It’s early November, and the kids are back home for the holidays! What a wonderful opportunity to bond, have fun, and explore new activities together. Whether you live in Nairobi or planning a visit, you’re probably looking for ways to keep the little ones entertained without breaking the bank.
This article is just for you!
We’ve put together a list of budget and family-friendly activities that will help you and your family make the most of the school holidays in Nairobi.
A Visit to the Nairobi Railway Museum
Did you know that the invention of the steam engine train inevitably led to the standardization of time zones? Yes. Before trains, each town (and country) used its own local time based on the position of the sun.
However, train scheduling proved difficult, resulting in missed connections and numerous collisions. In 1883, ‘railroad time’ led to the establishment of standardized time zones, with a system that eventually became the global standard we use today.
The Nairobi Railway Museum is located next to TUK (formerly Kenya Polytechnic) just about 1.7 km from the Nairobi CBD. The museum is packed with vintage trains, carriages, and incredible resources on Kenya’s railway history, so you will get a peek into what travel looked like in the past. And it goes without saying that your kids will really love climbing aboard all the old trains.
KICC Rooftop: for a bird’s eye view of the city
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, you should make your way to the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC), and head up to the rooftop. This spot gives you one of the best views of Nairobi, with the city stretching out beneath you and the Ngong Hills off in the distance. It’s especially a favourite for photographers looking for some breathtaking shots.
Pro tip: For the best experience, try visiting around sunset when the sun hits just right and the whole city seems to glow. Bring a camera, and remind your kiddos to carry binoculars for that closer look. Who knows, you might just inspire your little one’s journey into the beautiful world of photography!
Bottle Painting at The Waterfront Karen
For something hands-on and a bit different, try bottle painting at The Waterfront Karen. This is a relaxing, creative activity that’s fun for all ages, and you get to bring home your painted bottle as a memento.
With your kids, you could create patterns, paint scenes, or add splashes of colour to bottles, a unique chance to let their creativity and yours shine.
The Waterfront Karen is a great place to spend an afternoon and bottle painting is an excellent way to bond with your children over art, and end up with colourful keepsakes from your holiday in Nairobi.
A few pointers…
- The Railway Museum and KICC charge an entry fee of Kes. 200 for adults and Kes. 100 for children. Entry to the bottle painting studio at Waterfront Karen is free.
- All payments to public institutions are now done on the e-citizen platform, so please ensure you have an active account and correct logins for ease of entry. Cash is not accepted.
- Opening hours for the Museum and KICC are 8 am-5 pm daily, while the bottle painting opens Thursday to Sunday 10 am-7 pm. Additionally, a special allowance of up to 9 pm is given for visitors to the KICC rooftop.
At Kendirita Tours, we wish you and your little ones a holiday season filled with travel, fun, and memories for keeps. May each adventure bring you closer, inspire curiosity, and leave you with moments to cherish for years to come. Happy holidays!
Writer: Winnie Wekesa