⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to high rates of violent street crime, armed robbery, and civil unrest, government agencies (including the USA, UK, Canada, and New Zealand) advise travelers to reconsider travel to Lagos. Risks are elevated on the mainland and after dark; visitors are advised to remain in secured areas like Victoria Island and Ikoyi. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.
Lagos is a city of intensity, creativity, and drive. It is the commercial engine of Nigeria and offers a sensory-rich experience for families willing to navigate its complexities. The islands—specifically Victoria Island (VI) and Ikoyi—are where most international visitors base themselves, featuring gated hotels, upscale dining, and better security infrastructure. A highlight for nature-loving families is the Lekki Conservation Centre. This urban reserve protects coastal mangrove wetlands and features a suspended canopy walkway that thrills older children and teenagers, offering a bird's-eye view of the swamp forest.
For a deep dive into Nigerian culture, the Nike Art Gallery is essential. Owned by the charismatic artist Nike Davies-Okundaye, this four-story gallery is filled with thousands of artworks, textiles, and sculptures. It is a welcoming space where kids can sometimes watch artisans at work or try on traditional headgear. Nearby, Terra Kulture serves as a cultural hub with a restaurant serving authentic Nigerian jollof rice and a theatre space often hosting local plays.
Beaches are a major draw, but safety is paramount. Landmark Beach offers a controlled, private environment with clean sands, restaurants, and play areas, making it the standard choice for expatriate and tourist families. Visitors should avoid public, unguarded beaches due to strong Atlantic currents and security concerns. Movement around Lagos requires patience due to the legendary traffic jams known as 'go-slows'; families should plan itineraries with minimal cross-city travel and use only trusted, pre-arranged drivers.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Lagos is Africa's cultural powerhouse, home to the world-renowned Nike Art Gallery and a sophisticated contemporary culinary scene. Peak months offer the 'Detty December' social explosion and dry weather, while the extreme rainfall from April to October causes significant urban flooding that hinders exploration.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The city hosts world-class events like Lagos Fashion Week and major Afrobeats festivals that attract a global elite. The end-of-year period (Oct-Jan) is the undisputed peak for international-standard cultural celebrations, whereas the heavy monsoon months see a lull in major outdoor gatherings.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Significant historical sites like the Badagry Heritage Museum provide profound insights into the Trans-Atlantic slave trade for discerning families. Travel to these sites is best in the dry season to avoid road closures and difficult conditions caused by the intense rainfall of May-October.
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
The Lekki Conservation Centre features Africa's longest canopy walkway, providing a unique viewpoint over coastal wetlands. While authentic, the nature offerings are localized, and peak enjoyment is restricted to the driest months when the walkways are safe and humidity is slightly more manageable.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Lagos beaches (Landmark Beach, Ilashe) are local amenities with murky Atlantic water, safety concerns, and minimal resort infrastructure. They do not meet international calibration standards for 'good' beach destinations when compared to Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian coastal areas.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
High-end urban spas and luxury island resorts cater to a wealthy clientele seeking respite from the city's intensity. The experience is best in the dry season when outdoor yoga and poolside relaxation aren't interrupted by the region's frequent and heavy tropical downpours.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Lagos offers elite sporting experiences through private clubs for polo, golf, and yachting. These activities are heavily weather-dependent, with the peak dry months providing the only consistent conditions for play, as the wet season's humidity and rainfall make outdoor sports uncomfortable.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
High-quality indoor family entertainment centers like Rufus & Bee provide modern recreation but lack the scale of international theme park destinations. These venues serve as excellent reliable retreats during the dry season, but the surrounding urban infrastructure becomes difficult to navigate during the heavy rain months.
Attractions (34 total)
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Badagry Heritage Museum
Badagry
Located in a former administrative building from 1863, this museum provides a deep historical account of the transatlantic slave trade.
Freedom Park Lagos
Lagos
A cultural site and recreational park built on the ruins of a colonial prison, featuring memorials, fountains, and an open-air stage.
Visit website →National Museum Lagos
Lagos
This museum preserves Nigeria's rich cultural heritage through a collection of ancient art, including Benin Bronzes and traditional masks.
Jaekel House
Lagos
A beautifully restored colonial mansion that offers a glimpse into Nigeria's railway history and early 20th-century architecture.
Visit website →The First Storey Building in Nigeria
Badagry
Built in 1845, this historic structure serves as a landmark of Christian missionary history and is the oldest multi-story building in the country.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Badagry Heritage Museum and Slave Route
Badagry
A poignant historic town area featuring the Heritage Museum and the 'Point of No Return' trail overlooking the lagoon.
Freedom Park
Lagos Island
A former colonial prison transformed into a vibrant cultural heritage site and memorial park with fountains and art installations.
Visit website →The Brazilian Quarter (Popo Aguda)
Lagos Island
A historic cultural area known for its unique 19th-century Afro-Brazilian architecture built by returnee formerly enslaved people.
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Badagry Heritage Route
Lagos Island
70km paved coastal route (approx. 3-4 hours). This historic driving route connects the heart of Lagos to the ancient town of Badagry. It is the primary touring path for international visitors interested in West African history. Key highlights along the route include the Badagry Heritage Museum, the Vlekete Slave Market, the First Storey Building in Nigeria, and the Gberefu Peninsula (Point of No Return).
