Things to do in Dakar with kids and family

Travelling with children changes everything: the pace, the wishes, the way you plan each day. The good news is that Dakar is a wonderful city for family outings. Surrounded by ocean, dotted with easy-to-reach islands and lined with beaches, the Senegalese capital offers plenty of activities suited to little ones and grown-ups alike, often less than half an hour’s drive from one another.

Whether you are on holiday, have just moved to Dakar or are simply looking for a weekend idea, you are probably wondering what to do in Dakar with kids. Which activities are truly suitable for young children? From what age can they go on the water? Do they need to know how to swim? How do you avoid long hours in the car and overloaded days that end in tears? These are exactly the questions parents ask us at our bases, and this guide was written to answer them, with honest advice from people who spend every day on the water with families.

At Senegal Nautique, we welcome families on the water every week in Ouakam, Ngor and at Lac Rose. So we have gathered our best ideas for family activities in Dakar: water outings designed with children in mind, island escapes, open-air days to see animals and viewpoints, a sample family day and all our safety tips. Each activity comes with the recommended age, prices and the little tricks that make the outing enjoyable for everyone. Enough to plan a trip where kids have as much fun as their parents, and where everyone goes home with a head full of memories. And if you only remember one idea, start with the water: that is where Dakar enchants children the most, and where even the shyest little ones quickly forget their worries. Let’s dive in, one idea at a time.

On the water as a family

1. Clear kayaking, from age 6

If you had to pick just one activity in Dakar with kids, this would be it. A clear kayak fascinates children within seconds: beneath the hull they watch rocks, sand and fish glide by, as if floating over a giant aquarium. No experience or particular strength is needed, as the kayaks are wide, very stable and easy to steer. It is one of the rare water activities where the wonder is instant, even for children who have never set foot in a boat.

Children can join from age 6, accompanied by an adult. The ideal option is the double kayak: the parent sits at the back to paddle and steer, while the child sits at the front, enjoying the show beneath their feet and paddling whenever they feel like it. For a family of four, two double kayaks are enough, each with one adult and one child. Life jackets are provided and compulsory for everyone, so nobody needs to know how to swim. For extra peace of mind, the instructor option, at the same price, means a member of our team paddles alongside you.

Budget-wise, it costs 6,000 F per kayak, whether one or two people are inside, with or without an instructor. Our bases in Ouakam, below the Mosque of the Divinity, and in Ngor, facing the island, are open every day from 11am to 7pm, with no booking needed for a standard ride. With children, we usually recommend Ngor, which is often more sheltered, or the late afternoon, when the heat eases. And if you want to capture the moment, a family drone photoshoot produces aerial images your children will treasure for life. For everything you need to know, read our guide to clear kayaking in Dakar. A parent’s tip: bring a change of clothes, because kids love dipping their hands in the water.

2. A boat tour around Ngor Island

For a first trip out to sea with children, the boat tour around Ngor Island is perfect. It only lasts about twenty minutes, which matches young children’s attention span perfectly: long enough to be amazed, short enough that nobody gets restless. During the ride you follow the island’s coves, rocks and surf spots, pass the colourful fishing pirogues and discover Dakar from the sea, a point of view children often find fascinating. Many kids spend the whole ride pointing at the pirogues, the surfers and the houses on the island, asking a hundred questions along the way.

The tour takes place on our 8-seat boat, which is comfortable, has a shaded area and carries life jackets for every passenger. With its twin engines, it glides quickly over the water, which children love, without ever turning the trip into an ordeal. Departures are from the pier at the Port of Dakar. Families can book a few seats on a shared departure, on Friday, Saturday or Sunday at 11am, 2pm or 5pm, or hire the boat privately to enjoy a moment just for themselves, on the date and time of their choice.

