How to Plan the Perfect Family Trip to Saudi

Family vacations are the most precious holidays. These trips we take with our folks become memories that last a lifetime. The moments we live and the stories we collect during these holidays, over the years, becomes the glue that binds us.

A family trip to Saudi is the perfect way to experience this magnificent country. Whether you and your loved ones want an adventurous holiday, or an experience that explores culture and history, you can do it all in Saudi.

There are numerous activities for a family to try out when in Saudi. Below, we share seven activities that you must include in your itinerary when planning the perfect family trip to Saudi.

7 Family Activities for your Saudi Holiday

1. Explore the capital city Riyadh

If you and your family are interested in indulging and pampering yourselves the way you should during a holiday, then Riyadh must be one of your pit stops. From world-class shopping malls to restaurants that can conjure up the most delectable of dishes, Riyadh is a destination for people expecting to experience a delightful vacation.

Known as the cultural capital of Saudi, Riyadh is revered by connoisseurs of art. Some of the best galleries in the country are situated here. It also has a plethora of heritage sites for you to explore with your family.

2. Go museum-hopping

Saudi is a country with a rich history. Therefore, it is no surprise that it has some of the most impressive museums in the world. If you and your folks are museum aficionados and history-lovers, then prepare for an unbelievably amazing Saudi trip.

The museum that should come first on your priority list is the National Museum of Saudi. From rock art, manuscripts, and prehistoric crafts to models of buildings that give you a glimpse of old Jeddah, a holiday in Saudi with the family is incomplete without visiting the National Museum.

3. Hit the beaches of Jeddah

If you are visiting Jeddah with the family, then a beach holiday is an ideal way for you to spend your time with your folks.

Pristine blue as far as your eyes can see, palms swaying in the breeze, and silver sand sparkling in the sun, Jeddah’s private beaches can give you the Instagrammable holiday of your dreams. From Al Saif Beach and Khaleej Salman Beach to the spectacular Silver Sands Beach, Jeddah has some sweet spots for you to pick from, for your ultimate family trip to Saudi.

4. Shop your heart out

While Saudi has some of the globe’s most deluxe shopping malls, we would love for you to try out its Souqs. These charming little markets will please you like no other.

If we had to pick one Souq experience for you, then it would definitely be the Souq Al-Zal. Plonked in Riyadh, this delightful Souq has some of the world’s best rugs and carpets to offer. If you plan to bring home some authentic Saudi artefacts and handicrafts, then Souq Al-Zal is where you should be. You will also find plenty of gorgeous gifts that you can bring home for your extended family and friends.

5. Experience desert camping

A Saudi holiday with the family is incomplete when it does not include stargazing. We can guarantee you that this will be one of those magical memories that you and your family will reminisce for decades.

If you have always wondered how a Bedouin lives, then this is your chance to experience that life. When holidaying in Saudi, pitch your tent in the sand dunes and let the sky present to you the most spectacular spray of stars. Do make sure that you end the evening with some luscious barbeque.

6. Explore the old city and the oasis trail of AlUla

AlUla is historically the most significant town of Saudi. If you like walking down memory lane literally, then the historical town of AlUla will enthral you.  The Old Town with its 900 houses, most of which are made of mud and brick, offer a unique landscape for you and your family to discover. 

If you want to go a different route, then instead of seeing the sights of the Old Town, we recommend journeying the oasis trail. This is a more leisurely experience, one that lets you reacquaint with nature and its gifts.

7. Bash some red dunes

For the thrill-seekers, Saudi has some fantastic activities to participate in. Imagine the Red Sand Dunes in Riyadh glistening in the gaze of an afternoon sun and you on your quad bike traversing through them! You can also try sand boarding and sand skiing to feel the wind in your hair and soak in the majestic desert around you in all its glory.

For children and older people, a camel safari is the perfect way to experience the caramel-coloured sands of Saudi.

A family trip to Saudi can be curated according to your interests because the place has so much to offer. Every family will have something spectacular in store for them.