Visit website →Lekki-Epe Coastal Route
Victoria Island
95km paved toll road (approx. 2-3 hours). This scenic expressway traverses the Lekki Peninsula, transitioning from the modern urban skyline of Victoria Island to the serene lagoon landscapes of Epe. It is widely used for nature-based road trips, featuring stops at the Lekki Conservation Centre, Lufasi Nature Park, the artisanal Epe Fish Market, and the tranquil Epe Mangroves.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Lekki Conservation Centre
Lekki, Lagos
A 78-hectare nature reserve featuring the longest canopy walkway in Africa and diverse wildlife including monkeys and tortoises.
Visit website →Omu Resort
Lekki, Lagos
A comprehensive family destination combining a zoo, amusement park, and outdoor activities like archery, quad biking, and water slides.
Visit website →Lufasi Nature Park
Lekki, Lagos
An urban forest and conservation center with nature trails, animal sanctuaries, and outdoor picnic areas dedicated to climate action.
Visit website →Upbeat Recreation Centre
Lekki Phase 1, Lagos
West Africa's first trampoline park offering wall climbing, foam pits, and outdoor multi-sport turf for active families.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Lekki Conservation Centre Nature Trail
Lekki
2.1km easy loop, typical duration 1 hour, 22m elevation gain. This premier nature trail features a 1.8km wooden boardwalk and the 401m-long canopy walkway, the longest suspension bridge of its kind in Africa. The route traverses swamp forests, savannas, and wetlands, offering sightings of mona monkeys, crocodiles, and diverse birdlife. Equipment rental: None required. General city bike rental: Pitstop Lagos (pitstoplagos.com).
Visit website →Lufasi Nature Park Forest Trail
Lekki
3.0km easy network of trails, typical duration 1 hour, 5m elevation gain. Located in an urban forestry and animal shelter initiative, these well-marked trails wind through a 20-hectare indigenous Ekki forest and wetland area. Highlights include the 'Forest Bathing' zone and views of Lake Moses. Difficulty is very easy with flat, shaded terrain throughout. Kayak rentals are available on-site at the lake. General bike rental: Pitstop Lagos (pitstoplagos.com).
Visit website →Tarkwa Bay to Lighthouse Beach Coastal Walk
Lagos
5.0km easy-moderate out-and-back trail, typical duration 1.5 hours, 10m elevation gain. This scenic coastal route begins at the Tarkwa Bay jetty and follows the sandy shoreline and rocky breakwater to the historic 19th-century lighthouse. The path offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Lagos harbor entrance. Difficulty is moderate due to soft sand and uneven rocky sections. Bike rental: Pitstop Lagos (pitstoplagos.com).
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Nike Art Gallery
Lagos
A spectacular four-story gallery housing thousands of traditional and contemporary Nigerian artworks, from intricate textiles to massive sculptures.
Visit website →Terra Kulture
Lagos
A premier cultural hub that combines a fine art gallery with a renowned theater and restaurant, celebrating the breadth of Nigerian creativity.
Visit website →Omenka Gallery
Lagos
A leading contemporary art space located in a serene waterside villa, specializing in established and emerging African artists.
Visit website →Yemisi Shyllon Museum of Art
Lagos
Nigeria's first purpose-built university art museum, featuring a world-class collection that spans pre-colonial artifacts to contemporary African masterpieces.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Cathedral Church of Christ
Lagos Island
An iconic Gothic Revival cathedral and the oldest Anglican cathedral in the Church of Nigeria.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Eleko Beach
Lekki
A peaceful and well-maintained palm-fringed beach that provides a quiet alternative for families looking for a relaxing day by the Atlantic.
Tarkwa Bay Beach
Lagos
A serene, sheltered beach accessible only by boat, offering a calm swimming environment and a popular escape from the city bustle.
Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Jhalobia Recreation Park and Gardens
Lagos
A peaceful formal garden with manicured lawns, exotic flowers, and scenic water features designed for relaxation and family picnics.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
LUFASI Nature Park
Lagos
An urban forest and animal sanctuary focused on conservation, offering peaceful trails and sightings of rescued wildlife.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Mindscape Children's Museum
Lagos
An interactive discovery center featuring hands-on exhibits that allow children to explore science, creative arts, and role-playing in a curated environment.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Shodex Gardens
Lagos
This urban botanical garden offers a safe environment for kids to learn about plants and see animals like ostriches and baboons in the heart of the mainland.
Epe Mangroves
Lagos
A serene rural boat experience through winding mangrove creeks allows families to see traditional fishing lifestyles and unique coastal ecosystems.
Theme Park / Amusement Park
Upbeat Centre
Lekki
West Africa's first world-class trampoline park offering a wide range of recreational activities, sports courts, and fitness programs for families.
Visit website →Apapa Amusement Park
Lagos
A historic and recently modernized amusement park in the heart of the mainland featuring traditional mechanical rides, bumper cars, and indoor games.
Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Felabration
Lagos
Mid-October, 7-day music and cultural festival celebrating Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, attracts over 50,000 visitors annually, includes concerts, street parades, and art exhibitions, family-friendly daytime art competitions and workshops.
Visit website →Gidi Culture Festival
Lagos
Late March or April (Easter weekend), 1-3 day music and arts festival on the beach, attracts thousands of international visitors, features global Afrobeats artists, beach sports, and food courts, family-friendly beach activities and art installations.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Hi-Impact Planet Amusement Park
Ibafo
A world-class amusement park serving the Lagos area with a dedicated water park section, various high-thrill rides, and an indoor arcade.
Visit website →