Forget scrolling through your phone, wondering what to do this weekend. Whether you've got toddlers bouncing off the walls or teens rolling their eyes at "family time," Lusaka's got you covered. We're talking proper outdoor adventures, hands-on learning that doesn't feel like school, and places where you can actually relax while the kids burn energy. Plus weekend escapes that won't drain your wallet or your patience. Real recommendations. Real prices. Let's make this happen.
GRI Wildlife Discovery Centre
GRI Wildlife Discovery Centre allows guests and children to interact with orphaned and rescued wildlife. You can bottle-feed baby antelopes, watch elephant rehabilitation up close, and meet animals that have genuine stories. The staff are passionate about conservation, and they explain things in ways that make sense to children without talking down to them.
Go around mid-morning, when the animals are fed and most active. Weekend mornings can get busy with groups, so weekdays are better if you can swing it. The conservation stories behind each animal make it more than just a fun day out—kids leave understanding why wildlife matters, and that's worth more than any textbook lesson.
- Entry fee: K50 for adults and free for Children.
- Location: Lusaka National Park.
Kalimba Reptile Park
Kalimba Reptile Park is a place where your kids can have an up-close view of crocodiles, snakes, and tortoises. They don’t just stare at the reptiles through a glass, but actually interact with them (supervised, obviously). The guides are brilliant with children, answering every "but why?" question with patience you didn't know existed.
Weekday afternoons between 2 pm and 4 pm are quieter if you want more one-on-one time with the animals and guides who can focus properly on your children's endless questions. There's a small café on-site too, decent for toasted sandwiches and cold drinks when everyone needs refuelling. The peacocks wandering around add to the whole experience, and children will probably be more fascinated by them than they'll admit.
- Entry fee: K120 for adults and K60 per child.
- Location: Kalimba Farm.
Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre
The Lusaka Contemporary Art Centre proves that art galleries aren't just for adults whispering in quiet rooms. It's a kid-friendly space that gets children creating, not just looking. Lucac runs weekend art workshops where children can paint, sculpt, and try different art techniques.
The exhibitions change regularly, featuring Zambian artists whose work actually sparks conversations. The space is open and bright, with high ceilings that create a relaxed atmosphere rather than a stuffy one. Here's the bonus: there's a pool where kids can cool off after getting covered in paint, which makes it a full-day activity. Check their social media before visiting, as workshop schedules change and spaces fill up quickly during school holidays.
- Entry fee: Entry at the gallery is free, though workshops may incur an additional fee.
- Location: Musekese Road, Lusaka.
Monkey Pools
Monkey Pools is where to go when children need a proper outdoor adventure. Natural rock pools fed by streams, with water clear enough to see the bottom and shallow sections are perfect for younger children. The deeper pools are brilliant for older kids who can actually swim.
There are rocks to climb, trees for shade, and space to spread out without sitting on top of other families. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks because there are no shops on-site, bring proper swimming gear and water shoes (those rocks can be slippery), and don't forget towels and sun cream. The walk from the car park to the pools is about 10 minutes on uneven ground, so factor that in if you've got toddlers or loads of gear.
- Entry fee: K200 for adults and K100 for children.
- Location: Seringa Drive, Leopards Hill Road, Lusaka.
Make It Happen
Look, you don't need Instagram-perfect outings to create great memories with your children. You just need to get out there, pick one place from this list and make it happen. Whether it's watching your toddler's face light up at their first snake encounter, or getting your teenager to admit the sunset at Kariba was "actually quite nice," these moments add up. They don't need to be expensive or elaborate—they just need to be real.
So what are you waiting for? Make this weekend count!
