National Children’s Park & Zoo, located within the winding and tranquil green of Asokoro, one of Abuja’s most fashionable estates. This destination has a very special appeal to kids, families, and even inquisitive tourists. While Abuja is more commonly identified by the executives’ offices, fashion hotels, and mega shopping malls, this park, like a few others, provides an oasis of opportunity to escape the jarring pace of life in the capital. Just a stone’s throw from the famous Aso Rock and Presidential Villa. This park is not just a spot for a picnic; it is the beginning of a keystone adventure in wildlife, fun activities for kids, and a relaxing outdoor environment.
Whether you are a parent looking for a break away for a weekend, a teacher planning an outing, or an international tourist looking for a slower, greener moment in Abuja, the National Children’s Park & Zoo fills a lot of boxes. It is fairly low-key, straightforward, and delivers in its way. The park encourages you to be slow and to notice the wonderful things in nature – a place where kids laugh freely, families share ice cream and look for animals, and even the most screen-saturated city-dweller might forget their device for a moment.
So let’s explore how and why this park should be on your list of things to do while visiting Abuja.
Play and Behold Nature
Upon your entry, the first thing that strikes you right away is its soothing aura. Greeted by wide green lawns, towering trees, and birds singing, without sighting any taxis. The park is purposely curated so children have space to run, play, and be kids– every space has its use here. Across the lawn, you’ll find playgrounds, swings, slides, seesaws, and climbing frames. For most children, this is the real five-star experience.
On the other hand, parents can enjoy the layout of the park with a picnic. There are several shady spots to lay a mat or blanket down while the kids do their thing– run wild and tire themselves out. You can come along wth your own food or purchase from the concession kiosks within. The atmosphere is relaxed and slow; nothing’s more therapeutic than sitting under a tree, sipping a cold drink, while listening to the sounds of children squeal with joy.
Meet the Animals
And now we come to the zoo piece because that is certainly why most people choose to visit. The zoo is not entirely large, but it’s packed with a myriad of animals that wow children and captivate animal buffs. You can take a calm and pleasant stroll through the wide spaces separating the enclosures and witness these creatures in action– monkeys, lions, hyenas, ostriches, baboons, zebras, camels, snakes (such as pythons), and tortoises, among others. Also, try not to ignore the labelled signs, they’re there to teach you and your kids one thing or two along the way.
Other reviewers on social media have suggested that the zoo could benefit from offering a wider variety of animals or better condition for some of the enclosures; however, it does provide children (especially those from the city) with a unique opportunity to see animals that they may only have ever read about it books or seen in cartoons. It is a special thing to be able to hear a lion roar a few meters from your seat, with no worries at all.
Horse and Camel Rides for the Brave
In addition to animals, the park provides the chance to ride horses and camels. Yes, horseback and camel riding; what an exciting and interesting experience for kids. The guides ensure the safety of all children riding or adults who want to have a shot, so the experience is safe for all. It is a great way to create an ordinary outing into a full-on adventure. Also, how would you like to tell people that you rode a camel in Abuja?
These events are extra and cost extra, and although they don’t last long, kids remember riding a camel or horse (even if it is just a few laps). Here’s a pro tip– bring a camera and take pictures, they will make great keepsakes.
Education in Disguise
While fun is the focus of the park, the educational aspect is not insignificant either. There are signs and exhibits along the animal enclosures that offer fun facts and conservation tips for kids. Kids get to learn and understand how some animals behave, endangered species, and how to care for their environment.
Educational tours are available on request to enlighten children on the conservation of wild animals and the humane treatment of animals. These small efforts are important, especially in a world where wildlife conservation is often far down the list of importance.
A Serene Lake
The park also embodies a small lake that’s so beautiful, but misconceptions that it is dirty or filled with trash have caused it to get overlooked most time. The lake feels magical, offering you absolute peace. You will see ducks waddling in the shallows of the lake, fish surfacing in its depths, and trees across the lake’s edge dancing across the top of the waves.
It’s a popular spot for couples who are on quiet dates, for parents looking to relax, and for photographers capturing that perfect calm image. You’ll see families gathered near the lake, feeding ducks little bits of bread, relaxing under the trees’ shade. This simple pleasure seems harder to come by in this technology society that moves so fast. You can call this nature at its purest and quietest beauty. You can buy food and drinks from local vendors right there, or you can come along with food, drinks, music, and leisure supplies. It’s advisable to plan your group outings like school trips or birthday parties early, so you can book picnic areas and guided tours.
There is also more than enough space for parking– taxis, rideshare services, or personal transport can access the park.
Birthdays, Family Hangouts, or School Excursions
Many families have visited the National Children’s Park & Zoo, Abuja, for a day out, but it can also be used as a birthday party venue, as well as an excuse to take school kids on excursions, even after school programs. There is no restriction on bringing food or decorations, and you can have the full setup of a picnic celebration, including balloons, party packs, and your cake!
You get an outdoor space, so you’re not stuck in a hall with loud music and plastic chairs. You can be outside, receive some sunshine, and breathe in clean air, which is much more pleasant than an indoor event. It’ll keep everyone happy, even when you have kids and older teens together, because of the various activities available at the park.
In a city like Abuja, where fun can tend to be price-prohibitive or for only a select few, the National Children’s Park & Zoo is a nice, low-cost, wholesome alternative. Sure, it’s not the biggest or even the most advanced zoo in Nigeria, but it is educational, fun, and surrounded by nature, which makes it one of the capital’s underrated gems.
So if you want to disconnect from screens, reconnect with nature, and spend time making memories as a family, this is the place for you. Pack a picnic basket, grab your partner, kids, friends, or just yourself, and spare a day for life’s little pleasures in Abuja’s wildlife oasis.
Location: Off the Central Business District by Asokoro, after Millennium Park, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Opening Hours: Monday– Saturday from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Entrance Fee: 1,000(Adults)
500(Children)
Budget: 5,000- 10,000
