Summer in Riyadh may bring the heat, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! From adrenaline-pumping desert adventures to ultra-cool indoor escapes, the capital transforms into a playground of unique experiences for all ages.
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a culture buff, a family with kids, or just looking to beat the heat in style, Riyadh offers a surprising variety of things to do during the summer months. Think snow in the middle of the desert, giant skywalks connecting skyscrapers, vibrant art hubs, and swimming pools that feel like a mini vacation. So grab your sunscreen—and your family and friends—and get ready to explore the best of what Riyadh has to offer this sizzling season!
Watch the E-Sports World Cup 2025.
The 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC) is the second edition of this massive global esports and gaming festival, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from July 8 to August 24, 2025. It brings together over 2,000 elite players from 200+ clubs, spanning more than 100 couzntries, competing across 25 tournaments in 24 different game titles. Debuting new titles like Valorant, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Crossfire, and Naraka: Bladepoint, alongside long-standing favorites such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Counter‑Strike 2, Call of Duty, PUBG Mobile, and more, the EWC 2025 has a staggering $70+ million total prize pool—the largest in esports history. Cristiano Ronaldo serves as Global Ambassador, boosting exposure and bridging traditional sports and esports.
More info: https://esportsworldcup.com/en
Tickets: https://webook.com/en/events/esports-world-cup-2025-tickets
Location: BLVD CITY https://maps.app.goo.gl/sGiGYvJWPTuUc7Cz7
Cool off at these cold places.
Summer in Riyadh might be sizzling, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay cooped up at home! The city is packed with cool (literally) places to explore—from snow-covered indoor parks to ice skating rinks to new shopping malls.
🔵 Snow City
Snow City Riyadh is a one-of-a-kind indoor winter wonderland located inside Al Othaim Mall in the Rabwah district. Offering a full escape from Riyadh’s scorching summer, this enormous snow park keeps its temperature around −3 °C year‑round, making it the largest of its kind in Saudi Arabia. It has bumper cars and snowmobiles with activities like rope courses, wall climbing, and figure skating lessons.
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
More info: 920008331
Location: Al Othaim Mall Rabwa
🔵 Cool Arena
Cool Arena is the city’s premier indoor ice skating venue, located at Boulevard City in the Hittin district. It’s the largest rink of its kind in Riyadh, offering a refreshing escape from the intense summer heat. Suitable for beginners and experienced skaters alike—coaching sessions and beginner lessons are available (starts from SAR 49). Wednesdays nights are reserved for ladies.
Operating Hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
(closed on Mondays)
More info: https://www.instagram.com/coolarena.sa
Location: BLVD CITY
🔵 Solitaire Mall
Solitaire Mall is an impressive new lifestyle hub that seamlessly combines luxury fashion (think LV, Dior, Balenciaga, Gucci, and more), upscale dining, entertainment, and wellness across a vast space that is is architecturally inspired by a geode—boasting a bold, angular stone façade and refined, multi-layered interiors with climate-controlled indoor and outdoor plazas.
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (opens 2:00 PM on Fridays)
More info: https://solitaireksa.com/
Splash into fun and dive into summer.
Several options exist for enjoying pool day access in Riyadh, ranging from hotels to resorts. Many offer separate facilities or designated times for men and women. Prices and amenities vary, so it’s worth comparing options based on your preferences.
🔵 Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter
Exclusive day pool pass
Operating Hours: Valid from Thursday to Saturday only
More info: +966550859933
🔵 Al Manahil Center
Day pass for ladies on their swimming pool (SAR 115 for 2 hours)
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (closed on Fridays)
More info: almanahil.com / +966114881069
🔵 JW Marriott Hotel
Access to indoor plunge pools (SAR 213 for 4 hours)
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
More info: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/ruhjb-jw-marriott-hotel-riyadh/ / +966115117775
🔵 AWFAD Riyadh Hotel
1-day pool access for SAR 120 (adult)
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Men) / 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM (women)
More info: https://awfadhotels.sa/ / +966114656466
🔵 Crowne Plaza Riyadh
Pool access and a meal of burger and drink for SAR 195
Operating Hours: 8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
More info: +966114054444
🔵 Mandarin Oriental Al Faisaliah Riyadh
Access to indoor pool at The Ladies Spa (SAR 253)
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/An8ZCreWHDmQ49GX7
🔵 Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania
Women-only pool access every Tuesdays and Saturdays (SAR 150)
Operating Hours:9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
More info: +966112831234
Join cool workshops and experiences.
