You know what they say, a family that has fun on the weekends together, stays together. Okay, maybe that’s not exactly how the saying goes but it’s true that spending quality time together creates a sense of camaraderie and has several beneficial effects for both adults and children, increasing everyone's overall well-being.

Looking for new bonding activities with the fam or do you simply want to jazz up your rest days? Whether it’s a long or regular weekend, we’ve rounded up some activities you can try together to make the most out of your weekly breakers.

Take a Historic Tour

If you don’t know already, Manila is a tourist mecca brimming with eye-catching attractions, massive shopping malls, and culinary hotspots. There’s just so much to see and do in this bustling city that people sometimes forget that amidst the modern skyscrapers and shopping district still exists the 450-year-old walled-city upon which this modern city was built.

Go on a walking tour around Intramuros, Manila’s oldest district, where Hispanic influences still thrive as reflected on its cobbled streets and ancient landmarks. Be transported back in time as you and your family explore the old city walls and visit popular destinations such as Fort Santiago, Casa Manila, and the Manila Cathedral. You can book a walking tour package or DIY your way through this exquisite district.

Entrance fees to each site is currently priced at P75 (adults) and P50 (Students/Children/Seniors). For the complete details of other attraction fees, available payment methods, and operation hours, click here.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, nearby is the world's oldestChinatown — Binondo! Filled with historic landmarks and delectable Chinese delights, Binondo is a cultural adventure on its own and surely has something to offer for every member of the family whether that’s food, shopping, or heritage sights.

Get Lost in a Museum

Some people spend their entire lives in one place and still feel like a tourist. Nothing bad about that. Only means there are more chances for you to explore and get to know your home city.

And what better way to do that than immersing yourselves in a museum? If you’re looking to know more about the country’s rich history, and its political and cultural figures, the National Museum of Natural History offers that and more. Housing anthropological, archaeological, and visual arts collections, it’s easy to lose track of time as you immerse yourself in the stories of each display.

P.S. Admission is FREE!

Have little ones?Museo Pambata and the Mind Museum offer interactive activities for children and the young at heart with engaging sets to explore and public programs to enjoy.

Rates:

Museo Pambata: P450. Children 2 and under can enter free of charge | Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Mind Museum: P750 for All-Day Passes; Three-Hour visit time slots: P625. You can book your timeslots here. | Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

There are more scattered across the metro, each featuring their own specialty collections from priceless artefacts to art pieces. Speaking of art, check out our list of underrated art museums in Manila.

Go on a Weekend Excursion

If you’re looking for a city escape for the long weekends, just outside the metro you’ll find some of the most gorgeous beaches and nature parks.

Only an hour or two drive away, Tagaytay is one of the more popular day-trip destinations due to its slightly cooler climate and scenic views. Plan a picnic overlooking the Taal Lake at Picnic Grove; go on a ride or two at Sky Ranch Tagaytay amusement park; or treat the whole family to a luxurious weekend stay at TagaytayHighland’s ski resort-inspired cabins.

Rates:

Picnic Grove: P75 entrance fee. Cottage rentals can range from P150 to P600.

Sky Ranch Tagaytay: P100 entrance fee. Ride all-you-can passes are priced at P980. A discounted price can be booked via Klook.

Tagaytay Highlands: Prices range from P2,500 for a standard room to P20,500 for a 4-bedroom suite. For more details, click here.

For the adventurers and thrill-seekers, head over to Rizal where Mount Daraitan offers a challenging hiking trail with stunning views, and where Tinipak River boasts pristine waters surrounded by white marbled rocks, a popular hotspot for swimming and river rafting. There's an entrance fee priced at P20 and guided tours start from P500.

Check out other destinations here!

Try Glamping!

Can’t decide between outdoor and indoor activities? Why not book a glamping getaway and do both? Glamping combines the words “glamorous” and “camping” and describes an outdoor getaway that includes amenities one would usually find in a full-service hotel or resort. Families looking for a relaxing vacation while also expecting to get in touch with nature are sure to get the best of both worlds while glamping.

There are several glamping sites near the metro, specifically in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna Batangas, Rizal, and Zambales. One of which is The Park Silang, a resort that redefines glamping with their state-of-the-art tents and private jacuzzi pools. Nestled in a secluded area with open natural spaces, it provides the perfect calming environment to unplug and recharge. The site is located between Tagaytay and Laguna, making it only an hour away from the metro and close to other attractions for families to check out.

Oh, and did we mention they are also pet-friendly? Now, bringing your fur babies along sounds like a plan!

Glamping tents start at P8,525 per night with Standard Rooms at P2,100.

Set Up a Family Bake-Off!

Something sweet to add to the list, it’s always fun to learn something new. Baking is one of those activities that can be both fun and educational as it teaches you valuable skills such as learning to follow instructions and providing accurate ratios and measurements. It’s also a unique bonding opportunity that allows everyone to spend quality time together from measuring ingredients to decorating desserts.

You can totally DIY at home! But if you’re looking to make it an experience, Bakebe offers co-baking spaces and lessons through their innovative app for as low as P688. Tools and ingredients will be provided and all you need to do is bring the whole fam, get on the app, and bake your way to amazing treats!

Bakebe Manila is located on the 2nd level of SM Aura. You can book here or email at [email protected]. You can also call at +63 9369579045 / +639194551841 for booking and package inquiries.

Unleash Your Competitive Streak

Some friendly competition never hurt anyone. In fact, it’s a fun and healthy bonding experience that really gets your heart pumping and your mind working. And what better way to do that than to play games?

Super Park offers over 25 interactive activities and amenities across three zones for guests of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy. A fan of video games? The Game Arena has sports activities enhanced by digital technology. Looking to have some fun with the little ones? The Adventure Area offers a multi-story playground layered with obstacles and climbing structures. And let’s not forget the Freestyle Hall, a place where anyone can run around, jump on trampolines, and even do wall climbing!

1 Hour Weekend Day passes are priced at P500. They also offer a variety of ticket packages tailored for families. Super Park can be found in Eastwood Mall and Mckinley’s Venice Piazza. Get your tickets here.

Thrift 'til You Drop!

If there’s one thing Manila doesn’t lack, it’s places to shop. From huge shopping malls to classy shopping districts, you’ll find all you could ever want or need. But do you know what’s more fun than shopping?

It’s finding hidden treasures at thrift shops.

There are several stores scattered around the city for your thrifting pleasure. Take It’s Vintage located in Makati’s Legazpi village, selling a wide range of vintage apparel and accessories; or Allu and their selection of pre-loved designer items. There are also shopping malls considered to be a bargain hunter’s paradise such as the Makati Cinema Square along Chino Roces Ave. and Anonas Mall in Santa Mesa.

Click here for more thrifting spots in Manila!