15 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Saudi Arabia with Kids

Saudi Arabia offers abundant family-friendly fun that combines fun, knowledge, history, and culture. There are plenty of activities to do for both adults and children, from touring historic places, beaches, and malls to enjoying big theme parks. Get ready to explore fun things to do in Saudi Arabia that will leave the whole family with unforgettable experiences of a lifetime.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia is full of fun activities and attractions and the list is endless. Here we have selected some of the best activities perfect for a memorable family day out that you should definitely add to your list.

The iconic Sky Tower Bridge in Saudi Arabia needs no introduction! It’s a go-to attraction for families, where you can see the Riyadh skyline from the 99th floor of the tower. The upper floors can be accessed by two elevators. Families can hang out and walk around as much as they want, also there are also many dining options available onsite as well.

Quad Biking in Riyadh is one of the best Saudi Arabia things to do with kids. Visitors can enjoy bumpy buggy rides in the desert or do quad biking on the dunes, the choice is on them. Although there are many options where you can try out quad biking, we would recommend the Red Dunes where sunset is truly breathtaking. The best part is small bikes for kids are also available, so they don’t miss out on the fun.

Saudi Arabia holds significant importance in Islam as it is home to two of the holiest cities, but it is also a country with a rich culture and history as well. Preserving the culture, literature, art, and history of this country, the National Museum is the perfect place to visit with families.  The Museum houses around 8 galleries about the holy mosque and Hajj, the Arabian kingdom, the Prophet's life, the man and universe, and the unification of the states. The whole museum is filled with exhibits, displays, and presentations, in both English and Arabic, so visitors don’t miss out on the learning experience.

Extreme summers and Saudi Arabia are old friends that can never be apart, and that can sometimes be overwhelming for visitors, but don’t worry! You can still try out ice skating rings in the country with cool temperatures and a chill environment. The best one is located in Riyadh in the Royal Mall, where both kids and adults can skate together and have fun.

• Best Things to Do in Jeddah

Jeddah is another popular and vibrant city in Saudi Arabia with a lot to offer! From fun theme parks, and historical sites to escape hunts, the options are endless. So, let's check out some of the top things we have gathered that you can enjoy along with kids.

The love of super spies and treasure hunts among kids is universal! To cater to this interest, Novus in Jeddah has created exciting and mysterious puzzles and escape hunts. It's similar to the Breakout brand in Malaysia, and around 200,000 people have already experienced it. Groups can range from 2 to 8 people. First, you need to choose a theme and special abilities to complete the mission. The main goal is to solve puzzles and escape from the room you're trapped in. There's a timer counting down every second, and if you don't escape in time, you fail the mission. For more details, you can visit their official website or contact them on their number.

This expansive entertainment hub in Jeddah is mainly surrounded by lush grounds with different zones themed after Arabic, French, Italian, and American cultures, and it boasts over 25 fun rides and attractions. The Scorpion steel looping roller coaster, with its heart-pounding dips and inversions, is perfect for daring adults and teens to push their limits. Small kids can go to carnivals, kid’s coasters, and slow-spinning teacup rides.

Explore the ocean in detail at Fakieh Aquarium. Here you can learn more about ocean life, and different marine animals, and see sharks, turtles, and tropical fishes in huge aquariums. The main highlight of this place is a dolphin show, where these animals perform tricks, acrobatics, and a bunch of other moves.

This ancient neighborhood is a city's cultural center that takes you back centuries ago with its small alleyways that are flanked by tall, multi-story homes constructed with local coral stone and decorated with wood lattices and detailed carvings. When exploring the town don’t forget to visit the lively Al-Alawi Souq, a veritable gold mine from where you can purchase genuine trinkets, apparel, spices, fragrances, and regional delicacies.

Atallah Happy Land Park is a place that has something for everyone regardless of their age. This amusement park in Saudi Arabia has small rides and playgrounds for kids, adrenaline-infusing roller coaster, drop towers, and racing tracks for teenagers, and adults can chill in comfortable seating areas, and cafeterias, or go for more classic nostalgic rides.

• Best Things to do in Makkah

Makkah is the holy land in Saudi Arabia for Muslims and is rich in history and culture. The city has the third-largest population, which means fun attractions and things to do here are also in abundance. Here are the top things to do you can check out with families.

Situated in the Saudi Arabian holy city of Makkah, the Makkah Museum, also called the Makkah Regional Museum, is a beautiful historical and cultural facility. This museum offers visitors a clearer view of Islamic heritage through antiques and historical relics. It’s a great place to check out if you and your kids want to learn more about the city's history.

The Hira Cultural District provides a perfect blend of historical, spiritual, and cultural experiences, and is best if visited with families if you are interested in gaining insights into Islam and its history. The center highlights the significance of Islam, as it is home to the Museum of the Holy Quran, the Islamic Heritage Exhibitions, and the Revelation Exhibition.

Arak Park in Makkah is another great place to have a peaceful, quiet evening with your loved ones. The park is filled with palm trees and vibrant gardens, providing one of the best escapes in the city. The atmosphere here is truly refreshing after a busy day. Visitors love to read books, take walks, ride bikes, or simply enjoy the evening sunshine. You can also see the beautiful minarets of Aisha Al Rajhi mosque as the backdrop of the skyline.

• Best Things to Do in Madinah

Coming to be the 4th most populated city and the 2nd holiest city in Saudi Arabia, Madinah has a lot to offer in terms of family attractions and things to do. So together, let's discover the best activities for you and your kids in this city.

Exploring the local markets is one of the best Saudi Arabia family activities you can do if you want to fully immerse yourself in the country's traditions and culture. The Old Bazaar in Madinah is full of stalls selling traditional jewelry, spices, handicrafts, and of course DATES!

The history of the region is explored in detail at the Al-Madinah Museum, which spans from pre-Islamic periods to this modern era. Many pictures, artifacts, and displays offer a glimpse into the country’s cultural, social, and economic facets of the area. The stunning edifice that houses the museum enhances the experience with its unique Islamic architecture. The other cultural relics in the museum highlight a millennium of development that happened in the city.

• Try Local Saudi Food

Trying local Saudi food is one fun thing that can be done in every city, from famous street foods, and desserts, to full-course traditional meals. The food scene in Saudi Arabia should not be missed.

Saudi Arabia is known for its exquisite food, and dates particularly the Ajwa date, which is a staple and a sign of hospitality in the region. Traditional dinners in Saudi Arabia that you should try are fragrant rice and a beef dish called kabsa and their smokey companion, mandi. The favorite street food options include falafel, a tasty vegetarian option, and shawarma, seasoned meat served on pita bread. Baklava and kunafa are popular options for dessert, particularly on festive occasions. Drinks such as cool mint tea, and Arabic coffee are a symbol of hospitality, which should not be missed and go well with these foods.