Uhuru Gardens Memorial Park

Uhuru Gardens is where the Kenyan flag was first raised in 1963, redeveloped into a large memorial park and museum that tells the independence story through the Freedom Monument, the Wall of Names and modern exhibition halls. Around the museum are wide lawns for picnics and running about, a pond with pedal boats, camel and horse rides and food stalls. Entry is free, which makes it one of the best-value family afternoons in the city.

How a family visit works

1. 1Come in off Langata Road. Entry to the memorial park is free, so you are not queueing for tickets.
2. 2Do the museum first while energy is still high: Freedom Monument, Wall of Names, then the exhibition halls on independence.
3. 3Move out onto the lawns with a picnic and a ball. This is the bit younger kids actually came for.
4. 4If they still have legs, the pond has pedal boats and there are camel and horse rides around the grounds.
5. 5Eat from the food stalls on site if you skipped the picnic, then leave before the late-afternoon rush for parking.

What kids actually do here

• The spot where the Kenyan flag was first raised in 1963
• Museum halls that put names and dates on the independence story
• Wide lawns big enough for a proper run-around
• Pedal boats on the pond
• Camel and horse rides on the grounds
• Food stalls so you do not have to leave for lunch

What to pack

• Picnic blanket and a ball
• Sunhats — the lawns have little shade at midday
• Water bottles
• Cash for boats, rides and stalls

Parent questions

Do we pay to get in?

The park and museum are free. Pedal boats, camel and horse rides, and food stalls are extra.

Is it only a history visit?

The museum is the reason to come, but leave time for the lawns. Families treat it as a picnic afternoon with a lesson in the middle.

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