Introduction
After a long work week, Kenyans deserve quality rest and recreation. Weekends offer precious time to recharge, bond with family and friends, explore your city or county, and enjoy Kenya’s rich cultural and natural offerings. Whether you’re in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, or smaller towns, there are diverse weekend activities available - many surprisingly affordable or even free.
This comprehensive guide covers weekend entertainment options across Kenya, including outdoor activities, cultural experiences, sports, family-friendly venues, nightlife, and creative pursuits. We’ll include practical details: locations, costs, best times to visit, and tips for maximizing your weekend enjoyment without breaking the bank.
Outdoor Activities
Parks and Nature
Karura Forest (Nairobi)
What It Is: 1,063-hectare urban forest with walking/cycling trails, waterfalls, caves
Location: Limuru Road, Nairobi
Cost: KES 100 adults, KES 50 children (Kenyan residents)
Activities:
- Walking/jogging trails (12+ km)
- Cycling (bring your own bike or rent)
- Picnicking
- Birdwatching
- Photography
Best For: Families, fitness enthusiasts, nature lovers
Tips: Go early morning (cooler, fewer crowds); carry water
Uhuru Park & Central Park (Nairobi)
Location: City center
Cost: Free entry
Activities:
- Walking, jogging
- Boat rides (KES 200-500)
- Picnics
- Playground for children
Best For: Budget-friendly family outings
City Park (Nairobi)
Cost: Free
Activities: Walking, nature trails, playground
Haller Park (Mombasa)
What It Is: Nature park with wildlife (giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, tortoises)
Cost: KES 500 adults, KES 300 children
Activities: Feeding giraffes, nature trails, fish feeding (2pm daily)
Best For: Families, animal lovers
Nairobi Arboretum
Cost: Free entry
Activities: Walking trails, picnics, birdwatching (300+ bird species)
Best For: Quiet, peaceful weekend escape
Beaches (Coast)
Diani Beach (Mombasa)
Cost: Free (public beach)
Activities:
- Swimming
- Beach volleyball
- Camel/horse rides (KES 500-1,000)
- Water sports (kite surfing, jet skiing - varies)
Best For: Beach lovers, families
Nyali Beach (Mombasa)
Similar to Diani: Swimming, relaxation, water sports
Lake Victoria Beaches (Kisumu)
Dunga Beach, Hippo Point:
- Free entry
- Swimming (be cautious), boat rides, fishing
Hiking
Ngong Hills (Nairobi)
Cost: KES 600 adults, KES 300 children
Difficulty: Moderate (7 hills, ~3-4 hours)
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts, groups
Tips: Start early (7-8am); carry water, snacks; go in groups for safety
Mt. Longonot (Naivasha)
Cost: KES 300 adults, KES 200 children
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (crater hike ~4-5 hours)
Best For: Adventure seekers
Karura Forest Waterfall Trail
Easier option: Within Karura (KES 100 entry)
Cycling
Karura Forest: Bring own bike or rent
Nairobi City: Growing cycling community (join group rides - check Facebook “Nairobi Cycling Community”)
Thika Road Cycle Lane: Dedicated cycling lane
Cultural Experiences
Museums
Nairobi National Museum
Location: Museum Hill, Nairobi
Cost: KES 200 adults, KES 100 children (residents)
What to See:
- Kenya’s history and heritage
- Paleontology (fossils)
- Art galleries
- Snake park (included)
Time: 2-3 hours
Best For: Families, history enthusiasts
Karen Blixen Museum
Location: Karen, Nairobi
Cost: KES 200 adults, KES 100 children
What It Is: Former home of “Out of Africa” author Karen Blixen
Best For: History, literature lovers
Railway Museum (Nairobi)
Cost: KES 200 adults, KES 100 children
What It Is: Historic locomotives, colonial-era railway history
Fort Jesus (Mombasa)
Cost: KES 200 adults
What It Is: 16th-century Portuguese fort, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Best For: History enthusiasts
Art Galleries
Nairobi Gallery
Location: CBD, Kenyatta Avenue
Cost: KES 200
What to See: Contemporary Kenyan art
Circle Art Gallery (Nairobi)
Cost: Free entry
What It Is: Contemporary African art
One Off Contemporary Art Gallery (Nairobi)
Cost: Free
What It Is: Local and international contemporary art
Markets
Maasai Market
Location: Rotates daily (Tuesday High Court, Friday Village Market, Saturday Yaya Centre, Sunday Westgate)
Cost: Free to browse
What to Buy: Maasai jewelry, wood carvings, fabrics, souvenirs (KES 200-5,000)
Tips: Bargain; prices negotiable
City Market (Nairobi)
What It Is: Curio market (crafts, art, souvenirs)
Cost: Free to browse
Toi Market (Nairobi)
What It Is: Second-hand clothes, shoes (mitumba)
Cost: Very affordable (KES 50-500 for clothes)
Best For: Bargain hunters
Entertainment Venues
Cinemas
Major Chains: Prestige (Century Cinemax), Anga Cinema, Planet Media
Locations: Malls (Sarit Centre, Junction, Two Rivers, Garden City, Westgate, etc.)
