8 Family-Friendly Attractions in Al Khobar and Dammam

Al Khobar and nearby Dammam offer an easy mix of outdoor space, indoor attractions, and waterfront activities, making them a practical choice for a family trip in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.

Whether you’re travelling with toddlers, school-aged children, or teens, you’ll find lots to do across Al Khobar’s attractions, from play areas and cultural experiences to places to relax by the sea.

From long walks along the Corniche to interactive science centres and beach days at Half Moon Bay, there’s enough variety to keep children engaged across different ages. Many attractions are also easy to reach, with short travel distances between Al Khobar, Dammam, and Dhahran, making it easy to enjoy everything these areas have to offer.

This guide covers the best things to do in Al Khobar with kids, along with practical tips on where to stay, how to get around, and how to plan your family itinerary.

• Location: Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia

• Best for: Families with toddlers, school-aged kids, and teens

• Top highlights: Corniche parks, indoor play centres, museums, and waterfront activities

• Getting around: Private car, taxis, and ride-hailing apps are the most convenient for families

Al Khobar Corniche is one of the most accessible and family-friendly places in the region. Stretching along the Arabian Gulf, it offers open green spaces, shaded walkways, and dedicated play areas for children.

Families can enjoy slow walks, bike rides, or simply relax on the grass while kids use the playgrounds. The wide, well-maintained paths are suitable for strollers, scooters, and beginner cyclists, making it easy to spend time here with younger children.

Bike rentals are available along parts of the corniche, particularly near the busier park sections. You’ll find small kiosks and vendors offering bikes for children and adults, as well as four-wheel pedal carts and family bikes.

After enjoying the corniche, stop into one of the many cafés and casual dining spots nearby and stay for sunset.

• Location: Al Khobar waterfront

• Opening hours: Open all day

• Cost: Free

• Good to know: Evenings are the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler temperatures and a lively but relaxed atmosphere.

Scitech Centre offers one of the best indoor attractions for families in Al Khobar. It features interactive exhibits covering science, space, and technology, making it engaging for children of all ages.

Inside, the centre is divided into themed exhibition halls, each designed to encourage hands-on learning. Children can experiment with physics displays, explore environmental science zones, and use interactive installations that explain concepts such as energy, motion, and sound in a practical way. Many exhibits are designed at child height, which makes them easy to use without assistance.

One of the main highlights is the IMAX theatre, which screens short educational films on topics such as space, oceans, and wildlife. There’s also a planetarium-style experience, introducing astronomy through immersive shows.

• Location: Corniche Rd, Alkurnaish, Al Khobar

• Opening hours: Typically 9am to 9pm, closes in the afternoon then reopens; check the website for exact hours

• Cost: Around SAR 20 for adults and SAR 10–15 for children for access to the exhibition halls. IMAX and planetarium shows cost extra, or you can buy a combined ticket for around SAR 35–45 depending on inclusions.

• Good to know: Allocate two to three hours to fully explore the exhibits and shows.

Half Moon Bay is one of the most popular beach destinations near Al Khobar and Dammam. The shallow waters and wide sandy shoreline make it a suitable spot for supervised swimming, relaxed beach time, and outdoor play with children.

Beyond the beach itself, the bay is divided into a mix of public access areas and sections with facilities like changing rooms and cafés. Families often arrive with picnic setups or use designated seating areas, while older children can try water activities such as kayaking or jet skiing. Some parts of Half Moon Bay also offer activities like short horse rides along the sand.

• Location: Around a 30-minute drive (~25 km) from Al Khobar

• Opening hours: Daily

• Cost: Public areas are free; private beach resorts may charge entry

• Good to know: Weekdays are quieter. Bring sun protection, water, and snacks, as facilities vary by area.

King Fahd Park is one of the largest green spaces in Saudi Arabia and a popular destination for families visiting Dammam. The park combines landscaped gardens with lakes, fountains, and wide walking paths, offering plenty to explore.

For children, the main draw is the variety of play areas and amusement rides scattered throughout the park. You’ll find playgrounds suitable for different age groups, as well as open lawns where kids can run, play ball games, or simply enjoy being outdoors.

There are also shaded seating areas, pedal cart rentals, spots for picnics, and small kiosks or vendors selling snacks and drinks.

• Location: Al Basatin, Dammam

• Opening hours: The park grounds are open daily. Rides and amusement areas open around 3pm-11pm

• Cost: Around SAR 10 per person; rides and activities cost extra

• Good to know: The park is particularly popular in the evenings, especially on weekends.

Al Khobar is known for its family-friendly malls, many of which include dedicated indoor play zones. These spaces are ideal for younger children and provide a comfortable, air-conditioned environment, particularly during warmer months.

At Al Rashid Mall, one of the largest in the city, you’ll find a wide mix of international and local stores alongside family-focused attractions. The mall includes soft play areas for younger children, arcade-style gaming zones, and rides designed for toddlers and school-aged kids. There’s also a cinema complex and a large food court, making it easy to enjoy a full day of family fun.

