Saudi culture is very family focused – as such, you’re likely to see multi-generational family groups out and about, and there’s plenty for kids to do. That said, in the summer months things get pretty warm, and you’ll need to plan activities that include indoor breaks from the sun – particularly if you have very small children in tow. Luckily, the city has plenty to offer. This is what you need to know about visiting Medina with kids.
Why is Medina great for kids and families?
The family-oriented city caters for all age ranges, and multi-generational excursions are the norm here. As such, you’ll find it’s easy to find kids’ menus in restaurants, children’s play areas in shopping malls, and a welcome appreciation of the demands of travelling with little people.
Additionally, crime is rated as very low in the city and people say they feel safe while walking around.
Parts of Medina are easily walkable, while others are less so, but public transport covers most of the city, and taxis and rideshare apps are widely used. That said, you’ll want to consider that before you take bulkier strollers out with you (choose something small and foldable to get on buses or opt for a sling carrier for smaller infants).
Things to do in Medina with kids
Eat on a pirate ship at Al-Rashid Mega Mall
Malls in Saudi Arabia are far more than shopping centres for parents to drag unsuspecting children around – there’s plenty here that will keep kids of all ages entertained. Teens will enjoy the range of shops, while younger kids (and the young at heart) can visit the indoor play area on the top floor. There are funfair rides, bumper cars and a soft play area. And did we mention the ice rink and cinema?
Despite its gargantuan size, it can get busy, but it’s a great place to take the family – particularly for some respite from the heat during the summer months (if you’re travelling with a stroller, note that elevators can get crowded). Grab a bite to eat on the pirate ship overlooking the fountains – a highlight for smaller children.
Visit Wadi Jinn
Albaidha Public Park, in the desert of Wadi Jinn, is perfect for families. Here, you’ll find people hiking, laying out picnics, and camping. If you do stay overnight, it’s the perfect place for a spot of stargazing, while daytime activities include ever-popular quad biking and camel riding (leave the stroller at home and stick to a baby carrier if you have very tiny tots in tow). The area is rumoured to be home to a strange phenomenon where cars put in neutral move up the hill on their own. According to legend, this is thanks to the area’s ‘jinn’ (or spirits), hence the name. However, there’s also the theory that it’s an optical illusion on the road. The kids will love it either way.
Wander through the souqs in central Madina
Take in some lively local flavour at one of the souqs in the city. Quba Market is a great place to experience the hustle and bustle of a shopping street, where kids will find numerous knick knacks to ask for, and parents can pick up some souvenirs. The market is also alongside the 3km walkway from the Prophet’s Mosque to Quba Mosque, allowing younger children to take in some of the city’s religious significance while having the freedom to roam around. The city centre can get particularly warm (especially during the summer months) so set out for a stroll in the later part of the day to avoid the heat.
Take the bus
One of the best (and most reasonably priced) ways to see the city if you’re not looking to do a lot of walking is via the hop-on-hop-off bus. You can buy a 24-hour ticket, during which time you’re free to get on and off the bus as many times as you like – perfect for fidgety children dictating the pace of the day. Buses have AC (a genuine joy in warmer months) and wifi, and tour the most important sites of the city. Older children can make use of the (multi-lingual) audio guide, while younger ones can stare out at the sights of Medina and pick the areas they’d like to explore on foot later.
Visit the old railway
Museums can be hit or miss with small people in tow, but trains tend to be popular with kids and adults alike. Adults will enjoy the stunning architecture of the Hejaz Railway museum, with the original building dating back to the Ottoman era, while the 19 galleries showcasing the history of the railway and surrounding area are a treasure trove for slightly older children. For younger ones, the highlight is likely to be the abandoned railway cars that have been turned into a restaurant. Plus, there’s free entry to the museum, meaning a family trip won’t break the bank.
