4-17 years. Its 9,000-square-meter facility in Bonifacio Global City featured over 100 role-playing activities in various establishments set up within its two-level area.

Inside the facility, visitors are given their own money called kidzos. They can use it to spend in different places, such as department store, tiangge and restaurants, among others.

Once they run out of kidzos, they can work as a pilot or a flight attendant in the Aviation Academy of Cebu Pacific. They can also play the roles of members of the cabin crew or passengers.