15 Things to Do in Riyadh in the Summer

Many expats and locals find themselves “stuck” in Saudi for the summer with nothing to do, fearing death caused by boredom. Not everyone is lucky enough to escape the Saudi heat. With the schools now closed, children and youth get very bored! This causes frustration in parents, what to do?
There ARE other options than shopping people!

Here is a quick list of suggested activities for the summer mainly for families and women:

Horseback riding
Dirab Golf course and recreation center http://www.dirabgolf.com/
Al Aghar Equestrian club Diplomatic quarters both have lessons available for children and women

Swimming
Equestrian Club inside Diplomatic Quarters has outdoor swimming pool for ladies and children
Al Manahil also in DQ  has indoor pool
Diplomatic Quarters Sports Club has large outdoor pool complete with slides and a wave pool ladies/men’s days alternate (membership required)
Water Splash waterpark exit 9 Eastern Ring rd.
Dirab Golf course outdoor pool (membership required)

For a complete list of pools in Riyadh go here.

Rent an istiraha with pool
There are countless istirahas (rest house) spotted around the outskirts of Riyadh. One of the bigger ones is Yamamah Resort. You can also find many theme parks on the Thumamah rd, most of which have the possibility to rent a private isteraha/chalet with a pool.

Nofa safari park

it might be getting hot but the safari can still be fun in the morning or afternoons Details in this post; Nofa safari park in Riyadh. 

Try Family Bowling
Intercontinental Hotel
Alkhozama Bowling Center
Universal Bowling Center http://www.ubcriyadh.com/aboutus.html

Spend the day relaxing at a women’s center
Al Multaka http://www.almultaka.com.sa/overview.htm
Al Manahil http://www.almanahil.com.sa/english/index.html

Visit Dinosaur world
Inside Al Othaim Mall, on the third floor. Also in this mall there’s a large indoor amusement park with 5D movie theatre on the 4th floor.

Cool off Ice Skating

Ice skating rinks I’m aware of: Royal Mall (also for females), Othaim Mall exit 15, Hayat Mall, ChinaMart Mall upstairs (can be reserved for private functions as well) read more here: Ice skating in the desert

Play Paint Ball
Riyadh’s only paintball operator allows only men on site but they can be booked for private functions and women can play too http://www.facebook.com/groups/68469925659/

Visit King Abdulaziz Historical Center & surroundings
Visit the National Museum, Murabba Palace, the historical buildings, Public Library, King Abdulaziz mosque and Memorial Hall and browse the surrounding beautiful parks complete with fountains and picnic areas. Nearby also the water tower with a viewing platform and a small amusement park located next to it. Check out Blue Abaya’s Guide to the National Museum here.

My Gym
Inside the Panorama Mall Women’s section, has activities for kids and moms this summer.

Visit the “Riyadh Corniche”
Newly developed Wadi Namar, 2km long lake complete with promenade and picnic spots off exit 20.

Any other suggestions? Feel free to send us links to events etc that you know of this summer! Don’t forget to subscribe to updates via email with the form below.

Laura

Hello there! I’m Laura, the founder of Blue Abaya- the first travel blog in Saudi Arabia, established in 2010.  Travel has always been my passion- so far I’ve visited 75 countries and I’m always on the lookout for new adventures inside and outside of Saudi Arabia! Follow my adventures in Saudi and beyond on instagram: instagram.com/blueabaya

www.blueabaya.com