When I decided to plan a trip to Africa, I knew that Ghana had to be one of our stops. I’ve wanted to visit Accra, Ghana for as long as I can remember, and I am so glad that we were able to make this trip as a family.
Ghana turned out to be such a great destination for us because there was so much for Aiden to experience beyond just sightseeing. We were learning about history, trying different foods, visiting markets, spending time outdoors, and experiencing everyday life in a new country.
If you are planning your first international family trip, my ultimate guide to traveling internationally with kids is a good place to start before building your Ghana itinerary.
Planning a trip to Africa? I highly recommend Ghana, even for first-time travelers. You and your kids will enjoy the culture, the food, the history, the people, basically everything about it!
There are so many things to do in Ghana with kids, whether your family loves history, food, nature, shopping, beaches, or simply experiencing a new culture together.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Ghana With Kids?
Some of the best things to do in Ghana with kids include:
- Take the canopy walk at Kakum National Park
- Learn Ghana’s history at Cape Coast Castle
- Watch crocodiles at a local Crocodile Garden
- Shop at the Center for National Culture
- Visit Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park
Those are only a few of the experiences we enjoyed. Here is my complete list of 25 things to do in Ghana with kids, in no particular order.
1. Visit the Monument of Liberation and Learn About Its Significance
One of the things I appreciate most about traveling with Aiden is being able to turn the places we visit into real-life learning experiences.
Visiting historical landmarks in Ghana gives kids the opportunity to learn about the country while actually standing in the places connected to that history.
2. Be Brave and Take the Canopy Walk at Kakum National Park
If your kids enjoy adventure, this is definitely one to add to your Ghana itinerary.
Kakum National Park is home to one of Ghana’s most famous attractions, a canopy walkway suspended high above the rainforest. According to the Ghana Tourism Authority’s guide to Kakum National Park, the walkway consists of seven bridges stretching through the forest.
Walking across it is both exciting and nerve-racking, especially when you look down!
3. Stay at a Bed and Breakfast and Enjoy a Typical Ghanaian Breakfast
Staying at a bed and breakfast can give your family a completely different experience from staying only at larger hotels.
It is also an easy way for kids to experience local food and hospitality as part of the trip instead of only eating familiar meals at international restaurants.
4. Watch Crocodiles at a Crocodile Garden
Kids who love animals will probably find this one especially exciting.
Whenever you visit an animal attraction, make sure everyone follows the guide’s instructions and keeps a safe distance unless interacting with the animals is specifically permitted.
5. Visit the Slave Cell at Cape Coast Castle
Cape Coast Castle was one of the most important stops on our trip because there is so much history connected to it.
The castle played a major role in the transatlantic slave trade, and visiting the dungeons gives families a much deeper understanding of what enslaved Africans experienced there.
You can read more about the history and visitor information on the Ghana Tourism Authority’s Cape Coast Castle page.
This can be an emotional experience, especially for children, so it helps to talk to them beforehand about what they are going to see.
6. Learn About the History of Slavery at Cape Coast Castle
A guided tour makes a huge difference when visiting Cape Coast Castle.
Instead of simply walking through the building, you get context about the dungeons, the people who passed through them, and the role the castle played in the slave trade.
For families who homeschool or worldschool, experiences like this are exactly why travel can become such a powerful classroom.
7. Stay at Coconut Grove Beach Resort
Staying near Cape Coast can make your itinerary much easier because several of Ghana’s major historical attractions are in this area.
It also means you can balance heavier sightseeing days with some much-needed beach and pool time.
When we travel as a family, I always try to avoid filling every day from morning until night. Kids need downtime too.
8. Drink Malta
Trying foods and drinks that you do not normally have at home is one of the fun parts of traveling.
Even something as simple as trying Malta becomes part of the memory.
9. Learn More About Slavery at Elmina Castle While You Admire the Scenery
Elmina Castle is another important historical site to visit while you are in the Cape Coast area.
The Portuguese built the castle in 1482, and it later became deeply connected to the transatlantic slave trade. The Ghana Tourism Authority’s Elmina Castle guide provides more background on the site and its history.
If your family plans to visit both Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle, give yourselves enough time to experience each one properly instead of rushing through both.
