Schools have closed and the kids will be home for a good two months. Apart from cartoons, movies, and video games, most parents have no clue on how to keep their kids busy over the holiday. There are plenty of places to visit and activities to do for the youngins. Here are a few that you as a parent could also take part in.
20 Best Things To Do With Kids In Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi is, no doubt, one of Africa’s most popular cities,
and with good reason. If you’ve heard of Kenya’s capital, then you probably
know that it’s the only capital city in the world that boasts a national park.
However, this shouldn’t be what defines Nairobi; it should be its buoyant
people and their welcoming nature. When you do visit, whether you’re alone or
with the family, there are certainly lots of places for you to explore and
things to do. Different types of accommodations like hotels and Airbnb rentals are pretty easy to get by as
well. From going on a safari at Nairobi National Park to trying out the local
cuisines, an enchanting experience is on the cards for you. So if your family
vacation is in Kenya, read this article to find out about the best things to do
with kids in Nairobi.
1.
Spend a day at Giraffe Center (from KES 9,961)
No surprises here: this spot is all giraffes all the time,
but it never gets old no matter how many times you visit. If your kids have
always wondered exactly how tall giraffes are, then they can finally put that
issue to rest. Visitors get to feed these friendly creatures and take advantage
of the rare opportunity to take photos with the world’s tallest animal.
However, it’s not all fun and games as the center’s main mission is to educate
visitors on the country’s wildlife conservation efforts, so make sure you peel
your kids away from the giraffes and drag them to the demonstration projects
on-site. By the end of your visit, you’ll understand why Rothschild giraffes
are endangered and why this center is playing a huge role in keeping the
species alive.
2. Hang out at Mamba Village
Nairobi is animals galore—from giraffes to crocodiles. The
word “mamba” is Swahili for crocodile, an apt name for this little village in
Nairobi’s Karen suburb. Though their real estate is by no means large, they
have made good use of their space to offer activities that should keep the kids
occupied throughout the day. Sure, the crocodiles are what bring visitors, but
it’s the restaurant’s good food, the artificial lake and the kids’ rides that
keep them. You can actually take a short boat ride on the lake or even ride a
camel or a horse, because why not!
3. Have fun at Nairobi Lunar Park
Lunar Park is where Nairobians converge on weekends, to blow
off steam with their family. You can also join in the fun at one of the city’s
biggest theme parks. It’s found on the fringes of the CBD, so you can’t miss it
if you’re in the city center. Several rides define Lunar Park: a Ferris wheel,
a merry-go-round, bumper cars and boat rides. There’s no doubt that kids get to
have lots of fun, but the downside is that it’s likely to get really crowded on
weekends or holidays. If you’re averse to the multitudes, then maybe come on a
weekday.
4. Experience the thrill of GP Karting
If adrenaline is something you can’t get enough of, then you
can have your daily dose at Nairobi’s GP Karting. This sport that’s a common
pastime in Western countries is still relatively new in Kenya, so this center
found just outside Nairobi’s CBD is one of a handful in the country. Don’t get
me wrong though. The people at GP Karting know what they’re doing and are
slowly but surely gaining popularity in the city. Come and experience their
take on this thrilling activity. You can even sign yourself up for a racing
event if you feel up to it.
5. Cool off at Splash Waterworld
A day out with the kids might feel a bit bland without some
fun in the water. So head to Splash Waterworld, one of Nairobi’s oldest
waterparks. Since they’ve been around for a while, their facilities can seem
outdated. However, what they lack in towering waterslides, they more than make
up for with great food at their on-site restaurant. So don’t expect a
mind-blowing water experience, but come here for the food alongside a bit of a
swim and an overall fun family outing. If you’re hell-bent on an unforgettable
water experience, check out Maji Magic Aquapark in number 10 below.
