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Kenya is a country like no other country on the planet. But, it is one country which is definitely the best place to go on a vacation with your family. And like Dom Torretto says, ‘there is nothing more important than family’. The country sets itself on a whole different level when it comes to being known as a family-friendly destination. Kenya has been at the forefront of revolutionizing eco-tourism. That makes Kenya an all the more important destination for family vacations. As it educates the young travellers on the benefits of ecotourism. And what better way of educating your kids about the conservation of the environment than while adding some family fun in the mix. Below is a list of the top 10 places to visit in Kenya with family members.
Best Places To Visit In Kenya With Family
1. Malindi Marine National Park
The park is in a beautiful destination within the Malindi-Watamu biosphere, that spreads across an area of 6 Km². The location also has a coastline that makes the destination a perfect spot for family picnics on the beach. The area is known for several of its kid-friendly activities like glass-bottom boat rides, scuba diving lessons and trips, snorkelling and several more exciting activities.
Entry fee: $ 15
Location: Marine park Rd Casuarina Road, Kenya
Timings: 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM (for tours and excursions)
Best time to visit: All year round
Pro tip: Take a boat ride to one of the few diving spots during low tides for a better snorkelling experience
2. Watamu Marine National Reserve
It is another popular and well-known reserve that lies on the Malindi-Watamu biosphere reserve. But unlike Malindi, Watamu Marine National Reserve concentrates highly on educating its visitors on the rich and diverse fauna that the region has to offer. And how conservation efforts of the fauna and the habitat are beneficial for the fauna and the habitat as a whole.
Entry fee: $ 15
Location: Watamu, North, Kenya
Timings: 06:00 AM – 06:00 PM (tours and excursions)
Best time to visit: July to October
Pro Tip: Do visit the Milda creek and the Watamu beach for a unique experience of the reserve.
3. Fort Jesus
The city of Mombasa is a popular tourist attraction in Kenya that attracts a number of visitors every year. One of the best destinations in Mombasa is the location known as Fort Jesus. And is a must-visit spot for educating and showing the young ones, the mistakes humanity made in the past. And how never to repeat or even think of anything remotely doing anything of this sort in their future. The fort is home to one of the most dreadful histories of the developing human civilization, which was the slave trade. From the fort, one may even catch glimpses of the horizon hovering over the Indian ocean.
Entry fee: $ 11
Location: Nkrumah Road, near old port, Mombasa, Kenya
Timings: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Best time to visit: All year round
Pro tip: The best time to avoid the crowd and heat is the morning time of 08:00 AM to 10:00 AM
4. Old Town
While in Mombasa do go on an exploration trip through the alleys and streets of Mombasa. The history lesson in Mombasa would remain incomplete if these alleyways are left a mystery. It is here that one can witness a culture that is a perfect blend of ancient Arabic and Swahili. The harmonious blend is visible in the paintings that don the walls of the streets. And in the distinct architecture found in the Old Town of Mombasa.
Entry fee: $ 15
Location: Old Town, Mombasa, Kenya
Timings: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Best time to visit: July to September
Pro tip: Make sure to visit the white sandy beaches of the town.
5. Mawingu Estate
Set in the outskirts of Nairobi and Nanyuki is a popular estate known as the Mawingu Estate. The location of the estate makes it a must-visit, as the property is way away from any kind of city noise. Making a day spent at the estate worth the time spent. The estate also offers several activities that are made especially keeping the kids in mind. The young ones can take part in the daily chores of the estate or take up the task of feeding the animals in the nearby animal shed. Activities like horseback riding and family picnics are also available.
Entry fee: N/A
Location: 10 Km from Nanyuki town, Kenya
Timings: 24×7
Best time to visit: July to October
Pro tip: Book your estate home well in advance, as the demand is much higher than the number of houses in the estate.
6. Solio Ranch Conservancy
It is a popular destination among families visiting the wilderness of Kenya. The conservancy is in the Nyeri region of Kenya between Mt. Kenya and the Aberdare mountain ranges. The park offers various activities for different age groups. From game tracking classes for the young to survival lessons for the adults. The conservancy also teaches Massai style bread making and is always ready to take care of kids. To give the parents some free time to themselves.
Entry fee: $ 80
Location: Solio Ranch, Nyeri, Kenya
Timings: 24×7
Best time to visit: January to March
Pro tip: Book a guide for an in-depth dive into the facts about the reserve and some interesting tales of the region.
7. Carnivore
This is one location that is a unique experience for mum’s and dad’s and their friends. Carnivore is a one of a kind restaurant in all of Kenya, that gathers a lot of domestic and international crowd. The restaurant is known for its game meat and some well crafted local beers. The kids can hang around in the kid’s area of the restaurant which is quite big compared to the restaurant.
Entry fee: $ 40 (per person)
Location: Langata Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 12:00 PM – 08:30 PM
Best time to visit: October to June
Pro tip: Do visit the go-karting arena next to the restaurant for a fun-filled activity.
8. Panari Sky Centre
It is one of the popular sites that tour operators often advise travelling families to visit. For the sole reason of having the chance of boasting about achieving the task of ice skating on the equator. The facility not only offers an ice skating rink but also lodging facilities. They even have instructors if you or your kids have never been to an ice rink before.
Entry fee: $ 10 (adult)
Location: Mombasa Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Best time to visit: October to June
Pro tip: Do try out the spa and the Italian restaurant that are available at the Panari Sky Centre.
9. Village Market
The market is a first of its kind kid-friendly mall in Kenya. The mall is perfect for people of all ages, especially kids. Village Market is a premium shopping mall in Kenya and also a beautiful spot to spend your afternoons. The mall is home to an extensive outdoor food court, a movie theatre, a water slide and even an arcade. It is a one shop stop for all your shopping and relaxing needs.
Entry fee: N/A
Location: Village Market, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 08:30 AM – 10:00 PM (visit around 5 PM for a unique experience)
Best time to visit: October to June
Pro tip: Do try out a game at the only bowling alley in entire Kenya.
10. Paintball Fury Limited
If you are tire of relaxing and wish to step up the game or make the vacation a bit more interesting. Then Paintball Fury Limited is the best place to visit for an adrenaline-pumping experience. The venue is spread over a huge area and offers close to 4 different venues to choose from for a 90-minute experience at the most exciting spots in Kenya. Making the destination a must-visit family destination.
Entry fee: $ 15
Location: The Waterfront, Nairobi, Kenya
Timings: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM
Best time to visit: October to June
Pro tip: Do explore the Waterfront Karen for more exciting activities and restaurants.
