Family Fun In Quezon City: Explore 10 Historic Landmarks

My high school History teacher once told the class, “Those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it.” Now, more than ever, her words ring true. 

Even though most information can be researched and learned online, misinformation remains a serious threat. Fake news, and worse, historical distortion are rampant. Sadly, a knowledge gap about Philippine history already exists among children and students. A few years ago, teenagers mistakenly answered a popular history question on national TV: What is the moniker for the three martyr priests Mariano Gomez, Jose Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora? The “MaJoHa” issue went viral and sparked widespread discussion.

Why not make learning history fun for the whole family? Smart Parenting has gathered 10 Historical Family-Friendly Things to Do in Quezon City to provide an enriching learning experience beyond the classroom. Plan a weekend of exploration: visit each historical site, research its background, and discuss its significance with the entire family. It’s a family field trip!

Here are the 10 Historical Family-Friendly Things To Do in Quezon City:

EDSA Shrine

The EDSA Shrine is a small church under the Archdiocese of Manila, also known as Mary, Queen of Peace Shrine, Our Lady of Peace Quasi-Parish. It has been declared an Important Cultural Property by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Built in 1986 to commemorate the People Power Revolution, the shrine marks the site where the demonstrations that led to the ousting of President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. took place. It was also the demonstration site for EDSA II, which resulted in President Joseph Estrada’s removal from office. 

Show children pictures of the revolution, explain why it happened, and ask for their thoughts. Experiencing history firsthand at the exact site where it unfolded makes learning more impactful.

Address: EDSA corner Ortigas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Quezon City
Admission Fee: Free
Nearby establishments: Robinsons Galleria
Nearby transportation: MRT-Ortigas

People Power Monument 

A few meters from the EDSA Shrine stands the People Power Monument, an 18-meter-high structure commemorating the 1986 People Power Revolution. At its peak is a female figure with raised arms and unchained shackles on her wrists, symbolizing freedom. 

Seeing the monument in person, rather than just in history books, offers a great opportunity to teach and discuss this pivotal moment in Philippine history with kids. 

Address: EDSA corner Whiteplains Avenue, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City
Admission Fee: Free

Bantayog ng mga Bayani

The Bantayog ng mga Bayani serves as both a monument and a museum honoring the martyrs who fought during Martial Law.

The “Wall of Remembrance” features the names of those who fought against the Marcos Sr. dictatorship.

The museum showcases the personal belongings of these martyrs and depicts the struggles they endured, including a replica of a cramped prison cell where 20 Martial Law prisoners were held in a 2 to 3 meter space. 

Address: Bantayog Road, Quezon City
Admission: Free
Museum Admission: From January to June 2025, the museum will no longer accommodate walk-in tours. To ensure a structured and enriching experience, reservations for group tours can be made a week in advance at bantayogmuseum@gmail.com
More information: Visit Bantayog ng mga Bayani on Facebook.

Tandang Sora Shrine

This national monument and memorial park honors Melchora Aquino, better known as Tandang Sora.

Introduce children to Tandang Sora’s role in the Philippine Revolution and how she selflessly provided shelter and medical aid to Katipunero revolutionaries. Despite her old age, she actively participated in the revolution, making her the perfect “girl power” story, showing kids that gender and age know no bounds, if the purpose is to fight for the country.

The shrine also houses an art gallery and mini-museum featuring paintings and sculptures dedicated to her, along with a pavilion and an events stage. 

Address: 214 M. Aquino Street, Banlat Road, Quezon City
Admission: Free

Quezon Memorial Shrine and Quezon Heritage House

An instant history lesson: Quezon City is named after President Manuel L. Quezon, the second president of the Philippines. The city is home to historical landmarks honoring the former president, including the Quezon Memorial Circle where you’ll find: 

The Quezon Memorial Shrine, a 66-meter-tall mausoleum housing the tombs of President Quezon and his wife, Aurora.

