Imagine a day where your child learns to weave, you sip organic coffee while watching a chef toss pizza dough, and everyone leaves with a handmade treasure. That’s the magic waiting at the Koelim Center—a creative and community hub in the heart of Addis Abeba, dedicated to sparking young imaginations and supporting brighter futures for local youth. What is the Koelim Center? Koelim Center is the social enterprise of the Gudina Tumsa Foundation (GTF), an organization dedicated to supporting marginalized communities in Ethiopia. At Koelim, every visit and purchase directly supports GTF’s charitable initiatives, making a real difference in the lives of those they serve. The center specializes in pottery, weaving, garment…

If you’re hunting for that rare mix of wild adventure, hands-on history, and all-out family fun in Addis Abeba—look no further than Unity Park! Our recent trip, with a whirlwind group of kiddos ages 5 to 10, gave us a whole new way to see this place. From the moment we walked through the gates, every moment felt like a choose-your-own-adventure—where the playground sparks laughter, lions are just a whisker away, and history becomes real-life experience. Here’s what makes Unity Park a wonder, straight from the point of view of the kids themselves! Colorful Beginnings: The Playground that Stole the Show Ask any of our kids what their favorite part was, and…

When I started asking around for the best places and activities for kids in Addis Ababa, one name kept popping up: Nu Chika Enabuka. After hearing so many glowing recommendations, I had to find out what made this spot so special—and now I see why families love it! A Creative Haven for Kids (and a Breather for Parents!) Nu Chika Enabuka is more than just a café—it’s a vibrant space where children are free to play, explore, and create, all while parents can sit back and relax. Their main compound is thoughtfully designed with kids in mind, offering a safe and stimulating environment for little ones to let their imaginations run wild. What…

Few places bring out pure joy and excitement in kids quite like Kurifto Trampoline Park in Entoto Park. This isn’t just any playground — it’s a bouncing, flipping, laughing wonderland where kids can jump, balance, and play their hearts out. Every year when we visit Ethiopia, my eight-year-old son cannot wait to return here, and honestly, it’s easy to see why: It is packed with action, energy, and the kind of active fun you rarely find elsewhere. It’s not just worth a stop — it’s the kind of destination that pulls families back again and again! Kuriftu offers a well-equipped trampoline park filled with fun and sporty activities. There are big sports…

There are places that feel like you’ve stepped into a secret world—where children’s laughter floats on the breeze, creativity is everywhere you look, and each moment becomes a special memory. Entoto Kids Playcenter, nestled in the heart of Zoma Village at Entoto Park, is one of those rare treasures. From the minute we arrived, it felt as if we’d discovered Addis Ababa’s best-kept secret—a wonderland built just for children (and, honestly, for anyone who ever wished to be a child again). This isn’t just a playcenter—it’s a little universe where imaginations run free, new friends are made in an instant, and parents can soak in the peaceful magic all around. The Journey…

If you’re looking for a place in Addis where kids can burn off energy, try new challenges, and have a blast—all under one roof—GAST Entertainment Center is definitely worth checking out. Located inside a bustling mall, it offers a wide range of fun-packed activities for children (and grown-ups who like to join in). We recently spent an afternoon there with my 8-year-old son and his cousins (ages 9 and 10), opting for the multi-zone adventure package at 2,000 ETB per person. It gave us access to several areas for around 2.5 hours—an exciting, active experience that kept the kids fully engaged the entire time. What to Expect at GAST The center is…

If you’re in Addis Ababa and looking for a playful, engaging experience for young children, Tiny Town in Laphto Mall is a true gem. Designed like a miniature city, this indoor playground invites kids into a world of make-believe where they can explore, create, and role-play to their hearts’ content. Aimed primarily at children aged 1 to 6, Tiny Town is filled with tiny houses and themed play areas that let kids step into different roles — firefighter, gardener, shopkeeper, vet, builder, and more. On our recent visit with my 8-year-old and his 5-year-old twin cousins, we were greeted by a colorful, inviting space that instantly caught the boys’ attention. We arrived…