Like many countries in the Middle East, Qatar is extremely kid-friendly and much of life outside work revolves around the family.
It is not unusual to see children out and about with their parents late into the night, and kids are not only tolerated in restaurants, cafes and museums but welcomed with open arms. Activities for kids – from massive theme parks to little swing-and-climbing-frame setups – are ubiquitous.
With sandy and safe beaches, waterparks, playgrounds and kid-friendly events, it can even seem like there is *too much* choice for visitors with children, even in the summer months when the heat outside forces everyone indoors for most of the day. These are some of our favourite family-friendly attractions in Doha.
Why is Doha a great place for family travel?
It may sound like both a sweeping generalisation and a cliché, but children and families are embraced warmly in Middle Eastern culture, in stark contrast to many destinations in Europe where they are often considered an annoyance in public spaces.
Children are expected to be both seen and heard in Doha, and parents travelling to the Gulf for the first time may be surprised when they are helped by complete strangers or ushered to the front of long queues at the urging of both staff or security guards, and everyone else waiting.
Doha is also extremely easy to navigate: kids love the Doha Metro with its sleek carriages, air conditioning, and views over the city, and all stations are stroller-accessible. Most malls and museums have family areas for changing a nappy or just chilling out for a few minutes.
And there is a phenomenal amount to do: from world-beating waterparks to kid-focused events and free entry for under 16s to many attractions.
Best things to do in Doha with kids
National Museum of Qatar (NMoQ)
Yes, some little explorers may baulk at a museum trip, but the National Museum of Qatar has a lot for kids to see and do, and visiting isn’t just about gawping at ancient Quranic manuscripts and nosing around reconstructions of archaeological sites (although both of these are on offer), there are also immersive exhibits that children can touch, hear and explore.
MIA Park and Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)
Adults and older kids might want to marvel at I.M Pei’s remarkable architectural feat on Doha Corniche, but there’s lots to get younger kids excited too. This is especially true at the outdoor MIA Park, where you can snack and ride scooters and run around, before hopping on a dhow tour from the corniche out into the bay. Some tours include food, so be sure to shop around.
Visit one of Doha’s many theme parks
As well as Angry Birds World at Doha Festival City, Doha Quest at Msheireb one of Doha’s best theme parks, boasting more than 30 rides and attractions, including the world’s tallest indoor rollercoaster and the world’s tallest indoor drop tower. It isn’t cheap (QAR 220.90/ 150.40 adults/ children), but under 4s go for free and there is a Planet Hollywood on site if you get hungry. Another good theme park option is in the relatively new Villaggio Mall, which has a mini-roller coaster, arcade games, and a 4D cinema.
Check out the waterpark everyone is talking about in Lusail
Gulf states take their water parks seriously and Qatar is no exception. Meryal, which opened in 2025, includes the world’s tallest waterslide and also holds the record for the most slides to come from a single tower. It is home to a total of 69 attractions and 53 slides. Elsewhere, the Desert Falls Waterpark at Hilton Salwa Beach Resort (around one hour from central Doha) includes over 25 rides, from toddler splash zones to high-speed slides.
Get cultural at Katara Cultural Village & Planetarium
Katara Cultural Village is safe, walkable and full of variety. Families can climb and picnic in the Katara Hills and stroll art installations, and regular events and workshops can be good for older children. A stand-out attraction at Katara is the Al Thuraya Planetarium, which is free and includes fascinating and quirky exhibits on space, astronomy and the natural world.
Learn to ski at Snow Dunes
Learning to ski inside a mall in the desert? It is certainly something to tell the neighbours about. You can sled, ski or just hang out in -4°C with the kids, and enjoy ice-skating, wall climbing, bumper cars and a merry-go-round. Snow Dunes offers low rates on certain days and there are food and drink options.
Hang out at the Jungle Zone at Hyatt Plaza
This animal-themed amusement park includes a substantial soft play for smaller children, and high ropes and trampolines for older kids. This is a popular destination for kids birthday parties on the ground floor of the Hyatt Plaza, with face-painting and acrobatic displays. As well as daily rates, you can save money on multi-day and weekly passes.
Enjoy Doha’s ‘green lung’ at Aspire Park
Doha’s largest green space is stroller-friendly and equipped with a lake, cafe and several shaded play areas, ideal for early mornings or cooler evenings. You can rent paddle boats and kayaks and take to the water in the lake, and aspiring skateboarders will enjoy the skate park, which has a flow bowl. Nearby attractions include the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, a good stop for older kids who would enjoy seeing Lionel Messi’s football shirts or touring the Khalifa Stadium, one of the venues that hosted the 2022 World Cup.
Chill out at one of Doha’s beach clubs
Public beaches in Doha are safe, clean, and well-provisioned with eateries, lifeguards and facilities for watersports. They are also divided into areas for families and solo men. But Doha’s many beach clubs often advertise generous offers for day passes to non-guests, most of which include beach and pool access, and some offering food and drink as well. These can be great options if you want to sit back on a sun lounger as your kids splash in the pool nearby.
