Dream Lab is a massive 4,000 sqm edutainment hub in Ayala Malls Circuit, blending entrepreneurship simulations (Dreamville) with interactive STEM exhibits (SciScape). Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, it is ideal for kids ages 4–12, with tickets ranging from ₱649 to ₱2,488.
Unlike traditional amusement parks that focus solely on rides, Dream Lab functions as a hybrid city. It combines the “learning by doing” philosophy of a science museum with the role-playing mechanics of a business simulator. Here, children don’t just play; they register businesses at a mock City Hall, bake real goods at Dream Dough, and explore gravity on the Space Rail.
Located on the Upper Ground Floor of Ayala Malls Circuit (on the site of the old Santa Ana Racetrack), the facility is vast. First-time visitors should expect to spend at least 4 hours here to fully navigate the dual zones of SciScape and Dreamville.
Quick Facts: Dream Lab at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Upper Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Circuit, Makati |
| Best For | Ages 4-12 (Dreamville) & STEM Lovers (SciScape) |
| Price Range | ₱649 (Promo) – ₱2,488 (VIP) |
| Time Needed | 4 – 6 Hours |
| Operating Hours | 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Entry 7:00 PM) |
| Pet Friendly? | Yes (Selected SciScape sensory zones only) |
Pro Tip: Do not arrive after 6:30 PM. The facility strictly enforces a “Last Call” at 7:00 PM, and you will need at least two hours to make the ticket price worth it.
Table of Contents
Ticket Prices & Packages: The 2026 “Walk-In” Warning
Avoid paying the full ₱899 walk-in rate at the gate. Savvy visitors should book via platforms like Klook to secure entry for approximately ₱649, or present a BPI or Robinsons Bank card on-site to claim an instant 30% discount.
The financial structure of Dream Lab is designed to reward foresight. If you stroll up to the counter on a Saturday afternoon without a booking, you are essentially paying a “spontaneity tax.” The standard gate price creates a high anchor, but digital vouchers consistently offer savings of 12% to 28%.
For budget-conscious families, the smartest move is to check online aggregators for “Space Pass” promos, which have dropped as low as ₱499 during aggressive seasonal sales (valid through January 2025).
Understanding the Tiers (SciScape vs. Dreamville)
The ticketing system follows a “Freemium” model, meaning the base ticket grants entry, but the premium experiences often sit behind a paywall. Choosing the wrong tier is the most common mistake first-time visitors make.
Space Pass (~₱649 – ₱899): This is strictly for SciScape. It grants access to the 29 STEM exhibits, the Space Rail, and the Space Rocket.
Critical Note: This does not include access to the Dreamville roleplay activities or baking classes.
Engage Pass (~₱788): This is the base tier for Dreamville. It includes general entry and roleplay access.
Best For: Families who want to customize their trip. You get in the door, and then you can choose to pay extra only for the activities your child actually wants.
Experience Pass (~₱1,788): The mid-tier bundle. This includes entry plus specific premium add-ons like Slime Making or Keychain Crafting.
Reality Check: This is for parents who want a friction-free experience without pulling out their wallet at every station.
More Family Trip Ideas:
New Manila Zoo Entrance Fee & Hours – A budget-friendly outdoor alternative nearby.
J Castle Tanauan Batangas – If you want Instagram-worthy castle vibes instead of science labs.
More Family Trip Ideas:Pro Tip: Do the math before you buy the VIP “Escapade Pass” (~₱2,488). Experienced visitors have found that buying the cheaper Engage Pass and purchasing a specific activity (like the Dream Dough baking session) à la carte often yields a lower total cost than the all-inclusive bundles.
Operating Hours & Best Time to Visit
Dream Lab operates daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with a strict “Last Call” for entry at 7:00 PM. For the lowest crowd density, plan your visit for Tuesday to Thursday between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
The facility follows the retail rhythm of Ayala Malls Circuit, but the admission window is tighter than the mall’s hours. The 7:00 PM cut-off is rigidly enforced to ensure latecomers have at least a two-hour window to complete the immersive exhibits before the lights go out. Content creators and families should avoid arriving past 6:30 PM; rushing through the Space Rocket or Mixing Lab ruins the experience.
Holiday & 2025 Calendar Adjustments:
Standard Holidays: December 23 and December 25-30 typically see full operations (10 AM – 9 PM).
Reduced Hours: Expect an early closure at 7:00 PM on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) and New Year’s Eve (Dec 31).
