Uhuru Park in Cbd, Nairobi: Hours, Facilities and Family Guide
Parks, beaches and nature in Cbd, Nairobi
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Uhuru Park is Nairobi's free central park with a boating lake, lawns and skyline views, right off Uhuru Highway. Entry is free (carry ID), boating costs about KES 500 per boat, and the park is open daily during daylight hours. Plan 1 to 2 hours.
What is Uhuru Park?
Uhuru Park is Nairobi's historic 12.9-hectare recreational park next to the CBD, free to enter (carry your national ID). Reopened in March 2024 after renovation, it has lawns for picnics, an artificial lake with boat rides (about KES 500 per boat on weekends), monuments and some of the best skyline views in the city.
Weekends bring skateboarders to the assembly ground and a festival atmosphere. Combine with Central Park next door for more green space and playgrounds.
Opened by President Jomo Kenyatta in 1969, Uhuru Park is woven into Kenya's history ? from Wangari Maathai's famous defence of it against development to national celebrations. The 2024 reopening restored the lake and lawns, returning the city's most democratic green space to families.
💡 Money-saving tips for families
- Entry is free Just carry your ID ? one of Nairobi's true zero-cost outings
- Boats are a weekend thing Pedal boats typically operate on weekends (~KES 500)
- Pair with Central Park Two free parks in one trip
Is it right for your child's age?
| Age group | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | Good | Flat paths and lawns for strollers |
| 3-5 years | Great | Boat rides and open running space |
| 6-9 years | Great | Boats, skaters to watch, room to roam |
| 10-12 years | Good | Best combined with the museum nearby |
| 13+ years | Okay | A relaxed hour, not a full destination |
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Key details
- Address
- Uhuru Highway, Nairobi CBD, Nairobi
- Opening hours
- Daily, daylight hours (~6am to 6pm) Closed now
- How long to plan
- 1 to 2 hours
- Suitable ages
- All ages
- Setting
- Outdoor
- Booking
- Walk-in
- Payment accepted
- M-Pesa
- Cash
- Phone
- -1.29001,36.81669
What to expect when you visit
Walk in through any gate ? entry is free, just carry your national ID.
Stroll the lakeside paths, relax on the lawns and take in the skyline views. On weekends, hire a pedal boat on the lake (about KES 500 per boat) and watch the skaters at the assembly ground.
Cross to Central Park next door if the kids want playground equipment and more space to run.
What if...?
The questions every parent asks before booking. Tap to expand.
Is there an entry fee?
No ? entry is free; you only pay for boat rides.
Is it safe?
Daytime visits are generally fine; keep to busier areas and watch belongings as in any city park.
Are boats available daily?
Boating typically runs on weekends ? weekday visits are for lawns and views.
Family essentials
- Toddler suitability
- Great for toddlers
- Minimum age
- No minimum age
- Facilities
- Toilets
- Picnic allowed
- Shaded seating
- Access and parking
- Stroller friendly
- Public transport nearby
- Safety notes
Free entry requires national ID; supervise children near the lake; keep valuables discreet.
Tickets and costs
- Free entry rules
- Free entry for everyone
- Extra costs (activities, rentals, food)
Boat rides ~KES 500/boat; snacks from vendors
Plan your visit
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings for quiet; weekend afternoons for atmosphere and boating
- Busiest times
- Weekend afternoons and public holidays
- How to get there
Off Uhuru Highway at the edge of the CBD
- By car
- In the CBD; parking is the main challenge
- Uber / Bolt estimate
- KES 200-400 within the CBD
- Public transport
Any CBD matatu route; 5-10 min walk from Kencom
- Combine with
Central Park (next door); Nairobi National Museum; August 7th Memorial Park
- What to bring
National ID, picnic mat, snacks, hat
Accessibility deep dive
Here is what to expect on the ground.
Paved lakeside paths
Public facilities in the park
All CBD routes
Combine your visit
Plan the perfect day
Resident family of 4 estimate for the day: ~KES 1,500 including boats and snacks
What to pack
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Family day bag checklist
What visitors say
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Uhuru Park free to enter?
- Yes. There is no entry fee for adults or children at Uhuru Park. Checked 22 Oct 2026.
- What are the Uhuru Park opening hours?
- Daily, daylight hours (~6am to 6pm). Busiest: Weekend afternoons and public holidays.
- Is Uhuru Park suitable for toddlers and young children?
- Yes. Uhuru Park is great for toddlers. Minimum age: No minimum age. Free entry requires national ID; supervise children near the lake; keep valuables discreet.
- How long do you need at Uhuru Park?
- Plan for 1 to 2 hours.
- What payment methods does Uhuru Park accept?
- Uhuru Park accepts M-Pesa, Cash.
- Is Uhuru Park accessible, and is there parking?
- Access and parking: Stroller friendly, Public transport nearby.
- What is the best time to visit Uhuru Park?
- Weekday mornings for quiet; weekend afternoons for atmosphere and boating. It is busiest Weekend afternoons and public holidays.
- How do you get to Uhuru Park?
- In the CBD; parking is the main challenge. Ride-hailing: KES 200-400 within the CBD. Public transport: Any CBD matatu route; 5-10 min walk from Kencom Off Uhuru Highway at the edge of the CBD
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