Nairobi is Kenya's vibrant capital city and a major hub for East Africa, blending modern skyscrapers with abundant wildlife right at the city's edge. It is the only city in the world with a national park within its boundaries, where lions and giraffes roam against a backdrop of the urban skyline. Known as the 'Green City in the Sun,' Nairobi offers world-class dining, diverse culture, and serves as the gateway to Kenya's legendary safari destinations.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Giraffe Centre Feeding
Hand-feed endangered Rothschild's giraffes from an elevated wooden platform — the highlight of any Nairobi family visit. Educational and wonderfully interactive for all ages.
Duration: 1-2 hours
David Sheldrick Elephant Nursery
Watch orphaned baby elephants being bottle-fed and playing in the mud during the daily 11 AM public visiting hour. One of the most emotionally engaging wildlife experiences in Africa.
Duration: 1 hour
Nairobi National Park Game Drive
A safari game drive within 7km of the city centre, spotting lions, giraffes, zebras and rhinos in the wild. An unforgettable experience for children of all ages.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Nairobi Mamba Village
Africa's largest crocodile farm with 10,000 crocodiles, plus ostriches, camels and a fun lakeside restaurant. The feeding time at 5 PM is particularly thrilling for older children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Bomas of Kenya Performance
Traditional dances, acrobatics and music from Kenya's 42 ethnic groups in an outdoor amphitheatre. The energetic performances and colourful costumes captivate children of all ages.
Duration: 2 hours
Karura Forest Cycling
Cycle through the peaceful urban forest trails at Karura Forest, discovering waterfalls, caves and abundant birdlife. Bicycle hire is available at the main entrance gate.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Village Market Water Park
A fun water park and play area at Village Market in Gigiri, with water slides, a splash pool and play equipment set in the open-air mall complex.
Duration: Half day
Nairobi National Museum & Snake Park
The national museum's snake park and nature trail are particularly popular with curious children. The live snake collection and the 'Origin of Mankind' exhibit fascinate older children.
Duration: 2-3 hours
IMAX Cinema at Two Rivers Mall
East Africa's first IMAX cinema showing the latest international releases in exceptional picture and sound quality — a great option for an evening or rainy day.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ngong Hills Hike
A rewarding family hike to the Ngong Hills ridge with panoramic views over Nairobi and the Rift Valley. Suitable for fit teenagers and active adults; not recommended for young children.
Duration: 5-6 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
The Hemingways Nairobi
Nairobi's finest boutique luxury hotel in Karen with a beautiful pool, lush gardens and impeccable service
Family features: Large suites, outdoor pool, children's menu, babysitting service, beautiful Karen garden setting
The Boma Hotel
Award-winning hotel near the airport with a large outdoor pool, multiple dining options and excellent service
Family features: Family rooms, outdoor pool complex, kids buffet options, airport shuttle, secure parking
Ole-Sereni Hotel
Hotel overlooking Nairobi National Park — children can watch wildlife from the poolside terrace
Family features: Wildlife-facing terrace, pool, family rooms, excellent breakfast, safari day trip packages
Wildebeest Eco Camp
Budget-friendly eco-camp in a garden setting with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent safari booking assistance
Family features: Various room types, garden setting, communal dining, budget family rooms
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Java House is the most reliable family dining option with multiple locations, children's menus and high chairs
Most Nairobi restaurants welcome children warmly — Kenyans love children
High chairs are available at most upscale and mid-range restaurants; ask when booking
Children's meals at local restaurants typically $4-8; portions are usually large and shareable
Village Market and Two Rivers Mall have the best family food court options with wide variety
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Visit the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Trust on the same morning — they are close to each other in Karen/Langata
Book the David Sheldrick Trust elephant visiting hour online well in advance — it fills up fast
Nairobi's altitude (1,795m) means even a mild cold can feel more intense — carry children's medication
Gertrude's Children's Hospital on Muthaiga Road is the best children's medical facility in Nairobi
Use Uber or Bolt with child booster seats (request via the app's extras option) for safe transport