If you’re travelling with kids, you’re in for a treat: Zanzibar offers the perfect mix of safe, fun kid-friendly experiences and rich local flavour for parents.
As your friendly local expert from Blue Green Zanzibar Tours, I’ll walk you through EVERYTHING you need: top things to do with children, smart travel tips, sample itineraries, FAQs, and subtle ways to plan your next zanzibar tour with your kids.
What are the best things to do in Zanzibar with kids?
Zanzibar is a safe and fun family destination with plenty of kid-friendly activities.
Top things to do with kids include
- relaxing on calm beaches like Kendwa and Nungwi
- snorkeling at Mnemba Atoll’s shallow reefs
- visiting giant tortoises on Prison Island
- exploring the monkey forest at Jozani
- discovering spices on an interactive farm tour
- Kids can also enjoy sandbank picnics
- gentle dhow sunset cruises
- short cultural walks through Stone Town.
Most tours are easy to customize and perfect for children of all ages.
Here are the standout experiences for kids on the island, grouped by beach, nature, culture and soft adventure.
Each includes suggested internal links so you can book them effortlessly with us.
Calm Shallow Beaches for Younger Children
Head to beaches like Kendwa Beach or Nungwi Beach – known for calmer shallow waters ideal for children. Most of our guests note the safe shallow waters and natural shade after noon.
Let little ones paddle and build sand castles while you relax under swaying palms.
Pro tip: Water shoes help when coral or sea urchins are present.
Snorkelling & Sandbank Fun
Book a half-day trip to Mnemba Island for a sandbank picnic, snorkelling among fish, and maybe spotting dolphins.
Choose low-tide timings for easiest access and shallow reef areas.
Life jackets for younger kids, and ensure the boat crew knows your children’s ages.
Mangrove Walks & Monkey Forests
Visit Jozani Chwaka Bay National Park (also called “Monkey Forest”) to meet the endemic red-colobus monkeys in a gentle guided walk.
Add in the neighbouring Zanzibar Butterfly Centre for younger kids who love colourful insects.
Ideal for a half-day trip: fresh air and nature, a break from beach time.
Stone Town Adventures
Wander the winding streets of Stone Town, soak in history, browse local crafts and enjoy street snacks. Families traveling with kids say the maze-like alleys feel like an adventure.
Visit a spice plantation (kid-friendly) where children can learn how cloves, cardamom & cinnamon grow.
Tip: Keep the outing in the morning or early evening (heat is intense midday).
Giant Tortoises & Historic Islands
Take a short boat ride to Prison Island (Changuu) — meet giant Aldabra tortoises, wander the island and snorkel in calm reef flats. A memorable experience for younger children.
Tanented to ensure boat ride is within kid-friendly duration (~20–30 minutes) and has life-jackets.
Dhow Sunset Cruise
A traditional dhow boat cruise at sunset offers a calm, magical experience — children love the gentle sway and sea breeze.
Ideal around 4–5 pm when tide is comfortable and lighting is beautiful for family photos.
Safety & Comfort tips Zanzibar with Kids
- Tides in Zanzibar shift daily, so check tide timing if planning beach walk or sandbank trip.
- Bring water shoes / reef sandals — especially for little feet exploring rock-pools or coral flats.
- Choose guided trips when kids are very young — boat transfers, snorkelling gear, life jackets.
- Stay hydrated and avoid midday sun (approx 11 am–3 pm) when the UV is strongest.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and cover kids after 30–40 minutes in sun.
- Food safety: While generally safe, always choose established eateries for family meals
Where to Eat & Stay in Zanzibar with Kids
- Choose family-friendly resort/hotel with pool + shallow beach access (many hotels strongly welcome kids).
- Dining: Many resorts and venues will happily modify dishes for kids (less spice, simpler menu).
- Snacks: Have kid-friendly fruit (mango, pineapple), bread, simple meals on hand when exploring.
Getting Around Zanzibar with Kids
- For family convenience, hire a private car + guide rather than large group tours — easier stops, rest breaks, flexibility.
- For beach resorts: pick a location close to restaurants and amenities, so you’re not far from home base when kids want downtime.
What to Pack when Tour with Kids in Zanzibar
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirts for sun and mosquitoes
- Reef shoes, snorkel gear (kids size)
- Swimwear + rash guards
- Hat, sunglasses
- Basic first-aid (plasters, antihistamine, etc)
- Waterproof bag for beach/snorkelling items
- A small backpack or child-carrier for younger kids on nature walks
Suggested Zanxibar with Kids Itineraries
Here are two sample itineraries that weave in the above activities — pick the one that suits your pace and children’s age or contact us for a custom itinerary.
Itinerary A – 5 Days, Relaxed Paced
Day 1: Arrive & settle into resort; beach swim and sandcastle play.
Day 2: Morning: Stone Town walking tour + spice plantation; Afternoon: Chill at resort pool.
Day 3: Half-day trip to Prison Island (boat ride + tortoises + snorkelling).
Day 4: Visit Jozani Forest & Evening dhow sunset cruise.
Day 5: Relax morning; checkout.
Itinerary B – 7 Days, Active & Flexible
Day 1: Arrival
Day 2: Beach+snorkel near shallow reef; afternoon rest.
Day 3: Sandbank excursion + dolphins near Mnemba (half-day)
Day 4: Stone Town excursion + evening market stroll.
Day 5: Jozani Forest in morning; pool afternoon.
Day 6: Free day (kids club, building sand-castles, simple resort activity)
Day 7: Depart.
FAQs about Zanzibar with Kids
Is Zanzibar safe for young children?
Yes — for families who plan appropriately. The island is welcoming, with many resorts and guides experienced with children. Choose comfortable accommodations, ensure guides have kid-friendly gear, and avoid midday heat.
What age is best for kids to visit Zanzibar?
Children aged 3 and above will get a lot from the beaches and nature walks. For snorkeling and sandbank fun, kids 6+ tend to be more engaged. But toddlers can enjoy beach time and resort amenities just fine.
Do kids get bored with cultural tours (Stone Town, spice tours)?
Not necessarily — if you select the right format (interactive, short duration, breaks). Stone Town’s narrow lanes feel like an adventure; spice tours let kids touch, smell and taste plants. Combine with playtime before or after.
Are there budget-friendly family options?
Yes — Many free beach days, shallow reefs for safe snorkel, and nature parks with moderate fees. The key is choosing mid-range accommodation and selecting tours wisely (half-day rather than full day).
Why book with Blue Green Zanzibar Tours?
We specialise in family-friendly experiences, understand the pace and needs of international families.
Local team knows the best shallow reef spots, safe beaches for kids, and has all equipment for children.
We customise itineraries based on your children’s ages, interests and energy levels.
Conclusion
We hope this guide gives you confidence and inspiration to plan a wonderful family holiday in Zanzibar — where kids laugh in warm waters, discover amazing wildlife and create lifelong memories… and parents relax knowing they’re in expert hands.
If you’d like to plan your Kids-friendly Zanzibar holiday, simply contact us at Blue Green Zanzibar Tours, share your children’s ages and interests, and we’ll craft a tailor-made itinerary just for you.
Let’s make your “things to do in Zanzibar with kids” not just good — but spectacular.
