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Lagos is loud and colourful, energetic and always in motion. Over the years, outdoor gatherings have become one of the most loved ways to celebrate in Lagos. From relaxed barbecue parties and birthday picnics to team-building retreats, hangouts, bridal showers, and casual celebrations, parks give you freedom, space to laugh loudly, move freely, and truly connect. They also allow you to create memorable experiences without the pressure of enclosed halls or expensive venues.
I’ve been invested in travel and events for some time now, and I’ve seen how the right venue changes everything. A good park gives you space to breathe, room for your guests to move around, and that natural backdrop that makes every photo look effortless. Whether you’re throwing a birthday party, organizing team building for your office, hosting a barbecue, or just planning a hangout with friends, the right park makes all the difference.
In this guide, I share the top Lagos parks and gardens where you can confidently host your outdoor event. These are places I have explored, attended events in, and seen transformed into beautiful celebration spaces. Most of these parks have free entry, and some will charge a little entry fee. If you live in Nigeria or you’re visiting Lagos and looking for an outdoor venue that feels open, free, affordable, and full of life, this list will help you choose the perfect spot for your next memorable gathering.
1. Freedom Park
Location: Old Prison Ground, 1 Hospital Road, Broad Street, Lagos Island, Nigeria
Access Fee: A modest fee of around ₦1,000.
Freedom Park used to be a colonial prison, and now it’s one of Lagos Island’s most popular cultural spaces. The park has open lawns, an amphitheater, art galleries, and sculptures throughout the grounds. There are mature trees that provide shade, and the walls that once served as prison boundaries now create an enclosed, secure space for events. The park sits in the heart of Lagos Island, surrounded by the energy of the commercial district.
Why Visit
It is perfect for birthdays, art-themed events, spoken word nights, and intimate parties. The atmosphere feels creative and soulful, making your event feel special and memorable.
2. Muri Okunola Park
Location: Muri Okunola Park is situated in the commercial district of Victoria Island, specifically along Adeyemo Alakija Street, right next to the Nigerian Law School campus.
Access Fee: Free on regular days. Event days may require ticket purchase
Muri Okunola Park is a well-maintained green space in Victoria Island with expansive lawns, walking paths, and palm trees. The park is flat and open, making it easy to set up tents, tables, and whatever else your event needs. There’s a children’s playground, benches scattered around, and the grounds are kept clean. It’s in the middle of VI, surrounded by office buildings and high-rises, but once you’re inside, you get that green space feeling.
Why Visit
Ideal for family hangouts, children’s parties, picnics, and small team gatherings. It’s clean, peaceful, and easy to locate, especially for guests coming from Lekki and Victoria Island.
3. Ndubuisi Kanu Park
Location: Mobolaji Johnson Avenue (formerly Mobolaji Ave) in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State
Access Fee: General admission entry is an affordable ₦1,000 per person.
Ndubuisi Kanu Park is named after a former military governor of Lagos State, Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Godwin Kanu. The park has open fields, a jogging track, seating areas, bird aviaries, and that constant breeze coming off the water that keeps things cooler than you’d expect. You’ll see fitness people here early mornings and evenings, but it’s generally quiet during the day. The park is well-lit at night, and the lagoon backdrop adds something extra to the atmosphere. Also, the facility includes modern amenities like a children’s playground, a basketball court, tennis courts, and clean, managed restrooms.
Why Visit
Great for team-building events, group workouts, barbecues, and casual hangouts. It offers enough room for games, bonding activities, and laid-back celebrations.
4. Encourage Park
Location: Situated on the edge of Osborne Road, Ikoyi Highway, at the end of Udi Street, close to Wahab Folawiyo High School and Osborne Foreshore 2 Estate.
Access Fee: ₦1,000 per person. Access fees to Encourage Park may differ based on the event.
Encourage Park is named in honour of international BMX street rider and Red Bull athlete Courage Adams. Formerly known as Osborne Garden, it was retrofitted into Nigeria’s premier BMX and skate park through a collaboration between Red Bull Nigeria and the Lagos State Parks & Gardens Agency (LASPARK). It has green spaces, playground equipment, and enough room for medium-sized gatherings. The park is well-maintained by the Lagos State Government.
Why Visit
Encourage Park is an ideal destination if you want to watch or participate in extreme sports like skateboarding and BMX biking in a safe, designated environment. The park also serves as a lively cultural and social hub, frequently hosting skate jams, film screenings, and yoga sessions during events like Go Skate Day. It’s an excellent place to experience the energetic side of Lagos outdoor culture.
