Traveling with children requires a delicate balance between adventure and practicality. While Zanzibar is world-renowned for its romantic sunsets and honeymoon suites, it is also a vibrant playground for families. However, parents often struggle to find Zanzibar kids activities that are accessible “right now” without weeks of advance planning.
At Mamis Tours & Travel, we understand that when you are on the ground with energetic children, you need immediate, reliable options. Whether you are looking to burn off energy in a park, encounter rare wildlife, or immerse your family in local culture, this guide covers the authoritative list of Zanzibar family things to do.
Here is your comprehensive guide to Zanzibar with kids today, focusing on accessible, safe, and engaging experiences.
1. Immediate & Easy Day-Out Options
If you are looking for kid friendly Zanzibar attractions that require minimal planning and no specialty gear, the island offers several city-center and near-town locations. These are perfect for filling a morning or afternoon gap in your itinerary.
Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
Located near Jozani National Park, the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is a calm, enclosed tropical garden that serves as an interactive educational facility. This is one of the best spots for younger children who might be intimidated by larger animals.
- Why it works today: It requires no booking. You can walk in, and the tour is self-paced.
- The Experience: Kids can witness the entire lifecycle of a butterfly, from caterpillar to chrysalis to hatching. The environment is netted and secure, allowing children to walk freely while butterflies land on them. It is a relaxed setting that teaches ecosystem preservation without feeling like a classroom.
Fumba Kids Park
For parents seeking a dedicated safe zone, Fumba Kids Park is a premier local playground. Unlike the open beach, this is a structured environment designed specifically for play.
- The Vibe: It offers modern play equipment where kids can climb, slide, and run safely.
- Parental Perk: Parents can relax nearby with a clear line of sight, making it an excellent stop for a couple of hours of downtime while the kids exhaust their energy.
Zanzibar Park
Sometimes, you simply need open green space. Zanzibar Park provides a terrestrial break from the sand and sea. It is an ideal location for a family picnic or a game of tag. The park is accessible and offers a place for children to run freely in a shaded, grassy environment—a rarity in some of the denser stone towns.
The Forodhani Gardens
As evening approaches, the Forodhani Gardens on the Stone Town waterfront transform into a sensory wonderland.
- The Experience: This is not just a park; it is a cultural hub. Between late afternoon and sunset, the area fills with food stalls and locals.
Read Also: Guide to street food at Forodhani - For the Kids: Watch the “sunset jumpers” (local youths diving acrobatically into the sea), let the kids try mild local snacks like Zanzibar pizza (ask for non-spicy versions), and enjoy the cooling sea breeze. It is the perfect low-stakes evening activity.
2. Nature & Wildlife Adventures
Zanzibar’s ecosystem is unique, and introducing children to it is one of the most rewarding Zanzibar family things to do. At Mamis Tours & Travel, we recommend focusing on ethical, safe wildlife encounters.
Jozani Forest (Chwaka Bay National Park)
This is the only home of the rare Red Colobus Monkeys.
- The Activity: Easy nature walks on flat boardwalks through the groundwater forest and mangroves.
- Age Suitability: Great for ages 5 and up. The monkeys are habituated to humans and often come quite close, but strict rules apply (no touching or feeding). It mixes fun with a lesson on conservation.
Nakupenda Island Beach Tours
“Nakupenda” means “I love you,” and families love this sandbank.
- Why go: It is a short boat ride to a pristine sandbank that appears at low tide.
- Family Fit: Unlike deep-sea excursions, the water here is shallow and crystal clear, making it less intense than full-day safari boats. It is essentially a private beach in the middle of the ocean where you can snorkel safely under supervision.
Marine Life Experiences
Swim with Turtles Sanctuary (Nungwi/Baraka Aquarium) Located in the north, this natural tidal pool allows families to swim with Green Sea Turtles.
- Safety Note: Kids love this, but they should be comfortable in the water. Life jackets are usually available, but we advise bringing your own for small children to ensure a proper fit.
Zanzibar Reef Walking Tour During low tide, the ocean recedes significantly, revealing the coral reef shelf.
- The Activity: You don’t need to swim to see marine life. With a guide, you can walk out to the reef to spot starfish, sea cucumbers, and small fish trapped in tidal pools. It is a fantastic, low-risk marine experience for kids who aren’t strong swimmers.
