Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with kids

Taking children to the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games works well with a little planning: short sessions, plenty of water, shade and well-timed breaks. From 31 October to 13 November 2026, Dakar hosts athletes aged 15 to 18, and watching teenagers only a few years older than them compete can be a real highlight for kids.

Pick the right sports and keep sessions short

With young children, aim for one or two hours of competition, not a full day. Fast sports hold attention best:

• Complexe Tour de l'Œuf: 3x3 basketball, breaking, skateboarding, swimming and Baseball5.
• Complexe Iba Mar Diop in Médina: athletics, boxing, futsal and rugby sevens.
• Corniche Ouest: road cycling can be watched from the roadside, with no long stretches in a seat.
• Diamniadio: artistic gymnastics, judo, fencing or taekwondo at the Centre des Expositions, badminton at Dakar Arena.

For schedules and tickets, rely only on the organizing committee's official website or app. Morning sessions tend to be cooler.

Heat, hydration and sun protection

Late October and early November are still hot in Dakar, often humid, with strong midday sun. Children dehydrate quickly, especially at open-air venues like the Corniche.

• One water bottle per child, filled before you leave, plus spare water. A pack of bottled water usually costs between 1,500 and 3,000 FCFA in a convenience store.
• Wide-brimmed hats or caps, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, reapplied every two hours.
• Light, pale cotton clothing, plus a thin layer for air-conditioned halls.
• Simple snacks such as fruit, biscuits and sandwiches.

Flushed skin, unusual tiredness or headaches mean shade, water and rest straight away.

Getting around: TER, taxis and apps

The TER regional train is a family's best friend for reaching Diamniadio. It runs from Dakar station in the Plateau through Colobane, Hann, Pikine, Thiaroye, Rufisque and Bargny to Diamniadio. Note that Almadies, Ngor, Parcelles Assainies, Guédiawaye and Keur Massar are not on the line, so you will need a taxi to the nearest station first.

Within the city, taxis are handy: agree on the fare before getting in, typically 1,500 to 4,000 FCFA depending on distance. Ride-hailing apps such as Yango and Heetch are paid in cash or via Wave and Orange Money, not by card, and those wallets need a Senegalese SIM and ID. Carry small FCFA notes, easily withdrawn from ATMs, while Visa cards work in hotels, supermarkets and malls. Saly venues are about 80 km away, roughly 1 h 15 to 2 h on the toll motorway.

Plan breaks and outings between events

Alternate sport and downtime: between sessions, an indoor play area or a beach stop lets children burn off energy. The Plateau, Point E, Mermoz, Sacré-Cœur and Yoff all have indoor play spaces. Ngor and Yoff beaches suit a quiet late afternoon, keeping an eye on currents. Browse our list of play areas and kids' activities in Dakar.

Paediatricians and children's emergencies

Pack your child's health record, regular medication, a thermometer, oral rehydration salts and mosquito repellent. Save the emergency numbers: 1515 for SAMU ambulance, 18 for the fire brigade, 17 for police. Locate a paediatrician near your accommodation for fevers or ear infections, and a children's hospital for serious emergencies.

Recommended addresses on SeneFinder

• Cabinet de pédiatrie"les maristes" Dr Liliane MAHOU NICOUE : Maristes, paediatric practice.
• Fun City : Plateau, children's play centre.
• KIDSEN FUNHOUSE : Point E, children's play centre.
• Pick N play : Yoff, children's play centre.
• Children's Hospital of Diamniadio : Diamniadio, children's hospital.

You can also see all addresses in this category or explore the Dakar directory.

Useful tools

• SeneFinder Dakar 2026 page.
• Route planner.
• Practical guide: SOS numbers, transport and essentials.
• Our tips on finding a paediatrician in Dakar and weekend activities for kids in Dakar.

Frequently asked questions

Are the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games suitable for young children?

Yes, as long as you choose short sessions, ideally in the morning, and lively sports like 3x3 basketball, breaking or skateboarding. Bring water, hats and plan regular breaks.

How do we get to Diamniadio as a family without a car?

The TER train runs from Dakar station in the Plateau to Diamniadio via Colobane, Hann, Pikine and Rufisque. If you are staying in Almadies, Ngor or Parcelles Assainies, take a taxi to a station first.

What should we do if our child falls ill during the trip?

For minor issues, see a local paediatrician. In an emergency, call 1515 (SAMU) or 18 (fire brigade) and head to a hospital with a paediatric department.