As a parent, one thing I worry about is how to keep my daughter entertained. Believe me, its such a hard task especially if you don’t want your kids too dependent on television. Taking the kids out has some great advantages. You need to always bring your A game, devise new ways and discover new places to get them giddy with excitement. With Children’s Day in a couple of days, parents must have started fretting like ” ah! where do I take these kids to”? Fret not mummy’s and daddy’s, Naija Nomads to the rescue! Nomad POWER, lol. We have put together a list of possible places you can take the little ones to, in Lagos, this Children’s Day and beyond. Trust me, you’ll love our suggestions so here it goes:
SPEND THE DAY AT THE KIDS BEACH GARDEN: The kids beach garden located at Elegushi, Lagos, is a kids friendly beach with a goal to connect kids to nature. When I spoke to Doyin, the founder, she shared her vision with me. She set up the kids beach garden as there were no kids friendly beaches in Lagos. However, the place is not strictly for children. They host private family events from time to time. The beach garden is having a Caribbean themed party for Children’s Day and the kids are required to dress up in their Caribbean costumes. For enquiries on the party or joining the kids beach club, contact via their Instagram page here @kidsbeachgarden.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE MINDSCAPES MUSEUM IN LEKKI: Just like the name “mindscapes” this museum is a place for kids to let their imaginations run wild! Mindscapes Museum prides itself as an environment to nurture creativity, play and lifelong learning. Sometime in April, I visited the museum and I was blown away. The creative hub had various sections such as the book nook, food rite, the vet clinic, the energy lab, a bank, grocery store and so on. For more information on opening times and entry fees kindly check out their website http://mindscapesmuseums.org/
TAKE THEM ROLLER SKATING WITH FRIENDS: Earn yourself some brownie points and take the kids roller skating with their friends. You will be the coolest mum ever! I had mentioned this as an alternative thing to do in Lagos here but it’s also perfect for the kids. And like they say “Life is better on Roller Skates” (just kidding! no one says that). D-Cube Skating Rink is located at the Funderland Mall in Chevron, Lekki/Epe expressway and it costs N2,500 for a one hour skating session. They also offer private lessons for skating newbies and can be contacted on 08033042917
A SPA DATE WITH FRIENDS: Spa robes, massages, facial masks, cucumbers and mani-pedis! Kids these days love the glitz and glam and Loola’s kids spa is available to cater to their needs. Their services are 100% fun focused and they use only natural products for your kids. They do not use sharp objects either so you have nothing to worry about! Treating your kids to a spa date with their friends is an experience they will definitely not forget. Give Loola’s kids spa a call on 08178625853
BE AT ONE WITH NATURE AT LUFASI PARK: The Lekki Urban Forest Animal Sanctuary Initiative (LUFASI) is a nature park where the kids can visit and learn about the eco system, climate change and nature conservation. Located along the lekki/epe expressway, Lufasi houses a play park, football pitches and a beautiful butterfly sanctuary. It’s a great place to have a family picnic.
TRAIN RIDE AND RAILWAY TOUR: Believe it or not, the trains in Nigeria have undergone a proper face lift and they are all fully functional. Haha, I hope you are not expecting bullet trains. Baby steps people…baby steps. It still takes over 50 hours to get from Lagos-Kano but I digress as you would not be taking your kids to Kano for Children’s Day. Anyways, train rides are a good way to entertain the kids. Train rides on the London Underground is nice and a regular way of life, but train rides in Nigeria is a totally different experience. Children are curious and they can learn all about the Nigerian railway system on this tour.
The Legacy Group are doing a fantastic job with identifying historical buildings and monuments all over Nigeria that can help contribute to the evolution, history and culture of Nigeria. One of such buildings is the Railway Compound at Ebute-Metta and this is where the railway tour takes place. You can find the Legacy Group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pg/Legacy1995NG/about/?ref=page_internal
LEARN ABOUT NIGERIAN HISTORY AT THE AWOLOWO MUSEUM: You cannot talk about Nigerian history without reference to “Awo The Great”. Tucked away 45 minutes outside Lagos Island lies the Awolowo museum and private beach. It’s a two in one offer i.e. you learn about the founding father of nationalism and you can relax by the beach right after! That is definitely a WIN -WIN!
BONUS PLACES: THEME PARKS (Apapa Amusement Park, Hi Impact Planet, Dream World Africana, Omu Resorts), BADAGRY SLAVE ROUTE, THE AQUARIUM GALLERY.
Do you think we missed any places that might interest the little ones? Which of these places will you be taking your kids to this Children’s Day?
♣”Oh to be a child again! Oh to dance with glee! Oh to have no worries and live a life carefree”. – Maria Williams