10. Jump Into the Waves, Clothes and All
Sometimes the best travel memories are the ones you did not plan.
Not every activity needs to be a scheduled tour or famous attraction. Let your kids enjoy spontaneous moments too.
Just pay attention to local swimming conditions because ocean currents can vary along Ghana’s coast.
11. Smile When You Realize That You Are Standing at the “Door of Return”
This is one of those moments that means more when you understand the history behind it.
Take the photo, but also give your kids time to ask questions and understand why the site is significant.
12. Shop Till You Drop at the Center for National Culture Textiles Market
Markets are one of my favorite ways to experience a destination.
You can shop for fabrics, artwork, clothing, crafts, and souvenirs while giving your kids a chance to experience the sights and sounds of a local market.
One fun idea is to give each child a small budget and let them choose their own souvenir.
13. Take a Photo in Front of the Fishermen’s Boats at Cape Coast Castle
The colorful fishing boats along the coast make such a beautiful backdrop.
But do not only stop for the photo. Take a little time to watch what is happening around you and let the kids observe everyday life along the coast.
14. Shop at Accra Mall
Accra Mall is an easy stop when you need a slower activity.
It can be especially useful on your arrival day when everyone is still adjusting after the flight.
If this is your family’s first big international trip, my guide to traveling internationally with kids for the first time has more advice for making those first few days easier.
15. Take a Walk Through a Local Market
Walking through a local market gives kids a completely different view of Ghana than they will get at a hotel or tourist attraction.
Let them notice the foods, fabrics, languages, prices, and products around them.
These everyday experiences are often the moments that lead to the best conversations later.
16. Go Swimming
Do not underestimate the importance of a pool day when traveling with kids.
You may want to see everything, but children usually need time to slow down and simply have fun.
Building rest time into your itinerary can make the sightseeing days much more enjoyable for everyone.
17. Drink Yummy Coconut Water Because Ghana Is HOT!
Fresh coconut water is perfect on a hot Ghana day.
Ghana has a tropical climate, so you will spend plenty of time in warm weather, especially during outdoor sightseeing. The Ghana Tourism Authority’s travel information recommends packing for the country’s warm conditions, including comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
Make sure the kids are drinking plenty of water throughout the day too.
18. Admire the Artwork at the Slave Museum in Cape Coast Castle
Take your time walking through the museum.
The artwork and exhibits give children another way to process the history they have just learned about during the tour.
19. Take a Drone Photo of the Fishermen’s Boats at the Coast
The coastline looks incredible from above.
If you plan to bring a drone to Ghana, check the country’s current drone requirements before your trip and confirm whether drones are allowed at each attraction you plan to visit.
Rules can change, and certain historic or protected sites may restrict drone use.
20. Learn About Kwame Nkrumah and Visit the Museum Dedicated to Him
Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park is another great educational stop for families.
Nkrumah was Ghana’s first prime minister and first president and played an important role in the country’s independence movement.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park includes a museum and mausoleum where visitors can learn more about his life and Ghana’s independence.
This is another place where kids can connect what they learn in books with an actual historical site.
21. Take a Closer Look at What the Slaves at Cape Coast Castle Endured
Some parts of Cape Coast Castle can be difficult to process.
That is also why I think it is important not to rush through the experience.
Give your kids room to ask questions and talk about what they saw after the tour.
22. Enjoy a Guided Tour Through the Forest at Kakum National Park
Do not visit Kakum National Park only for the canopy walk.
A guided forest tour gives children another opportunity to learn about Ghana’s rainforest, plants, and wildlife while experiencing the environment firsthand.
23. Snap a Selfie With Your Significant Other Before Your Clingy Kid Tries to Photobomb
Family vacations are about the parents too!
Make sure you get at least a few photos together before the kids jump into every shot.
24. Snap a Family Selfie in Your Dashiki
Make sure you get a family photo during the trip too.
Those photos usually become even more special after you get home and start looking back at everything you experienced together.
25. Eat Ghanaian Jollof Rice Because There Is Really None in the World Like It
You cannot travel to Ghana and skip Ghanaian jollof rice.
Food is such an important part of experiencing another culture, so encourage your kids to try something new even if they are usually picky eaters.
One thing that works for us is ordering several dishes and sharing. That way everyone can taste different foods without having to commit to a full plate.
