Undas 2026: Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Quezon City and Metro Manila
Staying in Metro Manila this Undas? Here are simple ways to enjoy the long weekend with the family without spending too much.
Not every family will be heading to the province this Undas. Some will be visiting cemeteries, others will be staying home, and some may simply want a quiet afternoon together after paying their respects to loved ones.
The good news? You don't need an expensive staycation or a trip out of town to enjoy the break.
This year, the Undas long weekend runs from October 31 to November 2, 2026. All Saints' Day falls on Sunday, November 1, while All Souls' Day on Monday, November 2, is an additional special non-working day.
If you're staying in Quezon City or nearby, here are some free and affordable activities worth considering.
Important: Holiday schedules may differ from regular opening hours. Check official announcements before visiting, particularly on November 1 and 2.
1. Enjoy a Family Picnic at Quezon Memorial Circle
Location: Elliptical Road, Quezon City
Admission: Free to enter the park
Regular hours: 5 AM–10 PM daily
Undas holiday opening: Not yet separately confirmed
Quezon Memorial Circle is one of the easiest places to enjoy an affordable family outing in Quezon City.
Bring a picnic mat, refillable water bottles, sandwiches, and a few snacks. There are walking areas, gardens, and open spaces where children can enjoy some outdoor time.
You can also explore the park's historical landmarks from outside. Some attractions, rides, and facilities charge separate fees.
Budget tip: Pack your own snacks and drinks rather than buying everything inside the park.
2. Take a Nature Walk at UP Diliman
Location: University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City
Admission: No general admission charge for a walk in publicly accessible campus areas
Undas access: Subject to campus security arrangements
If your family enjoys walking, greenery, and birdwatching, UP Diliman is worth considering.
The tree-lined Academic Oval and areas around the Sunken Garden are well-known destinations for walkers, joggers, and nature enthusiasts.
You can make the outing more interesting for children by looking for different birds, observing trees, or taking nature photographs.
Remember that UP Diliman is a university campus, not a dedicated public park. Some roads, buildings, and areas may be restricted during the break.
Budget tip: Bring binoculars if you have them and turn your walk into a mini birdwatching activity.
3. Explore Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center
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Meet Girlie, the Philippine Eagle! 🦅 |
Location: Quezon Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Quezon City
Listed admission: ₱30 adults, ₱15 students; free for senior citizens and children aged 7 and below
Regular hours: 7 AM–5 PM daily
Undas holiday opening: Confirm before visiting
If you'd rather have a change of scenery without traveling far, Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center offers a budget-friendly nature outing.
The park features greenery, walking paths, and wildlife conservation facilities. It's a good opportunity to talk to children about protecting local animals and their habitats.
One of the remarkable birds visitors can learn about at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City. The Philippine Eagle is one of the world's rarest eagles and a symbol of the importance of protecting our country's wildlife.
A wonderful opportunity to introduce children to Philippine biodiversity during a family outing.
For a family of four paying two adult and two student rates, the listed entrance total would be just ₱90, excluding transportation and food. Parking fees vary.
Budget tip: Visit in the cooler morning hours and bring your own drinking water.
4. National Museum and Rizal Park (Manila) — Plan for October 31
Planning a museum visit over the Undas long weekend? Keep the holiday closures in mind.
National Museum locations will be closed on November 1 and 2, 2026, in observance of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.
This includes the National Museum of Fine Arts, National Museum of Anthropology, and National Museum of Natural History in Manila.
If you're hoping to visit, consider Saturday, October 31, subject to confirmation that the museums will be open that day.
Admission is free during regular opening days.
Alternatively, families can enjoy a walk around Rizal Park, although it's best to check any holiday access advisories before heading out.
5. Have a Simple Movie and Merienda Afternoon at Home
Not every memorable holiday needs to involve going out.
If you have children, consider turning an afternoon at home into a family movie day. Make popcorn, prepare homemade sandwiches, or serve your favorite merienda.
You can also let everyone choose a movie and share what they enjoyed about it afterward.
Budget: As little as ₱100–₱200 for snacks, depending on what you already have at home.
6. Staying Home This Undas? Read a Filipino Story Together
Not planning to go out? Undas can also be a good time to introduce children to Filipino stories and traditions.
From tikbalang and other mythical creatures to gentle stories about remembering loved ones, there are Filipino children's books worth exploring together.
We've put together a reading list over at Abakada.ph, featuring books for young readers and simple activities families can try at home.
7. Visit Loved Ones and Keep Your Undas Budget Simple
If you're visiting a cemetery this Undas, plan ahead to avoid unnecessary expenses and stress.
Bring water, snacks, umbrellas, and other essentials from home. Check cemetery rules, entry schedules, and road closures before leaving.
Expect heavier traffic around major cemeteries, especially on November 1.
It may be better to keep the day focused on remembering loved ones rather than squeezing in too many other activities.
What About La Mesa Ecopark?
La Mesa Ecopark is usually a wonderful choice for an affordable nature outing, but it will be closed during the period covered by this guide, based on the closure information available to us.
For this reason, we've left it off our Undas activity recommendations.
A Long Weekend Doesn't Have to Be Expensive
Whether your family spends the weekend visiting loved ones, walking through a park, exploring history, or enjoying merienda at home, what matters most is the time spent together.
Sometimes the simplest plans turn into the best family memories.
Planning more affordable family outings? Explore our other Grilled Tomatoes guides to free museums, parks, and family-friendly activities in Quezon City.
Make the Most of the Undas Long Weekend
Undas is a time to remember loved ones, but it can also be an opportunity to slow down and spend meaningful time with family.
Whether you're visiting the cemetery, exploring a museum, enjoying a walk in the park, or simply staying home with the kids, you don't have to spend much to make the long weekend memorable.
Looking for more affordable family activities? Here are a few Grilled Tomatoes guides worth bookmarking:
7 Free Museums in Quezon City — Discover museums and heritage attractions for your next family outing. Remember to check holiday schedules before visiting.
Birdwatching at La Mesa Ecopark — Read about our family's guided birdwatching experience and the birds we spotted along the way.
Where to Bring Your Kids in Quezon City — More ideas for exploring QC with the family.
Halloween Events for Kids in Metro Manila 2026 — Planning something fun for October 31? Check our Halloween guide.
And if you're staying home, explore our Filipino learning resources at Abakada.ph for activities you can enjoy with young children.
How is your family spending Undas this year? We'd love to hear your favorite free or budget-friendly places to visit.
Grilled Tomatoes — Go. Eat. Play. Explore.
Last updated: October 28, 2026. Admission fees and holiday schedules are subject to change. Verify operating hours and access before visiting.
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