The school holidays are here! Parents across Kenya are now faced with the big question—how do we keep our kids entertained without breaking the bank? Economic times are tough for most people, a majority of whom do not look forward to schools closing. But these are supposed to be fun times, a time for you as a parent to get to bond with your child and understand them better. During this holiday period there are so many exciting outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and budget-friendly indoor activities that could help foster meaningful family connections.
(I feel like I should put a disclaimer that this is quite the long post – one of the longest I’ve had to write on here. So brace yourselves.)
The Teenage Eating Marathon: Keeping Them Busy and Full.
If you have a teenager in the house, you already know—school holidays somehow turn them into bottomless pits. The fridge gets raided at odd hours and you start questioning how one person can eat that much and still be hungry. It’s that time again for parents to complain of how hungry their children constantly are.
Instead of battling over food rations, here are a few ways to keep them busy and well-fed:
1. Get Them Involved in Meal Prep
Instead of them just eating, make them part of the cooking process. Assign them themed cooking days—let them prepare their favorite meals or even experiment with new recipes.
2. Encourage Part-Time Hustles.
Teens with free time and a strong Wi-Fi signal can explore online gigs like content creation, graphic design, or even selling handmade crafts. My 7 year old daughter and her friends made bracelets the whole of December that they would then sell at 20 bob each. Surprisingly, they’d go ahead to sell quite a number, and boy were they excited. Their “shop” was in the playground, just outside the block we lived in. Granted it kept them busy and made them feel accomplished at the end of the day. You’ll find the products for making the elastic bracelets in most Supermarkets. The end goal is to keep them occupied and teach them financial responsibility.
3. Outdoor Fitness Challenges.
Organize morning jogs, hiking trips or weekend football matches. Most estates I know have young football clubs that you could enroll your child in. Another sporty activity is tennis. For those interested in introducing their child to lawn tennis and don’t know where to look, you could start here. This not only keeps them active but also helps manage some of that endless hunger.
4. Volunteer Work.
Encourage them to volunteer at a community project, animal shelter (I don’t know how many of those we have in Kenya) or children’s home. It gives them purpose, keeps them engaged and limits time for unnecessary snacking.
5. Start a Home Garden
Growing veggies at home can be a fun challenge, and who knows? They might even start enjoying eating more greens.
I helped my daughter start her own vegetable garden. We planted spring onions, Managu and saga. A few aloe Vera plants and a tomato tree. You should see how proud she is of our efforts. First thing she does once she comes from school is to check on them.
6. Help with the chores.
Having kids around can be quite a handful, especially if you have a large family. Encourage your teenager to help with house chores like washing dishes, washing their clothes, cooking and even taking the trash out. Encourage an active lifestyle and they’ll thank you later for it.
KEEPING KIDS SAFE ONLINE DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
We all know that the internet Is a resourceful plan, but one that could turn dark real quick if left unchecked. Parents that are busy at work can easily lose track of what their children are consuming online. With school out, kids have more screen time and without proper monitoring they can be exposed to inappropriate content. Here’s are a few tips on how to regulate this:
1. Set Up Parental Controls
Most devices and apps have built-in parental control features. Use them to block harmful websites, limit screen time and filter out inappropriate content.
2. Create a Screen Time Schedule
Instead of letting them spend the whole day on gadgets, set specific times for online activities. For example:
- Morning: Educational content (documentaries, reading apps)
- Afternoon: Outdoor play or chores
- Evening: Limited entertainment (movies, games)
- 3. Use Kid-Friendly Apps and Platforms platforms like YouTube Kids, Google Family Link and Netflix Kids offer safe content tailored for children. Encourage their use instead of unrestricted browsing.
4. Monitor Their Social Media.
If your child is old enough to be on social media, ensure their accounts are private and talk to them about online safety. Remind them not to share personal information with strangers.
5. Keep Open Communication
Have casual, judgment-free conversations about online safety. Let them know they can always come to you if they see something disturbing online. Be that safe space for your child that most of us never had growing up. Not because our parents didn’t love us but because they were too strict and hell bent on instilling fear and respect instead of trust and friendship.
HIDDEN GEMS FOR FAMILY GETAWAYS
Kenya is packed with beautiful, lesser-known destinations that offer amazing experiences at affordable rates. Here are my picks for places you can spend time with your family during the April school holidays:
NAIROBI.
1. Paradise Lost – This scenic getaway in Kiambu features caves, waterfalls and boat rides, perfect for an adventurous family outing. It offers a lot of activities and is only a short drive from the city. It is highly recommended during weekends and public holidays. Adults pay an entrance fee of Kshs 500 while children pay Kshs 300.
2. Oloolua Nature Trail – A quiet escape where families can enjoy a nature walk, picnic, and even visit a small waterfall.
