Car-Free Sundays In Metro Manila: Outdoor Fun With The Family

Sunday is family day, a time to enjoy quality moments with your loved ones. But let's be honest, some weekends we fall into the same routine of staying in or just hitting the mall. So, why not try something different? Walking or jogging in nature with the family is a great way to reconnect. It's also the perfect opportunity to focus on wellness and get some fresh air, away from the hustle and bustle.

Cities with Car-Free Sundays

Here are some car-free Sunday spots in Manila where you can enjoy a peaceful, traffic-free day with your family:

Gil Fernando, Marikina City

Joining the growing list of cities with car-free Sundays, Marikina City will host its first-ever Car-Free Sunday this weekend! On Sunday, March 2, a section of Gil Fernando Avenue, from Xeland Mall to Good Friend Bridge (Comedore), will be closed to vehicles from 6:00 to 10:00 AM. The event aims to become a regular occurrence. Only bikes, walkers, and joggers can pass through the area.

Roxas Boulevard, Manila City

Since May of last year, this 2.3-kilometer stretch has been car-free as part of the "Move Manila" program. This initiative promotes health and wellness, offering a pollution-free environment for fitness routines in the city.

Every Sunday from 5:00 to 9:00 AM, both the northbound and southbound lanes from Padre Burgos to Quirino Avenue are closed to cars, giving everyone the freedom to run, jog, cycle, or just take a leisurely stroll. Why not kick off your week with two 1K loop runs with the family?

General Luna Street, Intramuros, Manila City

Want a scenic walk with views of historical buildings? Head to Intramuros and explore the walled city.

General Luna Street, a major road in Intramuros, is permanently pedestrian-only. This means motor vehicles are not allowed, not just on Sundays! However, light electric vehicles and pedicabs are welcome. It's the perfect place for walking, cycling, and taking in the area's rich history and architecture.

Araneta City

Quezon City also hosts its own weekly fitness program, similar to Ayala's Car-Free Sundays. You can enjoy physical activities and exercise with your loved ones every Sunday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 AM at the Araneta City Grounds by joining the aRUNeta Run Club. A 1.5-kilometer stretch of Araneta City is made completely car-free for the duration. 

If you're interested, the assembly point is at the Green Gate of the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The route passes through Gen. McArthur, Gen. Araneta, Gen. Roxas, and Gen. Romulo Avenue.

Tomas Morato, Quezon City

The "Car-free, Carefree Tomas Morato" is now held every Sunday. It covers the stretch of Tomas Morato from Scout Rallos to Don A. Roces, from 6 AM to 10 AM, to promote an active lifestyle among residents.

Greenfield District, Mandaluyong City

In December 2023, Greenfield District launched its car-free Sunday program. Mayflower Street, from United Street to Soho Central, is closed to vehicles from 6:00 to 10:00 AM on Sundays. This stretch runs along The Hub, The Portal, and Greenfield District Central Park.

Bring the whole family to enjoy a leisurely walk, cycling, pet walking, or roller skating in Greenfield. The area also features Greenfield District's central park, where families can relax, socialize, and enjoy weekend events together.

Ayala Avenue, Makati

Every Sunday from 6:00 to 10:00 AM, Ayala Avenue, from Salcedo-HV Dela Costa to West Street and Fonda Street, is closed to vehicles. Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas around Ayala Triangle Gardens are also car-free during this time, making room for fitness activities. This initiative has long provided space for Makatizens and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities like cycling, walking with pets, or simply relaxing.

Fifth Avenue, Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

The entire Fifth Avenue in BGC has been car-free since February 2021. Known as "My Street High Street," the area is open for walking, running, and playing on weekends, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM every Saturday and Sunday.

Another fully car-free zone in Bonifacio Global City is BGC Greenway Park, a 1.6-kilometer public space. This longest linear urban park in the metro is designed for residents to walk, run, and enjoy the outdoors in a safe environment.

People's Streets in Pasig City

Pasig City launched its People's Street project in 2021, initially designating Emerald Avenue as a car-free zone from 6:00 AM on Saturday until 9:00 PM on Sunday. Six months later, the LGU expanded the initiative by creating additional People's Streets. Pasig City now has eight People's Streets that are closed to traffic on Sundays, transforming them into outdoor spaces for exercise, play, or relaxation.

List of People's Streets in Pasig City:

• Emerald Avenue in Barangay San Antonio (Saturday, 6:00 AM to Sunday, 6:00 PM)
• East Bank Road in Barangay Manggahan (Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
• Caruncho Avenue in Barangay San Nicolas (Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
• Kapasigan Boulevard in Barangay Kapasigan (Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
• MH Del Pilar in Barangay Sto. Tomas (Sunday, 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM)
• Lopez Jaena Street in Barangay Sumilang (Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
• Oranbo Drive in Barangay Oranbo (Sunday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
• Kamagong Street in Barangay Bagong Ilog (Sunday, 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM)

UP Diliman, Quezon City

Every Sunday, the Academic Oval at UP Diliman is transformed into a car-free zone. The wide, tree-lined paths provide a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. In addition to the Oval, families often gather at the Sunken Garden, where they can enjoy picnics, play, or simply relax in the open air.

Filinvest City, Muntinlupa

If you're from the South, there's also a car-free spot for you! On Sundays, bring the whole family to Spectrum Midway at Filinvest City for outdoor activities like running, walking, and cycling. Launched in 2021, Spectrum Midway becomes car-free every Sunday from 5:00 to 10:00 AM.

If you can, stop by Central Park and check out The Bookstop Project, a pop-up library that offers a unique outdoor space where visitors can enjoy, borrow, and donate books for free.

Click here for more family-friendly places in Metro Manila.