Family-Friendly Adventures in Accra, Ghana!

Independence Square

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Independence Square

Morning: Start your adventure at the Liberty Bell Center. Arrive early to beat the crowds and marvel at the iconic Liberty Bell, famous for its crack and its historical significance in American freedom. The center opens at 9 am and is free to enter. It"s a short walk from the Independence Visitor Center, where you can grab maps and any last-minute details.

Interesting Fact: Listen closely! Although the bell no longer rings, it was once heard from miles away and was rung to mark important historical events, including the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence.

Mid-Morning: After the Liberty Bell, head directly across the street to Independence Hall, where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were debated and adopted. Free timed entry tickets are available at the Independence Visitor Center. Make sure to pick them up early as they can run out quickly!

Interesting Fact: The assembly room in Independence Hall is where George Washington was appointed the commander of the Continental Army in 1775.

Lunch: Grab a bite at the Old City, just a short walk from Independence Hall. This area offers a variety of family-friendly restaurants with something for everyone.

Afternoon: Post-lunch, visit the Benjamin Franklin Museum, where interactive exhibits and personal artifacts provide insight into one of America’s most notable Founding Fathers. The museum is engaging for kids, with numerous hands-on exhibits.

Interesting Fact: Benjamin Franklin was not only a founding father but also a scientist, inventor, and diplomat.

Late Afternoon: Wrap up your day at the Betsy Ross House, a short walk from the Benjamin Franklin Museum. Experience the birthplace of the American flag and learn about Betsy Ross"s contribution to American history.

Interesting Fact: Betsy Ross"s upholstery skills were so renowned that she was asked by George Washington himself to sew the first American flag.

This well-rounded day ensures your family will experience the rich history and inspiring stories of Independence Square, making it both an educational and enjoyable trip for all ages!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Old Fadama (Agbogbloshie)

Why Visit?

Old Fadama, often referred to as Agbogbloshie, is located in Accra, Ghana, and is known for its bustling markets and unique urban environment. Although not a conventional tourist destination due to its challenging living conditions and environmental issues, a visit can be educational and eye-opening, especially for older children interested in urban studies, sustainability, and social issues.

Morning: Educational Tour of the Electronics Market

Start your day with a pre-arranged guided tour of the famous electronics market, known as one of the largest e-waste dumps in the world. This tour can be enlightening as it showcases the complexities of electronic waste recycling and its impact on communities. Safety tip: Ensure to wear appropriate clothing and protective gear, which some tour organizers may provide.

How to get there: Hire a private car from your hotel in central Accra. It’s safer and more comfortable, especially with kids.

Lunch: Local Cuisine Experience

Enjoy lunch at a nearby local restaurant. It’s an opportunity to try some Ghanaian dishes such as Jollof rice and fried plantains.

Afternoon: Community Interaction and Learning

Post-lunch, participate in a community-led workshop where local leaders explain their initiatives towards improving living conditions and sustainable practices. This is a chance for an interactive experience where family members can learn about the resilience and innovation in urban communities.

How to get there: Walk or take a short drive if available from the restaurant, guided by your tour guide.

Evening: Reflective Walk and Departure

End your visit with a reflective walk by the Korle Lagoon, where ongoing efforts to clean and restore the lagoon are visible. Discuss with your guide how such projects impact the community and environment.

Departure: Return to your hotel in your hired car.

Interesting Fact: Despite its challenges, Old Fadama is a hub of economic activity and is crucial to understanding urban recycling and its global impacts. This visit will not only be a learning experience but also an opportunity to witness the spirit of a community striving towards betterment amidst adversity.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Visit to Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park

Morning Arrival

Start your day at the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum and Memorial Park, situated in downtown Accra, easily accessible by taxi or public transit from any part of the city. Aim to arrive by 9 AM to avoid the heat and larger crowds.

Exploring the Mausoleum

Upon entering, you"ll see the magnificent statue of Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana"s first President and a significant figure in African politics. This is a great spot for a family photo! Inside the mausoleum, which houses Nkrumah"s remains, you can explore the mini-museum filled with his personal belongings and learn about his role in Ghana"s independence.

