Too crowded ang malls? 15 open-air places you can bring your children

After so long, the kids can finally go out! But where is it safe? Check out some of the open-air places in (and out of) Metro Manila that you can bring your kids to.

What can you read in this article?

• Open-air places in Metro Manila (and nearby towns) where you can bring your kids
• Tips for going outside with your children doing the pandemic

My three-year-old’s four favorite places (in no particular order) are my in-laws’ house, my sister’s apartment, the dentist and the parking lot. He was about to turn two when the pandemic started, so the four places I mentioned are the only places he’s been to.

Like a lot of moms, I can’t help but feel guilty that I was robbing my child of an opportunity to be a kid and explore. But with the cases of Covid-19 going up the past year, it has always been safety first for my family.

But after such a long time being cooped inside our homes, our children now have the license to go out and enjoy the different establishments.

Kids are allowed to go out

With the recent announcement of the Inter-agency Task Force (IATF) putting the whole Metro Manila in Alert Level 2, the restrictions for intrazonal and interzonal movement and age-based mobility restrictions have been loosened. Recreational establishments such as cinemas, theaters, theme parks, swimming pools, libraries, museums, and other tourist attractions are allowed to operate.

What does this mean for us parents? Well, to put it simply, it means we can already bring our kids out and they are welcome to enjoy the establishments mentioned above.

In fact, on the first weekend that Metro Manila was placed in Alert Level 2, most parents took the opportunity to bring their kids to malls and made a dash to the toy store. Well, they just wanted to make their kids happy. Who can blame them?

However, as the World Health Organization (WHO) reminded, the Covid-19 virus spreads faster in areas with the 3Cs:

• Crowded places
• Closed-contact settings (where people have conversations very near each other)
• Confined and enclosed spaces with poor ventilation.

For this reason, experts still advise that should you go out as a form of recreation, it is best to choose a place where it is open-air and the possibility of transmission is lower.

Open-air places in Metro Manila to bring the kids

Unfortunately, not all of us have big yards where our kids can run around to their heart’s content. So if that is the case, where then, can we bring our kids that is fun, has plenty of space to move around, and more importantly, safe?

Here’s our cue to help! We’ve come up with a list of open-air places in Metro Manila (and some nearby towns) where you can bring your child for a good family bonding time. Our list includes parks, zoos, and farms that you and the kids can enjoy depending on your budget and choice of adventure.

Check if there’s one in your area!

• Legazpi Active Park/Washington Sycip Park (Makati)

Nestled in the heart of the city is a kid-friendly privately-owned park that is open to the public. Kids can run around in the vast open space, play in the playground or watch the fishes in the koi pond.

• BGC parks (Taguig)

Another free destination are the parks in BGC. Kids can bring their bikes or scooters because some roads close on the weekends to be converted into a wheely park.

• Quezon City Memorial Circle (Quezon City)

This national park is located at Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila. Have a quick picnic with the kids or get physical and jog together. You can also rent bikes or participate in some games in the park.

• Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar (Quezon City)

If you want to give the kids a bit of history lesson and show them how the old Manila looks like, here’s where you can go. This place is known for being an event venue, but they are now open for day tours (inclusive of snacks). Visit their website to know more.

• Arcovia City (Pasig)

Dine alfresco in some of the restaurants in the establishments. The kids can also roam around in their wide open space. At night, their Christmas decorations and light show are sure to keep the kids entertained.

• Spectrum Linear Park (Filinvest, Alabang)

If you’re from the south, head on to Filinvest, Alabang for a laidback outdoor stroll with the family. Your kids can bring their bikes and scooters and ride to their heart’s content in the car-free part of the park. There are also good restaurants with alfresco dining around the area.

• Driftswood Action Park (Indang, Cavite)

Just an hour’s drive from Metro Manila is a place where you can bike, try ATV, and other outdoor sports. You also have the option to go camping. Pets are allowed too! Check out their Facebook page for more information.

• Paradizoo (Mendez, Cavite)

If your child is into animals, he will surely enjoy getting to know the different species found in this zoo in Tagaytay. Check out the butterfly garden, go horseback riding, or even camel-feeding in this family-friendly establishment.

• Yoki’s Farm (Mendez, Cavite)

Who needs animal toys when you can get up close with them on Yoki’s Farm? This place offers safe and supervised animal encounters at an affordable price. This place also puts safety as their priority as they require all their adult guests to be fully vaccinated.

• Crosswinds Tagaytay

Want a place where the kids can just run around and enjoy nature? Give Crosswinds Tagaytay a try! Located in a commercial subdivision, the hill boasts of beautiful lush greenery where children can just breathe fresh air while playing, or having a snack in some of their teepee tent-inspired picnic tables. There are also food establishments in the area.

• Dinosaur Island (Clark, Pampanga)

If your child is obsessed with dinosaurs, then the 3-hour trip to Clark would be all worth it. Kids will surely be amazed at the life-sized robotic dinosaurs in the park. If that’s not enough, there’s also a playground and zipline made especially for little adventurers. Check out their website to know more.

READ MORE: 

10 things parents need to know about the granular lockdown

Parents’ Guide: 12 na dapat tandaan kung balak magbakasyon kasama ang mga bata

5 Tips on Getting the Family Healthy during the Pandemic

• Avilon Zoo (Rodriguez Rizal)

This 7.5-hectare, newly-renovated zoo has opened its doors again to the public this year. According to its website, it houses more than 3,000 specimens of exotic wildlife representing more than 500 species of birds, mammals reptiles, amphibians, freshwater fishes, and invertebrates, so your kid will surely find one of these pretty interesting.

• Lygerzoo (Pililla, Rizal)

Another zoo to check out when look for open air places for kids in Metro Manila is the Lyger Animal Sanctuary. According to its Facebook page,  it is a local sanctuary for exotic animals, housing some of the rarest animals in the world such as ligers ,and white lions. Have you ever seen a white lion before? And what is a liger exactly? Visit this place with your kid and find out.

• SVD Farm (Tagaytay)

If you just want to enjoy nature, cool climate and God’s beautiful creation with your child, this humble farm is where you should go. This farm in Tagaytay has no entrance fee and observes strict health protocols. Definitely a safe haven for the family.

• Angelfield’s Sanctuary (Tagaytay)

Originally a popular venue for weddings and events, Angelfields have also opened their space for day tours for kids of all ages. Enjoy the cool Tagaytay breeze and the delicious food and your kids feed ducklings and chickens, go fishing and just revel in the great outdoors.

Despite these places being open to children, make sure to still follow health protocols like wearing of face masks and observe social distancing. In establishments where tickets are required, make sure to check out their website or call ahead to make a reservation. For public parks, it’s advisable to go on weekdays or early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Whether you bring your child to the mall or not is your decision as a parent. And regardless of where you’re taking them, just remember to manage expectations and make sure that your child knows what he needs to do to be safe while out during the pandemic.

Got any recommendations for open-air places in Metro Manila where parents can bring the kids? Let us know in the comments section!