Cost: KES 400-800 per ticket (varies by cinema, day, movie)
Best Days: Weekdays cheaper; weekends pricier
Tip: Join loyalty programs for discounts
Theaters
Kenya National Theatre
Location: CBD, Nairobi
What’s On: Plays, musicals, comedy shows
Cost: KES 500-2,000 (varies by show)
Check Schedule: www.kenyatheatre.or.ke
Nairobi Performing Arts Studio (NPAS)
Location: Lavington, Nairobi
What’s On: Plays, comedy, music
Cost: KES 1,000-2,500
Alliance Française
Locations: Nairobi, Mombasa
What’s On: Films (often free), concerts, art exhibitions
Cost: Many free events
Live Music Venues
J’s Fresh Bar & Kitchen (Nairobi)
What’s On: Live bands (jazz, Afrobeat, reggae)
Cost: No cover charge (buy drinks/food)
Best For: Music lovers, date nights
Pawa 254 (Nairobi)
What It Is: Creative space with events (music, poetry, art)
Cost: Varies (often affordable)
The Alchemist (Nairobi)
What’s On: Live music, DJ sets, food market
Cost: No cover (buy food/drinks)
Best For: Millennials, socializing
Bowling
Locations: Village Market (Nairobi), Sarit Centre, Galleria Mall (Nairobi)
Cost: KES 500-800 per person per game
Best For: Friends, families
Trampoline Parks
Location: Bounce Kenya (Galleria Mall, Nairobi)
Cost: KES 800-1,200 per hour
Best For: Kids, active adults
Go-Karting
Location: Fun Karts (Mombasa Road, Nairobi)
Cost: KES 800-1,500 for 10-minute race
Best For: Adrenaline seekers, groups
Family-Friendly Activities
Wildlife & Zoos
Nairobi National Park
Cost: KES 300 adults, KES 200 children (residents)
Activities: Game drive (see lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras, etc.)
Time: Half-day (4-5 hours)
Best For: Families wanting safari experience near city
Tip: Go with own car or hire (KES 4,000-6,000 for vehicle hire)
Giraffe Centre (Nairobi)
Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi
Cost: KES 500 adults, KES 250 children
Activities: Feed giraffes, nature trail, education center
Time: 1-2 hours
Best For: Kids, animal lovers
Very Popular: Arrive early to avoid crowds
David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (Nairobi)
Location: Near Nairobi National Park
Cost: KES 500
What It Is: Elephant orphanage
Visiting Hours: 11am-12pm daily (feeding time)
Best For: Families, elephant lovers
Tip: Book online in advance (www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org)
Bomas of Kenya
Location: Lang’ata, Nairobi
Cost: KES 500 adults, KES 250 children
What It Is: Cultural center showcasing Kenya’s tribes (dances, traditional homes)
Show Times: Daily at 2:30pm (weekdays), 3:30pm (weekends)
Time: 2-3 hours
Best For: Cultural experience, families
Playgrounds & Fun Centers
Wild Waters (Mombasa)
What It Is: Water park
Cost: KES 800 adults, KES 600 children
Activities: Water slides, wave pool, lazy river
Best For: Families, hot days
Splash Water World (Nairobi)
Location: Thika Road
Cost: KES 1,000 adults, KES 800 children
Similar to Wild Waters
Kidzland Adventure (Nairobi)
Locations: Various malls
Cost: KES 300-600 per child
Activities: Slides, trampolines, ball pits
Best For: Young children (2-10 years)
Sports & Fitness
Swimming
Public Pools:
- Nairobi City Park Pool (KES 50-100)
- Various hotel pools (day passes KES 500-2,000)
Gyms (Day Passes)
Many gyms offer day passes: KES 500-1,000
Outdoor Options: Karura Forest, Uhuru Park (free)
Sports Clubs
Join Pickup Games:
- Football in local fields (free or KES 100-200 contribution)
- Basketball at Nyayo Stadium, local courts
- Tennis at clubs (KES 200-500 per hour court hire)
Running
Free:
- Karura Forest
- Uhuru Park
- Along major roads (early morning)
Running Clubs: Join groups (Nairobi Hash House Harriers, local running clubs)
Cycling
See Outdoor Activities section
Nightlife (For Adults)
Clubs & Lounges
Nairobi:
- Club 1824, B Club, Space Lounge (upscale - cover KES 500-1,500)
- Kiza Lounge, Kilimanjaro Jamia (mid-range - KES 300-800)
Mombasa:
- Bora Bora Beach Club, Casablanca
Cost: Cover charges KES 300-2,000; drinks KES 300-1,000+
Bars & Pubs
Nairobi:
- Local pubs (KES 150-400 per beer)
- Upscale bars (KES 400-800 per drink)
Mombasa, Kisumu: Similar range
Comedy Shows
Regular Shows:
- Churchill Show (check schedule; tickets KES 500-1,000)
- Comedy clubs in Nairobi (various venues)
Events & Festivals
Check What’s On
Websites/Apps:
- Mookh.com (event listings)
- Ticketsasa.com (buy tickets)
- Facebook Events
- Instagram (#NairobiEvents, #KenyaEvents)
Common Weekend Events
Concerts: Local and international artists (KES 1,000-10,000)
Food Festivals: Nairobi Street Food Festival, Porini Safari Food Festival (KES 300-1,000 entry)
Farmers’ Markets: Organic markets (Saturdays - check Facebook “Nairobi Farmers Market”)
Sports Events: Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards football matches (KES 200-1,000)
Marathons/Runs: Nairobi Marathon, Color Run (registration fees)
Budget-Friendly Activities
Free or Very Cheap
- Picnic in Park (Free - just bring food)
- Beach Visit (Free - public beaches)
- Window Shopping in Malls (Free - with AC!)
