Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center with Kids: Entrance Fees, Hours & Family Guide (2026)
Updated November 2026
Looking for an affordable outdoor activity in Quezon City? You don't always have to travel far or spend much to enjoy a little nature with the family.
Just across Elliptical Road from Quezon Memorial Circle is the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center (NAPWC), a 22.7-hectare green space with shady walking paths, a lagoon, gardens, and rescued wildlife.
And with an advertised entrance fee of just ₱30 for adults and ₱15 for students, it's one of the more budget-friendly places to visit with kids in Metro Manila.
But NAPWC isn't your typical zoo or playground. It's a nature park and wildlife rescue facility managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Biodiversity Management Bureau.
One of its most remarkable residents is Girlie, a Philippine eagle who has lived under human care for more than four decades.
If you're planning a visit, here's what you need to know about the entrance fees, opening hours, parking, activities, and how to combine your trip with Quezon Memorial Circle.
Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center: Entrance Fees and Opening Hours
Here's a quick guide based on the latest publicly available government information.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Quezon Avenue corner Elliptical Road, Diliman, Quezon City |
| Opening hours | Monday–Sunday, 7 AM–5 PM |
| Adult entrance fee | ₱30 |
| Student entrance fee | ₱15 |
| Senior citizens | Free |
| Children | Free for ages 7 and below, according to QC Government |
| Foreign visitors | ₱100 under the published DENR fee schedule |
| Car parking | ₱45 under the published DENR fee schedule |
| Management | DENR–Biodiversity Management Bureau |
Important: The government sources do not use exactly the same wording for children's free admission. QC Government says children aged seven and below enter free, while an older DENR schedule specifies children below seven. If you're visiting with a seven-year-old, bring enough for the student admission fee just in case.
Fees and operating arrangements may change. For the latest information, contact the park before visiting.
Park contact numbers: 0917-868-3367 or 0917-885-3367.
Official Quezon City Government NAPWC Information
How Much Does a Family Visit Cost?
One of the best things about NAPWC is that you can enjoy a simple family outing without spending hundreds of pesos on entrance tickets.
Here are a few examples using the published admission and parking rates.
| Family | Entrance | With ₱45 Car Parking |
|---|---|---|
| 2 adults + 2 students | ₱90 | ₱135 |
| 2 adults + 1 student | ₱75 | ₱120 |
| 2 adults + 2 children under 7 | ₱60 | ₱105 |
These estimates don't include food, transportation, or optional facility rentals.
For larger groups planning a picnic or gathering, DENR's older published schedule also lists picnic shed rentals starting at ₱500 per day. Confirm the current rental rate and availability directly with the park.
If you're looking for somewhere to walk, observe wildlife, take pictures, and spend a quiet morning outdoors, NAPWC can be an inexpensive alternative to a mall outing.
 |
| What's not allowed in the park are single-use plastics. |
What Can Kids See and Do at NAPWC?
1. Learn About Wildlife at the Rescue Center
One of the most interesting parts of NAPWC is its wildlife rescue facility.
Unlike a conventional zoo, the center is involved in caring for animals that have been confiscated, surrendered, abandoned, or injured.
Some rescued animals may be visible to visitors, although the species and enclosures accessible to the public can change.
This is something worth explaining to children before visiting.
NAPWC is not a zoo, and its animals are not there simply for entertainment. Many have experienced injury, illegal captivity, or other circumstances that prevent an immediate return to the wild.
For younger children, the visit can introduce the difference between wild animals and pets.
For older children, it opens up conversations about wildlife conservation, animal welfare, and the illegal wildlife trade.
A few questions you can ask during your visit:
Why are some wild animals unable to return to their natural habitats?
What happens when people capture wildlife and keep them as pets?
How can we protect endangered animals?
Why do animals need healthy forests and natural habitats?
It's an easy way to turn a family outing into an informal science lesson.
2. Meet Girlie, the Philippine Eagle
 |
| Girlie, a rescued Philippine Eagle - she's the only Philippine Eagle in Metro Manila |
Perhaps NAPWC's most remarkable resident is Girlie, a Philippine eagle who is believed to be one of the oldest of her species living in captivity.
Girlie was rescued in December 1982 after suffering injuries, including damage to her right eye from a slingshot.
She was initially cared for in Mindanao and became part of Philippine eagle conservation efforts before being transferred to Quezon City in 2009.
In June 2026, DENR reported that she was approximately 46 years old.
Girlie is particularly special because she is the only Philippine eagle known to be housed in Metro Manila.
And she has quite a story.
Girlie Has Her Own Senior Citizen and PWD Cards!
During Philippine Eagle Week in June 2026, the Quezon City Government symbolically awarded Girlie Senior Citizen and Persons with Disability (PWD) identification cards.
Of course, Girlie won't be lining up at government offices or asking for senior discounts!
The gesture was intended to highlight the importance of caring for aging and injured wildlife.
According to the Philippine Eagle Foundation, Girlie has partial blindness and cannot safely return to the wild. She continues to serve as an educational ambassador for Philippine eagle conservation.
For children, her story is a meaningful reminder that protecting endangered animals isn't simply about keeping them alive in captivity. It's also about preserving the forests where they belong.
If you see Girlie during your visit, observe quietly and follow the posted rules around her enclosure.
You can read more about her extraordinary life through the Philippine Eagle Foundation.
3. Walk Around the Lagoon
Another recognizable feature of NAPWC is its large man-made lagoon.
Surrounded by greenery, the lagoon provides a peaceful setting for a walk and a chance to observe the park's natural surroundings.
Children can look for birds, insects, and other signs of wildlife around the water.
