With the busy lives we lead today, it sometimes becomes difficult to just chill and bond with the family. This calls for deliberate planning of family time. You could opt for a day at home trying out new recipes with the kids or fun DIY projects to exercise their creativity. If you’re more of an outdoorsy person or are looking for a different experience, we have just what the doctor ordered. Whether living in Kenya or you’re in Nairobi for a few days, check out these places for an epic family fun day out.
Karura Forest
Address: Entrances on Limuru Rd and Kiambu Rd
This is one of the most serene places right in the city. The fresh, cool forest air, tranquil atmosphere and alluring bird sounds make it a perfect choice for a day out. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the myriad of activities available: mountain biking, picnics, bird watching, jogging, horse riding, tennis or a simple walk through the nature trails. It’s also a dog-friendly area (just make sure your furry friend is on a leash). Opening hours are 6 am to 6 pm, affording you enough time to enjoy this amazing forest. Charges are as follows:
Use of the Picnic grounds (KFEET, Amani and Ruaka): 150/- adults, 100/- children (ages 4-12).
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
Address: KWS Central Workshop Gate, off, Magadi Rd, Nairobi
Cute baby elephants are waiting for you to hang out with them at this facility, that was established to rescue and raise elephants orphaned by poaching. It is open to the public for one hour every day (11 am to noon) when the little ones come out for their mud bath and feeding. Grab a souvenir at the gift shop or even better, sign up to foster one of the elephants and help this great cause. Entrance fee is 500/- for ages 4 and up.
Nairobi National Museum
Address: Professor Wangari Maathai Rd (formerly Forest Rd)
This museum has a host of all sorts of treasures: from Early Man era exhibits, bird taxidermy displays and occasional art exhibitions. Various shopping and dining facilities await, as well as serene botanical gardens when you want to kick back in a serene environment. In addition, Nature Kenya offers bird watching every Wednesday morning and participants get to visit various sites around Nairobi. Cost is 200/- for non-members, free for members. Museum entry charges are: Kenyan adults 100/-, children 200/-. East African resident adults 600/-, children 400/-. Adult visitors from outside East Africa 1,200/-, and children 600/-.
The museum is open on all 356 days throughout the year from 8:30 am -5:300 pm.
Oloolua Forest
Address: At the end of Karen Road, Karen
If you fancy a day away from the city, this indigenous tropical forest is the place for you. There are winding nature trails, picnic sites and a scenic waterfall to whet the appetite of any nature lover. A wide variety of bird and butterfly species are in plenty to welcome visitors and regulars alike. If you’re really attentive, you may even spot a Suni or two! Gates are open daily from 9 am to 6 pm. Entry fees: Citizen adults 200/-, children 100/-. Resident adults 400/-, children 200/-. Non- resident adults 600/-, children 300/-.
With all these wonderful locations available, consider taking some time to enjoy a day out with the family. You’ll be surprised just how much this country has to offer!
