Dammam is the main city in Saudi’s Eastern Province, and as such its tourism scene is evolving fast, with a growing number of hotels, beachfront developments and entertainment options. Like the rest of Saudi Arabia, Dammam is very family friendly, with carefully designated areas for kids and parents at shopping malls, beaches and public spaces.
The best areas to hang out as a family are around Dammam’s waterfront corniche, a landscaped promenade punctuated with parks, playgrounds and food huts, which stretches for miles with views of the Arabian Gulf and the beaches of Half Moon Bay. Our guide to the city will help you discover all the fun things there are to do with kids in Dammam.
Why is Dammam great for kids and families?
There are lots of big open spaces in Dammam, which makes it ideal for kids to safely roam and play in the great outdoors. The water is particularly good for children because it's very shallow by the beach, but don’t allow them to go too far out as it can suddenly dip in places.
The weather can be a challenge in the warmer months, so take good sunscreen and time your beach and park outings well – especially lunchtime picnics, which are far better for kids in the cooler months. Rest assured, there are plenty of family friendly air-conditioned buildings, such as galleries and restaurants, or even mosques.
The public library has a good children’s space on its first floor, but note that children are not allowed on the second or third floors, unless it is for prayer.
The best way to get around as a family is by car, so either hire one or get a taxi – there are plenty to hail on the spot. Like the rest of the Kingdom, it’s also a reassuringly safe city for families.
The best things to do in Dammam with kids
Big shopping malls have large children’s zones, and there are loads of opportunities to take to the wide stretches of water – such as the waterfront by the Corniche – and try out different family activities, with plenty of areas for picnics. From parks and islands to adventure worlds and water parks, these are the best things to do in Dammam with children.
1. Learn about Saudi culture at the Heritage Village
To find out more about the heritage and history of Saudi Arabia, take a tour of the Heritage Village with its traditional mud houses and cosy courtyards designed to take you back in time. It’s family friendly, so older kids can come along for the fascinating collection of artefacts from the early 19th century that are housed in the village ‘fortress’ – see it as a fun history lesson. There’s also a section of stuffed animals and some vintage cars from the collections of Saudi Kings. Taking a guided tour is the best way to see everything and understand the history.
The village itself is a celebration of artisans and their crafts: from pottery to weaving, including hands-on workshops. Another big reason to come is the authentic Middle Eastern food. Request a private room with floor seating (unlike the conventional tables in the restaurant) and feast on meat and rice plates, before taking traditional tea.
Note that no pets are allowed in either the restaurant or the village itself.
2. Marjan Island is a perfect day out for the kids
This man-made island, also known as Coral island, is connected to Dammam by a bridge, but a more fun option is crossing the water by boat to hang out in the big open spaces. The real draw for kids, though, is the island’s Dolphin Village, which sits at the entrance, so it can’t be missed. As well as dolphins there are daily seal shows, and lots of opportunities for selfies. It's easy to spend a whole day away in the Village as there are also lots of amusement park rides, and even an adult swimming pool, so that parents can escape for a short time while their kids race down the water slides.
3. Relax and have a picnic in Dammam's lovely parks
A welcome big green space by Dammam’s seafront, King Abdullah Park makes for an excellent family outing. Take a picnic or, better still, take the kids fishing and grill your own catches on a barbecue. It’s also a good place to kick a football around or go to one of the fun playgrounds. Food vendors are dotted about for those in need of more picnic supplies.
King Fahd Park, meanwhile, is another popular family picnic spot in the Eastern Province. It’s vast and varied, with a lake, fountains and waterfalls, as well as a skate park (very popular with teens) and fun rides for families.
For an altogether different kind of park, Pets Park is a cat cafe next to West Avenue Mall. Cute cats and coffee make the ideal combination for kids and adults alike.
4. Malls are packed with more than just retail therapy
Malls are a big part of the Dammam scene, and as well as an abundance of different shops for all budgets, many have fun kid zones and family-friendly restaurants. Othaim Mall has one of the biggest play areas for kids of them all, including a bowling alley and indoor sports, fun rides and a food court. There’s even a ‘toy town’. Marina Mall, with pretty Arabian Gulf views, is also a good choice for children’s play areas, while Al Danah Mall and the Souq Mall both have state-of-the-art cinemas.
5. Stroll along Al Khobar waterfront
It’s worth taking a half-hour drive from Dammam’s centre to get to this family friendly waterfront, part of the city’s famous Corniche. It has beautiful manicured gardens based on Islamic designs and lots of restaurant choices. The area was developed to become a seamless one-stop family destination with a sports complex, shopping options and a marina, all connected via the green spaces. Go for a boat ride, see a film or a show, or even an exhibition. Watersports, horse riding and cycling are all in the mix, too.
6. Have the time of your life at Adventure World
An indoor theme park that is just brimming with fun stuff, from dodgem cars to bowling and gaming arcades. There are games to suit all ages at the site, as well as a cinema with movie options from cartoons to horror, including 7-D interactive experiences. All rides are on a single entry charge so you can go from one to the next with ease. Get there early before the big crowds arrive and reserve restaurants in advance if you plan to eat there. Tour packages are also available.
7. Ithra is full of culture and entertainment for every age
Ithra, also known as The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, is a leading cultural institution in Saudi Arabia – and it’s located in Dhahran, not far from Dammam. Kids will love its striking exterior, and inside it’s a hive of creative activity, with galleries, a cinema, a theatre, exhibitions and dining. The Ithra children’s museum is dedicated to young people up to the age of 12 and their carers, and there are lots of life-enriching interactive play experiences and workshops. Well worth the short drive from Dammam’s centre.