6. Go ice skating at Panari Sky Centre
It turns out a predominantly hot country like Kenya can also
have its very own ice-skating rink. The one at Panari Sky Centre just so
happens to be the only one, not just in the country, not just in East Africa,
but also in Central Africa. For those who enjoy ice skating or those who would
like to experience this one-of-a-kind rink, then clear your schedule for a
whole afternoon. The rink is spacious enough for up to 200 skaters, a good
thing because this has become a very popular spot. However, if you’re not a fan
of crowded places, come on a weekday.
7. Try out bowling at The Village Bowl
Gather your family and drive to The Village Market, found in
Gigiri, a leafy suburb located a few minutes outside Nairobi’s city center
(unless there’s traffic, which there normally is). The Village Bowl just so
happens to be the only bowling alley in Kenya, understandably because this is
still a growing trend. The alley is spacious and modern, the decor is beautiful
and the atmosphere is electric. Incidentally, since this is a very popular
joint, you might have to wait for one or two hours before getting a chance to
play, more so if you visit on a weekend.
8.
Tour Brown's Cheese Factory and Farm (from KES 19,156)
Ever wondered how cheese is made? Let your Nairobi trip be a
learning experience for yourself and, of course, your children, by visiting
Brown’s Cheese Factory. They’ve been in the cheese-making business for over
three decades now and so decided to open up their doors to visitors by offering
a tour of their facility. They certainly know how to take care of their guests.
A drink and snacks await you upon arrival before you’re taken around the
facility, where you’ll learn the process of cheese making. Then, and this is my
favorite part, you’ll get to taste different cheese varieties before lunch is
served at the tail end of your visit. They have a small farm where the kids can
run around and, perhaps, learn how to milk a cow!
9. Have a fun day at Maji Magic Aqua Park
Maji Magic is not your typical waterpark since their
facilities are entirely inflatable. However, they don’t offer mere
balloons—they have huge slides and trampolines, all floating on an artificial
lake. They also offer stand-up paddleboarding, and you can take this chance to
learn the sport if you’ve always wanted to. They have bumper boats to grant a
day of pure fun for the whole family. So if you’re looking to have fun on the
water, Maji Magic should be up to the task.
10. Experience the fun at Magic Planet - Two Rivers Mall
Drive outside the city center to Two Rivers Mall, a
monumental shopping complex with many things to buy that, in itself, is a fascinating
place to visit. However, for this piece, we’ll focus on Magic Planet, a vibrant
gaming arcade that is heaven on earth for kids, found within the mall. If
you’re a gamer yourself, you’ll definitely have fun alongside your children,
but if you don’t care for these pleasures, let your children loose in the
arcade and go sit at one of the restaurants next door. There are dozens of video
games and rides, and peeling your kids away from this spot at the end of the
day might be a bit of a challenge.
11. Enjoy a day at Paintball Fury
Form a team and head over to Paintball Fury for an
action-packed day of fun for the whole family. This lively spot is found in
Nairobi’s Karen neighborhood, about a half-hour drive from the city center.
Besides joining in team activities, you can also opt to simply go target
shooting to work on your aim and blow off some steam at the same time.
12. Chill out at Uhuru Park
If you’re looking for an unassuming place to visit, then head over to Uhuru Park, a popular public park within the city center. This is in no way a touristy spot, and you get an authentic feel of Nairobi’s culture. The park boasts a couple of activities that the kids might enjoy, which includes a boat ride on an artificial lake. During weekends, Nairobians flock to this park, partly because it’s so accessible and largely because it’s free. Give your children the opportunity to enjoy true Nairobi vibes by spending an afternoon at Uhuru Park.
13. Visit Maasai Ostrich Farm
Drive about an hour from the city center to the vibrant town
of Kitengela. From here, you’ll get to Maasai Ostrich Farm, named so because
it’s within Maasai land. If you’re familiar with this iconic Kenyan community,
then that’s reason enough to drive down to this location. However, it’s the
promise of spending a day among ostriches that’s appealing to most visitors,
feeding and petting them. The Maasai Ostrich Farm also has a restaurant and a
swimming pool, so you can make a day of it and enjoy the tranquility outside
the buoyant Nairobi city center. Ever wanted to ride an ostrich? You can also
experience this here.
