Kinshasa with Kids: 3 Play Spaces From Disgusting to Delightful

ByJENNY NAKATA MSW/MPH

Finding fun and safe play spaces for kids can be a challenge, especially in a bustling city like Kinshasa. Visiting Kinshasa with kids is a challenge as air quality is poor, there are no playgrounds, and very limited children’s activities. Since we will be living here for awhile, I set out on a mission to find and explore any and all kid friendly spaces. Kinshasa’s Gombe area has only 3 kid friendly play spaces, and we’ve visited all of them so you know where to avoid and where to visit.

Below, you’ll find Kinshasa’s 3 indoor play areas and ranked from worst to best. This guide gives you an honest look at each location’s pros and cons so you can make the best choice for your family. From broken equipment to top-tier fun zones, here’s what you need to know.

Last Place: Kid Zone (Waikiki Mall)

Kid Zone earns the bottom spot on this list for several reasons. Located in Waikiki Mall, this play area has unfortunately seen better days. The trampolines are completely worn out, lacking any bounce, and the elastic play areas have completely lost their stretch. Worst of all, I found multiple band-aids in the ball pit (yes, plural!). This discovery alone made the experience feel less like playtime and more like I needed to bring Clorox wipes before my children could touch anything.

Adding to the disappointment are some odd, arbitrary rules, like banning adults from the ball pit. As a parent playing with a baby, this felt unnecessarily restrictive. Rules like this might make sense in theory, but their enforcement seemed to lack consistency.

The most concerning part was the staff. During our visit, all six employees were either glued to their phones, yelling at kids, or—shockingly—napping (I actually spotted one staff member sleeping behind the ball pit she had pulled her sweater over her head to make a cozy napping spot). There was no attempt to engage with the kids or ensure their safety. The lack of oversight and general maintenance makes this play space a hard pass for families seeking a fun and safe environment.

While Kid Zone might have been a decent play option in the past, it’s clear that it has not been properly maintained. Equipment is outdated, hygiene is questionable, and the overall atmosphere feels neglected.

Would we go back? 100% no. Not worth the $15 entrance fee and germs we acquired. My children went straight into the bath after we left.

A boy in a t-shirt climbs up a broken trampoline structure. If you're looking for a place to when when in Kinshasa with kids, this is not a good option.
Broken trampolines at Kid Zone Kinshasa

Runner Up: Joyland (Le Premier Shopping Mall)

Joyland, located in Le Premier Mall, is a significant step up from Kid Zone. This clean and colorful play area, though small, has a welcoming vibe and attentive staff who genuinely care about creating a positive experience for children. Unlike Kid Zone, the employees here engage with the kids, bouncing, sliding, and even playing catch in age-appropriate ways. Their friendliness and enthusiasm make a big difference.

The play area itself is compact but well-designed. It includes a variety of equipment, such as slides, climbing structures, and interactive features. The vibrant colors and cheerful atmosphere make it inviting for kids of all ages. One notable downside, however, is that the wall with fans designed to blow balls & scarves has been broken on both of our visits. While this isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s worth noting for families hoping to experience all the features.

Joyland also offers birthday party packages, which could be a convenient option for families looking to celebrate a special occasion. The staff’s willingness to engage with kids and ensure they’re having fun makes this a solid choice for families seeking a safe, enjoyable play space. While it doesn’t have the size or variety of our top pick, Joyland’s cleanliness and friendly atmosphere make it a reliable option.

Another perk, cross the pedestrian bridge to the other side of the mall and find the food court. In it, there are a variety of food options including Fat Burger and Coldstone Creamery (I believe the only one in the country!). There is also an arcade on the food court level if you’d like to extend your day of play.

Would we go back? Definitely, especially for younger kids who enjoy smaller, more personal spaces. Entrance is $15 for the day.

