While there are still restrictions imposed under the COVID-19 pandemic, some families in BGC want to get out of BGC once a while, especially during weekends when BGC is crowded with visitors from outside.

We have found four outdoor places not too far from BGC that are open to families. Due to COVID-19 related restrictions, families with small children may have to purchase takeout food, and then finish the meals either in the parking area or resting area outdoor.

Tagaytay

We start with the more popular place, Tagaytay.

Getting there: The usual way is to take South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). Then exit Mamplasan, Binan, and take the new CALAX expressway. This new expressway helps us skip the congestion at Nuvali. Going to Tagaytay is now less than 90 minutes.

Along Tagaytay-Calamba Road are the usual popular restaurants. Definitely, restaurants that have good views of the volcano lakes are out of bound for families with young children. However, if you go off the main road, there are chefs that cater to private dining. You must book ahead though. Morgano Italian Restaurant is one such place, Angelfields Nature Sanctuary is another.

Photo above: outdoor exhibition area of Pinto Museum

Pinto Museum, Antipolo

A museum with outdoor exhibition area and restaurant, Pinto Museum is an educational place for all ages, even for those who are not very artistically inclined. 

 Photo above: cafe area of Pinto Museum

Harry Potter themed restaurant, Dasmarinas, Cavite

This Harry-Potter-themed restaurant called Daniel’s Restaurant, has outdoor sitting area on the top floor. There are many cut-out life-size cardboard of characters from the Harry Potter movies to make one feel immersed in the world of Harry Potter. For non-Harry Potter fans, there are video game machines and a basketball game machine to entertain you.

Food in the restaurant is simple, like burger and pizzas, but the ambience is relaxing and fun. 

Photo above: Daniel’s Restaurant has a loft on top of the outdoor dining area

Marikina Riverbank

Marikina River Park is a vast open space that encompasses a river. It is a popular place for city folks in north Metro Manila to get some fresh air. For a description of the area, read this recent article in Manila Bulletin. There are a few restaurants located near Marikina Riverbank that have nice outdoor areas, one is called Rustic Mornings, which serves simple Filipino breakfast in a garden setting, another is Patio Vera Restaurant. Both are very popular and prior reservation is recommended.

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