- Visit Friend or Family (Free/cheap)
- Church/Mosque Events (Free)
- Community Clean-ups (Free, give back)
- Home Movie Night (Netflix KES 1,100/month shared)
- Board Games at Home (One-time purchase)
- Cooking New Recipe (Cost of ingredients)
- Walking Tour of Your Area (Free)
Under KES 500
- Karura Forest (KES 100)
- Museums (KES 200)
- Local Markets (Transport only)
- Public Pool (KES 100)
- Football Match (KES 200-500)
Tips for Great Weekends
Plan Ahead
Thursday/Friday: Decide weekend plans
Book: For popular venues (Giraffe Centre, restaurants), book ahead
Check Weather: Rain can disrupt outdoor plans
Budget
Set Weekend Budget: Avoid overspending
Free Activities: Balance paid and free activities
Try New Things
Explore: Don’t do same thing every weekend
Bucket List: Make list of places to visit; tick off gradually
Balance Rest and Activity
Recharge: Weekend is for rest too
Don’t Overschedule: Leave downtime
Safety
Stick to Safe Areas: Especially at night
Groups: For hiking, go in groups
Watch Belongings: In crowded places (markets, parks)
Support Local
Local Businesses: Eat at local restaurants, buy from local vendors
Kenyan Events: Support local artists, events
Seasonal Activities
December-February (Hot, Dry)
Best For: Beaches, swimming, water parks
March-May (Long Rains)
Indoor Activities: Museums, cinemas, malls, theaters
June-September (Cool, Dry)
Best For: Hiking, outdoor activities
October-November (Short Rains)
Mix: Indoor and outdoor (weather unpredictable)
Regional Variations
Nairobi
Advantages: Most diverse options (museums, parks, nightlife, malls)
Weekend Getaways: Naivasha (1.5 hrs), Nakuru (2 hrs), Ngong Hills (1 hr)
Mombasa
Focus: Beaches, water activities, Fort Jesus, Old Town tours
Kisumu
Highlights: Lake Victoria (boat rides, Dunga Beach), Impala Sanctuary, Kisumu Museum
Nakuru
Highlights: Lake Nakuru National Park (flamingos, rhinos), Menengai Crater
Eldoret
Highlights: Kerio Valley viewpoint, sports (running trails), local markets
Smaller Towns
Focus: Community events, local markets, nature (rivers, hills), visiting friends/family
COVID-19 Considerations
Check Guidelines: Venue capacity limits, mask requirements (if applicable)
Outdoor Preferred: Open spaces safer than enclosed venues
Conclusion
Kenya offers rich and diverse weekend entertainment options for every budget, interest, and location. From Nairobi’s museums, parks, and nightlife to Mombasa’s beaches, Kisumu’s lakeside activities, and everywhere’s community markets and sports, there’s always something to do.
Free or affordable options abound: Karura Forest (KES 100), public beaches (free), Uhuru Park (free), museums (KES 200), local markets, and home-based entertainment. For those willing to spend more, enjoy wildlife experiences (Giraffe Centre KES 500, Nairobi National Park KES 300), water parks (KES 800-1,000), cinemas (KES 400-800), concerts, and dining out.
The key to great weekends is planning ahead, balancing rest with activity, trying new experiences, supporting local businesses, and staying within budget. Make a bucket list of Kenya’s attractions, tackle them gradually, and don’t feel pressured to spend lavishly - some of the best weekends are simple picnics with loved ones in a beautiful park.
Your perfect Kenyan weekend awaits - get out there and enjoy it!