🔵 Sociale Cafe
Sociale Cafe, nestled on the bustling Tahlia Street, has swiftly become a beloved cultural and social hotspot. Since its opening in November 2022, it has captivated visitors with its vibrant atmosphere, health-conscious menu, and engaging community events. Their workshops include painting, flower arranging, salad making, and more (starts from SAR 100).
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:45 AM
More info: socialecafe.com
🔵 Cosefan
Cosefan is a vibrant cultural café located in Diriyah, Riyadh, blending art, nature (with over 1000 plants!), and community into a unique creative space. The name “Cosefan” combines “cozy,” “fun,” and “fan,” reflecting its mission to provide a comfortable yet entertaining environment for creatives and art enthusiasts. They offer workshops on pottery, painting, accessory-making, calligraphy, and more (starts from SAR 79).
Operating Hours:9:00 AM – 1:00 AM
More info: cosefan.art
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UWFS4cRJVjCeqtTAA
🔵 HiHome
HiHome is a Saudi cultural platform that connects travelers with local hosts who welcome them into their homes to share traditional cuisine, crafts, stories, and customs. Designed to foster authentic, immersive experiences, HiHome offers visitors a deeper understanding of Saudi life beyond the usual tourist sights, helping to bridge cultural divides. It’s not only in Riyadh, homes from all over Saudi Arabia have opened their doors for these interactive and immersive experiences (starts from SAR 250).
More info: https://hihome.sa/en.
Flex your artistry and creativity.
Riyadh’s vibrant cultural scene is bursting with artistic and creative activities that cater to all kinds of enthusiasts—from seasoned artists to curious beginners. We focus on all things fun and family-friendly on this list. All these shops offer acrylic pouring (on cute figurines), painting, and Decoden (the Japanese art form of decorating and accessorizing everyday things like phone cases).
🔵 Mofun Studio Arts & Crafts
Operating Hours: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM (closed on Sundays)
More info: instagram.com/mofunstudiosa
🔵 Whipped Dreams
Operating Hours: 4:00 PM – 10:30 PM (closed on Sundays)
More info: https://whippdream.com/
🔵 Creative Hub
More info: instagram.com/creattive.hub/
Explore entertainment hubs and play in arcades.
🔵 404 Not Found
Step back in time and visit Riyadh’s premier entertainment hub, offering a dynamic blend of gaming, music, and social experiences in a vibrant setting. The venue boasts of classic arcade games, video games, claw machines, and a bowling alley. It also features a dining area where you can get sandwiches, burgers, coffee, and more. Game cards start from SAR 60 and can be topped up.
Operating Hours: 5:30 PM – 3:00 AM
More info: instagram.com/wefound404
🔵 Doos Karting
Doos Karting is Saudi’s first multi-level indoor electric go-karting center, located in Hittin and Boulevard City. The facility includes a 350-m indoor circuit and electric karts capable of reaching speeds up to 80 km/h (starts from SAR 140).
More info:http://www.dooskarting.com/
Location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/PF4GuyuUjTfALtvV7 (Hittin) / https://maps.app.goo.gl/N52D3zecS6PYyfM27 (Blvd City)
🔵 Big Fun Museum
Big Fun Museum in Riyadh is a family-friendly, interactive entertainment experience located at Park Avenue Mall—the first of its kind in the Middle East. Explore rooms with themes like Fairy Forest, Quest of Emotions, Museum of Illusions and Labyrinth Zone and take lots of photos (starts from SAR 70)!
Operating Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM (opens 3:00 PM on Fridays)
More info: https://bigfun.family/arabia/
Location: Park Avenue
🔵 Battle Quest
Located in Al Suwaidi Al Gharabi, Battle Quest offers immersive laser tag experiences with the latest technology—perfect for friends, families, and team outings. Players navigate themed arenas equipped with tactical cover, neon lighting, and dynamic sound effects to elevate every round (starts from SAR 39).