A shared departure costs 8,000 F per person, and private hire of the boat for the Ngor tour 60,000 F, often a good deal as soon as the family has five or six members. A 30% deposit by Orange Money or Wave confirms the booking. With children, we recommend the 11am or 5pm departures, when the sun is gentler, and bringing hats, sunscreen and a small bottle of water. Families who find their sea legs can then move on to longer trips towards the Almadies or the Mamelles. All routes are detailed in our article on boat trips in Dakar. For a birthday, add a food platter on board.

3. The water ball at Lac Rose

Picture your children’s faces in front of a pink lake. About forty kilometres north-east of Dakar, Lac Rose owes its astonishing colour to a very high salt concentration and a micro-alga that produces a red pigment. The setting alone is worth the trip: pink water, dunes, the salt harvesters’ pirogues and large white heaps on the shore make a landscape straight out of a picture book. For children, it is often one of the most memorable excursions of their stay in Senegal.

To make the visit even more special, we offer the water ball at Lac Rose, a large transparent bubble you climb into to walk, run, roll and tumble on the surface of the water. Giggles guaranteed, for kids and for the parents who join in. The activity takes place close to the shore under our team’s supervision, and it pairs beautifully with a clear kayak ride on the pink water or a drone photoshoot capturing the bubble from the sky, for truly unique images. Children often ask to go again as soon as they come out of the bubble, so plan for a second round, and bring a towel for everyone.

The water ball costs 5,000 F, and Lac Rose outings are arranged on request: contact our team to set a date and time according to conditions. Allow about an hour’s drive from Dakar depending on traffic, and leave early in the morning if you can, to avoid the heat and the traffic, especially with young children. Bring fresh water to rinse everyone off after the activity, as the lake is so salty that it leaves a fine layer of salt on the skin. Hats, sunglasses and a snack will make the day even more pleasant. Choose old or dark clothes too, since salt and pink water can mark light fabrics.

4. Paddleboarding and swimming for teens

Teenagers often want more independence and a bit more excitement. Paddleboarding in Dakar is a great answer. Standing on a large board with a paddle in hand, they work on their balance, laugh at their first falls and almost always end up standing proudly after a few minutes. It is a sporty yet accessible activity that gives them the feeling of mastering something new, while staying close to the beach and their parents.

At Senegal Nautique, paddleboarding is available in Ouakam and Ngor, depending on the day’s sea conditions, for 5,000 F per 30 minutes. The life jacket is provided and our team explains the basics before setting off: how to stand up, where to put your feet, how to hold the paddle and how to come back to the beach. A formula families love is to split the roles: parents and younger children in a double clear kayak, teens on their paddleboards, everyone on the water at the same time and in the same place. Everyone has fun and nobody gets bored.

After the effort, it is time for a swim. The beaches of Ngor and Ouakam are perfect for cooling off, playing in the sand and resting in the shade between activities. Teens who crave more thrills can also try jet skiing in Mermoz, always supervised by our team: they can, for example, ride as passengers behind an adult, wearing a life jacket, to discover speed safely. As always at sea, check conditions on the day: in a swell, we will always suggest another activity rather than an uncomfortable session for your children. The whole family’s wellbeing is our priority, and our team will happily help you choose the activity best suited to your teenagers’ age and confidence. Just ask on arrival, and we will set everyone up.

A family outing on the water?

Parent and child double kayaks from age 6, life jackets provided, every day from 11am to 7pm in Ouakam and Ngor.

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Islands with kids

5. A day on Ngor Island

Ngor Island is probably the easiest escape to organise with children. From Ngor beach, a short pirogue crossing takes you there, and little ones love this mini adventure at sea. Once on the island, there are no cars or horns: you walk along narrow lanes between colourful houses and painted walls before reaching the sheltered beaches on the city side. For families, it guarantees a calm and exotic day, just minutes from the capital.

The beaches on the city side are protected and well suited to children, who can play in the sand and swim under their parents’ watchful eyes. Several restaurants serve grilled fish, fresh juices and simple dishes that children enjoy. On the ocean side, the sea is more powerful: it is the surfers’ domain, and older kids love watching them ride the waves from the rocks. A day on the island can mix swimming, lunch with your feet in the sand, a nap in the shade and a little exploring walk, at the whole family’s pace.