The park also has an open-air amphitheater and a Fishing Village area with structures beside the lagoon.
These are part of the park's landscape, although access to individual facilities may depend on events, maintenance, or park rules.
Tip: Don't assume boating or fish feeding is available. These activities have been mentioned in older visitor accounts, but current availability has not been officially confirmed.
4. Explore the Gardens and Shaded Walking Paths
NAPWC isn't just about the rescued animals.
The park is also home to a variety of native and endemic Philippine plants and trees, making it a wonderful place for a quiet nature walk.
One area of interest is the Leonard Co Native Garden, named in honor of Filipino botanist Leonardo Co.
Families can use their visit to help children learn how to recognize different plants, notice the shapes of leaves, and observe wildlife in an urban green space.
You don't need a formal tour to enjoy a little nature study.
Try asking the kids to identify three different kinds of leaves, look for birds among the trees, or sketch something they find interesting.
For homeschoolers, this can become a simple outdoor science journal activity.
And for parents who just want a break from traffic and crowded malls, the greenery and shaded paths may be reason enough to visit.
Can You Visit NAPWC and Quezon Memorial Circle in One Day?
Yes! And there's now a much more convenient way to connect the two parks.
In November 2025, Quezon City opened the QC Elevated Promenade, a pedestrian connection between Quezon Memorial Circle and Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center.
Instead of crossing busy Elliptical Road at street level, park visitors can use the elevated promenade.
The landscaped walkway has plants, lighting, and facilities intended for pedestrians and cyclists.
According to the Quezon City Government, the promenade is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, although entrance to NAPWC itself follows the park's separate schedule of 7 AM to 5 PM.
The promenade is free to use.
A note for families with strollers or wheelchairs: The promenade has ramps and stair sections, but we couldn't confirm whether both ends currently provide fully step-free access. Check ahead if accessibility is an important consideration.
Official QC Elevated Promenade Information
Suggested Half-Day Family Itinerary
If you're making a morning of it, here's a simple plan:
7:30 AM – Arrive at NAPWC
Start with a leisurely walk while the weather is still relatively cool.
8:00 AM – Explore the gardens and wildlife viewing areas
Look for birds, observe the rescued wildlife that can be viewed by visitors, and learn about Girlie.
9:30 AM – Enjoy the lagoon and take a few family photos
Spend some time walking around the quieter areas before heading out.
10:00 AM – Visit Quezon Memorial Circle
Use the elevated promenade, subject to access conditions, or the appropriate park entrance.
10:30 AM onwards – Explore QC Circle
Enjoy the open spaces, playgrounds, or a visit to one of the museums in the area, depending on opening schedules.
If your family enjoys museums, you can also check our guide to free museums in Quezon City for more nearby activities.
Things to Bring When Visiting NAPWC
Since most of the park is outdoors, a little preparation can make the visit more comfortable.
Water bottles. Bring enough drinking water for the family, particularly on warmer days.
Light snacks. Food availability inside the park may be limited, so it's better to come prepared. Follow the park's rules on eating and waste disposal.
Insect repellent. With plenty of trees and a lagoon, insect protection is sensible.
Comfortable walking shoes. Expect to spend much of your visit walking.
Hats or umbrellas. The park has shaded areas, but some paths and open spaces can still get hot.
A phone or camera. There are plenty of opportunities for nature photography. Follow any photography restrictions in wildlife areas and avoid using flash around animals.
Binoculars, if you have them. Kids who enjoy birdwatching may have fun looking for birds in the trees and around the lagoon.
And remember to take your trash home or dispose of it properly.
Is NAPWC Good for Toddlers, Kids, and Teenagers?
NAPWC can be enjoyable for different age groups, although what children get out of the visit will vary.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
For younger children, the appeal is mainly the open space, trees, and opportunity to see animals.
Keep the visit short and flexible. You may find that a walk around the lagoon is just as enjoyable as visiting the wildlife enclosures.
Elementary School Children
For children aged six to twelve, NAPWC offers an opportunity to learn about endangered animals, native plants, and conservation.
It's also a good destination for a simple nature journal or science-related outing.
Teenagers
Older children and teenagers may particularly enjoy photography, birdwatching, nature observation, or learning about environmental protection.
If they're interested in wildlife conservation, Girlie's story makes an excellent discussion topic.
How Long Should You Stay?
For most families, one to two hours is a reasonable amount of time to explore the main public areas.
If you're combining NAPWC with Quezon Memorial Circle, allow at least half a day.
Is Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center Worth Visiting?
If you're expecting a large zoo with dozens of animals and interactive attractions, NAPWC may not be what you're looking for.
But that's also what makes the park different.
NAPWC is primarily a green space and wildlife conservation facility. Its value lies in the opportunity to enjoy nature, learn about rescued animals, and appreciate biodiversity without leaving the city.
For families on a budget, the low entrance fees make it an accessible outdoor activity.
For homeschoolers and nature-loving children, it can also be an informal outdoor classroom.
And for anyone interested in the Philippine eagle, Girlie alone offers a compelling reason to learn more about the park's conservation work.
Our recommendation: Visit in the morning, keep your expectations realistic, and consider combining your trip with nearby Quezon Memorial Circle.
Sometimes, a quiet walk among the trees is enough to make a good family day.
If your children enjoy nature and birdwatching, you might also enjoy exploring Grilled Tomatoes for more family-friendly outdoor activities and discoveries around Metro Manila.
Have you visited Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center recently? Share your experience and any updated visitor tips in the comments!
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Disclaimer: Entrance fees, parking rates, opening hours, and facility access are based on published government information available at the time of writing, including some older DENR fee schedules. Details may change without notice. Please confirm current arrangements with the park before visiting.
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