Six Leisure Parks in Quezon City You Can Visit

to Relax and Unwind

Its no secret that Quezon City (QC) is one of the biggest, busiest, and most crowded cities in the
country. You can find everything from high-end malls, to top schools, growing business hubs,
and food havens. Although its slowly becoming a concrete jungle, Quezon City is still home to
the best parks and recreational spots in the country which boast of trees, fresh air, and fun
activities.

In need of a quick breather away from the city? Check out our itinerary of the best leisure parks
in QC that you can visit any time of the day.

La Mesa Watershed Reservation

4332 Quezon City Dr., Novaliches, Quezon City

Visitors can be fit and be one with nature at La Mesa Watershed Reservation. (Image: Anna
Esguerra)

First on our itinerary is La Mesa Watershed Reservation, one of the biggest parks in the city
comprised of La Mesa Dam and Reservoir and La Mesa Eco Park. The government rehabilitated
the watershed, and in 2003, the Eco Park was opened. For a minimal fee starting at PhP20, people
can enter the park and enjoy various activities.

Inside the 33-ha. park, one can have a picnic, go swimming, fishing, and horseback riding, or camp
overnight. Fitness buffs can stay in shape at the Petron Fitness and Mountain Bike Trail, featuring
17 exercise stations and a 1.2-km. mountain bike trail.

UP Sunken Garden

Roxas Ave., Diliman, Quezon City

Sunken Garden is the perfect place for your random walks to your weekly runs. (Image: Amy
Casabar)

Next on our itinerary 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
as such because of its basin-like shape which is believed to sink every year or so.

Sunken Garden has been a quick escape for QC locals. People can grab street food from nearby
food stalls or buy barbecue from Mang Larry. 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.
Balara Filters Park

Katipunan Ext., Matandang Balara, Quezon City

Visitors can witness the old-world beauty of Balara Filters Park. (Image: Super Xyeanne)

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

After rehabilitation by the local government, the park reopened in 2003. Some of the favorite
spots of locals in the park are the Balara swimming pool, picnic grove, and windmill. For avid
photographers, beautiful landmarks include the abandoned Anonas Amphitheater, Lion Head,
and the Workers Monument.

Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center

Elliptical Rd., Diliman, Quezon City

Who knew theres a lake at the heart of Quezon City? (Image: Kristine Balmes)

Amidst the busy Elliptical Road lies Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center. The 56-acre park is
home to wild animals that are rescued, confiscated, donated, sick, or abandoned. Through the
years, the park has been a favorite spot and bonding venue for families and friends.

For a small fee of PhP5 for children and PhP8 for adults, one can see wild animals like reptiles,
birds, and monkeys. The park 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.

Quezon Memorial Circle

R-7, Diliman, Quezon City

Run, rest, and learn at Quezon Memorial Circle. (Image: Akira Honra)

One of the most famous parks 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 added to the park include Circle of Fun, an amusement park called; Quezon City
Experience or QCX, an interactive museum; and a renovated dancing fountain which lights up at
night. Circle is also home to the Hardin ng Mga Bulaklak (Garden of Flowers), and other gardens
with tropical plants, cacti, and succulents.

Bernardo Park

Epifanio de los Santos Ave., Quezon City

Theres more to Bernardo Park than meets the eye. (Image: @gabrielle26.ga)

The last one on our itinerary 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, but it has plenty of facilities to boast of. It has its own basketball court,
swimming pool, childrens playground, and mini-park, to name a few. A few kilometers away is
the QC Library and Information Center, Cubao Branch.

Ready for some quality time with Mother Nature? Tell us in the comments section which of these
parks you will visit first!

Click the links to see the exact addresses and contact numbers of featured establishments.

Prices may change without prior notice.