The Quezon Heritage House, a historic home-turned-museum that was once the residence of Quezon’s family. Its living room was where the Philippine National Red Cross was founded with Aurora Quezon’s approval.

Address: Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Admission: Free
Parking is available on-site. 

Presidential Car Museum

If you have kids who love cars, the Presidential Car Museum is a must-visit for a fun, educational tour. Managed by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, this museum showcases the presidential cars of all former Philippine presidents. 

Prepare for plenty of “Oooohs” and “Wows!” as kids admire the classic cars once used by past presidents. It’s a fun and interactive way to review Philippine history! The museum also features a child-friendly road safety gallery, known as Tamang Asal sa Kalsada (TASK) Central Hub, designed to teach kids basic road safety and proper street etiquette.

Address: Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City
Availability: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM
Contact: (+63) 9054353396, pcm@nhcp.gov.ph

Quezon City Public Library

The Quezon City Public Library (QCPL) is a network of 21 public libraries spread throughout the city. The main branch, located within the city hall complex, houses an extensive reference section, Filipiniana collection, periodicals, archives, and local history materials.

Quezon City residents (with a QC ID) can borrow books for home reading, while non-QC residents can apply for a permanent library pass. 

Address: Main Library, Quezon City Public Library, Gate 3, City Hall Compound, Quezon City
Admission: Free
Availability: Monday to Friday (8 AM to 7 PM), Saturday (8 AM to 4 PM), Closed on Holidays
For more information, visit Quezon City Public Library’s website here. 

Balara Filters Park

Recently rehabilitated and reopened to the public, Balara Filters park is more than just a scenic green space–it holds historical significance.

The park occupies part of the Balara Filtration complex, one of Metro Manila’s oldest water treatment facilities, which supplies clean drinking water from La Mesa Dam. During World War II, Japanese and American troops clashed in a battle here. Some original structures remain, including the Balara Windmill, Balara Water Tower, and filtration systems. 

Take a nature break while discussing history and the importance of water filtration with your kids!

Address: Katipunan Extension, Quezon City
Admission Fee: Free
For more information, visit the Quezon City Government’s Facebook page. 

Las Casas Quezon City

Inspired by the well-loved Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bataan, Las Casas Quezon City offers a historical and cultural immersion within Metro Manila. This event space, restaurant, and museum transports visitors back to the Spanish colonial era, with cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and intricate architecture. It’s like walking through a real-life museum, offering a glimpse into the country’s history during Spanish rule.

Visitors can book a day tour for only P300 per person, making it a fun and affordable way to learn about the past.

Address: 134 Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue, San Francisco del Monte, Quezon City
For inquiries, visit Las Casas Quezon City’s website and Facebook account. 

11th World Scout Jamboree Memorial Rotonda (Boy Scout Circle)

Ever wondered why many streets in Quezon City have names starting with “Scout?” In 1963, 22 Filipino Boy Scouts, along with two veteran scouters and two chaperones, tragically perished in an airplane crash en route to the 11th World Scout Jamboree in Greece.

To honor them, the Boy Scout Circle memorial was built, featuring 24 life-sized sculptures of the fallen delegates.

If you’re up for it, take a walk along the streets named after these brave Scouts and discuss with your children the importance of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and their values of leadership, service, and camaraderie.

Address: Timog Avenue, Diliman Quezon City
Nearby Establishments: Restaurants and food stalls along Tomas Morato and Timog Avenue

History doesn’t have to be boring–it can be an exciting adventure for the whole family. Experience history with your children by visiting these historical landmarks in Quezon City and let them have a deeper appreciation for our country’s past and the heroes who shaped it.

Smart Parenting G! is the publication's latest content series that features places to go, things to do, and deals to enjoy for families. E-mail us at smartparenting.editors@gmail.com if you have a place you want us to review!

Read here how Maria Clara At Ibarra made teens appreciate Philippine history.