Hangout with kids in Lagos: Shodex Gardens

I have been asked by a new website www.hangoutnigeria.com to write about things to do with kids in Nigeria. This is the first post in this series. One of the things I miss about living abroad is the abundance of educational excursion options available to children… things like children’s museums, zoos, art galleries and so many more. Yes, Nigeria is lacking in a lot of these options but when you really look, you find cool things to do with your children. I will be writing about some of the things we have found. I came across Shodex Gardens by complete luck or chance. I was driving to Ilupeju and as I made the exit, I spotted some children on swings in what seemed to be a garden and then I saw a very big ostrich. My interest was piqued! Unfortunately, I had an appointment so I couldn’t stop that day but I made a mental note to plan an excursion and that’s just what I did two days later. Location: The garden is located under the Anthony bridge off Ikorodu road. As soon as you make the exit, you turn right and there is a parking lot under the bridge too. Fees: The pricing was not listed or posted anywhere on the premises but we were charged N1000 for me (the adult) and N800 for him (child). I thought this was a bit expensive. Most parks, museums, zoos and such places that I have been to have no fees for children below one. Experience: See pictures

The entrance to the park. It was neat and very green. Plants and flowers along the walkway. He was able to use his wagon on the walk way. By the way we were  still in our flood pants era 🙂

He stopped several times to take in the view. There were several play structures

and sculptures

There were hand sculptures. We examined them thoroughly

Before sitting and showing our hands 🙂

None of the swings or play structures were for infants. My son was 10 months at the time. I thought this one might be but it is stationary

So I took pictures instead. I’m not sure he wanted to sit but look at that face!

We played hide and seek in the penguin

I think that was everything that a little guy can do so we were about to leave but then I remembered the Ostrich and so I sought out someone… There were no guides or anyone really. One or two people walked by and another guy was weeding and cleaning. Anyways, I asked about the ostrich and they said it was in the zoo. Zoo?! No one said anything about a zoo. They pointed me in the direction and off I went! It was actually a pretty cool zoo for Naija standards but a little scary for me since we were the only ones there and I worried about my baby. I decided not to transfer unnecessary fears to this little guy and so I carried him and we left our wagon outside, incase we needed to make a quick exit.

We saw monkeys. There were several species and most of the cages were labeled which I liked

This guy was interactive and put out his hands several times

We also saw turtles. They were also in a cage. Wait are these turtles or tortoise? I don’t remember.

I let him down once we were past the monkeys and crocodile!!! He looked at the geese but felt more comfortable in mummy;s arms so I carried him after this

There were several exotic birds unfortunately not labeled but this one I found out is a crowned crane

And this one is a swamphen or porphyrio

There were also chickens, doves, rabbits, guinea pigs and several other little animals.

There was a large aquarium which I knew he would enjoy because he enjoys the one we have at work

and finally the ostrich. I did not realize how big these birds are! You can’t tell from this picture but it is huge

.

After seeing all the animals and enjoying our unexpected trip to the zoo, it was time to go home but then we saw something else… a plant nursery (on the right). Off course we had to check it out being the aspiring gardeners that we are and all.

He really enjoyed this part and stopped to look at the plants.

I especially liked that all the plants were labeled with their names. Something I had been looking for. Rating: All in all, it was a very pleasant experience and I look forward to going back soon. I would highly recommend this place as both a fun and educational hangout spot for children of all ages. I give it 4 hangout Nigeria stars. The one star penalty is for the price and the fact that there was no guide. Do note that these pictures and our experience are based on him being only 10 months old. There were a lot of other things for an older children to do or experience. I hope you’ll go hangout with your child at the Shodex gardens and let me know what you think! Also visit www.hangoutnigeria.com to find more ways and places to hangout in Nigeria with kids.   Live a Good Life!

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