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 you’ll get a burst of answers about the playground right at the entrance. Their eyes went wide: “Whoa, look at that slide!” “Race you to the top!” Bright colors, huge climbing nets, swings, mini-mazes—this was kid paradise. They zipped from one part to the next, shrieking with joy, making friends with other kids, and basically refusing to leave. For parents, it was the perfect spot to let off steam after the excitement of arrival.

Parent tip: Promise another visit at the end—trust us, it’s the best incentive to get kids exploring the rest of the park!

Palace Halls and Castle Yards: Feeling Like Royalty

Next up: time travel! The walk through Unity Park’s former palace and historic buildings felt magical to some of our little adventurers as they wandered through echoing halls, stately gardens, and sunlit courtyards. Some were fascinated by old crowns and treasures in the museum, while the younger ones tiptoed, whispering “Are we allowed to stand here?” It’s hands-on history—no textbooks, just wide eyes and a healthy imagination.

Wild Neighbors: Face-to-Face with Black Lions and More

But let’s be honest: nothing had them squealing quite like the animals! Unity Park’s zoo is a dream come true for any budding explorer. We crept up to roaring black-maned lions—“Shh! He’s looking at you!”—and watched hungry giraffes munch away, meerkats pop out to say hi, and wild dogs run in packs. There were birds in every color, cheetahs snoozing in the sun, and even a little aquarium alley that had the group glued to the glass, naming fish and guessing their superpowers.

Snack Breaks and Ice Cream Stops

All that running, spotting, and roaring meant serious hunger. Good thing Unity Park has lots of snack spots, cafés, and our crowd’s favorite: ice cream. We parked ourselves by a shady bench, compared ice cream mustaches, and made plans for our next animal encounter. Grab coffee, lunch, or a quick treat before heading into the wild again—kids get their second wind instantly!

That Last Dash: One More Go on the Playground

After all the animals and exploring, we circled back to the playground. The kids ran like it was their first time, racing around, sliding and swinging until the sun started to set. If they had it their way, we would have stayed until they turned off the lights!

Our Take: Why Unity Park Makes a Magical Family Day

Through the eyes of our kids, Unity Park is pure magic—a place where stories come alive and the whole family can share in real adventure. Sure, tickets are pricey (especially for foreigners), so we recommend making it a full-day outing to soak up every bit of fun. There’s no place quite like it if you want to see wild animals, history and culture, and play your heart out, all in one spot.

Before You Go: See It for Yourself

Curious what your kids might love most? Check out this awesome video of Unity Park or browse their Facebook photo gallery for a sneak peek.

Top Tips for Visiting Families:

Arrive early—your kids will want every minute!
Let them lead the way (they’ll always find the fun).
Plan for plenty of snack breaks—and time for two playground visits!

Unity Park is one of those places where both big and little kids step into a world of adventure—and trust us, it’s a day you’ll remember long after you leave!

Have your own Unity Park stories? We’d love to hear your kids’ favorite moments—share them in the comments below!