Looking for the best parks in Ibadan, Oyo State? Whether you need a motor park for travel, a serene garden for relaxation, or a historic square for events, Ibadan offers a variety of well-rated options. Our list of 14 parks is ranked using Google ratings, review volume, recency, profile completeness, verification, and paid placement. Challenge Motor Park leads with 4.2 stars from over 2,000 reviews, but other top spots like the University of Ibadan Zoological Garden and Mapo Hall also offer unique experiences. Explore our curated selection to find the perfect park for your needs.
Abegunde S.★★★★★ — To a very large extent, it's a nice place. The fact that it had a clean toilet, clean lobby and foyer and an organized vendor's corner, it's commendable
maestro P.★★★★★ — It's safe and easy to get vehicles to your destinations within Ibadan and to few other places in Lagos state and Ogun state
lawal M.★★★★★ — If only Lagos state could have an effective bus terminal like this, where you'd go and find buses going to basically anywhere.
There is always a crowd there and it gets pretty rough if you're coming in for the first time and they all try to make you enter their own bus/car
But still...they try their best in making it organized, plus there's a station that also keeps track of packages sent from the park in case of anything. Locating it is also quite easy...it's a good establishment.
Oluwasegun A.★★★★★ — Today I took a car from challenge to iyaba lagos as I dropped at ojota I discovered that my purse has fall down in the transport car.
I manage to get the driver’s number and I called him and he affirmed that he saw the purse by the grace of God the driver Mr Sodiq brought my purse to me in Ikorodu with all my money and foreign documents inside.
This is a very positive impression and I am grateful to God ,Mr Sodiq the driver and the Challenge centre motor park.
Ademola M.★★★★★ — Wow! They have chimpanzees, parrots, civet, hyenas, jackals, warthogs, pelicans, different species of monkeys, tortoise, crocs, lions, giraffe, horses, donkeys, camels, porcupines, snakes etc. There's an area for children to play with swings, pool, face painting... There's a clearing suitable for picnic (which I don't recommend, due to knowledge of air microbiology). Overall, the scenery is amazing!
Mide A★★★★★ — The zoological garden was bigger than I was expecting, and also had more animals than I was also expecting.
The entry free was 3000 per adult and there was no queue or wait time when I went.
If you’re bringing a professional camera, you’re charged an extra fee.
There was a lion there, even though it was asleep when I went to I didn’t really see it in action.
I think the animals should be under shades more tho, especially the zebra; it was just there in the hot sun and I felt a little bad for it lol.
Dolapo O.★★★★★ — On the 4th of January, I visited the iconic Captain Bower's Tower affectionately called "Layipo" by locals in Oke-Are, Ibadan. As a native who has always heard about this historic spot but never made the time, I decided to go with my good friend, Eniola.
The entry fee was ₦1,000 per person (so ₦2,000 total for us). When we get inside, we had to rest a bit from the walk. But one downside is that there is no food or drink vendors around which is not ideal for thirsty visitors. We improvised with cold pito (a local drink made from millet and milk) from a nearby spot to cool down.
The tower is well-maintained for its age, the structure feels solid but the surroundings need work: the relaxation shed is dilapidated, the terrain paths are cracked, and some areas need more repairs. When I chatted with some of the tourists, they said they would happily pay more, provided that the amenities were upgraded.
While standing at where is regared as one of the city's highest points, we spotted major landmarks like The Cocoa House, University College Hospital (UCH), Lekan Salami Stadium, Liberty Stadium, Agodi Gardens, Oyo State Government Secretariat, Mapo Hall, and endless brown roofs stretching everywhere. It was breathtaking, peaceful and a perfect moment to appreciate Ibadan's rich history.
We met the local tour guide, Mr Adebayo Samuel. He explained that the top of the tower is one of the highest point in the state and it also marks its geographical centre as well. He made us understand that Captain Robert Lister Bower is the first British resident in Yorubaland. He was sent to Nigeria by Queen Elizabeth II in 1893 to put an end to the wars between the different kingdoms in Yorubaland, and he brought stability during colonial times. This reminded us of Ibadan's layered history, from being a city and home to prominent warriors in Yorubaland to a hub of civilization. He told us that the 60-foot tower was erected in 1936 in his honour.
Nkiruka P.★★★★★ — If you're not fit, you'll have to think twice about hiking the trail up this hill. 😄😄😄. We huffed and panted our way up the hill and were rewarded by the most breathtaking views of Ibadan old city.
The surrounding structures need some refurbishing but the Tower itself has been reasonably maintained.
The Tower commemorates Captain Robert Lister Bower, the first British Resident of Yorubaland (1893-97). It provides a 360-degree vista of landmarks like the Cocoa House, University of Ibadan, and Dugbe Market.
The walk down the hill (Oke-Are) was a lot less easier than the climb. It's a must-see in Ibadan!
Olumayowa O.★★★★★ — Great place to party! Ambience totally nailed it. The convenience was neat at first but subsequently got messed up. The team needs to ensure constant cleaning while hosting guests!
Oluwafunmilayo D.★★★★★ — It was a good and serene environment
Loved the ambience
It's a very nice place for photoshoot/videoshoot too
They even offer free photoshoot If you are booking the hall, absolutely nice.
And if you are not, the price they gave us totally affordable and makes sense
Jorge S.★★★★★ — The visit was sublime. I drove there with a friend.