5. Ikorodu Recreational Park
Location: Ipakodo area, near the Nigerian Customs Service Lighter Terminal, just off the Lagos Lagoon in Ikorodu, Lagos State
Access Fee: General entry is free for small groups, though small parking or maintenance fees may apply depending on the day. For exclusive use of the grounds, sports pitches, or gazebos for private events, specific booking charges are required through the Lagos State Parks & Gardens Agency.
Ikorodu Recreational Park offers open lawns, shaded areas, and basic recreational facilities. It’s spacious enough for small to moderately large gatherings and is managed by the Lagos State Parks & Gardens Agency (LASPARK). The park is equipped with expansive lawns, outdoor seating areas, gazebos, sports facilities like basketball and football courts, and a children’s playground. It’s clean and safe, with locals often using it for picnics and team building.
Why Visit
It is the perfect spot for weekend picnics, casual jogging, or engaging in outdoor sports. The lush landscaping provides a calm, scenic atmosphere that is ideal for reading, unwinding, or hosting group get-togethers in a secure and organized environment.
6. Peace Park
Location: Near the Tipper Garage, Ketu, at the boundary between Ikorodu Road and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in the Kosofe area of Lagos
Access Fee: ₦1,000.00 per person, as established by the Lagos State Parks & Gardens Agency.
Peace Park features beautifully landscaped grounds, flowering plants, well-trimmed lawns, and mature trees. The park has walking paths, seating areas, and open spaces that can be adapted for different event styles. Everything is well-maintained. The park is typically composed of three uniquely designed gardens dedicated to promoting harmony, civic progress, and environmental beauty across the state.
Why Visit
It serves as an excellent, visually appealing destination for unwinding, relaxing, and hosting small family picnics away from the bustling city noise. It is a symbol of calm and harmony, providing a safe convergence point for both Lagos residents and tourists.
7. Infinity Park
Location: Jibowu Bus Stop on Murtala Muhammed Way in Jibowu, Lagos
Access Fee: Standard walk-in access to the park is generally free for individuals and small groups (fewer than 10 people), while larger group visits and special event setups range from ₦1,000 to over ₦300,000 depending on your needs.
Infinity Park is a modern recreational space in Jibowu with contemporary design, artistic installations, well-designed pathways, and spacious lawns. Maintained by the Lagos State Parks & Gardens Agency (LASPARK), it features a well-beautified extension median, fountains, a gazebo, and a mini zoo/aviary. There’s a dedicated children’s play area, clean restrooms, and designated areas for different activities. The park is well-organized from the parking area to the event spaces, and everything is kept impressively clean.
Why Visit
It’s excellent for birthday parties where you want kids to play while adults socialize or hold team-building events that need different activity stations. The park’s well-manicured lawns, 24-hour electricity, and lush greenery make it an excellent spot for personal relaxation, photography, or small community gatherings. The modern aesthetic makes every photo look great and Instagram-worthy.
8. Rafiu Jafojo Park
Location: Ajako Bus Stop, along the busy Shasha, Akowonjo Road in the Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State
Access Fee: The general access or entry fee is ₦1,000 per person.
Rafiu Jafojo Park was named in honour of the late Alhaji Rafiu Bakare Jafojo, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State. Managed by the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), the gated, family-friendly facility features well-manicured lawns, pergolas, and a food court. Additional amenities include clean restrooms, a children’s playground, and a powered co-working hub
Why Visit
The park is spacious enough for sports activities like sack races, tug-of-war, or football matches, making it good for active celebrations. The shaded trees provide an ideal environment for family picnics or small gatherings. Also, it has an IHS-powered workspace for remote workers looking for stable electricity and internet. Government maintenance keeps the facilities functional and available.
9. Shodex Gardens
Location: 251/253 Ikorodu Road, right under the Anthony bridge in Ilupeju, Lagos, Nigeria
Access Fee: The standard entry gate fee is ₦4,000. This covers general park access, the mini zoo, the museum, and table tennis. Additional fees apply for the swimming pool (₦2,500) and the arcade/VR game zone.
Shodex Gardens is a tranquil, lush green recreational park and mini-zoo designed as an urban escape from the chaos of Lagos. Established as a family-friendly destination, the facility offers a blend of natural scenery, educational exhibits, and event centers with capacities of 100 to 300 people. It is fully equipped with an on-site restaurant, a museum, a swimming pool, and an arcade zone.
Why Visit
Shodex Gardens is your choice when aesthetics matter. It’s perfect for engagement parties, bridal showers, or birthday celebrations where you want that garden party feel. The natural landscaping gives every corner good photo opportunities. It’s relatively smaller and more intimate, making events feel pretty much exclusive.
10. Jhalobia Botanical Gardens & Recreation
Location: 67 Murtala Muhammed International Airport Road, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. It is situated between the Hajj Camp and Ajao Estate, just a few minutes away from the international airport terminal
Access Fee: ₦5,000 per person. Pre-booking or reservations are highly recommended before visiting for picnics or walkthroughs. Event hosting, professional photography, and video shoots attract separate, higher venue rental fees.
