We visited the museum of natural history in OAU Ile-ife and according to leventisfoundation.org 

"It is the only Natural History museum in Nigeria, and its focus on natural -as well as cultural- history, provides information key to the wider understanding of the country’s resources and environmental future"

This was the first place we visited on our trip and I was very very impressed. 

What we loved about it: The place is so so rich, it has a vast catalog of nature and cultural elements in Nigeria. You can tell they put in ALOT of work to document and research into the museum. One thing that is so unique about them is that they "mummified"/wax-created the insects, and animals in there so you get to see what they actually look like. 

The documentation is very detailed. 

What we didn't like

A lot of these places could do with a bit more lighting so you can really appreciate the beauty.

It would've been perfect if there was a tour guide attached to explain more especially for the kids. 

It's so much information at once (In a good way) but if you are in Ile-ife, you can just do segments to focus on per visit because it's worth visiting multiple times. 

The place is not completely wheelchair accessible as there are stairs to complete the tour. I didn't see an alternative if they had. 

I loved that the skeletal system Cuddles and I talked about the weeks before came to life for him as he showed me the "spine". 

Price: 

Per student: N100 

Adult: N200

Foreigner: N500 

Taking Pictures(Individual): N500 

Taking Pictures (Corporate): N2000 

Verdict: 4/5 Cuddly loves.

If you ever find yourself in Ile-ife, I highly recommend!

 A Gem!

Our National Museum! 

In July 1948, the first architectural sketches of the museum were submitted to a conference on museum policy in Nigeria. The museum was founded in 1957 by the English archaeologist Kenneth Murray. The purpose with the construction of this museum was to preserve different historical artifacts of Nigeria. Kenneth Murray had collected several traditional masks from Cross River State, these masks were displayed in the museum. During the first decade of the museum's existence, the British Museum gave the Nigerian National Museum two plaques and other artifacts. Souce: Wikipedia

The museum houses the richness of Nigerian culture. It displays the cycle of life, Birth, and death. There is a display of all things culture around the birth of a child, carvings, royal crowns, masquerades, etc.

When we were done with the tour I had to say "Our culture is so rich"

It's just amazing how without enough sensitization for the public the said culture will not be on display for people to see. In all my 30+ years of living in Lagos, I've never been to our National Museum.

What I love about the place: It's neat and you can tell that they are trying to improve the appearance of the place. I loved the richness of the culture that is displayed. Love that you have diverse cultures within Nigeria on display. 

What I didn't like: You can't take pictures. Why can't you take pictures? It's 2021! There's a way pictures are allowed in these kind of places... They will tell you to ensure people are in the picture and not take the artifacts alone. I had to ask, how will people know if we don't take pictures? 

I also didn't like that there was no tour guide, the lady just said "read it, it's explanatory" 😂 what? In a national museum. [Update: they now have tour guides]

I also didn't like that they did not have a Pos again it's 2021 and Lagos is the champion for cashless so why? Had to go and look for cash with my child before we could pay. 

Things to note: 

Take Cash with you.

Pictures are not allowed. [Update. pictures are now allowed]

Your child below 5 probably doesn't want to hear the history, find simple points to pass across.

500/adult

200/kids

Cuddly Rating: 

4/5 Cuddly loves

Location:

Onikan, Lagos Island (right beside TBS and Lagos City mall 

Update: They now have a lovely playground 

Have you been to the National Museum? What was your experience?

We're so excited to start our outings again and we went to freedom park.

For those that don't know, Freedom Park was formally a prison in the 80s and the park was created to preserve history & promote culture.

I know once upon a time it was a place that is perfect for children and adults because they have a playground, they do shows, theater, there's a food court, statues that have different facts about Nigeria and our culture, a museum, a pond and where to purchase souvenirs but now...

... The playground is definitely a shadow of itself, there was no one to direct us per seeing the museum, the pond was dirty, however, the place is clean and they continue to put make-up ( and keep the space alive.

If you're going to go with your kids, only the swing and trampoline work but one has to be careful on the trampoline because it has no guard, there's space for your children to run around and a ramp cuddles enjoyed running up and down on. The pond has beautiful fishes and your kids will love feeding them and seeing them jump. I also hear there are fishing classes Saturdays and Sundays which should be exciting.. You can catch a fish and purchase it and if you're in luck and catch a show, even better. They can also learn a bit of history through the statues and writings around the park. 

What we spent:

500/Adult to access the park 

Free for kids

We also paid 1000 for fish food so we can feed them (It did not make sense to me too but the guy said that's how they roll) 

Cuddly ratings: 3.5/5 Cuddly loves

I would recommend for you to take your kids but managed your expectations. I would also suggest coming on a Saturday so the fishing can be a highlight for your kids and you can explore the park but I'm sure weekends will be busy. 

Location:  Lagos Island aka Isale Eko, Freedom Park is accurate on the map.