Blackout Dates: Be vigilant for private corporate buyouts. For instance, the facility is scheduled to close early at 6:00 PM on December 28, 2025, for a private event.
Crowd Control Strategy: If you cannot visit on a weekday morning, the next best strategy is the “Post-Lunch Entry” (approx. 1:00 PM). Circuit Makati is a lifestyle destination, and crowds often swell in the late afternoon. Arriving right after a heavy lunch allows you to utilize the facility while others are eating, securing shorter lines for high-demand stations like Dream Dough.
Pro Tip: Always check the official Dream Lab Facebook page on the morning of your visit. September and October are peak “Field Trip” months, and a scheduled school tour can turn a quiet Tuesday into a chaotic crush.
How to Get to Circuit Makati (Commuter Guide)
The most reliable way to commute to Circuit Makati is by taking a jeepney marked “PRC” from MRT Magallanes or Gil Puyat (Buendia), which costs between ₱16 and ₱25. Located on the banks of the Pasig River at the former Santa Ana Racetrack, the mall is notoriously disconnected from the main EDSA line, making the “PRC” (Philippine Racing Club) terminal your critical transit hub.
The Jeepney Route (PRC Terminal)
Navigating to the “PRC” terminal requires specific knowledge of Makati’s jeepney arteries.
From MRT Magallanes: Disembark at Magallanes Station (Southbound). Exit towards the San Lorenzo Place Mall / Wilcon Depot side along Chino Roces Avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo). Board a jeepney displaying the signboard “Mantrade – PRC”. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes and terminates at the PRC loop, a short 5-minute walk along Hippodromo Street to the mall entrance.
From Buendia (Gil Puyat): From the LRT-1 Gil Puyat station or bus drop-offs, locate jeepneys with “Guadalupe – Cartimar” or “PRC” signboards. Ensure the jeepney is heading East. If it does not go all the way to the terminal, alight at the intersection of Chino Roces and transfer to a northbound jeepney specifically marked “PRC”.
Fare: Budget ₱16–₱25 per person. Be prepared for the heat; these are typically traditional open-air jeepneys, not air-conditioned modernized units.
Parking Intelligence (The S&R Hack)
Driving offers comfort, but be warned: the parking policies have shifted in 2025. Circuit Makati has largely abolished its old flat-rate promo. Visitors now face a base rate (approx. ₱50) followed by a steep hourly succession fee (₱20–₱50 per hour). For a 6-hour family visit, this adds up fast.
The “Member” Loophole: If you are a member of S&R Membership Shopping, bypass the main mall basement. Instead, park in the adjacent S&R surface lot. S&R typically waives parking fees for the first few hours if you present a receipt for a minimum purchase (usually ~₱500). Grab your weekly groceries before heading home to effectively neutralize the parking cost.
Pro Tip: If taking the jeepney from Magallanes, try to sit near the back entrance. The drop-off at the PRC terminal loop is quick and chaotic; being near the exit allows you to jump out safely before the driver swings back into the queuing lane.
The Attractions: SciScape vs. Dreamville
The facility is split into two distinct educational zones: SciScape, a 29-exhibit STEM hub focused on space and physics, and Dreamville, an entrepreneurship simulator where children build businesses from scratch. While they share a roof, the experiences are vastly different; SciScape is about observation and kinetic energy, while Dreamville is about social interaction and financial literacy.
SciScape (The STEM Hub)
In 2025, SciScape positions itself as the “visual hook” of the Dream Lab complex. It is less about guided classes and more about self-paced exploration through neon-lit tunnels and interactive stations.
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Space Rail Experience: This is the facility’s kinetic centerpiece—a massive, complex marble-run style rollercoaster. It visually demonstrates potential energy and gravity, mesmerizing children as they watch the mechanical balls navigate loops and drops.
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Space Rocket Experience: The closest thing the facility has to a “theme park ride.” It simulates a launch sequence for children aged 4-8. Warning: Strict height restrictions are enforced here for safety restraints. While thrilling for toddlers, older children (10+) accustomed to Enchanted Kingdom might find it mild.
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Sensory Zones (Aquascape & Scentscape): These areas offer a break from the noise. Aquascape uses projection mapping to teach marine biology without wet tanks, while Scentscape challenges visitors to identify smells. Surprisingly, these zones are often pet-friendly, allowing “Pup Dates” where fur parents can guide their dogs through the sensory paths.