To round off the day, many families start or end with a clear kayak ride from our Ngor base, on the beach next to La Cabane du Pêcheur. Paddling with the island as a backdrop is a moment children adore, and the double kayak lets them join from age 6. Those who prefer to see the island from the sea can opt for the twenty-minute boat tour around Ngor Island. Bring hats, sunscreen, spare swimsuits and a little cash for the crossing and lunch, and you are all set for a perfect family day. In the evening, the sunset over the island ends the day beautifully, and the kids will often ask to come back the very next weekend. It is the kind of simple, joyful day that makes a holiday.

6. Gorée, a visit children remember

Visiting Gorée as a family means giving your children a history lesson they will never forget, in a peaceful and colourful setting. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this small island off the port is both a car-free village, ideal for walking with children, and a place of remembrance of the Atlantic slave trade. The ferry crossing from Dakar’s maritime station takes about twenty minutes, and for the youngest it is already part of the adventure.

On the island, adapt the visit to your children’s age. Little ones will mostly enjoy the flower-filled lanes, the ochre and pink house fronts, the cannons at the Castel and the small beach by the pier, perfect for a swim. With older children, a visit to the House of Slaves is an opportunity to discuss an essential chapter of history, with simple words and great respect. Take time to answer their questions: many parents tell us this moment sparked meaningful family conversations long after the trip. It is a visit that helps children understand the country they are discovering.

To avoid the ferry crowds, especially at weekends, you can also reach Gorée by private boat. Our large boat offers a Gorée trip of about two hours from the Port of Dakar, from 10,000 F per person on a shared departure, and can be privately hired for up to 15 people, ideal for a large family or several families travelling together. With children, favour the morning for the visit, bring good shoes, water and hats, and leave time for an ice cream or a fresh juice before heading back. Allow at least half a day to enjoy the island without rushing. And do not forget your camera: the colourful façades and bougainvillea make lovely family portraits, as long as you always ask before photographing residents.

Animals and viewpoints

7. Bandia reserve, a safari near Dakar

For children who love animals, the Bandia reserve is a must around Dakar. About an hour’s drive south of the capital, this private reserve lets you see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, antelopes, ostriches and many other species up close, in a savannah dotted with impressive baobabs. For many children it is their very first safari, and the thrill of spotting a giraffe between two trees stays with them for a long time. It is an ideal outing for a full day outside the city.

The visit takes place by vehicle, with a guide who knows the animals’ habits and where to find them. Children can watch in safety, ask questions and learn a great deal about African wildlife. Allow one to two hours of safari depending on the route. On site, you can also have lunch or a drink before or after the tour, which gives you a proper break with the children. For families, it is a complete outing that requires no particular physical effort, and even toddlers can enjoy it from their parents’ laps.

To make the most of the reserve, leave early in the morning or in the late afternoon: animals are more active in the cooler hours, and children cope better with the drive without the midday heat. Bring water, hats, binoculars if you have them and a camera. Bandia combines well with a day on the Petite Côte, south of Dakar. To balance your trip, alternate driving days with calmer days in the city, on the water or at the beach: a clear kayak outing in Ouakam or Ngor the next day lets the whole family unwind. Your children will be telling stories about their adventures for weeks, between giraffes, rhinos and kayaking above the fish. Few days out offer such a mix of discovery and excitement.

8. The Mamelles viewpoints

Children love climbing and seeing the world from above. In Dakar, the two Mamelles hills offer two perfect viewpoints for a family outing. On the first stands the African Renaissance Monument, a huge 52-metre bronze statue that always impresses young visitors. A long staircase leads to the foot of the monument, then an indoor lift takes you up to the viewing platform, with a view over the whole peninsula. For children, it is a bit like climbing inside a giant’s head. The exhibition rooms inside complete the visit for the most curious.

