10 Winter Days out in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Winter is upon us and winter break is almost here. While many of my friends have departed already, returning to family and festivities in their home countries, some of us remain here in Saudi for the winter and will be looking at things to do as a family. I published this post when I first started this blog around spring break over a year ago and it was based on having just a day to make the most of each location. It was so popular that I thought I would reshare it in case any of you are looking for some local adventures this winter.

1. Khobar

Start the day with a long breakfast at the Breakfast club followed by a visit to the Corniche where you can have a walk, play on the play areas, or hire a bike from City Bike. In the afternoon, head to Sci-Tech Museum for some interactive learning. If you still have the appetite then finish the day with dinner and a view over the waves at one of the waterfront restaurants here such as Aioli or take a stroll around Ajdan Walk and take your pick from the many restaurants there.

2. Al Hasa

Take breakfast with you and eat it from the boot of your car before an early morning hike around the Four Jebels. Head off to explore Qara Caves and stop for lunch at Nuba for some yummy Koshery and stuffed Falafels. If you aren't too tired after lunch you could go and check out the Ibrahim palace or Qaisariah souq. If you are still in the area for Dinner then Topaz is one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in Al Hasa.

3. Jubail

Start the day with a great Coffee and Donut (why the Nutella not?!) from The 3rd Grind coffee then with drinks and snacks aplenty, go to Fanateer Harbour and meet your captain (of your pre-arranged boat trip). Step onboard and enjoy the beautiful ocean around Jubail. You can Fish or just enjoy the views for a couple of hours. On return to dry land head to Steak House restaurant for a long, late lunch. I bet you will be tired by now from the sea air but if you have more sightseeing left in you then a stroll around Nakheel beach or Defi Park should finish you off.

4. Qatif

Pick up Mexican food for lunch from Cancun Mexican Restaurant and take it with you to Cornich al Majidiyah where you can eat and watch the fishing boats. Take a walk and look at the street art as you pass by. Head onto Tarout island to have a look at the fort and wander around old streets. If you are still around after 4pm then pick up ice cream from Frozen Technology in Saihat before heading home.

5. Uqair

Take a complete picnic with you as you head to Uqair, there isn't a lot here! Start with a stroll around Uqair Fort which is an old marketplace, great for the kids to explore. Take your rumbling tummies to Uqair beach for a picnic and some wading out in the clear shallow waters. Finish the day with a climb up the stairs of the Replica Roman Theatre and take some snaps of the beautiful view.

6. Dammam

Take a Breakfast Picnic to Moden Lake where you can take a stroll and enjoy nature. When lunchtime hits mix in some culture by eating traditional Saudi food at either Dammam Heritage Village or Oah Ya Mal Restaurant. Walk off that Kabsa at King Fahd Park where there is no shortage of play areas for the kids to enjoy. Trust me you will not need Dinner today but maybe pick up some Donuts on the way home from Dozen just in case you get peckish!

7. Judah's Thumb

Drive from the coast toward the capital and you will eventually see the turn into the small town of Judah. A short distance from here, a bumpy ride out into the vastness is a giant rock formation jutting out from the sand called Judahs Thumb. Take a full picnic or stop en route for a Mcdonald's breakfast before you arrive. If you are seasoned adventurers then you can camp and the starry skies are a sight to behold.

8. Dhahran

Start the day with a Starbucks and head to Ithra to check out the latest exhibit, explore the library, or get acquainted with the museum. You could get lost here for days if they let you and luckily food options for lunch are not in short supply. In the evening if your brain isn't all schooled out then take a change of scenery and do some shopping or watch a movie after dinner at the Mall of Dhahran.

9. The Beach

Don't be put off by the cooler weather. There's not much better than a day at the beach and luckily the Eastern province has plenty. Half moon bay offers some great spots for BBQing with friends or building sandcastles, Ras Tanura for the view, Uqair for finding creatures, Jubail for sunrises just don't forget your bucket and spades!

10. Adventures

If none of the above trips float your boat then you should know that Adventure Khobar does some amazing day trips in the area from desert camps to camel farms and they can arrange boat trips and desert horse riding and more. On my bucket list is paragliding over Khobar and a trip to the yellow lake in Al Hasa. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram for more information: https://www.facebook.com/adventurekhobar.

I hope you enjoyed these suggestions and can use them to create some memorable days out of your own this winter. The majority of the activities we do as a family are sensory-friendly. This means they go easy on our senses and are unlikely to leave children (or adults) overstimulated, this can be particularly useful for families with members who are neurodivergent. I aim to plan activities that are outdoors, spacious, quieter, and less crowded than your average day out with kids as well as giving plenty of opportunities to move and enjoy nature. Don't forget to subscribe to my page and follow me on Instagram or TikTok for my most up-to-date adventures.