The best-known family entertainment places in Riyadh are Snow City at Al Othaim Mall, Boulevard Riyadh City, Magic Planet at Riyadh Park, King Abdullah Park and the Water Splash water park. Each has a different character: indoor snow, shows and restaurants, children's games, green space or water slides. This guide explains what sets each place apart and who it suits, then how to choose a district and a hotel apartment close to it.

The 5 best-known entertainment places in Riyadh

We have ordered the list by type of experience rather than by ranking, because the right choice depends on the ages in your family, the time you have and the weather on the day of your visit.

1. Snow City at Al Othaim Mall

Snow City is an enclosed snow park built entirely from snow inside Al Othaim Mall in Al Rabwah, east Riyadh, with ice rides and slides and areas for sledging and playing in the snow that suit children and adults alike. The temperature inside stays low all year round, which makes it an ideal choice in the hot summer months.

Two tips before you go: ask about the winter clothing available on site when you buy your ticket, and leave enough time afterwards to shop or eat in the mall itself, as the experience is relatively short compared with the rest of this list.

2. Boulevard Riyadh City

Boulevard Riyadh City is one of the largest open-air entertainment zones in Riyadh, located in Hittin in the north of the city. It brings together international restaurants and cafes, cinemas, giant screens, live shows and seasonal events, and it is the first choice for a family evening out.

The Boulevard operates as part of Riyadh Season, so check the current opening schedule and entry prices before planning your visit, and book the major events in advance through the official channels. For more, read our full guide to Boulevard Riyadh City.

3. Magic Planet at Riyadh Park

Magic Planet is an indoor family entertainment centre inside the Riyadh Park mall on the Northern Ring Road, with arcade games, motion rides and a dedicated area for younger children. Its main advantage is its location inside the mall: one parent can stay with the children while the other shops or has a coffee in the neighbouring restaurants.

The venue suits primary-school-age children best, and it usually runs on a prepaid card system, so set a play budget before you go in.

4. King Abdullah Park

King Abdullah Park in Al Malaz is one of the largest public parks in Riyadh, known for its dancing fountain shows in the evening, its walking paths, wide lawns and children's play areas. It is the best option for anyone who wants a quiet open-air evening with no advance plan.

The best time to visit is after sunset on winter and spring days, and we recommend bringing a blanket or mat, since families usually sit on the grass around the lake.

5. Water Splash

Water Splash is a water park in Riyadh with slides of different levels, swimming pools for adults and children and a water play area for the little ones. It is the first choice for families on hot days, especially for those with children who love swimming.

Water parks in Riyadh usually set aside days or sessions for families and others for men only, so check the current operating schedule before you go, and bring suitable swimwear and sunscreen.

Where to stay to be close to these places

The five places are spread across the city, so choose your district according to where you will spend most of your time:

  • North Riyadh if the Boulevard and Riyadh Park top your list: Hittin is home to the Boulevard itself, followed by Al Malqa, Al Yasmin and Al Aqiq near the Northern Ring Road.
  • Central and east Riyadh if you prefer King Abdullah Park and Snow City: the central and eastern districts around Al Malaz and Al Rabwah keep the distances short.

If Hittin is your priority, read the advantages of staying in hotel apartments in Hittin, and browse the Riyadh districts page to compare the rest.

What does a hotel apartment add to this trip?

With children, a hotel apartment is a better fit than a hotel room: separate bedrooms, a kitchen for breakfast and snacks before heading out, and a living space where the family does not have to go to bed early in a single room.

Units managed directly by Kease come with a smart lock whose access code reaches you by SMS 24 hours before check-in, so nobody has to wait for a key handover after a long day at the theme park, plus free internet, free parking and Netflix and Shahid subscriptions. Hotel and partner units listed on the platform show their own amenities on each unit page, and the operator handles check-in.

Check-in at Kease units runs from 3 PM to 12 AM and check-out is until 11 AM unless the unit page says otherwise, which suits a late return from the Boulevard.

Practical tips before you head out

  • Check each venue's current opening hours before you leave, as some change their schedules during Ramadan, Eid and Riyadh Season.
  • In summer, keep the indoor venues (Snow City and Magic Planet) for the daytime and the open-air ones (the Boulevard and the park) for after sunset.
  • Book tickets for major events and popular rides in advance through the official apps to avoid weekend queues.
  • Rely on a private car or ride-hailing apps, as the distances between north and central Riyadh are long and parking at the Boulevard fills up early on peak days.
  • Give each big destination such as the Boulevard or Water Splash a full day; Snow City and shopping can be combined in a single day.

Frequently asked questions

Are these places suitable for young children?

Mostly, yes. King Abdullah Park and Magic Planet are the best fit for younger ages, while some Snow City rides and the water slides set minimum height or age requirements, so ask at the entrance.

What is the best time of year to visit Riyadh's open-air venues?

Winter and spring, when the evening weather is mild. In summer, indoor venues such as Snow City and Magic Planet remain the comfortable daytime option, with the open-air venues left for after sunset.

Do I need a car to get between these places?

A private or hired car is the easiest option, and ride-hailing apps are available throughout the city. Kease-managed units include free parking, which is something to confirm on the unit page when booking partner units.

How do I book a hotel apartment near these places?

Search the Kease website or app with your dates, then filter the results by the district you want. Payment is by Mada, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or Tabby, and you do not need to create an account to complete the booking.

Book your stay close to the fun

Start from the daily booking page on Kease, choose the district closest to the places you plan to visit, and compare Kease-managed units with partner units according to the amenities your family needs. For any question before booking or during your stay, call customer service on 920033775.