On the second hill, the Mamelles Lighthouse has guided ships for more than 150 years. You can reach it on foot or by car depending on access, and the esplanade offers an open view over Ouakam, the Almadies and the ocean. It is one of the best spots in Dakar to watch the sunset, a moment children often await impatiently, counting the minutes until the sun touches the water. The small restaurant at the foot of the lighthouse lets the family enjoy a drink while watching the show.

With children, go in the late afternoon when the heat eases, and bring good shoes, water and a little patience for the monument’s staircase. Younger kids will enjoy taking breaks and counting the steps. Both sites combine easily with the Ouakam corniche and the Mosque of the Divinity, a few minutes away. And for another point of view, families who love the sea can see the lighthouse and the statue from the water on our boat trips towards Ouakam and the Mamelles, where both silhouettes appear perched on their hilltops facing the Atlantic. Children often have fun spotting them from the boat, and comparing the view with the one they had from the top a day earlier. A fun little game for the whole family.

Planning your day

A sample family day in Dakar

With children, the key to a successful day in Dakar comes down to three things: little driving, plenty of breaks and water. Two well-chosen activities in the same neighbourhood beat five stops that leave you stuck in traffic all afternoon. Here is a sample day, tested by many of the families we meet on our bases, that works very well with children aged 6 to 12, which you can adapt to their age, their energy and the day’s weather.

• Morning: pirogue crossing to Ngor Island, a walk through the lanes and a swim on a sheltered beach.
• Lunch: grilled fish or simple dishes on the island, then back to Ngor beach.
• Early afternoon: a break in the shade, a snack and quiet time during the hottest hours.
• Late afternoon: parent and child double clear kayak from our Ngor base, with a drone photoshoot if you want to capture the moment.
• Evening: sunset on Ngor beach or at the Mamelles Lighthouse, then a family dinner.

The next day, change the mood: a morning on Gorée or at the African Renaissance Monument, then the boat tour around Ngor Island on a 5pm shared departure. If you are staying longer, keep a whole day for Lac Rose and its water ball, and another for the Bandia reserve. Between two big outings, always plan a lighter day at the beach or the pool: children recover quickly, but they appreciate not stringing long days together. Finally, remember to book ahead for activities that require it, especially at weekends and during school holidays. With a little planning, Dakar becomes a wonderful playground for the whole family, between sea, islands, history and nature, and a destination children will want to return to again and again. Keep things flexible, follow your children’s mood and enjoy the moments in between.

Safety, age and practical tips

Children’s safety comes first, and it is what lets the whole family enjoy their activities in Dakar with peace of mind. On the water, the rule is simple: life jackets are provided and compulsory for everyone, whatever their age or swimming level. Clear kayaks are very stable, and every day we choose a paddling area suited to sea conditions. For families, the instructor option, at the same price, adds extra peace of mind, especially for a first time on the water.

• Age: clear kayaking from age 6, with an adult, ideally in a double kayak.
• Under 6: contact our team, who will advise you according to your children’s age.
• Sun: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a light t-shirt, even when the sky is hazy.
• What to bring: water, snacks, towels and spare clothes for the whole family.
• Timing: favour late morning or late afternoon, which are gentler.

Remember to check the weather too. The sea is a natural environment: swell, wind and water clarity change from day to day. Call us on the day on +221 77 867 55 58 before travelling with the children, especially for a kayak or boat trip. If conditions are poor, we will suggest another slot rather than an uncomfortable outing. Finally, let children discover at their own pace: some will feel at ease straight away, others will need a few minutes before they dive in. Our team is used to welcoming families and will take the time to reassure the more hesitant ones. Explain what is going to happen before you set off: a child who knows what to expect approaches the water with far more confidence. And never hesitate to send us your questions on WhatsApp before you come. We are always happy to help you plan the perfect family day on the water.

Frequently asked questions