By Ajibade Morakinyo

It is always the wish of every parent to see that innocent smile ravaging the face of their kids. However, this comes at the expense of some goodies. For example, when mummy and daddy surprise their little child with a Cinderella dress or a bicycle on a weekend, it is certain that a torrent of joy would gush out from the belly of such a child – totally immeasurable; this just on a weekend day, not to talk of during a festive period like the Children’s Day.

However, talking about such smile that follows festivities, especially on a day meant to celebrate their being – Children’s day – every parent must ensure their kids are not frowning while other kids are serenading in joy from goodies, such as bouncing castle, children’s ride, video game, movies and other kids favourite. Aside the fun from these activities, these will help build their self-confidence thereby, terminating the chances of depression.

Children easily feel inferior to their peers, and this leads to depression, when they can’t have fun like other children are doing or when their parents can’t take them out. In order to avoid tragic emotional accident happening to your kids, there are places in Lagos you can take them to, and definitely joy will find them this Children’s Day. In these places, you can also participate (but not to fullest) with them, so as to build more intimacy between you and your kids with as low N1000 as gate fee or even free

Among these places are;

Dreamworld Africana

Dreamworld Africana is located in Lekki, and has activities that children of all ages can enjoy ranging from fun, leisure and adventure at its best. The bumper cars are a major attraction for children and parents. Its roller coaster ride is ideal for the entire family. Though, some rides require an age limit, there is a toddler play area.

In this fun filled place, you can also sit and enjoy a meal while your children are entertained. There are various options here, it is indeed the ultimate place for wholesome children and family fun.

Mindscapes Museum

This is a children’s museum located at Plot 1A, Block 3, Michael Olawale Cole Drive, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos. Children love this museum because they get to roleplay as builders in a construction site, run a restaurant with toy foods, banker in the bank with customized ATM and money, go shopping, and many other activities to get creative.

Children come here to explore, get artistic, and it is designed to engage children through the exploration of their five senses. This creates experiences for them so instead of regular ancient relics, you will find life-like models, and hands-on exhibits that are created for children to touch and play with.

Klub de lag

This is another fun destination in Lagos for children and parents’ leisure, and located at 10A Babafemi Osoba Crescent, Lekki Phase 1. It offers a wide range of activities including bowling, mini-golf, and kids play station. This place offers wall climbing and ice skating activities, so to make it livelier to children.

There is also a toddler’s arena and a safe swimming pool area. There’s a VIP Lounge where older people can relax.

GET Arena

Get Arena provides a typical example of a break from the norm. It is located at Plot 6 Abila Onriu /BIS way, off Ozumba Mbadiwe, Oniru Estate, Lekki, Lagos. The one and only place with state of the art go-kart track which surrounds the building, and only all-encompassing entertainment, corporate, social, and fun establishment.

The kart track is loved by people who admire the thrill of being whizzed around in karts. There is a restaurant that serves quite tasty foods, while you watch your children smile from whizzing high speed ride in an unassailable experience.

Funtopia Leisure Resort

Funtopia Leisure Resort is one of the leading amusement parks and spots for family outings in Lagos, and located at KM 35, Epe Expressway, Off Pan African University, Lagos. It is an amazing place designed to woo children and even adults. With swimming, games, bouncy castles, carousels and much more, the resort offers a wide array of exciting activities to choose from.

Funland Limited

Funland is a recreational and entertainment park for kids with facilities that include toys, games, bouncy castles, train rides, carousels and so many other creative and interactive games for children and adults.

Movie Cinemas

Seeing movies are always a fun time to hang out with children and parents, especially when they see their favourite Hollywood heros and heroines on big screen. Genesis Cinemas is located at the Palms and City Mall Onikan and Silverbird are some of the cinemas in Lagos which can give your kids a wonderful abd memorable children’s day.

Beaches

If your kids lack aquaphobia then you can consider beaches in Lagos a place to see your children smile. The likes of Elegushi beach, Oniru beach, Lekki beach, Kuramo beach, Eleko beach, Tarkwa Bay, La Campagne Tropicana beach resort and so on will do justice to this. The gate fees are usually not more than N2000 with a few exceptions to the exclusive ones. Please, ensure caution is taken when you take your kids to beaches and be sure not to allow them to go too close to the water without adult supervision. Moreover, every individual must be mindful of the sea wave at the beach.