Nairobi City Park

City Park is one of Nairobi's oldest green spaces, a stretch of indigenous forest and lawns in Parklands that has been steadily restored in recent years with boardwalks, a maze, murals and a children's playground. Troops of Sykes' monkeys are the main attraction for kids, along with plenty of room to run and shaded picnic spots under enormous old trees. It's central, cheap and easy to fold into an ordinary weekend.

How a family visit works

1. 1Use the Limuru Road / Parklands entrance. It is one of the oldest green bits of the city and you can fold it into an ordinary Saturday.
2. 2Head for the playground and boardwalk first so toddlers have somewhere to go before the walking starts.
3. 3Stroll under the old trees. Troops of Sykes' monkeys are usually the thing kids notice first.
4. 4Picnic in the shade. Keep snacks zipped and off the ground — the monkeys are bold.
5. 5If they want more, there is a maze and murals from the recent restoration. Two hours is plenty.

What kids actually do here

• Sykes' monkeys in the canopy
• Boardwalks through indigenous forest
• A children's playground
• A maze and murals from the restoration
• Shaded picnic spots under huge old trees
• Central Parklands location — easy to combine with errands

What to pack

• Picnic in a zipped bag, not an open Tupperware
• A ball or frisbee for the lawns
• Wipes — monkeys and snacks do not mix
• A light layer; it is cooler under the trees

Parent questions

Will the monkeys take our food?

They will try. Keep snacks bagged and out of sight until you sit down, and do not feed them.

Hours, tickets and activity rules change. Confirm the current details on the official site or at the gate before you travel.