We enjoyed so much during our time in Ghana, and these are some of the best things to do in Ghana with kids if you want a trip that combines culture, history, food, learning, and fun.
Where to Stay in Ghana With Kids
Accommodation options in Ghana range from simple family-run bed and breakfasts to full beach resorts, so there is something for nearly every budget.
Coconut Grove Beach Resort near Cape Coast is a good option for families because it puts you close to Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle while still giving the kids somewhere to relax after sightseeing.
Staying near Cape Coast also cuts down on driving time between several of the places on this list, which matters when you have kids in the car.
If you plan to spend time in both Accra and Cape Coast, I recommend splitting your stay instead of trying to make every attraction a day trip from Accra.
That way, you spend less time driving and more time actually enjoying Ghana.
Where to Stay in Ghana With Kids
Accommodation options in Ghana range from simple family run bed and breakfasts to full beach resorts, so there is something for nearly every budget. Coconut Grove Beach Resort near Cape Coast is a favorite for families, since it puts you close to Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle while still giving the kids a beach to run around on after a day of sightseeing. Staying near Cape Coast also cuts down on driving time between several stops on this things to do in Ghana with kids list, which matters when you have little ones in the car.
Best Time to Visit Ghana With Kids
Ghana sits close to the equator, so temperatures stay warm year round, but the dry season from November through March is generally the most comfortable stretch for outdoor sightseeing with kids. Traveling during the rainy season is still doable, though you should plan for the occasional downpour to interrupt outdoor stops like Kakum National Park. Whatever season you choose, packing for heat and humidity should be at the top of your things to do in Ghana with kids checklist.
Packing for Ghana With Kids
Pack light, breathable clothing, a reusable water bottle, and sun protection, since most days involve a good amount of walking and time outdoors. A light rain jacket is worth throwing in if you are traveling outside the dry season. Comfortable shoes matter most of all, since several stops on this things to do in Ghana with kids list involve uneven ground or a fair bit of walking between sites. Bring a small first aid kit and any regular medications, since pharmacies can be harder to find outside the bigger cities.
How Many Days Do You Need in Ghana With Kids?
- Plan for at least 5 full days minimum
- Aim for 7 to 10 days if possible
- Day 1: settle in and explore Accra Mall
- Day 2: tour Cape Coast Castle and Elmina Castle
- Extra time: add Kakum National Park and the beach
More International Family Trip Guides
If Ghana has you dreaming about your next family trip abroad, a few more of our destination guides pair well with this one. Take a look at our guides to Japan with kids, Bali with kids, Portugal with kids, our Mexico family vacation guide, and Australia with kids for more ideas on where to take your crew next. Between these guides and this list of things to do in Ghana with kids, you should have plenty to fill out a full year of family travel planning. However you build your trip, keep this things to do in Ghana with kids list handy so nothing gets left off your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to do in Ghana with Kids
1. Is Ghana Good for a Family Vacation?
Yes. Ghana can be a great family destination because you can combine history, beaches, nature, food, markets, and cultural experiences in one trip. Families can spend time exploring Accra, learning about Ghana’s history around Cape Coast and Elmina, and enjoying outdoor activities at places like Kakum National Park.
2. When is the best time to visit Ghana with kids?
The dry season, from November through March, is the best time to visit Ghana with kids, since you will avoid the heaviest rains and get more comfortable days for outdoor sites like Kakum National Park. Temperatures stay warm year round, so pack light, breathable clothing no matter when you go.
3. How expensive is Ghana for a family?
Ghana can be a fairly budget-friendly destination compared to many other international trips, especially for food, local markets, and transportation. Accommodations range from simple bed and breakfasts to full resorts like Coconut Grove Beach Resort, so costs mostly depend on the level of comfort your family wants.
4. What age is best for visiting Ghana?
Ghana works well for school age kids and up, since many of the historic sites involve walking, standing, and listening to guided tours that younger toddlers may find harder to sit through. That said, families with younger kids still enjoy the beaches, the Crocodile Garden, and the coconut water.
So tell me, have you been to Ghana? What did you or your kids love about it?
And if you are still planning your itinerary, don’t forget to read my 3 Days in Ghana With Kids guide for more ideas.
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