Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) is a West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, known for the skyscraper skyline of Abidjan, the vast man-made basilica of Yamoussoukro, the colonial-era beach town of Grand-Bassam, and a coastline of lagoons and palm-lined beaches stretching from Ghana to Liberia. It is the world's largest cocoa producer and West Africa's economic engine, blending a modern commercial capital with rainforest national parks, Sahelian towns in the north, and dozens of distinct ethnic cultures.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Grand-Bassam Old Colonial Quarter & Beach
Ivory Coast's UNESCO-listed first colonial capital combines a walkable historic quarter, craft markets, and a long sandy beach - an easy, low-cost family day trip from Abidjan
Duration: Half to full day
Abidjan Zoo (Parc Zoologique d'Abidjan)
A modest municipal zoo in the Abobo district with West African wildlife including chimpanzees and big cats; basic facilities but a manageable outing for younger children
Duration: 2-3 hours
Basilica of Our Lady of Peace, Yamoussoukro
The world's largest church by area is an unforgettable sight for children of any age, with a vast dome, marble interior, and sweeping plaza to explore
Duration: 1-2 hours
Banco National Park
A patch of primary rainforest inside Abidjan's city limits with short, manageable trails, streams, and birdlife - a rare green escape for families based in the capital
Duration: Half day
Assinie Lagoon Boat Trips
Calm lagoon waters near Assinie are ideal for gentle boat rides and canoe trips, with beach time and simple lagoon-side restaurants nearby
Duration: Half day
Lac aux Caimans (Crocodile Lake), Yamoussoukro
A lake near the presidential palace where large sacred crocodiles are fed by a caretaker, a memorable and slightly thrilling sight for children watched from a safe distance
Duration: 30-45 minutes
Marche des Arts and craft markets, Abidjan
Colorful stalls of masks, fabric, and wood carvings in Abidjan's craft markets make an engaging browsing stop, with vendors often happy to demonstrate carving or weaving techniques to curious children
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire
A large, well-established international hotel in Cocody with pools, gardens, and space for children to move around, overlooking the Ebrie Lagoon
Family features: Swimming pools, spacious grounds, family rooms, multiple restaurants, central Cocody location
Etoile du Sud (Grand-Bassam)
A beachfront hotel near Grand-Bassam's old quarter with direct beach access, a relaxed base for a family day or overnight trip from Abidjan
Family features: Beachfront location, pool, family rooms, walking distance to the historic quarter
Guesthouses and beach lodges near Assinie
Lagoon-side and beachfront guesthouses near Assinie offer calmer water than the open-ocean beaches, appealing to families with younger children
Family features: Calm lagoon swimming, outdoor space, some with pools, boat trip access
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Alloco (fried plantain) and grilled chicken are mild, inexpensive dishes most children take to quickly
Attieke (fermented cassava couscous) with grilled fish is a filling, kid-friendly local staple available almost everywhere
Maquis restaurants are informal and welcoming to families, though seating is often outdoors and can be busy in the evenings
Fresh fruit - mango, pineapple, banana, papaya - is cheap, plentiful, and an easy snack for children throughout the day
International hotel restaurants in Abidjan (Cocody, Plateau) offer familiar options for children hesitant about spicier local dishes
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.