14. Watch a 3D movie at an IMAX Cinema
Catch the latest Hollywood flick or a local production while
in Nairobi—and there’s no better place to do that than at an IMAX Cinema. Found
in several places in Nairobi, this global brand is synonymous with an immersive
movie-watching experience, and this reputation extends to Kenya’s capital. So
whether you’re a movie fan or you just want a break from all the touring, find
an IMAX in Nairobi (perhaps the one in the CBD) and enjoy a memorable 3D
experience.
15.
Tour Nairobi Snake Park (from KES 11,800)
This park is found within the same compound as Nairobi
National Museum, one of Nairobi’s top historical sites, where
you’d get to learn more about the country’s culture and history, so a visit to
both sites wouldn’t be a bad idea. As the name implies, it’s all about snakes
at Nairobi Snake Park, although there are a few crocodiles as well. You’ll be
able to learn a lot about the different snake species in the country and, if
you’re up for it, get a photo with a snake over your shoulder. If this makes
you squeamish (as it would), then just settle for viewing these creatures from
behind the glass.
16.
Visit the elephants at David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage (from KES 14,559)
When poachers have their way with the elephants in Kenya’s national parks, oftentimes they orphan some helpless elephant calves. David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage was founded to offer sanctuary to these orphaned calves and is at the forefront in the fight against poaching. The calves are cared for around the clock, nurtured to strength and, when they’re old enough, reintroduced to the wild. The orphanage opens its doors to the public for an hour each day, from 11am to 12pm, and you can come and watch them being bathed.
17. Attempt indoor rock climbing at Climb BlueSky
How about some physical activity? This is your chance to
experience rock climbing in a controlled space. Climb BlueSky is an indoor
rock-climbing gym with walls that are up to 6.5 meters (21.3 feet) high. If
you’re not an expert, you need not worry as there are routes for varying skill
levels, including ones for children. They also offer climbing classes and
family programs, and with their affordable daily rates, you can easily spend a
whole day here.
18. Ride The Eye of Kenya
Ever ridden the London Eye? Well, this one is a similar
concept—a Ferris wheel offering a panoramic view of the city. The Eye of Kenya
is the tallest of its kind in Africa, with a diameter of 55 meters (180 feet),
and it’s found at Two Rivers Mall (mentioned in number 11 above). There are 40
glass cabins on the Eye, and for close to 20 minutes, you’ll get to slowly
rotate as the city’s view gradually takes shape.
19. Visit
Nairobi Animal Orphanage (from KES 6,896)
The setting is reminiscent of the zoos in the West, and the
inmates are young animals rescued from the wild and brought here to be nurtured
to full health. Most often than not, the animals at Nairobi Animal Orphanage
have been through a traumatic experience; many of them have seen their parents
felled by the bullets of poachers. Now, their home just outside Nairobi CBD is
a wondrous tourist attraction, a place where your children (and you, of course)
will enjoy spending a morning or afternoon, or perhaps a whole day. You can
decide to adopt a cheetah cub or pet a fully grown one. However, the most
fascinating animal is the love child of a zebra and a donkey—a zedonk.
20.
Stroll through Nairobi Safari Walk (from KES 25,746)
Nairobi Safari Walk spans a section of the Nairobi National Park, consisting of a raised boardwalk that offers an elevated view of the park. This is basically a tour of the park for those in a hurry, and it’s a good place to visit with kids. The view from this boardwalk is phenomenal, allowing you to catch a glimpse of big cats as well as several cheeky monkeys.
Experience Nairobi’s allure
Nairobi has lots to offer its visitors and locals, allowing you to experience this bustling city’s allure. If you’re visiting with your kids, the comprehensive list above has enough to keep the young ones excited for the duration of your stay. So go ahead and start planning your trip to the capital and find out why it’s one of the top things Kenya is famous for.