Qatar offers a rich tapestry of cultural, educational, and adventurous experiences. From the vibrant cityscape of Doha to the beautiful landscapes of desert and coastlines, the country provides a unique mix of modernity and tradition, perfect for families to enjoy.
Here are some of the best activities to try across Qatar with kids.
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Educational and interactive activities
More than the constitutional capital city, Doha is Qatar’s main cultural centre, hosting a variety of museums, cultural landmarks, and major events.
The National Museum of Qatar and the Museum of Islamic Art, two architectural masterpieces, offer to dive into the history and culture of the country with fascinating collections and insights. They also feature kids-friendly exhibits and displays.
For a deeper exploration of the history and cultural heritage of the country and its people, the National Qatar Library serves as an important modern hub for education and cultural preservation. With an entire section dedicated to kids, it is an ideal place to encourage curiosity even amongst the youngest.Â
Another wonderful way to learn more about Qatari culture is to stroll through the Souq Waqif in the early evening. From meandering between colourful spices to discovering the ancient art of falconry, many surprises are waiting for you if you decide to give the Souq a try.
Doha also features many other great educational and fun experiences, like the Museum of Illusions or the Aspire Park, with its playgrounds and Jungle Zone.
Qatar with kids – Thrilling adventures – Going through the desert
No visit to Qatar would be complete without experiencing the desert. Covering most of the country’s surface, sand dunes offer an extraordinary playground, perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city centre and trying something new.
Amongst the most popular desert activities, dune bashing in a 4×4, and camel riding are probably the most emblematic. Accessible from Doha’s centre in 25 min by car, this sea of sand will surely thrill the little ones while costing approximately $50 to $70.
Experiencing a traditional cruise
For real sand lovers, the beach always offers a relaxing moment after an exhausting day wandering across the city or in the desert.
Even better, if you have the chance to do it, you might want to try to look at the skyline from another perspective by taking a boat directly on the water. Embark on a traditional dhow boat to witness some of the best views of Doha.
Of course, many options are available but the excursions to Al Safliya Island are probably the most exquisite ones, as they give access to this beautiful, exclusive sand island with staggering beaches.
Enjoying unique theme parks
Temperatures in Doha can climb really high during the day, and families will be very happy to find the relief of the many indoor amusement parks of the city. Quest, Qatar’s first themed park in Doha Oasis, features 32,000 sqm of virtual reality, roller coasters and other varied activities. This entertainment zone is undoubtedly a must if you visit Doha.
The world’s first Angry Birds-themed park, the Venice-themed Gondolania Park or the Kidzania city designed for the kid are other examples of the possibilities offered by Doha while staying here.
On the other side of the country, after a one-hour drive from the capital city, Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park is the largest water park in Qatar and looks like an oasis coming from the desert. And yes, it takes only one hour to cross the desert from one coast to the other, which makes the country really easy to explore.
Best practical tips
Like in every other country, you should take the time to explore the cultural and practical specificities of Qatar before visiting for the first time. Multiple elements are to be considered in order to spend the best possible time on site.
Climate can be really harsh in Qatar, especially during summer, when temperatures reach their highest. The best recommended time to go to Qatar with kids is between December and February, when the temperatures are the coolest, without having to face torrential rains.
Moving around Doha is quite easy using the metro, but you will need a car to go beyond the city.
From exploring the stunning museums in Doha and the vibrant Souq Waqif to embarking on desert excursions and enjoying world-class theme parks, exploring Qatar with kids provides a unique blend of adventures and cultural immersion, with activities suited for everyone.