Operating Hours: 3:30 PM – 12:00 AM
Let the good times roll.
Bowling in Riyadh has quickly become one of the city’s favorite indoor activities—offering fun, friendly competition, and a cool escape from the desert heat. Whether you’re a casual player looking for weekend entertainment or a group of friends seeking a lively night out, Riyadh’s bowling alleys cater to all ages and skill levels.Here’s an updated list of bowling centers in Riyadh:
🔵 Universal Bowling Center
Operating Hours: 4:00 PM – 1:30 AM (opens 2:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays)
🔵 Bob’s Famous
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM (opens 2:00 PM on Fridays)
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3NxXHtmr9jQnmSLc8 (Qurtubah) / https://maps.app.goo.gl/1qd8ucghws3jtV1z7 (U-Walk) / https://maps.app.goo.gl/sZW1tDRKRJtQ8918A (Nakheel Mall)
🔵 X300 Bowling
Operating Hours: 3:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Location: Al Jazeera
🔵 Enter10 Bowling
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
🔵 WiFi Bowling
Operating Hours: 3:30 PM – 2:00 AM
🔵 Intercontinental Bowling
Operating Hours: 3:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Get yourself a summer treat in the Diplomatic Quarter.
Summer in the DQ is about beating the heat without missing out—whether through early-morning green escapes, vibrant indoor cultural life, wellness-focused retreats, refined culinary experiences, or just a quick treat from one of the cafes and shops in the plazas.
🔵 Circle3 Cafe
Circle3 Cafe has collaborated with Mavo to bring a selection of healthy, high-protein bowls, sandwiches and snacks.
Operating Hours:9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
More info: instagram.com/crircle3cafe
Location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/TLiUHXqrLeyU4NrA7
🔵 Dolce Ragusa
New Dolce Jar flavors are available at Doce Ragusa! Pick from Mango, Raspberry, and Passionfruit to add some zest to your summer days.
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
More info: http://www.dolceragusa.com/
🔵 Go Greek
Go Greek is a modern, health-focused yogurt brand that serves authentic Greek yogurt in a variety of creative and customizable ways. We recommend the coconut yogurt!
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 1:00 AM (opens 1:00 PM on Fridays)
More info: gogreeksa.com
🔵 Jazean Coffee
Have you tried melon-infused coffee? We’re intrigued! Let’s try it at Jazean Coffee at 1364 Mall in the DQ!
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
More info: http://www.jazeancoffee.com/
🔵 Paul
Savor sorbets from Paul’s limited time summer menu.
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM
More info: paularabia.com
🔵 Urth Caffe
Treat yourself with Urth’s newest creamy drink slash dessert: the Chocolate Boba Affogato!
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 1:00 AM
More info: urthcaffe.sa
All the cafés mentioned are official partners of Club DQ, and members can enjoy exclusive discounts at their DQ location.
Break a sweat with these new fitness programs.
Riyadh’s fitness scene is heating up with a wave of new and exciting workout trends that go beyond the usual gym routine. Let’s level up into the latest fitness programs taking over Riyadh!
🔵 Rooftop Wellness at King Abdullah Financial District
Immerse yourself in various fitness classes like Reformer Pilates, sunrise yoga sessions, sunset meditation and more and get a peek of KAFD known for its sleek skyscrapers.
More info: riyadh.platinumlist.net
🔵 The Art of Qi
The Art of Qi Wellness Space is dedicated to offering the most impactful practices for overall well-being. It offers sound therapy, yoga, dance meditation, breathwork, holistic sessions, self-development workshops, and enriching ceremonies (sessions start from SAR 150).
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (opens 3:00 PM on Fridays)
More info: https://theartofqisa.com/
🔵 Sunsets Yoga
Regular yoga and aerial yoga are not new but the calm and supportive venue, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, is one of the compelling reasons why you should try yoga here at Sunsets.
More info: https://sunsets-ladies.sa/en
🔵 Kayanee
Kayanee in the DQ is a one-stop shop for everything wellness, from their dance classes (that you can’t miss), athleisure apparel, skincare products, and healthy cafe. Groove to their newest dance classes and be fit and feel good this summer.
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (opens 3:00 PM on Fridays)
More info: https://kayanee.com/