The Safari Blue For a full-day adventure, the Safari Blue experience is the gold standard.
- The Adventure: Cruising on a traditional Dhow, dolphin watching, and snorkeling in the Menai Bay Conservation Area.
- Mamis Tours & Travel Tip: This is a longer day. Ensure your children are accustomed to being on a boat for extended periods. The staff are generally excellent with children, ensuring safety during snorkeling.
3. Low-Effort Cultural & Learning Stops
Culture in Zanzibar doesn’t have to be boring for children. The key is to choose locations that are tactile and spacious.
The Old Fort (Ngome Kongwe)
Located next to the House of Wonders, the Old Fort is a massive fortification with a large central amphitheater.
- Why kids like it: It feels like a castle. There are open spaces to run, old cannons to look at, and it lacks the “don’t touch anything” restrictions of a traditional museum. It is an exploration zone that feels adventurous.
Peace Memorial Museum
For older children (ages 8+), this is a quick, educational stop. It provides a digestible introduction to Zanzibar’s complex history without being overwhelming. It is best used as a 45-minute educational detour rather than a full-day event.
Kidichi or Jozani Spice Farms
You cannot visit the “Spice Island” without a spice tour.
- The Sensory Experience: This is highly engaging for kids. They can smell cinnamon bark fresh from the tree, taste exotic fruits, and see where vanilla comes from.
Ready to plan your Trip?
Let us help you get the best of Zanzibar.
- Interaction: Guides often weave hats and ties out of palm leaves for the children, making the tour interactive and fun. It connects the food on their plate to the nature around them.
4. Beach & Outdoor Play for Immediate Fun
Not all beaches are created equal when you have toddlers or young children. Tides in Zanzibar can be extreme.
Kendwa Beach
Kendwa is famous for being “non-tidal,” meaning you can swim there all day regardless of the moon phase.
- The Activity: This is the best spot for classic sandcastle building and swimming. We can help facilitate excursions here, providing a base for your family to enjoy the calm turquoise waters without worrying about the water receding a kilometer out.
Paje Beach
Paje is on the east coast and is very tidal.
- Why go: While swimming is difficult at low tide, the beach is massive, flat, and hard-packed. It is world-famous for kite surfing.
- For Kids: Older kids will enjoy watching the colorful kites. At low tide, the “puddles” left behind are warm and perfect for toddlers to splash in safely without waves.
5. Insider Daily Tips for Parents
To make your trip truly “today-ready,” Mamis Tours & Travel offers these professional insights to ensure your day runs smoothly.
Best Times to Go
- Morning (08:00 – 11:00): Hit the Butterfly Centre or Spice Farms now. The air is cooler, and the humidity is manageable.
- Midday (12:00 – 15:00): Avoid outdoor exertion. This is the time for a long lunch in Stone Town or resting at your hotel. The equatorial sun is harsh on children.
- Late Afternoon (16:30 onwards): Head to Forodhani Gardens or the beach for sunset.
Weather & Health
- Hydration: Coconut water (Madafu) is widely available and is an excellent electrolyte source for kids.
- Sun Protection: The sun here is deceptive. Rash guards (swim shirts) and high-SPF sunscreen are non-negotiable.
Safety Notes
- Boats: Never board a boat (for Nakupenda or Safari Blue) that does not have life jackets visible. Ensure they have child sizes before you depart.
- Traffic: In Stone Town, the streets are narrow and shared with scooters. Keep young children close to the walls, not in the center of the alley.
A “Perfect Today Plan”
If you are reading this at breakfast and need a plan, try this itinerary:
- 09:00: Taxi to Zanzibar Butterfly Centre (Interactive nature start).
- 11:00: Stop at Jozani Forest (See the monkeys).
- 13:00: Lunch and rest.
- 16:30: Head to Forodhani Gardens. Let the kids run in the open space and watch the sunset jumpers.
- 18:00: Dinner at a nearby restaurant in Stone Town.
Ready to explore Zanzibar with your family? Navigating a new country with children can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Mamis Tours & Travel specializes in curating safe, family-friendly itineraries that take the stress out of travel. From arranging reliable transport to booking the best child-friendly guides, we ensure your family vacation is memorable for all the right reasons.
Contact Mamis Tours & Travel today to book your family excursion.