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[neth378]

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photo by ISTOCK
our kids love to slide and we've been to almost all the indoor playgounds, would like to know of more outside options within metro mla aside from mla zoo, which we've already visited and had fun too.
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[Mommy Jazz]

reviving this thread. OK pa ba dalhin kids sa Luneta? Anyone visited the playground there lately? HOw about the Chinese Garden? Are there fishes there the kids can feed?

[magilas]

we've been to luneta twice in the past few months - the area along kalaw (excluding the Gardens), and the area next to it (Rizal monument) but not the other side where the playground is.

the areas we visited were clean and safe to run around in.

we've visited lately the playground area of the QC Memorial Circle - many slides, seesaws and swing sets for all kid sizes. quite busy on Sundays.  lots of area to walk and run, specially along the circle where the new dancing fountain stands. no entrance fees! safe but sadly the visitors throw trash everywhere so even if maintenance is done several times a day, the playground area can get messy at times.   

nearby Parks and Wildlife has seen better days. only some birds remain in their cages. not much wildlife left. the area is huge but some parts were converted to resettlement of families left homeless by fire.

this is a good thread so please post. people should spend more time in the outdoors not cooped up in the malls.

then again, our government should see to it that we have safe and clean parks.

[Mommy Jazz]

A fellow Mommy who works in Makati suggested Legaspi and Salcedo Parks. Is the Legaspi park the one near Greenbelt1? Is the Salcedo near RCBC plaza/Tordecillas? Are there play sets there? Can we bring snacks there like have a small picnic?

[Mommy France]

From what I see at Salcedo's weekend market, you can have a picnic there.

The Ayala Triangle seems ok for a small picnic. But you have to keep focused on your kids because of the Busy Ayala and Paseo streets.


High Street will always be my fave.

[Mommy Jazz]

I would like to take the kids to the weekend market kaya lang I might end up spending over-the-budget again. Mahirap magpumigil pag nagustuhan mo yung nakikita mo. Salcedo Market was once featured sa SP main site.

Is there still a petting zoo at the Mla Zoo where they can feed the animals?

Ganito nalang po, I would like to get good suggestions on where to take the kids within M. Mla where we can:
-have a picnic
-play with bubble wands
-fly a kite
-feed the fishes
Kahit 3 out of 4, OK na.

[genlan]

mommy jazz sa eco park okei din... pwede kayong magpicnic and may ibang for rent na cottages at meron din naman free. may play area din for kids though medyo old style na.. ska may pool din sa loob, 100.00 pa rin yata per person. pro walang cottages sa loob kumbaga lalabas ka pa para pumunta sa mga cottages. kaya affordable din. may wall climbing, saka boat riding where you feed the ducks. di ko lang sure kung pati fishes.. been there last year pa, dont know kung marami ng inimprove or dinagdag. hope this helps..

[sweet&spice]

super OT, but i'd post anyway na rin, just in case.

this is not within metro manila, but might be worth the travel.

i'm talking about NUVALI/Paseo de Sta. Rosa at Sta. Rosa, Laguna. you can take the SLEX going to laguna/batangas, and exit at Greenfield.  here, you can do any of the following:

1. shop -- kasi ang daming outlet stores dito (crocs, nike, speedo, levis, debenhams, marks and spencer etc.);
2. eat -- they have jollibee, red ribbon, shakey's, pancake house, david's tea house, brother's burger, yellow cab, cabalen, razon's, conti's, crisostomo's, italiannis, sugar house, kanin club etc.);
3.  fish feeding -- there are about a thousand of japanese koi here, and you can buy feeds for only P15/plastic.
4. ride the water taxi -- parang P30/head, minimum number of persons/boat is 9. it will go around a man-made lake where the japanese kois are.
5. bike -- there are rentable bikes here. i just don't know how much.
6. early christmas tiangge shopping -- during the weekends, merong bazaar. ok naman, pero di naman ganun kadami.
7. hear mass -- the nearest church here, would be don bosco canlubang going to rustan's laguna. it's a nice church. clean, with spacious parking.
8. play golf -- it's within a short distance from sta. elena golf course.

i just don't know if you could see the fireworks at enchanted kingdom from nuvali/paseo de sta. rosa, because we haven't tried.

if you still want, you could drive all the way to tagaytay, kasi interconnected yung roads nila.

overall, it's a nice family trip. it's quite different and an amalgamation of stuff to do...from kids to parents.

