7 Best Family Activities in Riyadh

Riyadh is not just a capital city of skyscrapers and souqs; it is a playground of culture, adventure, and unforgettable family moments waiting to be explored.

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, has much more than high-rise buildings and busy souqs. You will find amazing scientific displays, huge parks with room for children to run around, and lots of opportunities to learn, play, and be creative. Create lasting memories with the family with these 7 best kid attractions in Riyadh.

Located within the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre is the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, consisting of eight thematic galleries that illustrate different periods in the kingdom's history. Encompassing the Murabba Palace and an area of 28,000 square meters, the museum also contains a fully decked library, a beautiful mosque, lush gardens, and an assembly hall. The museum contains Islamic art as well as fine examples of Najdi architecture, serving to portray the legacy of the royal family and convey aspects of the formation of Saudi Arabia, making for one of the best kids' attractions in Riyadh. The museum is open Monday through Wednesday and Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm, Thursday from 9 am to 10 pm, and Friday from 2 pm to 10 pm; closed on Sunday.

Ad-Diriyah, west of Riyadh, has UNESCO World Heritage status and was home to the Saudi royal family. Mudbrick ruins are divided into three major districts: Turaif, Ghusaibah, and Bujairi. Turaif, perched on the top of a hill, has palaces restored and converted into museums. Ghusaibah was the first capital of Saudi Arabia until 1683. Bujairi includes Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab’s home and the new Diriyah Gateway. The district is also known for Salwa Palace, the At-Turaif Bath House, and the Imam Mohammad bin Saud Mosque. Bujairi Heritage Park presents cultural activities with traditional food. The Diriyah ePrix Formula E race is held in this area, and Mosim FC is based there, making for some of the best attractions in Riyadh.

The impressive-looking red sands of Red Sand Dunes, located close to the capital, attract many tourists for quad biking, hiking, and desert safaris. Tourists can indulge in falconry and Arabic tea in the midst of such beautiful desert scenery composed of contrasting red dunes, azure skies, and green agricultural fields flourishing nearby. Make sure you don’t miss out on the safari trip on an ATV, for it’s one of the best things to do besides relaxing and enjoying the Arabic culture.

Don’t let the name scare you, since Edge of the World, or Jebel Fihrayn, is a stunning clifftop with 300 m vertical cliff walls from the floor of the desert. It is located on the Tuwaiq Escarpment and overlooks ancient seabeds and dried riverbeds. There are hiking tracks up to the top of the escarpment with fossils along the way. Acacia Valley is an overnight camping destination. The venue shelters formations like Elephant Rock and Jabal Abyad, as well as relics from ancient trade routes, making this one of the best Things to do in Riyadh for kids.

One of the best Riyadh tourist places is Wadi Hanifa, which has evolved from a former waste site into a nature reserve extending about 120 km. Surrounded by orchards and farmland, Wadi Hanifa consists of water channels, landscaped gardens, and scenic footpaths. It is ideal for fishing, picnics, jogging, and biking. The nature reserve provides habitat and support for over 300 migratory bird species and varied native flora, along with a children's play area and cafes nearby.

Souq Al-Thumairi, close to Masmak Fort, is Riyadh’s main traditional market. From unique antiques to beautiful handicrafts, all the way to lush perfumes, you can find just about anything here. Check out the cool collectibles that are on display, such as daggers, coffee pots, jewelry, and more. The souq is famous for Arabic hot coffee and delish dates, while several nearby restaurants serve genuine Saudi food.

The Camel Trail is an ancient trading route hewn into the Tuwaiq Escarpment and was used by camel caravans heading to Mecca. It is now a recreational area for hikers, campers, bikers, and sunset enthusiasts. The trails connect historic routes between Najd and Hejaz and can be easily approached by road from Riyadh.

Masmak Citadel is about 150 years old, built as a fortress and military stronghold; now it is a museum exhibiting 20th-century artifacts, photographs, and a documentary on the Battle of Riyadh, making for one of the best things to see in Riyadh. It has four watchtowers measuring 18 meters in height, and just nearby is Souq Al Zal, which is generally known for traditional Saudi crafts, gold, and local garments.

Kingdom Center Tower is 300 meters tall and has a 56-meter-long skybridge providing views over Riyadh through its glass walls. Access to the skybridge is by a high-speed elevator that takes guests up to the 99th floor for a bird's-eye view of the cityscape. Besides the majestic views, luxury boutiques, jewelry shops, the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh, and Vox Cinemas can also be found in the tower. The largest coffee shop in the world, Al Masaa Café, is located opposite this place.

Deera Square, located near the Masmak Citadel, is also known as Justice Square or Al-Safaa Square. Historically, it was a venue for public executions. Though rare these days, executions are not the only events that impart historical significance to the square. It is also surrounded by important historical sites like Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, Souq Al Zal, and Murabba Historical Palace. Take a stroll around the place, marveling at the rich historical ambiance, and visit the vibrant markets, loaded with locally made goods.

Stay comfortably in Riyadh at ALMA Hotel Riyadh — a modern hotel on King Abdullah Road offering convenient access to shopping districts, business hubs, and key city attractions.