Saudi Arabia can be a wonderful place to travel with children. Family is absolutely central to Saudi life and that’s warmly reflected in the friendly welcome you can expect your kids to receive, as well as the sheer number of fun and exciting activities on offer for little ones. Here's everything you need to know about planning your trip and some of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia with kids.
Why is Saudi Arabia great for kids and families?
Safe, family-friendly facilities are common in public places such as malls, beaches and parks, and it’s fine to bring even young children and babies to restaurants. You’ll often see kids out and about with their parents and extended families until late at night, making the most of being outdoors in cooler temperatures once the sun has gone down.
Getting around with children is relatively easy, although some advance planning may be required depending on your destination. Taxis and ride-sharing apps are plentiful in major cities, particularly Riyadh, which isn’t very walkable. Resorts, malls, parks and beach areas usually have walkways suitable for strollers.
Slings or baby carriers may be needed in smaller towns or the old parts of cities such as Jeddah, where alleyways are narrower and less well-paved. For desert excursions and more off-the-beaten-track attractions, it’s best to ask advice from your tour operator or at your accommodation before you head out.
Best things to do in Saudi Arabia with kids
The Kingdom’s focus on family at every level of society means lots of fun adventures await your kids. These are some of our favourites that deserve a place on your must-visit list.
King Fahd's Fountain
King Fahd's Fountain is an absolute must-see for families visiting Jeddah – breaking the world record for the world’s tallest fountain, it shoots jets of Red Sea water more than 260m into the sky, creating a dancing effect where the spray of droplets catches the wind. It’s a remarkable sight, with the base taking the form of a mabkhara, a traditional incense burner often used as a symbol of Arab culture.
The fountain is on 24 hours a day but is particularly striking at sunset and after dark when the water is lit up to dramatic effect against the night sky. It’s been a beloved monument for more than 35 years and can be seen from many vantage points in the city, including the nearby Jeddah Corniche. Taking the family for a gentle stroll along the corniche walkway afterward, stopping at snack stalls along the way, is a perfect and very authentic Jeddah evening out.
Riyadh Zoo
Most international visitors kick off their Saudi trip in Riyadh, which is ideal for families as the capital is jam-packed with entertainment options. Based in the Al Malaz neighbourhood, Riyadh Zoo is a great place to start as it’s home to more than 1,300 animals, including zebras, elephants, giraffes and even endangered red pandas.
Kids will love the mini train that ferries visitors around the site and the on-site Zoo Theatre, plus you can check online for timings if they’re keen to see giraffes, kangaroos and other animals being fed. Book your tickets for this popular attraction in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sky Bridge at the Kingdom Centre
One not-to-be-missed Riyadh experience is a dizzying walk across the Sky Bridge at the top of the capital’s landmark Kingdom Centre. This 302m building has a distinctive bottle-opener shape and looks fabulous by night as the top is lit up, slowly cycling through different colours.
The Sky Bridge is a 65m-long viewing platform on the 99th floor of the building, with huge windows on both sides that allow visitors to be dazzled by the city below. Check out the cityscape from different angles and have fun with the kids seeing what other iconic Riyadh sights you can spot together. There’s plenty for families to do after the visit, as the Kingdom Centre also contains a shopping mall, cinema and plenty of food outlets.
A desert safari in the Red Sands
Of all the outdoor activities for kids in Saudi Arabia, a desert safari is definitely going to be among the most memorable, not to mention a great way for kids to burn off a lot of energy. Sandboarding is always a hit – clamber to the top of the steepest sand dune you can manage, before sliding down at top speed on a wooden board. Find out who’s got the best balance in the family and can stay standing all the way to the bottom.
Many safaris include dune-bashing and buggy-riding, both great for older kids and teenagers who can handle the adrenaline rush. And no safari would be complete without a gentle camel ride across the sands – the perfect family photo opportunity. Many tour operators run similar safari experiences across Saudi, from Riyadh to the Red Sand Dunes in Thamama, and from Jeddah to various nearby desert campsites. Evening safaris often wrap up the activities with a barbecue under the glorious desert night sky.
The Eastern Province’s beach resorts
Saudi’s Eastern Province coast stretches 700km along the Arabian Gulf, with pristine sands, clear blue sea, swaying palms and unsurprisingly, many, many upscale resorts for the ultimate family beach holiday. The best resorts have endless activities on offer to help make the most of this paradisiacal destination, from private beaches, dive clubs and jet ski hire to water sports and horse-riding jaunts.
If you want to explore beyond the resort, there are plenty of options in the area for day-trip excursions. Head south of Dammam to the very popular Half Moon Bay, with beautiful, clean, family-friendly beaches, many of them public. Al Khobar Corniche is a buzzing vibrant walkway with pretty sea views and play areas. Popular waterpark Loopagoon is also nearby, although note that men and boys over 7 are only allowed in on Saturdays.
SciTech in Al Khobar
Budding scientists in the family will go crazy for Al Khobar’s Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center (SciTech). This complex includes seven halls with interactive exhibits on nature, science and technology, plus an IMAX Dome where educational short films and documentaries are screened.
Children fascinated by space will also want to visit the on-site astronomical observatory. SciTech makes for a great half-day out, open for morning and evening sessions and conveniently located on Khobar Corniche, with parks, playgrounds, restaurants and cafés aplenty just a short walk away to visit before or afterward.
