A family outing is a good way to bond and create new memories. Some families enjoy lazing in a serene environment while others engage in outdoor leisure activities. Luckily, there are plenty of things to do in Mombasa with kids. Picture your children building sand castles at Pirates Beach, eating Swahili food at a local restaurant, or playing in an indoor recreation ground. Keep reading to learn about the best places to visit in Mombasa with kids.
1. Wild Waters
Prepare for a fun-filled day at Wild Waters. This waterpark is for children of all ages. Thrill lovers can take on the water slides. The lazy river is for those who want to slow it down in a spot with slow-moving waters. Wild Waters has a shallow kids’ pool perfect for kids who don’t know how to swim. Your kids can also entertain themselves using the in-house PlayStations. Check out their Wild Waters Mombasa entrance fee here.
2. Haller Park
Let your kids connect with nature at Haller Park. Once a limestone quarry, this park is ideal for an educative outing for kids. Visit the attraction to see giraffes, hippos, snakes, monkeys, and other wild animals. You can also take pictures beside friendly tortoises. Watching crocodiles being fed is fun and a popular activity in the park.
3. Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach (Pirates Beach)
Jomo Kenyatta Public Beach or Pirates Beach is among the free places to visit in Mombasa with kids. It is one of the most sought-after beaches in Mombasa. Locals and international tourists who throng the beach swim, build sand castles, laze in the white sand, and enjoy boat rides. The facility has ample parking space and vendors who sell snacks, water, and swimming costumes. Note that this beach gets crowded during the festive season.
4. Mama Ngina Waterfront
Renovated in 2019, this waterfront park is a good place to unwind with kids. Some popular activities carried out by children include horse and camel riding, cycling, skating, and driving small electric cars. While the kids play, you can admire the Indian Ocean and the ships passing by. That aside, the local vendors sell coconut water (madafu), ice cream, and crisps.
5. Mamba Village
Located along Links Road, Nyali, Mamba Village is a popular family destination in Mombasa. This facility has slides, merry-go-round, bouncy castles, and bumper cars where kids enjoy creating fun memories. Aside from that, you can see crocodiles sunbathing and being fed by their caregivers. If you’re brave enough, take pictures holding a baby crocodile.
6. Mombasa Go-Kart and Adventure Park
Mombasa Go-Kart and Adventure Park is a one-stop shop for family entertainment. Visit this establishment for thrilling kart racing, zip lining, and paintballing games. The little ones can perfect their shooting skills in the mini golf field or bowling alley. Also, this park has a family-friendly restaurant selling nyama choma, chips, and pizza.
7. Nyali Cinemax
Nyali Cinemax is ideal for kids who love watching movies. It’s the most popular movie theatre in Mombasa. Check out their weekly movie schedule to know when family or kid-friendly are available. Besides screening the latest movies, Nyali Cinemax has wide screens and comfortable seats. Popcorn and soft drinks are available too.
8. Char-Choma Restaurant
Visit Char-Choma Restaurant for tasty food in a beachfront setting. You will dine in one of the best family-friendly restaurants in Mombasa. The eatery is popular for serving freshly grilled meats. Ice cream, coffee, and sodas are also on sale. Further, kids’ activities like playing in the sand and sliding are free on the playground. The outdoor pool also attracts children.
9. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary
Here’s your chance to bond with family in a small nature sanctuary. Some visitors come to this tourist to have a picnic with their family. There are shaded huts and picnic tables where you can share a meal. You will see birds and animals, such as giraffes ostriches, and tortoises roaming. Plus, the sanctuary’s guides are useful in explaining about the establishment and its inhabitants.
Nguuni Nature Sanctuary entrance fee: Adult resident: Kshs 400; Children: Kshs 150. Adult non-resident: Kshs 1,000; Child non-resident: Kshs 600.
10. Nyali Centre
Nyali Centre boasts over 330,000 sq. ft. of retail, entertainment, dining, and banking space. It is a popular landmark in Nyali and a leading shopping destination in Mombasa. If you love shopping or would love to buy your kids something nice, this is the place to be. Some popular outlets in the establishment include Naivas Supermarket, Java House, and Snack Attack. The mall is along the Mombasa-Malindi Highways and has ample parking area.
11. Play On, Mombasa Mall
This indoor playground is where your little one can create memories in the heart of Mombasa Central Business District (CBD). Children visiting this facility can make the most of the trampoline, swings, softballs, basketball court, and karting track. Play On is on the 2nd floor of Mombasa Mall (Mwembe Tayari).
12. PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa
Consider PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort & Spa one of the best kid-friendly hotels in Mombasa. First, it has a kids club for children aged 5-12 where the young can play with toys. The Aqua Park has slides and lures many fun-loving kids. For those who’d love to play in the water, PrideInn is next to a clean beach and has a child-friendly swimming pool. Lastly, Palm Restaurant, one of the in-house eateries, serves tasty children’s meals.
Fun things to do in Mombasa with kids
Mombasa welcomes millions of tourists annually. Among the tourists are children who want to have a good time with their parents. The city has many places to visit in Mombasa with kids and family, from parks to shopping malls. We hope the list above helps you create beautiful memories in Kenya’s second-biggest city.