From gloriously green open spaces to little lesser-known neighbourhood spots, manicured flower-packed patches that are perfect for a relaxing picnic and places with children’s playgrounds aplenty, read on for our round-up of some of the very best parks in Riyadh. Pack up the blankets and barbecue kit, it’s time to get outdoors…
Al Bujairi Heritage Park
Enjoy this lovely low-key park with a strong sense of history, thanks to its location close to the ancient ruins of Diriyah. There’s a pleasing sense of calmness about this park with its well-kept gardens, restaurant and cafés serving traditional food and views of old Diriayh in the background. It’s worth noting that barbecues aren’t allowed here.
Best for: A park visit with a cultural slant.
Open 24 hours. Samhan.
Al-Haeer Park Lake
A real back to nature spot, the lakes that make up this lovely park are vast, impressive looking and utterly unspoilt. A trip out to Riyadh’s Al-Haeer Park Lake don’t fail to leave you feeling relaxed, thanks to the tinkling water, tweeting birds and calm, serene feel. A sunset visit comes recommended.
Best for: Escaping city life for a few hours.
Open 24 hours. Al Haeer.
Al Khuzama Park
This picturesque landscaped garden park is regarded as one of the city’s prettiest. Thanks to the various flowers and fauna on display, it’s easy to see (and smell) why. From time to time, the central fountain area is transformed into a small, open air amphitheatre – on any given visit you might get lucky and be able to take in a live music or theatre performance.
Best for: Gardening enthusiasts looking for inspiration for their own green areas.
Open 24 hours. Al Khuzama.
Al Waha Park
While certainly not the biggest park in the city, the size of Riyadh’s Al Waha Park actually works in its favour and gives the space a charming, neighbourhood feel. Renowned for being both quiet and clean, there’s still plenty of greenery and open areas to explore, as well as children’s playgrounds and barbecue facilities.
Best for: A low-key afternoon or evening with friends and family.
Open 24 hours. Abha Street, Al Waha.
King Abdullah Park
Covering some 318,000 square metres, Riyadh’s King Abdullah Park wins the prize for biggest park in Riyadh. The lush, green space is famed for its impressive dancing water fountain, café, amphitheatres, 12 kilometre pedestrian walkway (popular with runners, bike riders and roller skaters) and iconic little red bus that tours the park.
Best for: A sunset expedition – the fountain looks its most impressive after nightfall.
Open Mon-Sat 1pm-midnight, closed Sun. Al Ameen Abdullah, Al Ali Al Naeem Street, Al Malaz.
Lake Park Namar
This scenic park stretches out south of Riyadh and while Wadi Namar is the main attraction for many that visit the area, the palm tree-fringed walkway that runs alongside the lake is ideally suited for cyclists, runners and walkers. The spacious park area meanwhile has play parks for children, excellent amenities, plenty of picnic areas and a stunning waterfall.
Best for: Keen nature photographers – the lake, dam, waterfall and park itself offer photo opportunities aplenty.
65 Utaiqah.
Nahda Park
Widely regarded as the longest park in the Kingdom, the vastness of Riyadh’s Nahda Park means no matter when you visit, you’re always able to secure a little area of your own to set up camp. With a five kilometre walking track, plenty of shade, basketball and football courts, barbecue area and playgrounds for kids, it’s easy to while away an entire day here.
Best for: Embarking on a long run or bike ride, thanks to the linear nature of the park.
Open 24 hours. Nahdah Road, Jarir.
National Museum Park
Located, as the name suggests, in the grounds of the National Museum, this beautifully manicured park is a destination in its own right and adds an extra element to any museum visit. Thanks to the flower shrouded gardens, mix of modern and traditional architecture and meandering waterways, you’ll be in for a treat.
Best for: Enjoying a few al fresco hours after exploring the National Museum.
Open 24 hours. Al Murabba.
Olaya Park
Perhaps the most verdant park in all of Riyadh, the small yet perfectly formed tree-lined Olaya Park is truly beautiful. As well as offering fantastic views of the sky-scraping Faisaliyah Tower, you can find a covered water fountain, children’s play areas, charming winding paths and plenty of grassland.
Best for: Breathing in some fresh air and spending quality time with friends and family.
Open 24 hours. Al Olaya.
Prince Fahd Al Faisal Al Farhan Park
Although it is one of Riyadh’s most historic parks, the glorious greenery still very much holds its own against more modern developments. Visitors can admire flower-framed water features, wander along tree-lined walkways, take a break at one of the strategically located wooden pavilions or benches or head to the central children’s play areas.
Best for: Enjoying a few hours of solitude – take a book and soak up the delightful atmosphere.
Abdullah Al Hamathani Street, Al Malaz.
Rock Park
A beautifully designed park in the Diplomatic Quarter, Rock Park is particularly popular with families who flock there to picnic, play games, fly kites and soak up the sun. The slides and swings, abundance of rocks and climbing apparatus and small football pitch all provide excitement for little ones.
Best for: Tiring energetic children out.
Open 24 hours. 3Altawqi Street, Al Safarat.
Salam Park
Where else can you hire a giant zorb ball and float across the water? The curved, man-made lake sitting at the centre of Salam Park is what attracts people to this family-friendly outdoor space, which also boasts boat trips, jogging tracks, sport fields, walkways, fountains, a small amusement park and plenty of tree-flanked picnic areas. Get ready for a memorable trip.
Best for: Visiting on a hot day when a paddle in the lake provides welcome respite from the heat.
Open Mon-Sat 3pm-midnight, closed Sun. Salam Street, Salam.
Wadi Hanifa
Located on the outskirts of the city, a redevelopment plan has transformed this once neglected area into an oasis of peace rich with wildlife. With scenic trails for walkers, joggers and cyclists, plenty of picnic areas, a mountain backdrop and lake for fishing, a few hours spent at Wadi Hanifa is the ideal antidote to busy city life.
Best for: Getting back to nature.
Open 24 hours. Utaiqah.
For more fantastic things to do outdoors in Riyadh, click here.
For more brilliant attractions all over Riyadh, click here.
For more top things to do with the kids, click here.
