The holiday season is here and, with schools closed, children are ready for a break from routine. Instead of spending the day on screens, parents can explore a range of activities in Kigali that offer play, creativity, and new experiences. ALSO READ: How to keep children active, safe and connected this festive season Youngsters can enjoy a wide range of activities, from indoor play centres to outdoor adventures, with many opportunities to stay entertained and make the most of the festive season. ALSO READ: Memorable festive season experiences you can have in Rwanda Here is a list of places and activities children might enjoy: Four Points by Sheraton Kigali From December 20 to 25, Four Points by Sheraton Kigali will host a holiday programme for children aged one and above. The week-long North Pole Adventure includes activities such as craft stations, virtual reality games, bouncing castles, children’s karaoke, dance classes, painting and colouring corners, and swimming sessions. Other planned activities include a skating area, face painting, a festive photo booth, a Santa’s workshop corner, treasure hunts, gingerbread decorating, a mini talent stage, storytelling and puppet shows, magic performances, and a gaming zone with PS5 and interactive games. Entrance tickets are priced at Rwf10,000, Rwf20,000 for entrance plus swimming, or Rwf40,000 for a full-week pass. Families can book by dialling 6692065#. Zaria Court Zaria Court is hosting a series of festive events for children and families this month. On December 21, a holiday picnic will include activities for children and live seasonal music, with space for families to enjoy the day together. On Christmas Day, a brunch will feature a children’s activity area and live music. Throughout December, the venue has rolled out a programme of community and holiday-themed happenings designed to carry the season from early December through the year-end celebrations. Nature Kigali Located in Nyarutarama, the hotel and family-friendly restaurant provides an outdoor space for children to play. The space includes trampolines, swings, monkey bars, climbing rocks, a sandbox, puzzles, colouring materials, and a small playhouse with a slide. The venue is open daily from 7:30 a.m., and its enclosed gardens and lawns allow children to play safely away from traffic and crowded indoor spaces. During the festive period, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day brunches will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering children’s meal options alongside supervised outdoor play. Karate at Kigali Elite Sports Academy In addition to other holiday play and creative activities, kids aged 7 to 17 can participate in a one-day children’s karate seminar organized by Rwanda Karate Federation, on December 28, at Kigali Elite Sports Academy (KESA), in Kicukiro. CHILDREN’S KARATE SEMINAR (7–17 YEARS) Where: Kicukiro, KESA When: 28 December 2025 Fee: 10,000 RWF Elite Coaching Team • Head Coach: Kamuzinzi Christian • Champion -67kg: Ntwali Fiston • Champion -60kg: Ndutiye Shyaka Mike • Champion -75kg: Niyitanga Halifa pic.twitter.com/WCQGXA1R8j — Rwanda Karate Federation (FERWAKA) (@RwandaKarate) December 19, 2025 With a participation fee of Rwf10,000 young Karatekas will receive coaching from an elite team, including national team head coach Christian Kamuzinzi and national champions Fiston Ntwali (-67kg), Maic Shyaka Ndutiye (-60kg), and Khalifa Niyitanga (-75kg), offering a unique opportunity to learn karate from top national athletes. There are many other martial arts events for kids during this festive season and you just have to contact the respective martial arts federations to know what is going on, and where, for your children not to miss out on the action. Park Inn by Radisson Kigali On December 20, Park Inn by Radisson Kigali will host a children’s Special Christmas Party from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities will include supervised swimming, bouncing castles, face painting, games, snacks, gifts, and an opportunity for children to meet Santa. Entrance for children is approximately Rwf25,000, and bookings can be made by phone. Simba Center Children can spend time in the indoor play area and arcade at Simba Center in Gacuriro. The upper floor includes video games and interactive machines where children can play while adults shop or relax. In the evenings, visitors can see the outdoor water fountain display, which is illuminated after dark. The centre also has cafés, restaurants, and an ice-cream shop for families to use while children enjoy the play area. Tintin Kids Play Centre Kigali The little ones can spend time in the indoor and outdoor play areas at Tintin Kids Play Centre in Kimihurura, a space set up for children’s recreation. The centre is listed as having equipment and attractions where children can play, and families often visit during school holidays. The play centre is open daily, with hours that start around 9:00 a.m. and extend into the late afternoon or early evening. Imbuga City Walk / Kigali Car Free Zone Children have space to move freely at Imbuga City Walk, also known as the Kigali Car Free Zone, a pedestrian area in the city centre where vehicles are restricted. The wide streets allow children to run, ride bicycles and play informal games safely. The open zone also provides room for children to interact and socialize while families spend time in the city centre. The space is pedestrian‑friendly year‑round, not just during the festive season. Fazenda Sengha At Fazenda Sengha in Nyamirambo, children can take part in a variety of outdoor activities at this adventure and recreation centre, which is open most days of the week, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00–7:00 p.m. depending on the schedule. The centre has activities, including horse riding and trail rides, zip lining, bungee trampolines, archery, quad biking, paintball, badminton, and nature walks. Picnic areas are also available for families. KCEV, Camp Kigali Families can bring children to the Chorale de Kigali Christmas Carols Concert at Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV) on December 21. The event is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. and will feature performances of traditional and contemporary Christmas music. Tickets are available in various seating categories, with regular entry starting at around Rwf10,000. Tea House Resto Every Saturday and Sunday that space which is located in Kimihurura has fun activities for the little ones such as outdoor games like face painting, bouncing castle, interactive games, food, snacks and music. Urban Park Suites Hotel From December 20 to December 31, children can experience the Kids’ Festive Feast in Remera for Rwf35,000, which includes food, drinks, fun activities, face painting, and a swimming.