Jhalobia Botanical Gardens is a scenic, two-acre private urban oasis developed to provide a serene escape from the busy lifestyle of Lagos. Established in 1998 by Mrs. Veronica Adepoju and her landscape designer daughters, the property was originally a disused dumpsite before being completely transformed into a lush paradise. The park features carefully curated landscaping, ever-green lawns, exotic trees, palms, and vibrant tropical flowers. Structurally, it is integrated with winding walkways, creative topiaries, rock gardens, gazebos, water fountains, ponds, and waterfalls
Why Visit
Jhalobia Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful atmosphere with clean, insect-fumigated grounds. The unique combination of structural sculptures, red-carpeted pathways, and rich green flora makes it a photographer’s delight. The park safely accommodates up to 2,500 guests, making it a premier location for garden weddings, anniversaries, and corporate retreats. Children are not left out, as the park features open fields and a dedicated children’s playground equipped with toys, making it highly family-friendly.
11. Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park (JJT Park)
Location: Johnson Jakande Tinubu (JJT) Park is situated on Governors Road, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. It’s within the immediate perimeter of the Lagos State House of Assembly, the Office of the Governor, and the State Secretariat
Access Fee: ₦1,000 per person. It can get as high as ₦2,750,000 for exclusive access. See price list.
Johnson Jakande Tinubu Park, known as JJT Park, is an ultra-modern, public recreational green space covering approximately 21,880 square meters. It was built by the Lagos State Government and commissioned in 2017 to immortalize three iconic former governors of the state: Brigadier Mobolaji Johnson, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, and Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The park’s modern architecture features well-manicured lawns, dynamic water fountains, artificial waterfalls, an aviary, and giant effigies/statues of historical heroes surrounded by global flags. It is managed directly under the oversight of the Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK).
Why Visit
At JJT Park, you can view the majestic giant Eyo statue and facial monuments honouring Lagos’ defining leaders. The park features public access to free “Lagos WiFi,” making it an excellent spot for students or remote workers to sit outdoors. Also, it has a robust children’s playground fully equipped with swings and slides, alongside multi-tier public restrooms and tight government security. You can find spacious fields, tree-shaded spots, and picnic benches to spread mats, share food, or play board games like giant chess at the JJT Park.
12. Lufasi Nature Park
Location: Majek 1st Gate, KM 41 Lekki–Epe Expressway, Eti-Osa, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria. It’s right at the edge of the Ibeju-Lekki area, positioned just past the Novare Lekki Mall (Shoprite) in Sangotedo and directly beside the Fara Park Estate
Access Fee: ₦3,000, while access to the canopy walkway costs ₦5,000. The canopy walkway is optional. There is no corkage fee, meaning you can bring your own food and drinks for free. Commercial photoshoots or video productions attract a separate permit fee of approximately ₦20,000.
Lufasi Nature Park was founded in 2013 by environmentalist Desmond Majekodunmi. The name LUFASI stands for Lekki Urban Forestry and Animal Shelter Initiative. It is a massive, 20-hectare (49-acre) urban forest and non-governmental wildlife conservation hub designed as an outdoor eco-laboratory and a recreational retreat. The property preserves a critically endangered patch of native Nigerian rainforest flora, notably featuring ancient Ekki “ironwood” trees that are over 150 years old. It features tranquil bodies of water named Lake Nora and Lake Moses, scenic hiking trails, an art gallery for sip-and-paint activities, and a dedicated veterinary rescue shelter.
Why Visit
Lufasi Nature Park is a wildlife sanctuary. You can observe rescued local wildlife up close, including an endangered pangolin sanctuary, mona monkeys, baboons, and an African spurred tortoise that is over 100 years old. Its open lawns and tree-shaded areas offer an affordable space for picnics, large family gatherings, or group hangouts without restriction on external food. Also, the park has an adult games section: a snooker board, table tennis tables, and volleyball/football pitches.
Making Your Choice
There you have it—the top parks in Lagos to host your outdoor events.
When you’re planning, think about where most people are coming from. Consider what facilities you actually need versus what would just be nice to have. Be realistic about your budget and how much setup you’re willing to do. And remember that the best events happen when people feel comfortable and can actually enjoy themselves, which sometimes means choosing the convenient neighbourhood park over the prestigious Island venue.
Choose your park, plan your event, and let Lagos surprise you with how good outdoor celebrations can be.
Ready to explore more of Lagos? Check out all the major tourist attractions in Lagos—from record-breaking sites to cultural landmarks, beach resorts to entertainment venues, Lagos has so much more to offer!
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