On the corner of Al Maha Street and Al Najah Street is Al Luqta (or Al Laqta) Children’s Park, a women and children only residential park.
The park was originally built to provide ladies with a private space to gather and introduce their children—sometimes resulting in betrothals. While we might not be looking for our child’s soulmate yet, the park’s neat design and central location just off Khalifa Street, opposite Al Gharrafa Immigration Department, make it one of our top picks for outdoor play dates.
Offering a little more than the average local park, Al Luqta Children’s Park features two sheltered play structures, a small cafeteria, a little amphitheatre seating area, several pavilions and a large air-conditioned administrative building housing several bright and airy function rooms and a carpeted prayer room.
Doha Family Rating
Convenience 5/5
Safety 4/5
Facilities 5/5
Overall 4.6/5
The Nitty-Gritty
The two play structures located at the rear of the park cater to a variety of ages. We were pleasantly surprised that they seemed to be designed especially with young and disabled children in mind. The structure on the right is more for little ones, with a pair of bucket seat swings, a low climbing structure with two slides, ramps, a tunnel, things to twist and turn and rope bridges for little legs to practice balancing. The larger structure on the left has two levels and would be exciting for both toddlers and older children. It also includes wheelchair-accessible ramps, funny wonky mirrors, twisty knobs and gears, slides, a climbing slope and monkey bars to swing from.
This park stands out among other Qatar parks because of the clean smooth floors of the play areas—great for those who aren’t fond of traditional sandpits (the surface is not concrete, but it is hard); the playgrounds are sheltered and have plastic (not metal) slides and swings—which makes a lot of sense in sunny Doha; and, there is a feeling of spaciousness yet privacy within the safety of this enclosed park.
The gentle slopes of the rubberised track walkways make this park very friendly to toddlers and the disabled (but probably to skaters and hoverboarders too). Several large pavilions and tents over the playground areas provide ample shelter, and the many benches dotted all over the park provide plenty of seating.
We always recommend constant supervision, but mums should take note that the hard playground floors may not be suitable for those with a preference for softer landings. While the open design of the park makes it conducive for watching over older children from afar, the administrative building is still under renovation and would not be safe for children to run around in. The steps of the amphitheatre and the low-walled fountain (not in use at the time of this article) along the left side of the park could be scaled and may pose a falling or drowning hazard for a small child.
There are water coolers around the park, but if you’re expecting to work up an appetite be sure to bring your own snacks as the cafeteria on-site is not yet open. Alternatively if you’re feeling intrepid, the nearby Souq Al Ali allows an adventure at some local restaurants and supermarket. We’re also eager to see what becomes of the administrative building and can’t wait for the air-conditioned cafeteria to open!
Location
Whether you’re coming from up Khalifa Street from West Bay or down from Education City, Al Luqta Park is well signposted from the main road with brown landmark street signs. The administrative building and its tent-like shelters that can be seen over the garden walls also make the park easier to identify as you drive in.
From West Bay
• When driving on Khalifa Street, turn left at Immigration Roundabout onto Al Amir Street.
• Take the first right and follow the signs.
From Education City
• Take Al Luqta Street and turn right before Immigration Roundabout to Al Maha Street.
• Turn left into the park.
Parking
Plenty of parking is available outside the park’s main entrance.
Nearby landmarks
Al Gharafa Immigration Department, Souq Al Ali
Activities allowed
No signs were seen at the time of the article, but the surfaces of the park seem to make it suitable for
- Roller skating
- Rollerblading
- Skateboarding
- Jogging, running, walking
Activities not allowed
No signs were seen at the time of this article.
Sports facilities available
None
Playground basics
- Two large play structures
- Playground equipment includes swings, bucket swings, bridges, tunnels and climbing structures.
- Equipment is wooden, plastic and metal.
- Plastic slides
- The play areas have wide shades mounted above them.
- Painted surface under playground area is hard; walkways are rubberised.
- Wood or faux wood benches, some of which are shaded
- Some of the playground equipment is suitable for children with physical disabilities.
Playgrounds
Two
Accessibility
The pathways around the playground and parts of the playground are accessible to wheelchairs. Toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Fathers allowed
No
Opening hours
Sunday to Thursday, 07:00 – midnight
Friday and Saturday, 07:00 – 02:00
Entrance fee
None
Age group
All ages
Food and beverages
None in the park itself, however there are provisions for a cafeteria. There are small supermarkets and local eateries such as Yellow Cab Pizza in the vicinity.
Toilet facilities
Toilet facilities are exceptionally clean and located on the side of the cafeteria building in the middle of the park. The facilities were well stocked with toilet paper and paper towels when we visited. There is a wheelchair accessible cubicle but there are no baby-changing facilities.
Shade
The playground is effectively shaded by the tents. Numerous park benches, some of which are shaded. The air-conditioned administrative building (where the prayer room is located) and cafeteria, may, once operational, provide shelter from the sun and heat.
Nearby mosque
Yes, along Al Amir St
Theatre
There is an amphitheatre in front of the administrative building.
Wi-Fi
No
Dress code
Conservative dress to respect local culture
Night lighting
Well-lit at night
Doha Family Tips
- The gates of the park are often closed, even though the park is open to the public. Be sure to get the attention of the security guards, or let yourself in (push the gate on the left).
- Although it is a women and children only park, some fathers have entered with their children, especially when the park is not busy. Also, there are usually male park attendants or security guards present.
- We recommend this playground for children two years old and up.
- The park is surrounded by small roads with very light traffic and the only entry is watched by security guards, so children are unlikely to wander out of the park.
- The toilets are well maintained.
- Drinking fountains are available next to the playground area.
