Our Family Trip to Baguio: A Memorable Getaway with the Kids

Finally, this year is different. We are not tied with work during the holidays. We decided to take a much-needed family trip to Baguio with our three kids on the first day of their school break, and what a memorable adventure it turned out to be! From iconic landmarks to our favorite thing to explore - delicious food.

The kids did not fail to make our blood pressure to go up, both me and my husband, you know the scenario, you plan to this but they wanted to do something else! But still, our three days in the City of Pines were filled with fun and unforgettable experiences.

Before the Trip: A Visit to Manaoag Church

Before heading to Baguio, we made a meaningful stop at the Manaoag Church in Pangasinan. It was a peaceful moment for our family, and we took time to pray and give thanks for the journey ahead. We lighted our candles and had a filling breakfast, and it felt like the perfect way to start our adventure.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Burnham Park

We checked into Venus Park Hotel, where we stayed for two nights and three days. The hotel was cozy and family-friendly, giving us a great starting point for our adventure.

We think we hit the perfect date to visit Baguio because it wasn’t congested with tourists or vehicles. The streets were peaceful, and the weather was absolutely perfect—cool, crisp, and exactly what you’d hope for in the City of Pines.

To kill time before the check-in time, kids played in the Burhham Park's playground which is just across the street from our hotel.

After settling in, we headed to Jaime’s Chimichanga, a Mexican restaurant, for lunch. The food was amazing, and the kids loved the vibrant atmosphere. Later that evening, we met up with our friend Thaddy and dined at Canto, where we enjoyed another round of great food. The restaurant was full of poinsettia plants and made it very festive, you can really feel the Christmas vibes. It was the perfect way to end our first day.

With our friend Thaddy at Canto Restaurant.

Day 2: Parks, Horses, and Local Finds

Our second day was packed with activities! We started with a stroll at Wright Park and visited The Mansion, where the kids enjoyed exploring and snapping photos. We even climbed the stairs at Wright Park—and let me tell you, it was so tiring! We had to sit for a while to catch our breath before continuing our walk. It was a funny and memorable moment for all of us.

My eldest couldn’t resist the mini stores nearby and picked out a wooden calendar as a keepsake. Meanwhile, our middle child discovered his love for strawberry taho (a must-try in Baguio!), and our youngest had the time of his life dressing up in an Igorot costume and going horseback riding with his papa.

Teo wanting me to order the Igorot costume from Shopee.

For lunch, we headed to Amare’s, indulging in ribs, truffle pasta, and ice cream. Every dish was delicious, and the kids couldn’t get enough of the dessert.

As the evening approached, we headed to Burnham Lagoon and decided to ride the rowboats. The kids talked about the different designs of the boats in the lagoon. Ours had a mermaid and the others have cartoon characters like Sponge Bob. It was such a simple yet fun activity that made the evening extra special.

Dinner that night was an adventure in itself. We walked 1.2km from Burnham Rose Garden to SM Baguio via Session Road. On the way, we noticed lines of people everywhere waiting for jeepneys as their ride home. It really showed how active and lively the city was, even at night. We dined at a Japanese restaurant with a terrace overlooking the night sky and the sparkling city lights of Baguio.

Day 3: Fresh Finds and Farewell to Baguio

On our final day, we ventured to La Trinidad Trading Post to buy fresh vegetables. The prices were unbelievably affordable, much cheaper than what we’re used to at home! We grabbed kilos of veggies to share with family and friends. Next, we visited the Strawberry Farm, where we bought strawberries at a fraction of the cost compared to markets back home. The kids loved seeing the farm and learning about how strawberries are grown.

For snacks, we treated ourselves to fishballs, squid calamares, kwek-kwek, and tanghulu for dessert. It was the perfect way to cap off our trip’s culinary adventure.

Shine Muscat Grapes and Strawberry Tanghulu, from the Strawberry Farm

The Journey Home

The drive home was peaceful and dreamlike. As we descended from Baguio, the fog along MacArthur Highway made the journey feel almost magical. The sun greeted us as we left the city, and we made a quick stop at SCTEX McDonald’sfor one last meal before heading home.

The foggy drive home.

By the time we arrived, everyone was tired but happy. The kids couldn’t stop talking about their favorite parts of the trip—the playground at Burnham Park, horseback riding, and of course, all the delicious food. We missed our home, but this trip left us with so many beautiful memories to cherish.

Our Baguio trip was a perfect blend of family bonding, fun, and relaxation. From iconic landmarks to local delicacies, every moment felt special. If you’re planning a family getaway, I highly recommend visiting Baguio. There’s something magical about its cool weather, welcoming vibe, and unforgettable experiences.

Here’s to more family adventures in the future! 💖