Children are easy to please. Just give them sweets or their favorite toys to cheer them up. But sometimes kids can get bored with playing inside the house or watching cartoons. They crave for sunlight and a breath of fresh air once in a while. They want to meet new acquaintances and playmates, too. Why not take them out on a weekend or this holiday break to some of Qatar’s best attractions for kids? Don’t even start with “I don’t know where to take them” because we are here to give you recommendations on things to do in Qatar with kids.
While Qatar is a small country, it boasts of wealthy resources as well as a wide variety of family-friendly activities. Trust us, you’ll never mind the hot and humid weather of the country once you’re having fun with the kiddos. The people are also very friendly and welcoming, that you won’t need to remind the kids not to talk to strangers. So here we go… your adventure in Qatar with the kids starts now.
Cost: $48
Probably the best way to treat your kids for some fun under the sun is a dune bashing adventure in the deserts of Qatar. This is particularly enjoyable for older kids and teenagers who love the adrenaline rush. Dune bashing is a popular activity within the Arab region. You’ll get to ride a 4X4 and conquer the desert terrains in Qatar. Throughout the trip, you’ll hear the kids screaming and shrieking in excitement as these cars climb steep dunes and glide their way down . On top of all these, you can admire the scenery in the desert, pose for pictures, ride some camels, and even stop at Bedouin tents. If you are hesitant to take the kids to this thrilling adventure, you can always choose a dune bashing with a smooth ride. Although, we really recommend the fast and bumpy one. Well, it’s an adventure anyway, right?
Cost: Free
One of the most important landmarks in Qatar, the Museum of Islamic Arts (MIA) showcases Islamic art from the Middle East over a span of 1,400 years. Kids may not really enjoy the idea of a museum tour, but this is a way to make them understand the Qatari and the Islamic culture better. Inside the MIA, kids can explore the calligraphy, ceramics, and artefacts from countries such as Egypt and Turkey. The kids can also witness art exhibits from local and international artists. Spending an hour or two inside the MIA is not just a day-out for the kids, but it is a way for them to appreciate preserving art, culture, and history. Once you’re done touring the museum, you can then take the kids to an adjacent park where they can play and run for the rest of the day. Both the MIA museum and parks are open daily and have no admission fees.
Cost: Free
If you just want some quiet family bonding moment, head to the Doha’s Corniche. This spot is perfect for families who want to spend a day in peace. The Doha’s Corniche has 3 main areas: the park and promenade, the street, and the government zone. You and your kids can walk along the waterfront facing Doha Bay, talk and laugh about the kids’ stories, and just enjoy the lovely views in Qatar. When the evening comes, you can share a meal together at one of the dining areas in the promenade. Or you can take the kids to cruise on a traditional dhow boat in time for an amazing view of the sunset.
Cost: $5.4 to $12.3
Kids, especially our little boys, love cars. There’s no point denying this fact. Look at how they admire the “Transformers” films. Anyway, in order to treat the children for an amusing sight, visit the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum (FBQ Museum) in Qatar. This museum is named such after the mind behind its vintage cars collection, Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani, who is one of Qatar’s most influential businessmen. Inside the museum, kids will be impressed at a stunning collection of vehicles, particularly vintage ones. The kids will surely have a great time checking out each of the 600 cars, including limousines, steam cars, convertibles, and trucks, inside the FBQ museum. The best part is that all vehicles on display are still working! Likewise, the kids can see old coins and currency as well as some displays on Qatari heritage and Islamic art.
Cost: $7
Fifth activity on our list is a no-brainer when it comes to kid-friendly spots in Qatar. Located in Doha, Qatar’s capital and bustling city, the Kingdom of Aladdin has been called a lot of names, such as “Entertainment City” and “The Family Fun Park of 1,001 Delights”, because of its exciting attractions. The Kingdom of Aladdin is the largest and the only amusement park in Qatar and the entire Persian Gulf, so you really can’t miss taking the kids to this entertainment center. Inside the Kingdom of Aladdin, kids can enjoy the rides, like a carousel, bumper cars, roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, bumper boats, go karts, and the Thunderbolt. They can also play video games in the arcade. Kids can jump all they want at the trampolines or do ice skating at the ice rink. They can also experience the air hockey arena and even try their hand at arts and crafts in the Print and Stamp station. Moreover, the kids will surely love watching the daily costume parade and the fireworks show in the evening. All in all, the Kingdom of Aladdin boasts of 18 rides to make the kids smiling from ear to ear. You can visit the Kingdom of Aladdin daily, from 4:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Do take note, however, that Mondays and Wednesdays are reserved for women and children under age 12 only. Admission to the Kingdom of Aladdin starts at $7.
Cost: $0.5 to $1.3
Another activity which all children love is a visit to the zoo. Located near the Sports City Complex in Doha, the Doha Zoo offers an opportunity for your kids to play with animals. The Doha Zoo is home to more than 1,500 mammals, birds, and reptiles from around the world. Although considered a small zoo, the Doha Zoo features animals, like elephants, giraffes, baboons, and zebras. The kids can also get the chance to see the oryx, which is Qatar’s national animal. There are also animal shows, i.e. elephant show, which will surely make the kids appreciate the zoo creatures even more. You can visit the Doha Zoo daily from 8:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. and from 3:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoons, however, are dedicated for women and children only.
Located on the north of Qatar, Fuwairit Beach is one of the finest beaches in the country. This beach has a long stretch of white and fine sand, clear turquoise waters, and a shoreline decorated by colorful sea shells. Your whole family will have a wonderful bonding moment at this beach. The kids can do snorkeling, boating and kayaking, building sandcastles, and of course, swimming. You can also spend some hours relaxing by the beach, reading your favorite book, and watching your kids with their happy faces. You can also pitch a tent along the shore and spend the night listening to the sound of the waves. When morning comes, you can all watch the sun’s reflection as it rises from the horizon.
Cost: $1.37
The last item on our list of recommendations is a visit to Al Khor Park. This lovely park at Al Shamal Road is the best place to take the kids for some nature trip. In here, the kids can go to the miniature zoo that is home to several animals, such as birds, zebras, horses, goats, and many more. After a trip to the mini zoo, the kids can play golf. They can also go to the aviary and see exotic birds. Al Khor Park also has an amphitheater, a basketball court, and a skating area where the children can have the most fun and meet new friends. And if they grow exhausted, you can just sit on the grass and admire the trees and fountains. Before you go home, make sure to ride the battery-operated train which goes around the park. The Al Khor Park is open for everyone, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily (except Friday mornings). Do note that Tuesday is for women and children only.
Qatar is famous for its attractions which embody modernity and technological advancement. One popular place in Qatar is The Pearl, a man-made island located in Doha’s west bay. The Pearl is the first real estate in Qatar which allows foreigners to own a property. Non-residents may also visit this beautifully designed attraction, shop and dine at one of its shops which range from affordable to upscale brands, stroll along the beachfront, and admire the showrooms and yacht-lined marinas.
After a visit to The Pearl, you can head to the Katara Cultural Village which is just located nearby. Home to various festival events, this cultural village lets you into a unique discovery of the region’s architectural heritage. Katara is actually an ancient name given to the Qatar peninsula. It was established in order to support the vision of making Qatar a cultural beacon and a lighthouse of art. As such, the village stages concerts, shows, and exhibitions in its impressive theaters, galleries, and performance venues. In November, for instance, the Katara Cultural Village hosts a film showing. Besides watching a show in these cultural venues, kids can stroll along the promenade, dine in one of the world-class restaurants, and splash in the public beach. The Katara Cultural Village is open daily, although it is best to visit with kids between 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and between 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
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