The summer season is in full swing and many have gone out of the Kingdom to enjoy their time in other countries. For those of us left in Riyadh, the city has an abundance of fantastic places to visit that can also entertain your children.
Here are just a few delightful places where you can spend a day strolling around, doing some crafts, meeting pets, or just learning more fascinating details about this place we all call home.
The Aircraft Museum
Eastern Ring Road, King Abdullah District
One of the largest museums in Riyadh, the Saqer-Aljazirah Royal Saudi Air Force Aviation Museum presents the history of the Air Force from its inception in the 1920s to the present day. It consists of an outdoor park as well as the indoor exhibition centre where you can browse the military memorabilia or watch a 3D show to help you understand the science behind aircraft engineering. There are several aircrafts on show- airliners, helicopters, and a number of special military planes as well as airplane weapons exhibit. For kids, there are a few planes they can climb into, cockpit simulators, and entertainment areas. You can easily spend a couple of hours there and it is a place the children will talk about for days after.
Woody Park
Al Tayer Street
What makes Woody Park unforgettable is their bird aviary — it is an experience that will stay with you forever. The small aviary caters to only a few visitors at a time and the guests are requested to be silent as possible during the encounter. One holds out the bird seeds and you are left in awe as flocks of little timid birds come to feed, gently swooping to land on your hand, an arm, and even your head. The Park also offers a goat and sheep feeding area (milk bottles provided). There is a shaded food area or a private majlis for the families as well as an indoor arts and crafts area where the kids can do painting or sand bottle art to take home.
Al Watan Park
King Faisal Street, Al Murai
One of the icons of old Riyadh is the Riyadh Water Tower and below it, one of the most popular parks in the city, the Al Watan Park, located within the King Abdulaziz Historical Center. The park offers different activities for children; the most popular is the boat ride in the middle where models of the most prominent Saudi landmarks are on display. The largest model of the map of Saudi Arabia, occupying 6000 square meters, can also be seen here. Its theater presents performances, exhibitions, and plays. Small chalets can also be rented for a quick swim and barbecue with family and friends.
Snow City
Al Othaim Mall Al Rabwah
Who doesn’t want to escape this heat? Fancy those who can go to other places and countries that have cooler climates. For us in Riyadh, there’s Snow City, a place with real and safe snow environment. Invite your family and friends and enjoy this wonderful winter atmosphere even for just a few hours. Snow City offers different types of activities including ice tubing, riding bumper cards, and playing in a snow park with igloo and ladders and ropes. “Winter” is just what we need this summer.
The Barking Lot
Al Rahmaniyyah, Riyadh
Something a bit different that caters to our four-legged family members is this pet friendly café and grooming salon. Located in the heart of the city, the café is unique in the aspects that it offers the all-important pet socializing — a big space for the dogs to interact and exercise in the wonderfully created obstacle course and doggy play area while their fur parents can enjoy pet inspired coffees, yummy and loaded milkshakes, and sweet treats. The pet salon and shop offer a variety of pet products and treats including the wonderful doggy chinos — what else could a dog ask for?
Summer in this city is never boring and there is just so much to discover with new unique places opening daily. I hope this list inspires you to start exploring this city and make some special summer memories. Just don’t forget the sunblock!