[chinadoll]

AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENS
The newest attraction in Makati is surprisingly not a shopping mall, but a 20,000 square meter-park right behind the Philippine Stock Exchange building, where the busy streets of Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue converge. A project of Ayala Land’s Innovation and Design Group, this spacious park gives Makati’s pedestrians and commuters a chance to take in their surroundings as early as 6 a.m. all the way to 10 p.m. Park-goers can also sit under the trees with their laptops and take advantage of free WiFi.
The park’s formal opening in November featured a lights and sounds show fit for the Christmas season. Abstract sculptures by Ovvian Castrillo-Hill also add touches of color and surprise to the wide expanse of greens and slabs of stone benches. Pets are more than welcome, but just make sure you clean up after them and throw everything in the pet waste cans located in a number of areas around the park. Entrance is free.
Check out www.ayaland.com.ph for more information
JAIME VELASQUEZ / SALCEDO PARK
Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village, Makati
More commonly known for its weekend market held every Saturday since 2004, this quiet square in Makati is a breath of fresh air on any given day of the week. It is also the home of Art in the Park, a bi-annual event that started four years ago, and was first held to coincide with the second anniversary of the weekend market.
Strictly no pets, smoking, or ball games allowed, or else be ready to be fined P1,000. Kids are sure to enjoy the playground area, jumping from the colorful swing sets to the monkey bars. A trellised walkway by the side of the park perfectly matches the green setting. The park is named after a one of the chief implementors of the Makati CBD and a former Ayala corporation executive Jaime C. Velasquez (1907-1979). Entrance is free.
Call 813-2446 to 47 or 810-3054 for more information
WASHINGTON SYCIP / LEGASPI PARK
Legaspi Street, Legaspi Village, Makati
Just like Salcedo, weekends become busy at Legaspi Park which has also attracted a strong following, not only among Makati residents. Right across the street where the Sunday market takes place is a lush green haven where tall, shady trees stand beside clear ponds and stone bridges. You can quietly read a book in one of the gazebos or take a quiet stroll to read quotations from the park’s namesake, written on stones and benches. Impy Pilapil’s “The Mangrove-Nature’s Embrace” is also an attraction—a tall, multi-colored art piece that stands out among the park greens. Legaspi is also a no-smoking, no-pet zone, similar to its Saturday market counterpart. Entrance is free.
Call 813-2446 to 47 or 810-3054 for more information

FORT SANTIAGO
Intramuros, Manila
A visit to Intramuros won’t be complete without passing by one of the most important places where our national hero spent his last moments. But apart from a view of Rizal’s prison cell and a museum chronicling his heroism, there is much to appreciate about the space, with its well-maintained landscape and park grounds. Apart from seeing horse-drawn kalesas and armed guards in costume, you’ll also find yourself walking alongside students on field trips and foreign tourists who still flock to the historic site; but catch it on a light day and you’re set for a quiet walk around Plaza Moriones or Plaza de Armas, the central areas of the Fort where you can just sit back and enjoy the view.
Pass by the Museum Shop for souvenirs, or take a ride on a tranvia (street car) for a tour of Intramuros (starts at the niya Compound beside Fort Santiago). Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Entrance fees are P75 for adults; and P50 for students.
Call 527-1572 for more information