3. Karura forest – The forest offers eco-friendly opportunities for Kenyans and visitors to unwind and enjoy a leafy green respite from the rat race. From walking, to jogging, to bike riding or simply experiencing the serenity of nature.
For Kenyan/ East African Citizens the entry fee is ksh 100 for the adults and ksh 40 for children. Residents pay 200 for the adults and 100 for kids. Nonresidents pay ksh 600 for adults and 300 for kids. Karura forest is a great place to hold family picnics.
4. GMC Place in Kitengela – it has plenty to offer at affordable rates with some kids activities starting from as low as KSh 100/- per child. It also has an entertainment park with various games and swimming for all ages. Grab your nyama choma and cold beer while your children play, swim, ride cars and use the endless kids facilities on the grounds.
MOMBASA.
1. Nguuni Nature Sanctuary – Enjoy a peaceful picnic surrounded by giraffes, ostriches, and antelopes. Nguuni nature sanctuary is a must visit for families that want outdoor activities.
2. Jumba la Mtwana – Explore ancient Swahili ruins and learn about the region’s history while taking in the ocean breeze.
NAIVASHA.
1.Kongoni Game Valley – This lesser-known spot offers affordable game drives and interactions with animals like giraffes and zebras. A good place to let your child learn about wildlife.
2. Kedong Ranch – A family-friendly spot for horse riding and nature walks with stunning views of Lake Naivasha.
NAKURU
1. Lord Egerton Castle – this famous historical site can be a fun and affordable historical adventure for your kids to learn about the castle’s intriguing past.
2. Menengai Crater – For families that love hiking, this spot offers breathtaking views and a thrilling experience.
ELDORET
1. Poorgin Hill – A hidden paradise with hiking trails and panoramic views, perfect for outdoor-loving families.
2. Kipkaren River and Falls – A great place for a picnic and light adventure.
KISUMU
1. Dunga Boardwalk and Wetland – Kisumu is such a beautiful city and Dunga is A fantastic place to learn about wetland ecosystems, take boat rides and enjoy nature. And of course, eating the most amazing fish in Kenya – if not east Africa for that matter.
2. Kisumu Impala Sanctuary – Get up close with wildlife at an affordable entry fee.
KISII
1. Nyanturago Forest – A serene spot for nature walks and bird watching. Also ideal for family picnics.
2. Sameta Hills – A perfect spot for hiking, picnics and breathtaking views of Kisii County. For the lovers of nature’s photos, this would b your place to shine.
Family-Friendly Cultural Events During the Holidays
1. Lake Turkana Cultural Festival (Marsabit) – A unique chance to experience the traditions of over 14 ethnic communities.
2. Lamu Cultural Festival – If you’re near the coast, this festival is a great way to learn about Swahili heritage through dhow races, dances, and art. And the street food….the street food is to die for.
3. Bomas of Kenya (Nairobi) – This permanent cultural hub has daily performances showcasing Kenya’s diverse traditions.
4. Rusinga Festival (Rusinga Island, Kisumu region) – If the dates align, this festival is a great way for families to immerse themselves in Luo traditions, music and food. (Sana Sana hapo Kwa food, msiseme sikuwawuon because your taste buds will be In for a treat)
INDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR BUDGET CONSCIOUS FAMILIES.
Movie and storytelling nights –
What better way for a family to bond than over a horror movie? Just kidding. Create a mini home theater and let everyone share their favorite stories.
DIY arts and crafts – Engage kids in painting, beading, or simple science experiments using household items.
Cooking and baking as a family – Try out new recipes together and make it a fun competition. Kids love learning how to cook.
Board games and puzzles – Revive classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, or card games for quality bonding time.
Home camping experience – Set up a tent in the living room or backyard and have a night of storytelling and games.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND CO-PARENTING.
For parents who co-parent, school holidays are a golden opportunity for children to bond with both parents. If your child spends most of their time with one parent, this is the perfect time to:
Encourage them to spend quality time with the other parent. Alternatively, you can put your differences aside and Plan joint activities, even if it’s just a simple outing.
Make sure to Keep open communication to ensure both parents are involved in the holiday experience.The focus should always be on making the children feel loved and cared for by both sides, ensuring they create lasting memories.
Visiting Grandparents: A Priceless Holiday Experience.
One of the best ways to make school holidays meaningful is by taking the kids to visit their grandparents in the village. This comes with numerous benefits, including, but not limited to:
- Strengthening family ties and learning about their roots.
- Exposing kids to a different environment and traditional lifestyles.
- Giving city kids a break from screens and letting them explore nature.
Even if a village trip isn’t possible, regular video calls and storytelling sessions about family history can still create strong bonds.
Finally, With so many fun and affordable activities, school holidays in Kenya don’t have to be stressful or expensive. Whether you’re traveling, engaging in cultural events or making the most of home-based activities, the goal is to create joyful moments and lasting memories.
