6 Relaxing Parks in Quezon City Where You Can Unwind

Address: 4332 Quezon City Dr., Novaliches, Quezon City

Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

First on our itinerary is La Mesa Watershed Reservation, one of the biggest parks in Quezon City, comprising La Mesa Dam and Reservoir and La Mesa Eco Park. The government rehabilitated the watershed, and in year 2003, the Eco Park was opened. Starting at PhP50, people can enter the park and enjoy various activities for a minimal fee.

Inside the 33-hectare park in Quezon City, one can have a picnic, go swimming, fishing, horseback riding, or camp overnight. Fitness buffs can stay in shape in this relaxing place in Quezon City at the Petron Fitness and Mountain Bike Trail, featuring 17 exercise stations and a 1.2-km. mountain bike trail. Now, you know where to go in Quezon City if you need a break from the city.

Address: Roxas Ave., Diliman, Quezon City

Next on our list of parks in Quezon City is UP Sunken Garden inside the University of the Philippines in Diliman, Quezon City. The Gen. Antonio Luna Parade Grounds, or Sunken Garden to locals, is fondly called such because of its basin-like shape, which is believed to sink every year or so.

Sunken Garden has been a quick escape for Quezon City locals a relaxing place in Quezon City. People can grab street food from nearby food stalls or buy barbecues from Mang Larry near this park in Quezon City. Early-morning or late-night runners can also jog and circle the whole oval of Sunken Garden during the weekends, along with other health buffs.

Address: Katipunan Ext., Matandang Balara, Quezon City

Near U.P. Diliman is Balara Filters Park, a 150-acre park in Quezon City that is part of the Balara Filters Plant Complex. It is one of the water treatment facilities coming from La Mesa Dam. This relaxing place in Quezon City was a favorite recreational park of Manileños but was closed and abandoned during the years of former President Marcos.

After rehabilitation by the local government, this park in Quezon City reopened in 2003. Some of the favorite spots of locals in the park are the Balara swimming pool, picnic grove, and windmill. This isn’t just a place where to go in Quezon City to chill and have a picnic, but it is also for the avid photographers; beautiful landmarks include the abandoned Anonas Amphitheater, Lion Head, and the Workers’ Monument.

Address: Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City

Amidst the busy Elliptical Road lies Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center, one of the parks in Quezon City. The 56-acre park is home to wild animals rescued, confiscated, donated, sick, or abandoned. This relaxing place in Quezon City has been a favorite spot and bonding venue for families and friends.

For a PhP30 fee for adults and free for kids, one can see wild animals like reptiles, birds, and monkeys. This park in Quezon City also has covered areas and pavilions which can be rented for special events. In recent years, Wildlife has become a favorite spot for photo shoots, from debutantes to couples.

Address: R-7, Diliman, Quezon City

One of the most famous parks in Quezon City that’s on our list is Quezon Memorial Circle. This huge and busy leisure spot is alive from morning until night, thanks to Zumba lovers and joggers. Visitors also enjoy family-friendly activities and the lush greenery inside Circle, as locals call it.

New attractions and a relaxing place in Quezon City added to the park include Circle of Fun, an amusement park in Quezon City called Quezon City Experience or QCX, an interactive museum, and a renovated dancing fountain that lights up at night. If you’re a certified ‘plantita’ and still looking for where to go in Quezon City to relax and see a garden of flowers, this park is the place to be! Circle is also home to the Hardin ng Mga Bulaklak (Garden of Flowers) and other gardens with tropical plants, cacti, and succulents.

Address: Kamuning, Epifanio de los Santos Ave., Quezon City

The last one on our list of parks in Quezon City is Bernardo Park, located along EDSA Ave., near Kamuning, Quezon City. Named after former Quezon City Mayor Ponciano Bernardo, Bernardo Park is the first public park opened in the city. Recently, the local government rehabilitated the park to make it a fun leisure area for locals.

The park may seem small, as a relaxing place in Quezon City, but it has plenty of facilities to boast. This park in Quezon City has its basketball court, swimming pool, children’s playground, and mini-park, to name a few. The QC Library and Information Center, Cubao Branch, is a few kilometers away.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine to learn more about parks and hangout spots in Metro Manila!