Nairobi is an easy city to raise children in, if you plan around the traffic. There is wildlife on the doorstep, a great deal of green space, and a strong culture of family weekends outdoors.
Places children love
All on the map:
- Giraffe Centre - feeding giraffes face to face.
- Sheldrick Wildlife Trust - baby elephants at feeding time. Book ahead.
- Nairobi National Park - a game drive before breakfast, and back for lunch. The park also has an animal orphanage and the Nairobi Safari Walk near the main gate.
- Karura Forest - trails, bikes, a waterfall and caves.
- Bomas of Kenya - traditional homesteads and dancing.
- Nairobi National Museum and the Snake Park.
Many malls have play areas, and weekend markets and garden restaurants often have space for children to run around.
Childcare
- Nannies and house managers are common. See Hiring household staff - and remember you are an employer, with the legal duties that brings.
- Daycares and kindergartens range widely in price and quality. Visit, ask about staff ratios and safety, and talk to other parents.
- Schools - see Schools in Nairobi.
Health
- Register with a paediatrician early. Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital specialises in children, and the large private hospitals have paediatric departments. See Healthcare in Nairobi.
- Keep vaccinations up to date, and ask a doctor about malaria prevention before trips outside Nairobi.
- Sun and water. Hats and sunscreen at this altitude; bottled or boiled water.
Getting around
- Car seats are not standard in taxis or ride-hailing cars. Bring your own, or use a ride service that offers them.
- Traffic makes long journeys hard with small children. Choose schools and activities near home - see Nairobi’s neighbourhoods.
- Pavements are uneven in many areas, so a sturdy pushchair or a carrier works better than a light stroller.