Keeping the kids entertained can be a full-time job in itself. In Riyadh, however, you’re never short of places for animal adventures, sporting activities and educational (yet still fun) classes. A dedicated art class for mother and child, anyone? We are here to help, so you don’t have to hear the two dreaded words: “I’m bored”. Here are the top ten things to do with the family in November, so your kids (and even you) will have smiles on your face.
Be wowed by animals at Riyadh Zoo
Home to more than 1,500 animals (and almost 200 different species) and spread out across acres of open land, a visit to Saudi Arabia’s largest zoo should be on every family’s to-do list. Start your trip off with a tour of the zoo on a mini train to get your bearings, then task intrepid mini explorers with seeking out tigers, crocodiles, chimpanzees, elephants, flamingos and more. A pre-sunset picnic by the lake and amidst the flowers and greenery is a rather lovely way to end the day. wowed by animals at Riyadh Zoo.
Mon-Thu, Sat, 9am-6.15pm, Fri 1pm-6.15pm. Al Ihsa, Al Malaz, zoo.com.sa (023 4567 8900).
Create ceramics at Café Ceramique
A charming, and indeed calming alternative to some of the more high-octane fun things to do with the kids in Riyadh. The art studio offers the perfect opportunity for children to unleash their imaginations and creativity as they paint their own ceramics overseen by experienced staff. Parents, meanwhile, can refuel at the on-site café.
Sat-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri 1pm-midnight. Various locations including Makan Mall, Al Malqa, cafe-ceramique.com.sa (050 123 6611).
Get into the groove at Tiny Dancer Riyadh
What a name, what a dance studio. The family-owned dance studio was created in 2015, and the trainers are all Saudi women. The studio offers dance classes for kids including gymnastics, ballet and hip-hop. Children aged between three and 12 can join the classes and you can block book sessions or sign up siblings for a cheaper rate.
Makkah Al Mukarramah Road, Al Mathar Ash Shamali, tinydancerksa.com (058 294 7384).
Have a fun-filled day (and night) out at Winter Wonderland
We know that Riyadh Season can be overwhelming with all its zones covering 14 districts. But we suggest that you make a beeline for the Winter Wonderland. It is a whopping forty percent bigger than the 2019 offering. Whether they want to learn to ice skate or go for a spin on the Ferris Wheel, there are plenty of opportunities to make them smile and make memories.
From October 26. riyadhseason.sa
Jump around at BOUNCE Rawdah
As the name suggests, it’s all about getting active and embracing those freestyle moves at Bounce. Featuring an extensive network of interconnected trampolines, padded climbing walls, launch pads and an adventure course we challenge anyone – young or old – to spend an hour or so at BOUNCE and not leave exhausted. Note: the space is for ladies only, but boys up to the age of ten are permitted.
Open daily 2pm-10pm. 4466 Khurais Branch Road, Ar Rawdah, bounce.sa (092 000 6744).
Learn martial arts
Riyadh Combat, which launched in 2016, offers sessions in a more varied assortment of martial arts practices, from jiu-jitsu to kickboxing. After Saudi’s Tareg Hamedi won a silver medal in karate at the Olympics, martial arts has increased in popularity. The centre has carved out a niche for itself in muay Thai and the go to place for the discipline. Get fit and have fun.
Sun, Tue & Wed 5.30pm-6.30pm. Khalid Ibn Al Walid Street, Al Hamra, riyadhcombat.com (056 071 1891).
Marvel at Evolution Exhibition – Dinosaurs
Come face to face with dinosaurs (well, life-size models) at Evolution Exhibition – Dinosaurs. This fun, family exhibition takes you on a journey through 66 million years of history. Kids will love the interactive games and the ancient jungle. Walk through a re-creation of a jungle, complete with hot temperatures and heavy rains. One of the top things to do in Riyadh this week.
SAR97 (adults), SAR61.80 (kids). Open daily 2pm-11pm. Riyadh Front, evolution-dino.com.
Paint with your child
Calling all mums: at Enchanted Art Centre mothers and children can paint together during these cool art classes. Co-founder, Amani Tamami, explains: “We wanted them to be able to do activities, which were different from going to the mall.” This is certainly different, as you and your child will learn the fundamentals of painting and you may well unleash their inner Picasso.
Open 6.30am-6.30pm. Al-Thumamah Valley Street, Al Olaya, instagram.com/studioenchanted (054 287 077).
Splash around at Al Manahil
Dive right in at this swimming pool in the Diplomatic Quarter, which is popular with expat families. Founded in 1990, it has become a bit of an institution. The club offers day passes, swimming lessons and aqua Zumba with friendly teachers, where you kids can learn life skills and be confident in the water. Also, as a treat after the laps, you can take them to the one site spa and salon.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-7.45pm. Ibn Zahr Street, Al Safarat, Diplomatic Square, almanahil.com.sa (011 488 1069).
Unwind at Twinkle Spa
Spas aren’t just for adults. To prove the point, Twinkle Spa makes your kids feel glam. Whether your mini mes want to get braids, manis, pedis or facials, this space will make you swoon at just how cute your kids can look. Inside you’ll find tents, a play area and small-people sized spa facilities for tiny toes and fingers.
Open daily 4pm-11pm. 8137 Abi Bakr Al-Siddiq, An Nafl, instagram.com/twinklespa.kids/?hl=en (0559310046).
For more brilliant things to do in Riyadh, click here.
