10 Incredible Things to Do in Kenya With Children

Kenya is a place where safari dreams come true — a land of lions and elephants, wide-open plains, warm welcomes, and unforgettable adventures. Whether you're exploring the wild together or discovering vibrant local cultures, Kenya offers families a rich blend of wildlife, education, and genuine connection.

Here are our top 10 things to do in Kenya with children for an extraordinary family holiday:

1. Go on a Family Safari in the Maasai Mara

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of a real-life safari. The Maasai Mara offers some of the most iconic wildlife experiences on the continent. Think: lions lounging under acacia trees, elephants parading across the plains, and giraffes gently grazing at sunset. Many luxury lodges here offer family chalets, child-focused rangers, and interactive bush walks for children. Some even include junior ranger programmes and animal tracking activities to make the safari educational and fun.

2. Visit Orphaned Elephants at Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

This world-renowned elephant orphanage is a heartwarming way to start or end your Kenyan adventure. Children can watch the baby elephants being bottle-fed, splashing about in mud puddles, and playing together. It’s a gentle introduction to conservation and a powerful way to inspire care for the natural world.

3. Hand-Feed Giraffes at the Giraffe Centre

Located in Nairobi, this experience is fun, up-close, and unforgettable. From a raised platform, children can feed and interact with endangered Rothschild giraffes—an exciting way to combine education and entertainment.

4. Take a Boat Safari on Lake Naivasha

Swap game drives for boat rides as you spot hippos bobbing in the water and colourful birdlife overhead. Families can also walk freely among zebras, giraffes, and wildebeest on nearby Crescent Island—no predators, just pure wonder.

5. Explore Hell’s Gate National Park by Bike or Foot

Unlike most national parks in Kenya, Hell’s Gate allows visitors to explore on two wheels or by foot. Teenagers in particular will love the freedom of biking through dramatic canyons and lava-carved gorges, while spotting animals along the way. It’s active, exciting, and incredibly scenic.

6. Relax and Play on the White Sands of Diani Beach

After the wilds of safari, Kenya’s coast is the ultimate wind-down. Diani Beach is a tropical dream—powdery white sand, warm turquoise waters, and swaying palms. Luxury family resorts here often include private villas, children’s menus, and supervised children’s programmes. You can enjoy everything from sandcastle building and swimming in safe shallows to snorkelling trips, glass-bottom boats, and even dolphin-watching excursions.

7. Discover Mount Kenya and the Surrounding Highlands

For families who love nature and gentle adventure, the Mount Kenya region offers cool mountain air, forest walks, and breathtaking scenery. You don’t need to summit the peaks to enjoy it—you can explore on guided hikes, spot colobus monkeys in the trees, picnic by waterfalls, and visit local farms or coffee estates. It’s peaceful, lush, and a unique contrast to the savannah.

8. Immerse Yourself in Maasai Culture

A visit to a traditional Maasai village is an experience that stays with children long after the trip ends. Families are welcomed with vibrant dancing, have the chance to try traditional beadwork, and learn how the Maasai live in harmony with nature. Some luxury lodges even offer cultural immersion days, where children can learn how to throw a spear or listen to stories by the campfire under the stars.

9. Snorkel or Dive in Watamu Marine National Park

Kenya’s coastline isn’t just about the beach—it’s a gateway to thriving marine life. Watamu Marine Park is ideal for families, with calm, clear waters and colourful coral reefs perfect for snorkelling. Here you can spot tropical fish, turtles, and even whale sharks in season. Many luxury beach lodges offer guided excursions and eco-educational marine talks, blending fun with learning.

10. Explore Nairobi’s Family-Friendly Attractions

Before or after a safari, Nairobi offers enriching city-based experiences. Families can adopt and visit an elephant at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, feed giraffes, explore the Karen Blixen Museum, or visit the Nairobi National Museum. For curious little explorers, the Nairobi Railway Museum is a hit, and the city’s thriving food markets and artisan shops offer a taste of modern Kenyan culture.

We love nothing more than talking about family holidays, so if you would like to know more about any of these destinations please call us on 0118 3360363 or get in touch through our contact us page.

For more inspiration you can visit our Destination pages or read some more of our blogs.

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