A mom and her two young kids play in a colorful ball pit at Joyland Kinshasa. In the background is a yellow and red slide. This is one of the play spaces in Kinshasa.
Ball pit at Joyland in Le Premier Shopping Mall

Winner: We Play (Kinshasa Mall)

Claiming the top spot is We Play, located in Kinshasa Mall. This newly opened play area is everything you could want for kids and more. The space is expansive, featuring large trampolines, a foam pit, a climbing wall, a basketball area, slides, and multi-level play spaces that will keep kids entertained for hours. There’s even a decent-sized arcade for older kids (just load a card with tokens to play).

One of the standout features of We Play is its cleanliness. From the foam pit to the ball pit, everything felt well-maintained and safe, giving parents peace of mind. Unlike Kid Zone, there were no unpleasant surprises like band-aids or poorly enforced rules. The equipment looks brand new, and it’s clear that the staff takes pride in maintaining a hygienic and enjoyable environment.

The play area’s design is also a major plus. With four levels of climbing structures and a variety of activities, it caters to kids of all ages and interests. Younger children can explore the ball pit and slides, while older kids can challenge themselves on the climbing wall, swings, or obstacle courses. This variety ensures that every child has something to enjoy.

Another bonus is the convenient location. Situated next to the food court, We Play makes it easy for families to grab a meal and head back for more fun. This thoughtful placement adds to the overall experience, making it a great destination for a full day of family entertainment. The only downside is that We Play requires you to purchase their branded socks for $1.90, even if you bring your own. While this isn’t a huge expense, it’s something to keep in mind.

Also note, there is a separate baby play area that is accessibly for $10, but it is quite small. We chose to utilize the larger play space intended for older kids and I felt it was well worth it.

Would we go back? Absolutely! This is the clear winner for families looking for a high-quality play experience in Kinshasa. Entrance is $15 for the day.

A young boy jumps on a trampoline with a space theme next two slides that have neon lighting. This is part of the play center at WePlay, a great stop when in Kinshasa with kids.
Fun slides and interactive play areas at We Play in Kinshasa Mall

Important Information

  • Cost: All three play spaces charge $15 for play.
  • Socks: Socks are required at all locations. At Kid Zone and Joyland, you can bring your own. At We Play, you must purchase their socks for $1.90.
  • Hours: Be sure to check each location’s hours and age requirements before visiting, as they can vary, especially on weekends and holidays.

Full Passport Family Cultural Connection Questions About Play

  1. What did you notice about how kids played here?
    Reflecting on the ways children play can help us appreciate both shared and unique aspects of childhood around the world.
  2. Did you hear any other languages while playing? How did you find ways to communicate through actions or shared play?
    Playing with kids who speak different languages can be a fun way to learn new words or connect beyond spoken language. Think about how the shared joy of bouncing on trampolines or climbing tunnels can create connections despite language barriers.
  3. How do the rules and expectations at these play spaces compare to those at home?
    Were there any rules that surprised you? Considering these differences can help us understand how play reflects a community’s culture and values.

Kinshasa with Kids: Final Reflections

If you’re looking for a safe, engaging, and well-maintained play space for your kids in Kinshasa, We Play is your best bet. Its spacious design, variety of activities, and cleanliness make it stand out as a top-tier destination. Joyland is a solid backup option, offering a friendly and clean environment, though it lacks the size and features of We Play. As for Kid Zone, its lack of maintenance and inattentive staff make it a place to avoid at all costs.

These rankings can help you choose the perfect spot for your kids to have fun and make memories, whether you’re a local or just visiting. Finding kid friendly areas in Kinshasa is a challenge and we hope that this guide helps you plan a fun, active day for your children.

Have you thought about visiting Kinshasa with kids? Share your experiences in the comments below. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Hi, I’m Jenny, the voice behind Full Passport Family! As a mom, former refugee foster parent, social worker, and avid traveler, I’m passionate about helping families travel while prioritizing their kids’ emotional wellbeing. I share practical tips to navigate big changes, build resilience, and nurture empathy in young travelers. Whether it’s managing transitions or finding joy in new experiences, I’m here to support your journey.

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