10 Summer Activities for Kids in (and around) Khobar

Once it starts to really hot up here in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, the humidity also rises which makes it almost unbearable to be outside until later in the evening in the summer months. School holidays and the heat can be a recipe for hard times for moms and kids living here during these months and since the kids aren't able to just go play outside, we have to really plan things for them to do. If you are a Mum facing school holidays in the Khobar area this summer then these ideas are for you.

Ithra, Dhahran

Ithra is easily at the top of my list. You can spend a whole day here and there is something for all ages. The children's museum is great fun and upstairs for little ones is super interactive. Older kids can benefit from the adult museum and exhibits too. I find that Ithra always has something new going on so you can visit multiple times and not get bored. I always break up the day by having lunch there in one of the restaurants. The great thing about Ithra is that it just feels like a nice relaxing space, so if you have found the holidays slightly stressful then this could be the place to go in order to reclaim a little calm.

SCi Tech Museum, Khobar

Located near the corniche in Khobar, this place is worth a visit for kids who like interactive science-based learning. It's a pretty fun place and will keep their minds active during the holidays. This will also help reduce your fears that they will go back to school with their heads filled only with Minecraft and Roblox. It's a win-win.

Cinema, Khobar or Dammam

There are so many cinemas here now and it's easy to combine cinema with lunch or a mall day if you visit one in the mall. I really like the one behind Ajdan Walk in Khobar because then I can go for a coffee afterward and pretend I'm alone while my kids argue over who got more ice in their drink.

Gravity, Dhahran

If the kids need to get rid of some energy then Gravity is a no-brainer! It should give you some time to scroll through your phone trying to regain some sanity while they bounce away like the mini nutters they are. The staff there are usually really good with the kids too and there are snacks available to keep them bouncing away for longer so that hopefully they knock out in front of a movie once they get home.

Nakheel Mall, Dammam

Nakeel Mall is lovely because it is small and even someone with no sense of direction like myself cannot get lost there (unlike at Rashid Mall). If you are new to the area or haven't ventured out much with the kids alone yet then this one is for you. Some fun shops like flying tiger for a treat that won't break the bank and upstairs for lunch, bowling or go-karting.

Escape Room, Khobar

There are a few escape rooms in Khobar and I like Escape the Room. Although a pricier activity, if you have older kids this could make a nice change and the required teamwork could make (or break) you as a family. If you are extra lucky, you will escape but your kids won't.

Land of civilization, Al Hasa

Located in Alhasa, the caves stay cool even in the heat and you can get around in a very short time so you should be good if you visit in the morning. There is also a tiny museum (although it's not particularly riveting), gift shops (where you can buy random Eiffel Tower keyrings and pretend you went to Paris instead if you wanted), and a nice coffee shop inside.

Sparkeys Kid Zone, Mall of Dhahran

The kid's zone and food hall in the mall of Dhahran is by far the easiest way to entertain the kids but it is also the easiest way to empty your bank account too. The way they see you coming with their 'spend 250 riyals on the card and they will double it deals' (or thereabouts) is really daylight robbery. But let's face it, by the time we get there several days into the holiday, we have lost all sense of self and time let alone the ability to do simple math. Be warned; you will hand over whatever it takes to buy a few moments of peace, but because the place is filled with so many other parents doing the same; you are likely to leave more overstimulated than when you arrived!

Dammam heritage village, Dammam

This is actually one of my kids most favorite places to visit at any time of year. If you have several kids or plan to visit with a few friends then it may be worth hiring a separate room to have a big saudi style floor lunch. This way, the kids can jump around and get their crazy out behind closed doors and nobody will ever know you aren't a normal and respectable family when you leave. It's such a nice building and after lunch, you can visit the museum with its extremely random collection of vintage memorabilia and badly stuffed animals. Try not to look directly into the eyes of the freaky lion cub though, it will give you nightmares for some time afterward. There is also a little souq area to buy a souvenir for the kids that they will likely leave in the car or lose down the side of the sofa anyway.

Smash Labs, Khobar

Located in Khobar, this may be a pricey experience but keep it in mind for nearer the end of the school holidays. By then you may have absolutely lost your shizzle and need a socially appropriate way of getting rid of that rage. The kids will think it's great fun and hilarious. They will never know how desperately you needed to smash up that microwave.

All jokes aside, try to remember this summer that things do not have to be perfect to be wonderful. I hope you all have a wonderful summer break. I always think that we get only 16 - 18 summers with our kids insha'Allah, let's make them count.