Interactive Learning

For kids, focus on the interactive displays that detail Nkrumah’s impact through easy-to-understand narratives and multimedia presentations. It’s not only educational but engaging for young minds.

Stroll Through the Park

Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the beautifully landscaped gardens. The serene environment, complete with reflective pools and fountains, offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Kids can run around and explore while adults enjoy the tranquility.

Picnic Lunch

Pack a picnic to enjoy under one of the shaded areas in the park. It"s a perfect time to relax and discuss what everyone learned and enjoyed.

Souvenir Shopping

Before leaving, stop by the gift shop for educational books or memorabilia as a keepsake of your visit.

Departure

Plan to wrap up your visit by early afternoon, leaving ample time for the kids to rest before continuing with other activities or heading back to your accommodation.

Interesting Fact

Did you know? The design of the mausoleum represents an upside-down sword, which in Akan culture is a symbol of peace.

This visit not only offers a rich historical experience but also a chance to enjoy quality family time in one of Accra’s serene spots.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Ussher Fort Museum

Why Visit?

Morning: Arrival and Introduction to Ussher Fort Museum

Start your family day out by arriving at Ussher Fort Museum, located in the bustling neighborhood of Ussher Town in Accra, Ghana. If you are coming from the central part of Accra, a taxi is the most convenient option, providing a direct route to the museum at an affordable cost.

Upon arrival, take a moment to appreciate the striking architecture of the fort, which dates back to the 17th century. Originally built by the Dutch as a fort, it has a deep history tied to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Entering the museum, you"ll be greeted by knowledgeable staff who offer guided tours that are both engaging and insightful for visitors of all ages.

Late Morning: Explore the Exhibits

As you move through the exhibits, the guides will explain the fort"s transformation from a place of trade and military might to a prison, and finally to a museum. Kids will be fascinated by stories of pirates and soldiers, while parents will appreciate the deeper historical insights into Ghana’s colonial past. Don"t miss the interactive displays where children can touch and feel replicas of historical artifacts.

Lunch Break: Local Cuisine Nearby

For lunch, step out to sample some local Ghanaian cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Try the popular dish "Jollof rice" or "Banku and tilapia", which are both flavorful and filling options suitable for children and adults alike.

Afternoon: Leisurely Stroll and Departure

After lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the area to see more of Ussher Town and digest the rich history you’ve learned about. Engage with locals to hear their stories and insights, providing an even deeper understanding of the area’s heritage.

End your visit by heading back towards the city center, either by taxi or local bus, filled with knowledge and memories of a day well spent at the Ussher Fort Museum.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture

Morning Arrival

Start your day by arriving at the W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre, located in the vibrant city of Accra, Ghana. You can easily reach the center by taxi or a rented car from anywhere in the city. Set your GPS for 1 Circular Road, Cantonments, Accra, to guide you directly to the center.

Tour of the Museum and Library

Begin with a guided tour of the museum, which opens at 9:00 AM. The tour offers an engaging insight into the life and works of W.E. B. Du Bois, a pivotal figure in American civil rights movement and a co-founder of the NAACP. The museum houses an impressive collection of his personal belongings, manuscripts, and photographs.

Engaging Activities for Kids

After the museum, head to the children’s craft corner where fun and educational workshops are held. Kids can engage in activities like storytelling or arts and crafts, themed around African culture and history, making the experience both fun and educational.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the onsite café, which offers a variety of local and international cuisine. The serene environment provides a perfect midday break for the family.

Visit Du Bois’s Mausoleum

Post-lunch, walk to the mausoleum where Du Bois and his wife are interred. It’s a poignant place to reflect on his legacy and contributions to Pan-Africanism.

Explore the Research Library

Conclude your visit by spending some time in the research library, which is a treasure trove of books, papers, and articles about African history. It"s a quiet spot ideal for older children and adults interested in deeper knowledge.

Departure

End your inspiring visit by 4:00 PM, leaving with a deeper understanding and appreciation of Pan-African culture and W.E.B. Du Bois’s impact on world history.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.