We got there around 17:00 hours, we went in and were accosted at the gate to pay an entrance fee of ₦200 each...it was a surprise because I didn't think any venue would cost so little to admit an adult.
Anyways I stayed with the gate keepers to chat whilst my friend went to the car to get the picnic stuff.
We walked into the park and immediately I was assayed by the smell of plants and growing stuff also flowers with different scents.
We found space in one of the many pagodas dotted about the place. We dropped the snacks and walked on to a swing.
My friend went on the swing and I held the swing down so it does not flip over ... Sadly I didn't go on the swing as I was sure my friend wouldn't be able to hold the swing down for me.
We walked to the end of the trail. We went on the rock and it was sublimely surreal.
We walked back and noticed some counters and shanties littering the gardens...I wonder what they are...hopefully they are nurseries for seedlings and not some religious place.?!
We came back had our picnic (wish I'd brought a smal rug) and after checking out the plants and trees we ended up in the rose garden...we plucked a single stem rose and discovered we were locked in the park...luckily the gate was not padlocked and we got out easily...we made sure we re-chained the gate to secure it ... I'm going back there soon and I'll be asking if I can spend a night there with my pup tent.
ukwenya G.★★★★★ — I was at UI today for UI 77th convocation ceremony on the 14th of November,2025. The crowd was massive.
The UI Botanical Garden is one of Ibadan’s most peaceful and refreshing treasures. Tucked within the University of Ibadan, it offers a quiet escape from the noise of the city. The moment you step in, you’re welcomed by tall trees, shaded walk0-Word Review of UI Botanical Garden, University of Ibadan.
The UI Botanical Garden is one of Ibadan’s most peaceful and refreshing treasures. Tucked within the University of Ibadan, it offers a quiet escape from the noise of the city. The moment you step in, you’re welcomed by tall trees, shaded walkways, and the calming scent of nature. It is the kind of place where time slows down and your mind resets.
The garden is clean, well-arranged, and rich with different plant species. Whether you are a student, researcher, photographer, or just someone seeking a calm environment, the space provides the perfect atmosphere. Families also enjoy visiting because the garden is safe, open, and spacious enough for picnics and light outdoor activities.
One thing that stands out is how well the environment is maintained. The lawns are neatly trimmed, the pathways are easy to walk through, and the air feels noticeably fresher. Birds, butterflies, and natural sounds add to the charm of the place.
Overall, the UI Botanical Garden is a beautiful blend of education, relaxation, and natural beauty. It is ideal for reading, meditation, small gatherings, research work, or simply unwinding after a long day. A truly serene destination within Ibadan.
Joseph O.★★★★★ — It is a very nice environment. We need more of places like this in the state.
Oluwatosin O.★★★★★ — Great ambience. Your gate fee double as your refreshments ticket while relaxing. I enjoyed myself with the family while there. I recommend it for lovers of art, history and culture.
Destd D★★★★★ — Our gate fee was 1500 per person then again when we wanted to sit at a tables near the pool if there was even any chairs they said we should pay another 1000 per person before we enter
theres nothing to do that would make sense for the entry fee and the separate pool fee we still had to pay to ride horse and VR so the extra charge wasn't even for playing games or entering pool like the poster in the front advertised. The bar there is closed and the park is small it only takes 20 minutes to finish walking round
Emmanuel O.★★★★★ — The environment was serene and beautiful.
Cool for taking photoshoot with nature.
The gate fee is ₦1,000 per person.
Then ₦500 per person if you want to play a game.
The place needs serious work done to make it more attractive again. Many of the spots inside are dilapidated.
Which park in Ibadan has the highest Google rating?▾
Several parks in Ibadan share a 4.2-star rating, including Challenge Motor Park (2,183 reviews), Challenge Bus Terminal (1,293 reviews), and Brooks Park (158 reviews). The University of Ibadan Zoological Garden has 4.0 stars from 3,497 reviews, while Mapo Hall has 4.1 stars from 398 reviews.
What is the most reviewed park in Ibadan?▾
The University of Ibadan Zoological Garden has the highest number of reviews among ranked parks in Ibadan, with 3,497 reviews and a 4.0-star rating. It is followed by Challenge Motor Park with 2,183 reviews and Challenge Bus Terminal with 1,293 reviews.
Are there any historic parks or squares in Ibadan?▾
Yes, Mapo Hall is a historic building and square in Ibadan, rated 4.1 stars from 398 reviews. It is a popular landmark for events and tourism. Brooks Park is another option, rated 4.2 stars from 158 reviews.
Which park in Ibadan is best for bus travel?▾
Challenge Motor Park and Challenge Bus Terminal are top-rated for bus travel in Ibadan, both with 4.2 stars. Challenge Motor Park has 2,183 reviews, while Challenge Bus Terminal has 1,293 reviews. These are major transport hubs in the city.
How many parks are ranked on this page?▾
This page ranks 14 parks in Ibadan, Oyo State. The top five include Challenge Motor Park (4.2★, 2,183 reviews), Challenge Bus Terminal (4.2★, 1,293 reviews), University of Ibadan Zoological Garden (4.0★, 3,497 reviews), Mapo Hall (4.1★, 398 reviews), and Brooks Park (4.2★, 158 reviews).
