In today’s digital age, the increasing impact of gadgets and technology gradually consuming our kids’ daily routine and reducing screen time appears to be a struggle, it may be best to find a healthy balance between screen-based and physical activities.
Encouraging your children to participate in recreational physical pursuits not only fosters their physical health but also cultivates a diverse range of interests, hones new skills, and facilitates meaningful social connections.
Consider exploring the following venues, where specialized programs await to broaden your child’s horizons:
INSIDE DQ
Riyadh Combat Club
Boost your kids’ self-confidence while obtaining discipline and resilience through Riyadh Combat Club’s martial arts training center.
Established in 2016, Riyadh Combat Club has been known to be the biggest martial arts training center in the Kingdom with professional trainers sharing their knowledge and expertise on the art of self-defense to both children and adults.
For a flexible and comprehensive experience, Riyadh Combat Club membership includes access to all branches and sports such as jiu-jitsu, kickboxing, Muay Thai, wrestling, and mixed martial arts.
Rates: 9 months – SR 999
6 months – SR 1,699
12 months – SR 2,499
Location: Diplomatic Quarter – Riyadh (9200 06907)
Working hours: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Saturdays – Thursdays), closed on Fridays
DQ Tennis Academy
The DQ Tennis Academy helps create a vibrant and enriching environment where young players can cultivate their skills, passion, and love for the sport of tennis combined with a good blend of athleticism, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Moreover, DQ Tennis Academy focuses on training professional skills for players of all skill levels and ages from mastering basic strokes like forehands and backhands to learning footwork and positioning to enhancing cognitive skills such as spatial awareness, strategizing points, and adjusting tactics.
DQ Tennis Academy offers a beginners program category.
Rates: Kids’ fees start at SR 1,350 (8 sessions/month)
Location: Diplomatic Quarter – Riyadh (0550515146)
Working hours: 8:00 AM – 11:45 PM (Sundays – Saturdays)
Al Manahil Ladies Ballet and Performances
In case your little girl is not into sports, Al Manahil Ladies Ballet and Performances got you covered.
Having been around since the early 2000s, they provide structured lessons that teach children basic ballet positions, terminologies, and exercises designed to improve flexibility in an age-appropriate manner.
Al Manahil Ladies Ballet and Performances focuses on technique, poise, and graceful movements while building a sense of confidence to children’s abilities and love for the art of ballet.
Rates:
2 years old – SR 1,500 (1 class/week for 3 months)
3-4 years old – SR 3,000 (2 classes/week for 3 months)
5+ years old – SR 3,200 (2 classes/week for 3 months)
Location: Diplomatic Quarter – Riyadh (011 4881069 ext. 328-530)
Working hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Saturdays – Thursdays), closed on Fridays
Al Manahil Ladies Ballet and Performances also offers lessons on pointe, tap dance, hiphop, and Zumba.
OUTSIDE DQ
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools
Offering a nurturing and supportive environment is the Aqua-Tots Swim Schools whose main objective is for children to learn and master the invaluable skill of swimming including its physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
Started in 1991 and headquartered in Tempe, Arizona, they have not only taught fundamental swimming techniques, but they also focus on water safety, building confidence in the water, and fostering a love for swimming as a lifelong activity.
Aqua-Tots Swim Schools offer lessons in groups, semi-private, and private.
Rates: Group starts at SR 540, semi-private starts at SR 800, and private starts at SR 1,560
Location: Al Waha District (0553332982), Al Malqa District and Al Manar District (920010310)
Working hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Sundays – Thursdays), 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Saturdays), closed on Fridays
My Gym KSA
Born out of a desire to train kids in a fun-filled and physically engaging manner, My Gym has been instrumental for numerous children’s milestones from their first few steps to tumbling in soft mats for over 40 years internationally.
With highly trained instructors, they begin training toddlers by introducing balancing, tumbling, hanging, and agility skills. Basic gymnastics skills are taught to children aged 3 to 4 with the safest spotting techniques through appropriate communication geared to build self-esteem and confidence.
Rates: Please visit https://www.mygym.com/riyadh or call them at 0551801919
Location: King Abdulaziz Road, Exit 5
Working hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Saturdays – Thursdays), closed on Fridays
Flite Freerun
For the adventurous adrenaline junkies, Flite Freerun is here for you.
Flite Freerun is the home of Saudi Parkour since 2017 operated by expert coaches that will guide your thrill-seeking children through progressive parkour and free running curriculum which are mapped out to be safe, effective, and fun.
Since Flite Freerun understands that safety is vital in the sport of parkour, they ensure that children are participating in a controlled environment with proper supervision and equipment.
Rates: Starts at SR 632.50 (First class is free trial for new members)
Location: Abi Bakr As Siddiq Road, Exit 6
Working hours: 12:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Saturdays – Thursdays), closed on Fridays
With technology often disrupting children’s attention, it is indeed important to encourage them to embrace the joys of physical activities and interaction for personal growth.
Apart from the achievement awards for any accomplishments, the true essence of getting kids involved in these activities are the friendships they learn to develop on the sidelines and seeing their parents constantly supporting and cheering for them as their biggest fans.