LUNETA/ RIZAL PARK
Roxas Boulevard., Manila
Beyond the Rizal monument is a Chinese garden where you can rest under a shade or take photos by a pond. Initially put up to commemorate Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day (celebrated every year on June 9), it’s in  better condition compared to the nearby Japanese Garden, but could still use more care from visitors and administrators alike. Outside of the garden and on Luneta’s main grounds, there are still a number of areas that have yet to be re-discovered or maintained (like the Orchidarium across the street, which is currently under renovation, and an artist’s area at the end of the park); but it still invites several tourists and families who enjoy the quiet ease and free space for simple picnics or even kite flying. People doing early morning exercises such as Tai Chi are also common sights at the park.
Concert at the Park, a weekly cultural project of the National Parks Development Committee held every Sunday afternoon at the Open-Air Auditorium, is honoring National Arts Month with a show on Sunday, February 7, 6 p.m., called Sayaw Pinoy, featuring PowerDance, UE Silangan Dance Troupe, Kislap Sining Dance Troupe, the Quezon City Ballet and the Halili-Cruz Dance Company. Admission is free (for Concert at the Park). Entrance fee for the Chinese Garden is P5.00.
Call 302-7079 for more information

PACO PARK
San Marcelino and General Luna Streets, Paco, Manila
Known as a place where visitors can catch traditional music concerts, Paco Park has also been a favorite wedding venue because of its garden ambiance. But even without the music and festivities, people can still enjoy some quiet time by taking a stroll around the circular park. The central feature of the grounds is the Chapel of St. Pancratius, but hidden on either side of the circle are places of honor for Jose Rizal and Gomburza (martyred priests Mariano Gomez Jose Burgos and Jacinto Zamora)
Paco Park Presents celebrates its anniversary this month, which coincides with Philippine-German month. There will be free concerts held every Friday throughout February featuring acclaimed tenors, guitarists and other instrumentalists. It all began in February 1980, when Dr. Christoph Jessen, a German press and cultural attaché initiated these free concerts as a cooperative venture between the German Embassy and the National Parks and Development Committee during the Marcos administration. The park is open on Mondays to Sundays (except on Wednesdays) from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fee is P5.
Call 302-7079 for more information

LA MESA ECOPARK
East Fairview Subdivision, Quezon City
It may seem at first that you’ve been transported to somewhere outside the city upon entering La Mesa Ecopark because of the shady forests and uphill streets. After a short walk amid sprawling leaves and trees, there are picnic spots and a salt-water swimming pool perfect for a summer outing with friends and family. There’s also a boating and fishing lagoon, plus the Petron Fitness and Mountain Bike Trail where you can try out 17 exercise stations or go up a forested 1.2 km mountain bike trail.
In case you’re not up for an active adventure, there are spacious huts where you can just lie down and rest as you listen to the sounds of nature. There are also different venue pavilions for rent and overnight camping facilities available. Soon to open are the Adventure Zone team building facility and mini-golf course. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entrance fees are P50 (regular rate); P40 (QC residents with valid ID and senior citizens who are non QC residents); and P20 (QC students with valid ID).
For more information, call 430-4051 or fax 430-5207; or log on to www.lamesaecopark.com

QUEZON MEMORIAL CIRCLE
Elliptical Road, Quezon City
With the inauguration of a new pedestrian underpass in December 2009, more commuters can easily get to the Quezon Memorial Circle and explore what it has to offer. Once managed by the Quezon City Parks Development Foundation, it has now been turned over to the Quezon City government which has developed new amenities to add to the existing lineup of regular activities at the park. Among those that have been done in the past at the park are flower and garden shows; ballroom dancing for senior citizens; calisthenics and other physical fitness programs; games and tournaments; and even public Masses.
Taking in the view from the top of the 66-meter shrine which houses the memorial chamber of late Commonwealth President Quezon is only one of several things to do while at the park. Many find it a good place for jogging, biking or playing basketball and volleyball at the courts; while a spacious playground is perfect for the kids to enjoy. There’s also no shortage of restaurants and food stalls in case you want to grab something after that tiring workout. Open every day 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Parking fee is P15.
Call 924-3412 or 924-3395 for more information

