Walk with me as I take you through some fun things to do in Calabar. Fun’s definition can be vast, depending on our views. It could mean five different things to five of us, which is why we are going through different kinds of activities for the one best suited for you.
Top Five Fun Things To Do in Calabar
1. Marina Resort
2. Calabar Carnival
3. Fingers Park
4. U.J. Stadium
5. Mary Slessor’s Home
Fun Things To Do In Calabar
From the introverted homebodies to the everyday “we outsides,” there is cool and reflective fun for you if you want to remain in your comfort zone or you want to change your taste. There is also jiggy if you want to let loose. Children, adults, single, married, we all need regular unwinding.
Let’s get right into it!
1. Marina Resort
This is your place to take a breath of really fresh air. On days you just want to have educational fun, Marina Resort is your go-to. It is one of the best tourist centers in Calabar, but you don’t even need to be a tourist to visit. I especially love how many places you can visit individually, all in one place, and you get your money’s and time’s worth. From the cinema to the restaurants to the slave museum and more, packed experiences.
It is a rich blend of entertainment and history. Learn and have fun with a river view. Imagine walking from lawned land to a boat as you enjoy the freshness of coconut water. There is provision for land and water experiences.
The best part? You can enjoy this as a family, as there is provision for every age group. You don’t have to wonder if your children will have fun, as they are well catered for with provisions such as nice carousel experiences, fun with other children at the game center.
When you decide to step out of the fun into reflection, history comes in. Good thing about history? There is no age grade for it. Shouldn’t we all reflect on where we are and where we have come from as a people? In Marina Resort, there is the Slave Museum, the point where slaves were shipped to Europe. We all need that moment of sober reflection amidst the fun.
Location – End of Moore Road, Calabar Coastline, Cross River
Entry– Unstipulated Fee
2. Calabar Carnival
You just might be lucky to be in town during the largest African street party. Now, this is the event you can travel to if you don’t reside in Calabar. A month-long fun that you’d never get tired of.
When I think of Africa, I think of music, fashion, culture, costume, and everything regal. You will be entertained with all of these at the carnival, from beauty pageants to displays of cultural fashion shows to the traditional dance competitions. In Calabar, December celebrations start pretty early. Join in the fun to have the experience of a lifetime.
You also get to enjoy all the events for free. Why not travel down if Calabar is not home? The carnival is open to participants all over the world, as it is an avenue to learn about our heritage and unlearn stereotypes of what Africans are.
Location – Varying based on events across Calabar in venues like Esuene Stadium, Millennium Park, and Cross River
Entry – Free
3. Fingers Park
You’re all surrounded! But fingers edition. Safe to say you’ve got a new favorite spot for cool hangouts, events, get-togethers, picnics, and outdoor events. Walk, run, walk your dog, engage in sports activities, picnic, or host events. There’s enough room
The perfect hub for relaxation and family or group outings. Sometimes, we just need to get outside and reconnect with Mother Nature, and this is one of the places to do so. Enjoy your mornings and the cool of the day with beautiful scenery.
This is not your regular kind of park. The titled fingers are literal. You get to enjoy the artistic view of the two hands alongside nature. I’m not a fingerling, but I’d hold a finger at Finger’s Park when I’m taking pictures for memories and the gram. Don’t keep your cameras at home.
Location– Opp. U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River
Entry– Free
4. U.J. Stadium
Dear sports enthusiast, how many football grounds have you been to? Don’t just be a television or viewing center fan. This is your opportunity to have a live experience and feel the physical and tangible rush of sports. Experience the thrill of live events in this 16000-capacity stadium. One of the best things about sports is the collectivity and unity it brings. You know how they say the more the merrier! Enjoy the same pumps as friends, family, and strangers.
Dear non-sport enthusiast, tourist, or just curious human, you’re not left out. This might be your shot at a new hobby. You don’t even have to be a lover to watch or cheer for your Calabar Rovers F.C., but the beautiful thing is that it doesn’t even have to be just sports. This is a multipurpose stadium, not just for football or athletic activities. You could also host events here or be hosted by your favourite artists or a religious event. Whatever the case may be, there’s more fun in numbers and communal chants of victory or loss. You don’t have to do life alone when there are people around. Past events hosted in this stadium include “Fun Fest” and “Timaya Day.”
Location– U.J. Esuene Stadium, Naval Base, Calabar, Cross River
Entry– Free/ fees paid for specific events
5. Mary Slessor’s Home
Before you roll your eyes, let’s go down memory lane. If you have ever seen twins and “awwwnned,” understand that there was a time they could not be, until Mary Slessor stepped into the picture.
Mary Slessor was a Scottish missionary who is mostly known for her impact in the eradication of the killing and abandonment of twins in the yesteryears when they were viewed as taboo to the community. She single-handedly picked up children abandoned and condemned to death and raised them. This move birthed hope among the people and gave the innocent children a chance to live.
Her abode speaks volumes. It speaks of love, selflessness, courage, and passion. It’s not just a house, but the legacy of “the white queen of Okoyong.” It is a privilege to step on the grounds of her sacrifice, especially if you are a twin, you have a twin, or you know a twin. I guess that makes all of us. I’m sure you now agree that it is a must-visit.
Location– Akpap Okoyong, Calabar, Cross River
Entry– Free
From the Calabar resident who has gotten all too familiar with their city to the visitor on business or familial duty to the tourist, don’t just live. Experience. Make time to create enjoyable moments. Calabar gives you the opportunity to get away from all the noise and have fun without having to break the bank.
