Best Beach Getaways for Families During School Holidays

Tired of crowded malls, restless kids, and endless screen time during the school holidays? Kenya’s stunning coastline offers some of East Africa’s most spectacular family-friendly beach destinations, each promising the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and those precious bonding moments that make school holidays truly special.

At Delfin Tours, we understand that school holidays are not just time offs for the kids, but also a chance to reconnect and create memories.  In this article, we will guide you into the best beach getaways for families in Kenya during school holidays

Why Beach Getaways Are Perfect for School Holidays

Imagine the sound of your children’s laughter mixing with ocean waves as they swim in the warm water, or watching their eyes light up as they build their first sandcastle. Beach getaways offer the perfect mix of relaxation for parents and endless fun for kids. Also, many coastal resorts provide on-site childcare and kids’ clubs, giving parents time to unwind while their children stay entertained in supervised environments.

Top beach getaways for families

Diani beach

Known for its powdery white sand and palm-lined shores, Diani is the ultimate family beach destination. What makes it exceptional for families is the protected coral reef that creates calm, shallow lagoons perfect for children to splash and play safely.

How to get to Diani beach

You can get to diani beach either by air, road or rail.

• By air; From Nairobi, you can take a flight from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport(JKIA) or Wilson Airport, and fly to Ukunda (Diani airport). We offer transfer services from the airport to your hotel destination.
• By road; You can opt to self-drive, or take a bus from Nairobi. Once you arrive in Mombasa, you must cross the ferry at Likoni and then take the road to Ukunda.
• By rail; Board the SGR train from Nairobi to Mombasa terminus. From there you will get a transfer to Ukunda. Note the SGR schedule for proper planning. From Mombasa you will connect to Likoni to board a ferry so as to cross to the other side.

Child friendly activities to do in Diani

There are a wide range of family-friendly activities at Diani beach such as;

• Swimming; The coral reef acts as a natural barrier, creating calm waters ideal for young swimmers. Additionally, most hotels in Diani have a kids swimming pool where children can swim safely.
• A visit to Chale Island; Chale island is located at the Nothern part of Msambweni Bay. It offers a wide range of  water sports and boat excursions.
• Shiba hills visit; There are a number of wildlife attractions that can be found in this reserve, including: Elephants, Sable Antelope,Genet, Leopard,Civet Cat,Waterbuck, Hyenas,Buffalo,Bush Pig,Bushbuck,White Columbus, and Coastal Black,Bush Duiker,Back faced vervet monkey,Serval Cat,Sykes Monkey,Red Shrew, Red Duiker, and many others.
• Kite Flying Paradise: The consistent ocean breeze makes Diani perfect for colorful kite adventures

Hotels in Diani beach

When it comes to accommodation, Diani beach is home to some of the best beachfront hotels in south coast. they range from budget-friendly to luxury resorts. Some of these hotels include; Baobab beach resort, Papillon Lagoon Reef,  Neptune Reorts, Southern Palm Beach resort, Fiani Sea Lodge, Diani Sea Resort, Swahili Beach Resort, among others.

Watamu

Quieter than Diani, Watamu is perfect for families who want a peaceful environment with unique, educational experiences. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve offers families the chance to combine relaxation with meaningful conservation experiences that children will talk about for years.

Unique family experiences in Watamu

• Watamu turtle watch; Witness sea turtle nesting (seasonal) – a magical experience for children
• Mida Creek Mangrove Boardwalk: Easy nature walks suitable for all ages
• Local Fish Market: Early morning visits teach children about sustainable fishing
• Coral Garden Snorkeling: Safe, shallow water perfect for first-time snorkelers

Other activities you can enjoy in Watamu are scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, as well as exploring the coral reefs.

Hotels in Watamu

Some of the top kids friendly hotels in Watamu are; Turtle Bay Beach Resort, Temple point resort, Medina Palms Watamu, The one Watamu, among others.

Nyali & Bamburi Beaches (Mombasa)

Located along the Mombasa’s stunning coastline, Nyali and Bamburi beaches offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Nyali Beach is known for its pristine white sands, clear turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a favorite for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports like jet skiing and kite surfing. Just north of Nyali, Bamburi Beach boasts soft golden sands and calm waters, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Bamburi beach proximity to popular attractions like Haller Park and Mombasa Marine National Park makes it a hotspot for nature lovers, eco-tourists as well as family getaways.

Child-friendly activities within Nyali and Bamburi beach

There are a variety of activities for both kids and adults in mombasa. Some of them include;

• Camel rides
• beach walks
• beach volleyball
• Wild water parks
• Haller park
• Mombasa marine park
• Supervised kids club ( available in most hotels in Bamburi and Nyali)
• Snorkelling and diving
• Jet skiing

Popular hotels in Bamburi and Nyali

Nyali and Bamburi beach are home to luxurious resorts, shopping malls, and entertainment spots, creating a lively yet serene atmosphere. Some of the top resorts in the area include; Bamburi Beach hotel, Neptune Beach Resort, PrideInn Flamingo and PrideInn paradise beach resort, Voyager Beach resort, and The Reef hotel among others. These hotels are family friendly, and are a perfect destinations for best beach getaways for families.

Lamu Island

Lamu offers families a unique opportunity to experience authentic Swahili culture in a car-free environment where donkeys and dhows replace traffic. It’s particularly magical for families with older children who can appreciate the cultural richness.

Top family experiences in Lamu

• Donkey rides; Children will love exploring the island’s narrow streets on friendly donkeys.
• Dhow building workshops; Watch craftsmen create traditional boats
• Local cooking classes; Family-friendly sessions teaching Swahili cuisine

Lamu is a best beach getaway for families with children above 8 years, who enjoy cultural experiences.

Malindi

Malindi seamlessly blends beach relaxation with rich Swahili history, making it an educational playground where learning feels like pure fun. Your teenagers will be fascinated by the ancient Portuguese and Arab influences, while younger children will love the marine life encounters.

Family adventure highlights in Malindi

• Malindi Marine national park; Enjoy glass-bottom boat trips that reveal colorful coral gardens without getting wet. A great learning opportunity for the little  ones.
• Gede Ruins: Explore 13th-century Swahili settlements. The experience feels like stepping into a real-life history book.
• Falconry of Kenya: Watch magnificent birds of prey up close and learn about conservation.
• Snake Park: Safely observe Kenya’s reptiles with knowledgeable guides

Essential Family Travel Tips for Kenya’s Coast Destination

What to look for in best beach getaways for families

When choosing a holiday package, consider these must-haves for a stress-free beach family getaway experience:

• Childcare or kids’ clubs with professional supervision
• Age-appropriate activities (e.g., junior safaris, water slides, crafts)
• On-site medical or emergency access
• Meal plans that work for picky eaters
• Flexible itineraries and free time for both kids and parents
• Installment payment options and family discounts. Contact us for flexible payment options.

Bonus beach safety tips

• Always supervise children in water, even in shallow areas
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply frequently
• Stay hydrated and encourage children to drink water regularly
• Research nearest medical facilities at your destination incase of energencies

Final thoughts

As you plan your next family beach getaway, remember that the most important element isn’t the destination itself, but the time you spend together, away from daily routines, creating the stories your family will retell for years to come. Kenya’s beaches provide the perfect backdrop for these precious moments, where every sunset becomes a family photo opportunity and every wave carries the laughter of childhood memories in the making.

Your perfect family beach adventure awaits along Kenya’s stunning coastline. Contact us at Delfin Tours and we will customize the best beach family getaway in kenya so you can create lasting memories with your little ones.