Riyadh is full of entertainment venues that suit children of every age: a zoo, theme parks, a water park, an indoor snow park, play zones inside the malls, and the seasonal events of Riyadh Season. In this guide we cover eight of the best-known kids' entertainment spots in Riyadh, what makes each one special and which age group it suits, along with practical tips for organising a successful family day out.

And if you are visiting Riyadh with your family, choosing a furnished stay close to these destinations saves you travel time and gives the children room to rest between outings, which is what we cover at the end of the article.

The best-known kids' entertainment spots in Riyadh

1. Riyadh Zoo

Riyadh Zoo sits in the Al Malaz district in the centre of the city and is one of Riyadh's oldest and most popular family destinations. Children enjoy seeing a wide variety of animals across large green spaces that allow for walking and play, with seating areas and family-friendly facilities. Check its operating status and opening hours before you visit, as the zoo undergoes development work from time to time.

2. Al Hokair Land

A theme park that combines mechanical rides, green spaces and a small lake, known to Riyadh residents for its distinctive architecture. It suits school-age children thanks to the variety of its rides, from bumper cars to spinning rides, alongside its video-game arcades. Review the opening hours and ticket prices on the venue's official channels before you go.

3. Water Splash

A water park with a range of slides and pools designed for children, plus open green spaces that let the family spend the whole day outdoors. It is an ideal choice on hot days; we recommend bringing sunscreen, swimwear and a change of clothes for the children, and checking the entry conditions before you visit.

4. Snow City

Snow City is inside Al Othaim Mall in the Al Rabwah district, an indoor snow destination where children enjoy ice sliding and playing in the snow in cold conditions all year round. It is a completely different experience from Riyadh's usual weather and suits children who have never seen snow before; ask whether winter clothing is provided when you buy the ticket.

5. Sparky's

A chain of indoor entertainment centres found in Al Othaim malls across Riyadh, with video games and mechanical rides suited to young children, and nearby restaurants and cafes where parents can sit while the children play. Its main advantage is that it is air-conditioned and open all year regardless of the weather, making it ideal for short visits after shopping.

6. King Abdullah Park

A large public park in the Al Malaz district, famous for its lake, its dancing fountain, its walking paths and its extensive lawns. It suits a quiet evening outing with the children, and it can be combined with a visit to the nearby Riyadh Zoo on the same day; bring what you need for a family picnic on the grass.

7. Boulevard Riyadh City during Riyadh Season

During Riyadh Season, Boulevard Riyadh City in the Hittin district becomes one of the largest entertainment destinations in the city, with dedicated children's zones, live shows, restaurants and ever-changing events. The events are seasonal, so check the season's schedule before planning your visit. For more, read our guide to Riyadh Season.

8. Play zones inside the major malls

Riyadh's major malls, such as Riyadh Park, Al Nakheel Mall and Granada Mall, have indoor play zones for children that suit short visits and can be combined with shopping and dining. They are a practical option on hot summer days or when your time is limited, especially if your accommodation is close to one of these malls.

How to choose the right place for your child's age

  • Children under five: indoor play areas such as Sparky's and the play zones in the malls, plus King Abdullah Park for a quiet outing.
  • Ages five to ten: Riyadh Zoo, Snow City and Water Splash, where the activities range from watching to active play.
  • Over ten: Al Hokair Land and the events at Boulevard Riyadh City, with their more thrilling rides and live shows.

Practical tips for a successful family day out

  • Choose the timing carefully: evenings are better for outdoor venues in summer, and mornings are quieter during holidays.
  • Check opening hours, ticket prices and entry conditions on the venue's official accounts before heading out.
  • Bring water, snacks and a change of clothes, especially for water and snow venues.
  • Take a light pushchair for the little ones, as the distances inside malls and parks are longer than they look.
  • Do not try to visit more than two places in one day; children enjoy themselves more when the programme is not crowded.
  • Keep your accommodation close to the places you plan to visit to cut travel time, as Riyadh is a sprawling city where getting around depends on the car.

Where to stay with your children in Riyadh

Staying in a furnished apartment suits families better than hotel rooms: it offers separate bedrooms, an equipped kitchen for preparing the children's meals and a living space where they can play freely, and it makes it easier to keep their sleep and meal times. Kease offers furnished units for daily, weekly and monthly stays in a number of Riyadh districts, and the units managed by Kease include free internet, free parking and Netflix and Shahid subscriptions, with a smart lock whose access code reaches you by SMS 24 hours before check-in, so there is no key to collect. Kease also lists units operated by partner hotels and serviced-apartment operators; each unit's amenities appear on its page and the operator handles check-in.

Learn more in our article on the benefits of hotel apartments for families in Riyadh.

Frequently asked questions

Which entertainment venues suit young children below school age?

Indoor play areas such as Sparky's and the play zones in the malls suit little ones best because they are air-conditioned, safe and have simple rides, along with King Abdullah Park for a quiet evening outing.

Are there suitable entertainment venues during the hot summer months?

Yes; Snow City, Sparky's and the play zones inside the malls are all indoors and air-conditioned, while outdoor venues such as the zoo and the parks are best visited in the evening.

Are furnished apartments suitable for a family with young children?

Yes, they offer separate rooms, a kitchen and a living space, and they let parents keep the children's daily routine, which is hard to achieve in a single hotel room.

How do I find out which children's events are on during my visit?

Follow the official accounts of Riyadh Season, the major malls and the entertainment venues, as many family events are seasonal and change from one year to the next.

Book your family's stay in Riyadh with Kease

Find a furnished apartment that fits your family size and length of stay on the Kease website or app, and pay securely with Mada, Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay or Tabby with no account required. Browse furnished apartments for daily rent in Riyadh for short holidays, or furnished apartments for monthly rent if your stay is longer, and for any enquiry contact Kease customer service on 920033775.