9 Accessible Picnic Spots within and near the Metro

There’s nothing as wonderful as good old family fun.  For many, family bonding usually consists of going to malls, checking out good restos in the Metro and maybe catching a show or movie.  However, doing this weekend after weekend can get boring, and not to mention expensive!!  So for a change, why not have simple family fun with a picnic?

Going on picnics is great because it encourages outdoor activities and interaction for the whole family.  It is inexpensive and it takes little to no preparation.  It also allows families a venue to really bond and enjoy nature, and creates memories that children will cherish for the rest of their lives.

Here are 9 picnic spots you can try out:
 

1.   Your backyard or garden

Especially when you want an inexpensive activity to spice up a boring day, lay a blanket or banig in the garden and enjoy an impromptu picnic with your kids.  Cook your favorite inihaw together or just take out the meal you have prepared at home outdoors.   Play with bubbles or enjoy a board game with the kids.  Simple pleasures such as these make staying at home much more enjoyable.     

 

2.    Your village park

Make use of the facilities close to you.  If a village park is available, use this for picnics as well.  Ride bikes instead of taking the car to get there and enjoy the playground, pool or park greens with your family.  

 

Click here to see more picnic places in the metro.

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Read on to see more picnic places in the metro.

 

3.    La Mesa Dam, Quezon City

This is an ideal picnic spot within the city.  Spend the day just strolling along the tree-lined paths or rent chairs and tables, or a kubo for a fun-filled day.  There are free facilities for barbequing so you and your family can enjoy cooking your own lunch!  If cooking is not your thing, there are inexpensive shops that serve snacks or meals within the area.  

You and your kids can even enjoy activities like swimming, rappelling, or boating.  La Mesa boasts many outdoor activities at very reasonable prices.

 

4.    Parks and Wildlife, Quezon City
Enjoy a picnic in another park located in the city.  Find your own little pocket of nature and enjoy quiet conversations with your kids.  Let them enjoy the play grounds as well or visit their lagoon.  Another plus is that this park has a little zoo.

5.    Quezon City Memorial Circle
Visit the museum, ride bikes, enjoy the playgrounds, or even visit a small carnival/fair within the grounds.  Lay a blanket out and enjoy wholesome family fun.

 

Click here to see more picnic places in the metro.

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Read on to see more picnic places in the metro.

 
 

6.    Luneta (Rizal Park), Manila

Not only do you have great picnic grounds at Luneta, having a picnic here also opens up topics of conversations from which your children can learn a thing or two about our history as a people.  There are also fountains, gardens, a skating rink, and a chess plaza for the whole family to enjoy.   

7.    UP Diliman Sunken Garden
Make the most out of UP’s car-less Oval weekends and enjoy family fun.  Start off with an energizing walk or bike around the Academic Oval before plopping down for a picnic at the sunken garden.  Bring a soccer ball or fly a kite, or simply just laze around and enjoy conversations with your kids.  You can even have taho, banana cue or fishballs for snacks.

8.    Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Boulevard

Head to the CCP on weekend mornings to catch the sunrise and get some exercise, too.  Joggers, badminton players, animal lovers and families are the CCP’s frequent weekend visitors.  The lawn fronting the PICC fountain is a good place to have your breakfast picnic.  Pack some cold cuts, salad and bread and you’re set. An entire strip of restaurants and fastfood joints is also situated by the docking bay.

9.    Picnic Grove, Tagaytay
Only an hour and a half away from Metro Manila, the Picnic Grove is a favorite picnic place because of the cool climate, rolling hills and breathtaking view.  Tagaytay is a great backdrop to enjoying your lunch of barbecues and finger food. Kids can rent bikes or enjoy the playground, and you can wait for dusk and watch the sun set.


Photos: grass, park, La Mesa Ecopark, Luneta Park, CCP, fruits