Dhahran Mall, located a short drive from central Al Khobar, offers a similarly family-oriented layout with spacious walkways and a dedicated entertainment zone. Children can access indoor play centres with climbing structures, slides, and activity-based games, while older kids and teens can spend time in arcades or catch a film at the cinema.

• Location: Al Khobar and nearby Dhahran

• Opening hours:

  • Al Rashid Mall: Sat–Thu 9am–midnight; Fri 1pm–midnight

    • Mall of Dhahran: Sat–Thu 9:30am–11:30pm; Fri 2pm–11:30pm.

• Cost: Free; activities like games and movies extra
• Good to know: Weekday mornings tend to be quieter and more suitable for younger children.

Heritage Village offers a cultural experience that's perfect for families with children. Located along the Dammam Corniche, the distinctive fort-style building is part of the attraction, with multiple levels, towers, and walkways to explore.

Inside, the venue combines a museum with a restaurant. Exhibition spaces display a wide range of artefacts, including traditional clothing, household items, tools, and recreated interiors. These rooms reflect daily life from earlier periods, making the experience more visual and engaging for younger visitors.

Many families also visit for the dining experience, as the on-site restaurant serves Saudi and regional dishes in a setting that reflects the historical theme.

• Location: King Abdullah Park, Corniche Walk Way, Ash Shati Al Gharbi, Dammam

• Opening hours: Daily, 12pm-12am

• Cost: 20 SAR per person; dining is additional

• Good to know: Combine your visit with a walk along the nearby corniche.

Boat rides and waterfront experiences are available along the Dammam and Al Khobar coastline, particularly around the Corniche and Half Moon Bay. Options range from short sightseeing cruises to private charters for families, offering a relaxed way to see the Gulf from the sea.

Beyond boat trips, several areas offer water-based activities. You’ll often find jet skiing in designated zones, along with pedal boats and small craft in some Corniche parks, which suits younger children. Fishing trips can also be arranged through local operators.

Equipment is available for hire on-site through kiosks or licensed providers, especially in busier waterfront areas. Rentals usually include basic safety gear such as life jackets, and some activities can often be booked on the spot, making this an easy addition to your day by the coast.

• Location: Al Khobar and Dammam marinas

• Opening hours: Varies by operator

• Cost: Varies depending on duration and type of boat

• Good to know: Always choose licensed operators and confirm safety equipment, including life jackets.

Dolphin Village is a long-running attraction in Dammam that’s popular with families travelling with younger children. It’s best known for its live dolphin and sea lion shows, where trained animals perform routines such as jumps, balancing, and interactive tricks with trainers. Shows run at scheduled times throughout the day, so it’s worth planning your visit around one of the performances.

Dolphin Village also includes a small amusement area with rides and play spaces, including trampolines, inflatable attractions, and arcade-style games. There’s also a small zoo section featuring birds and other animals, along with snack stalls and seating areas.

• Location: Cornish Rd, Al-Hamra'a, Dammam

• Opening hours: Daily, 3pm to 11pm (12am on Thursdays and Fridays)

• Cost: Standard admission starts at SAR 69; ticket prices depend on package inclusions

• Good to know: Check show schedules in advance and arrive early for better seating.

Dammam, Al Khobar, and nearby areas are spread out, so it helps you plan your transport in advance.

Taxis and ride-hailing apps: Widely used and practical for families. Rideshare apps like Uber and Careem are available in Dammam and Al Khobar, providing flexible travel between attractions, malls, and the waterfront.

Private car hire: A good option if you want full control over your itinerary. You can choose between self-drive rentals or hiring a car with a driver for half-day or full-day use. International and regional rental companies are available at the airport and in city centres, and most hotels can help arrange bookings. Roads are modern, well signed, and relatively easy to navigate.

Hotel transport: Many hotels can arrange private drivers, chauffeur services, or transfers. This is particularly useful for airport pickups, group travel, or planned day outings. Concierge teams can also organise hourly drivers, which can be helpful for families visiting multiple attractions in one day.

Public transport: Limited for visitors and less convenient for families with children or strollers. Local bus networks exist but routes and schedules can be difficult to navigate, and stops may not align closely with major attractions. Most travellers rely on taxis or ride-hailing apps for ease and comfort.

• Plan around the weather: Temperatures can be high for much of the year. Outdoor activities are best in the evening or early morning.

• Choose accommodation near the corniche: Staying in Dammam or near Al Khobar reduces travel time and gives you easy access to parks and dining.

• Mix indoor and outdoor activities: Combine parks and beaches with indoor attractions like Scitech Centre or shopping malls.

• Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and hats when visiting outdoor locations, as facilities may not always be available.

• Keep your itinerary flexible: The short travel distances between Al Khobar and Dammam make it easy to adjust your plans during the day.