For the kids · Nairobi, Kenya

14 Things to Do in Nairobi with Kids

Parks, zoos, hands-on museums and rides: the Nairobi the kids will actually remember.

Chosen by venue type (family-oriented categories), ordered by real review volume. Updated monthly.

  1. Giraffe Centre

    Park & nature

    The Giraffe Centre on the edge of Nairobi is a conservation project for the endangered Rothschild's giraffe, and an unforgettable chance to meet them face to face.

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  2. Carnivore (restaurant)

    Entertainment

    Carnivore is an iconic Nairobi restaurant famous for its nyama choma (barbecue) concept.

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  3. Karura Forest

    Park & nature

    Karura Forest is a lush 1,000-hectare urban forest located on Limuru Road in Nairobi, Kenya. It is a haven for nature lovers, offering a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.

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  4. Axis Africa Safaris

    Park & nature

    Axis Africa Safaris is a premier tour operator based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in tailor-made wildlife safaris.

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  5. Spirit of Kenya

    Park & nature

    Spirit of Kenya offers an authentic safari experience right from Nairobi, combining wildlife viewing with cultural insights.

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  6. Africa Flash McTours and Travel

    Park & nature

    Africa Flash McTours and Travel is a well-reviewed tour company based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in safaris and outdoor adventures.

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  7. Gamewatchers Safaris

    Park & nature

    Gamewatchers Safaris is a premier tour operator based in Nairobi, Kenya, specializing in immersive wildlife safaris and nature experiences.

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  8. Bountiful Safaris

    Park & nature

    Bountiful Safaris offers immersive wildlife experiences in and around Nairobi, Kenya. As a top-rated outdoor activity, they provide guided tours that take you into the heart of Kenya's natural landscapes, from savannahs to forests.

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  9. Nairobi Railway Museum

    Museum

    The Nairobi Railway Museum is a fascinating stop for train enthusiasts and history lovers, located near the city's central railway station.

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  10. Nairobi Arboretum

    Park & nature

    The Nairobi Arboretum is a serene escape from the city's hustle, established in 1907 as a research site for exotic and indigenous trees.

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  11. Bencia Africa Adventure & Safaris

    Park & nature

    Bencia Africa Adventure & Safaris is a tour operator based in Nairobi, offering a range of outdoor activities including safari trips to national parks like Nairobi National Park, Amboseli, and Maasai Mara.

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  12. Simba Paka Safaris

    Park & nature

    Simba Paka Safaris is a highly acclaimed tour operator based in Nairobi, specializing in custom safari experiences throughout Kenya.

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  13. Africa Safari Classics

    Park & nature

    Africa Safari Classics provides an authentic Kenyan safari experience without leaving Nairobi.

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  14. Heritage of African Jungles

    Park & nature

    Heritage of African Jungles is an indoor park and nature experience located in the heart of Nairobi, near the iconic Stanley Hotel.

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How we pick these

We keep only child-appropriate venue types — parks, zoos, hands-on museums, theme parks — then rank them by how many families actually review them well, out of the 88 Nairobi places we track. Refreshed monthly, with no paid placement.

Good to know

Best for

Most picks suit ages 2 to 10; a few also work for older kids and teens.

Beat the queues

Popular museums and parks in Nairobi are calmest right at opening or after 3pm.

Rainy-day backup

Keep one indoor pick in your back pocket in case the forecast turns.

Common questions

Is Nairobi good to visit with kids?+

Yes. Parks, boat rides and hands-on museums make it easy to break up sightseeing with things children enjoy, and every spot on this list is one families rate highly.

What can you do for free with kids in Nairobi?+

Plenty of parks and playgrounds cost nothing. See our free things to do in Nairobi for the full set.

How many days do you need in Nairobi with children?+

Two to three days is enough to cover the highlights at a relaxed, kid-friendly pace.

Grown-up hours? Best things to do in Nairobi · hidden gems · build a family itinerary

Rather have a human do the planning? A Local Friend can build this day for you, at local prices.