Dreamville (The Entrepreneur Simulator)
Dreamville sets itself apart from standard “roleplay” centers like KidZania by focusing on entrepreneurship rather than just labor. The goal isn’t just to “do a job”; it is to “start a business.”
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The Bureaucracy Loop (DTI, BIR, City Hall): Uniquely tailored to the Philippine context, this zone gamifies the red tape of business registration. Children must visit the DTI simulation to register a trade name, secure permits at City Hall, and learn about taxes at the BIR. It sounds mundane to adults, but for kids, it provides a rare, structured primer on civic responsibility and how a city actually functions.
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Dream Dough: This is a fully functional bakery simulation, not a plastic pretend-play kitchen. Children mix real ingredients to produce tangible goods like cookies and cupcakes. Because this involves actual baking time, it is a high-value activity that results in an edible souvenir.
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The Mixing Lab: Here, chemistry meets commerce. Visitors create personalized household products—such as dishwashing liquid, cologne, or body scrubs—learning about manufacturing ratios and branding along the way.
Pro Tip: Manage your expectations for the Space Rocket. It is an educational simulation, not a thrill ride. If your child is a thrill-seeker over 4 feet tall, steer them towards the Go-Karts outside the mall afterwards and focus your Dream Lab time on the unique baking and science modules instead.
Strategic Guide: The “Inverted Funnel” Route
To maximize your Return on Investment at Dream Lab, employ the “Inverted Funnel” strategy: prioritize high-output “production” zones first, saving the unstructured free play for the end of your visit.
Most visitors naturally drift towards the visually loud open play areas (like the ball pits) immediately upon entry. This is a strategic error. By the time they reach the baking or science stations later in the day, the queues are long, and the “curing” or “baking” times create a bottleneck when everyone is tired and ready to leave.
Follow this four-phase route to beat the crowd flow:
Phase 1: Production (First 60 Minutes) Immediately head to the Mixing Lab or Dream Dough. These activities have mandatory processing times—cookies need to bake, and scientific mixtures often need to “set” or cure. By initiating these tasks first, your products process in the background while you explore the rest of the facility, ensuring you aren’t stuck waiting around at closing time.
Phase 2: The Bureaucracy (Next 45 Minutes) While your cupcakes are in the oven, complete the “Passport/Business Permit” loop. Head to the DTI, BIR, and City Hall simulations. These stations are critical for the narrative experience (and often unlock currency for other zones), but they can feel like a chore if left for the end. Doing them while waiting for your baked goods maximizes efficiency.
Phase 3: The Ride (The 1:00 PM Lull) Hit the Space Rocket or Space Rail during the standard lunch window (12:30 PM – 1:30 PM). As the majority of the crowd exits to the mall for food, the queues for these low-throughput attractions shorten significantly, allowing you to ride without the usual 30-minute wait.
Phase 4: Free Play (The Final Stretch) End your day at Wunderville (Slime City) or the ball pit zones. These areas typically have no output requirements or strict time limits. It allows children to burn off their remaining energy in an unstructured environment without the pressure of “missing” a scheduled class.
Pro Tip: Rent a locker immediately upon entry. You will accumulate tangible goods (slime, soap, baked goods, crafts) throughout the “Inverted Funnel” route. Carrying these fragile items through the crowded Market or Pharmacy aisles is a recipe for disaster; stash them securely so your hands are free for the interactive exhibits.
Important Rules & “Vibe Check”
Strictly speaking, outside food and drinks are prohibited inside Dream Lab, and security checks at the entrance will confiscate unauthorized meals. While water tumblers are generally tolerated for hydration during active play, you cannot bring in your own packed lunch or fast food takeout.
Food Policy: The Calories of Commerce
Since you cannot bring your own snacks, you are limited to the internal concessions like Snack Shack (basic junk food) or Cerealsy (sugar-heavy cereal treats). While Dream Dough allows kids to eat what they bake, this isn’t a substitute for a real meal.
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The “Mall Exit” Hack: Because Dream Lab is located inside Ayala Malls Circuit, the smartest move is to fuel up before you enter.
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Budget Option: Hit Marugame Udon on Level 1 for quick, carb-heavy noodles that will keep energy levels high.
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Comfort Option: Visit Mary Grace for a heavier brunch. The facility can get warm with all the physical activity, so entering on a full stomach prevents “hangry” meltdowns mid-simulation.
Age Appropriateness
To manage expectations, the “Sweet Spot” for this attraction is ages 5 to 10.