PASIG RAINFOREST PARK
F. Legaspi Street, Barangay Maybunga, Pasig City
Imagine playing your favorite sport, then going to the zoo or a butterfly garden afterwards. It might be an odd combination but these are some of the things you can easily do while at the Pasig Rainforest Park, which combines fitness activities with elements of nature for individuals and groups alike. Aside from having tennis and badminton courts, a swimming pool, a gym and fitness center, there’s also a train that can take you around the park. The mini-zoo houses ostriches, crocodiles and monkeys. There’s also an aviary, a full-sized amphitheater and a fountain, plus a children’s playground and garden for senior citizens.
Students from the nearby school go to the park to hang out with friends or plan their group assignments, and the location is easily accessible even by public transportation. Open from 5 a.m. up to 7 p.m. Entrance is free. Swimming pool rates are P100 (regular rate); and P60 (for Pasig residents).
Call 642-5280 for more information
1.   Rainforest Swimming Pool – 6284291
Rainforest Fitness Center – 6425280
Rainforest Tennis Club –
From Libis, Eastwood –
Commuters : ride a jeep going Ever, De Castro, Jennys, Tramo ( C. Raymundo). Stop at Tramo or Jennys, then Special ride of
tricycle to Rainforest Park.
with own car : U turn at Ortigas Ext. (IPI) going Rosario, right turn at Tramo ( after Rosario Church), left turn at F. Legaspi St.
(after St. Therese Hospital and South Star Drug Store), straight ahead, Market Avenue, Parkwood, Lan Gas Station,
Jennys Extension, Pasig Science High School, then Rainforest Park.
See you at Rainforest Park.
related sites :
http://pidrocomjapan.net/rainforest.htm
http://slychick.multiply.com/photos/album/45

MANILA AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL
McKinley Road, Global City, Taguig
Although it’s not a place for exercise, picnics or pets, this venue still provides a meaningful trip through history. Visitors to this memorial need not know anyone personally who gave up their lives in the war. A walk through the Wall of the Missing reveals the names of 36,286 uniformed men and women who gave up their lives and are considered missing in action as a result of World War II. Ten-foot high mosaic maps also illustrate the important routes during the war. Despite the sense of loss that it evokes, it is still a sight to behold for its neatly cut grass, shady trees and rolling hills of crosses that are lined up one after the other.
Managed by the American Battle Monuments Commission, the cemetery has 17,097 white marble headstones located in 11 burial plots which are arranged in concentric rings around the Memorial. You’ll hear the sound of lawnmowers once in a while, but this 152-acre space is a peaceful spot, whichever corner you choose to sit in. Entrance is free.
For more information, call 844-0212 or 813.2521; or log on to www.abmc.gov

[liams mom]

I miss Salcedo Park! It's just a stone's throw away from my former office. This is where we jog after office and where I choose to study for my LOMA exams back then. You can see lots of kids from the surrounding condos playing here with their yayas in the afternoon. A relaxing sight in the midst of the busy Makati CBD. And ofcourse, the weekend market! Only thing to look forward to when we need to do OT on Saturdays... :-)

[tiggerlily]

these are great ideas. I'm actually compiling a list of free play areas below. And would really appreciate if you can help with the list for reference. These play areas can also be anywhere in the world para sa lahat. As long as it's free. Thanks!

list of free play areas

[anne_kiel]

wow, maka try nga sa nuvali =)

[toughmom moderator]

Check out 9 Accessible Picnic Spots within and near the Metro


http://www.smartparenting.com.ph/home-living/travel-trips-activities/9-accessible-picnic-spots-within-and-near-the-metro/page/3

[Mommy Jazz]

Luneta now. Let's take a trip to memory lane!

[tiggerlily]

^Wow! I brought back memories nga! Is it for free?