Kids' Activities in Saudi Arabia: Museums, Parks and Indoor Play for Expat Families

The best-known family destinations are the National Museum in Riyadh, Ithra in Dhahran and Al-Shallal Theme Park in Jeddah, backed up by indoor play centers in malls. Timing matters more than the destination: most outdoor places are only pleasant in the cooler months or after sunset.

Museums and culture

National Museum of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh. The museum is in the al-Murabba area on King Faisal Road, inside the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, and opened in 1999. It has eight halls, from the Hall of Man and the Universe to the Unification of the Kingdom Hall and the Hall of Hajj and the Two Holy Mosques. Visit Saudi describes it as suitable for families. Opening hours and entry terms are listed differently across sites, so check the museum's own page before you go.

Ithra (King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture), Dhahran. Ithra opened in 2016 and includes a museum, library, theatre, cinema and the Energy Exhibit. Ithra's own programme pages describe a Children's Museum for children up to age 12 and their caregivers, along with family events during Eid and other holidays. Programmes and prices change, so check ithra.com or the Ithra app before you plan the trip.

Parks and outdoor fun

Al-Shallal Theme Park, Jeddah. The park is on the Jeddah Corniche and has been open since 2004. Wikipedia lists 16 attractions, including the Boomerang and Wild Mouse roller coasters, a log flume and several rides for small children such as a merry-go-round and tea cups. It is run by Tarfeeh Fakieh Group and open all year. Ticket prices, opening hours and women-only days vary between sources, so confirm them on the park's own channels before a family visit.

Farasan Islands, Jazan region. The islands are in the Red Sea about 40 km off the coast of Jizan, reached by a ferry service. They have heritage sites such as an Ottoman fort and the Farasan Island Marine Reserve, where manta rays, dugongs, dolphins and sea turtles have been reported. The hot season runs from April to October, so plan a trip for November to March. It is a trip for older children and a weekend, not a day out.

Indoor play

Malls in Riyadh, Jeddah and the Eastern Province have indoor play areas. Sparky's (a family fun park, with branches listed at Panorama Mall and Al Nakheel Mall in Riyadh) and Bounce (a trampoline park, listed at Boulevard City) appear in Riyadh listings, and Arab News reported KidZania's first Saudi outlet at Mall of Arabia in Jeddah, for ages 4 to 14 (confirm it is still operating). Branches, prices and opening times change; check each venue's own site or social page before you go.

Planning around the heat

• Summer afternoons are very hot. Plan outdoor activity for early morning or after sunset, and use indoor venues midday.
• Bring water and sun protection for any outdoor trip, and check prayer-time closures at shops and some venues.
• During Ramadan, opening hours shift later; see the Ramadan guide.

Other ways to find things for children

• Your child's school usually runs after-school clubs and sports; compounds often have pools and play areas.
• Ask other parents at your school or compound for current classes and teams.
• For holiday programmes, see summer camps for expat kids. To find a school, use the schools finder.

Sources

Facts in this guide were checked on 22 October 2026 against these pages. Fees and rules change, so confirm on the official page before you pay or apply.

• Wikipedia: National Museum of Saudi Arabia
• Wikipedia: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra)
• Wikipedia: Al-Shallal Theme Park
• Wikipedia: Farasan Islands
• Visit Saudi: The National Museum of Saudi Arabia