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Under 4 Years Old: They will enjoy the visuals of SciScape and the sensory play in Wunderville, but the “business” aspect of Dreamville (taxes, permits) will fly over their heads.
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Over 12 Years Old: Pre-teens might find the thrill rides ‘tame’ compared to
Enchanted Kingdom in Laguna , they will be disappointed by the Space Rocket. Frame this as a creative workshop or “maker space” rather than a theme park to avoid teenage cynicism.
Pro Tip: If you are visiting with a mixed-age group, split up. One parent can take the younger kids (under 5) to the Dream Farm for calm soil-scooping, while the other takes the older ones (7+) to the Mixing Lab for the more complex chemistry experiments. This prevents the older kids from getting bored and the younger ones from getting overwhelmed.
Accommodation & Side Trips
Turn a simple museum visit into a full staycation by booking a room at Circuit Manor or Lub d Makati, and exploring the high-energy sports facilities surrounding the mall. Since Dream Lab can exhaust a child’s energy within 4 hours, staying overnight allows you to leverage the unique “lifestyle district” ecosystem of Circuit Makati without the stress of the evening commute.
Side Trips: The Circuit Ecosystem
The area is named “Circuit” for its racing history, and the activities outside the mall reflect this kinetic energy.
City Kart Racing: Located just steps away from the mall entrance, this 650-meter track features a Formula One timing system. It is the perfect “waiting room” activity for Dads or teenagers who might find the edutainment inside too young. Open late (often until 9:30 PM), it allows for adrenaline-fueled night racing.
Gatorade-Chelsea Blue Pitch: A FIFA-sized artificial football field that frequently hosts local leagues. It’s a great spot to grab a cold drink and watch local athletes train as the sun sets over the Pasig River.
Where to Stay
Circuit Manor Hotel / The CityFlats: The ultimate convenience choice. These compact, co-living style accommodations are practically on-site. You can walk from your room to the ticket booth in under 5 minutes, making it ideal for families who need mid-day nap breaks.
Lub d Philippines Makati: A short Grab ride away on Makati Avenue, this hostel offers industrial-chic interiors and a social vibe. It’s a better fit for younger parents or budget travelers looking for high-quality design at a lower price point.
Pro Tip: If you have teenagers, send them to City Kart Racing while the younger kids are at Dream Lab. The kart track operates on a “arrive and drive” basis, but it gets packed on weekends. Register them for a slot immediately upon arrival at Circuit, then head to the museum.
Conclusion: Is Dream Lab Worth the Visit in 2025?
Dream Lab is a high-value educational destination for families with children aged 5 to 10, provided you manage your expectations regarding “thrills” and logistics.
It is not an amusement park in the traditional sense; do not go expecting the Ferris wheels of
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Book Online: Saving ~₱200 per head via Klook or StarDeals makes the price point competitive.
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Arrive Early: Beating the 10:00 AM crowd ensures you complete the high-value baking and crafting activities without the stress of long queues.
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Drive Smart: Using the S&R Parking Loophole or taking the PRC Jeepney avoids the sting of the new hourly parking rates.
If you are looking for a venue that burns energy while sparking curiosity about how the world works, Dream Lab is arguably the best “Edutainment” facility currently operating in Metro Manila.
Final Pro Tip: Before you leave, check the “Output Counter.” Kids often get distracted in the ball pits and forget to pick up their finished soaps or baked cookies. Make sure you grab your hard-earned souvenirs before you exit the gates!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a difference between Dream Lab and SciScape?
Yes, they are distinct zones with different educational goals. Dream Lab (Dreamville) focuses on entrepreneurship simulations where kids act as bakers or city officials. SciScape is a dedicated science wing featuring 29+ interactive STEM exhibits, space simulations, and sensory rooms. While they share a lobby, ticket packages often separate access, so check if your “Space Pass” includes the baking activities you want.
Can I bring food inside Dream Lab?
No, outside food and drinks are strictly prohibited. Security at the entrance will ask you to dispose of or store any meals. However, water tumblers are generally allowed. Inside, you can buy snacks at Snack Shack or Cerealsy, but for a proper meal, you should dine at Ayala Malls Circuit restaurants like Marugame Udon before entering.
What is the best way to get to Circuit Makati via public transport?Â
The most reliable route is taking a jeepney with the “PRC” signboard. You can catch these from the street level of MRT Magallanes Station (along Chino Roces) or from Gil Puyat (Buendia) Avenue. These jeepneys drop you off at the PRC Terminal, which is a short, well-paved walk to the mall entrance.
