Baladna Park had been on our list of places to go for a while and we went with a group of friends during the school holidays in January. It’s a bit out of the way, almost an hour’s drive from Doha in Al Khor, but well worth the trip as there is lots to see and do. The farm started in 2014 as a sheep and goat farm. In 2017, after the economic and diplomatic embargo, Baladna shipped in dairy cows via plane to replace the milk that had previously been imported from Saudi Arabia. Since then Baladna has achieved…
Author: Katherine Latto
There’s nothing better than hanging out with friends and having fun—chasing each other in the playground, running together in the park, or racing around on your bikes. And keeping active isn’t just fun, it’s good for you as well! Did you know that medical experts around the world recommend that kids and teenagers exercise at least an hour a day, five days a week? And there are lots of different ways you can do it, depending on what you enjoy.You might like taking lessons each week for your team sport of choice or swimming laps in the pool. Maybe smashing…
Water safety is a serious issue wherever you are in the world. Living in Doha, it is even more critical, with beaches on our doorstep and swimming pools in most compounds and at many villas. Swimming is taught in schools and is an important skill for children to learn, primarily to reduce the risk of drowning. Gemma Hughes, Legacy Swim Academy Aquatics Manager, is passionate about water safety. “Drowning is still the highest worldwide cause of death in children under the age of four years old. Young children can drown in as little as an inch orb quickly and silently,”…
KidZania, Qatar’s newest play area resembles a kid-sized city where children can engage in imaginative role play as they take on “jobs” and make fun decisions in a world that appears all grown up. Little ones are encouraged to make their own decisions and be independent players. Learning through playExperiential learning and role-playing are central to the concept at KidZania. Play-based learning not only develops social, emotional, physical, cognitive and language skills, but it also happens to be a lot of fun! Children also get a sense of what it means to be responsible citizens by cultivating good habits, engaging…
When the summer heat hits, these museums and cultural centres around Qatar are sure to keep your kids cool, engaged and learningArtMuseum of Islamic ArtDesigned by renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Museum of Islamic Art building is a marvel on its own. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the atrium provide a remarkable view of Doha’s skyline. Meanwhile, children will love scaling the marble staircase that spirals to the top floor and watching the fountains outside the entrance, in the atrium café and on the outdoor terrace. The museum collection provides a unique and comprehensive glimpse into Islamic art throughout the centuries.Location: The…
Velocity World is a new play area in B.Square Mall, marketed as the only entertainment-based mall in Qatar. Located in Al Thumama, just off F-Ring Road, B.Square Mall is a fair drive from West Bay, Al Waab and other residential areas, but it’s worth the journey if you’re looking for an uncrowded, quieter play area with activities for all ages. When we visited on a Thursday afternoon, there were only a couple of other children in the soft play areas on the ground floor, and we had the gaming area, with fairground rides on the first floor, to ourselves. There…
Designed to cater to families, Cool de Sac combines guided entertainment for children and a family restaurant in one location. Parents can dine in Bistro Cool with their children or eat while the little ones play. Cool de Sac’s open layout provides parents with a nearly unobstructed view of what their kids are up to. From painting faces and helping with costumes to tying on smocks and taking off toddler shoes for the soft play section, the staff are there to supervise the kids while parents enjoy their meals and conversations.The venue is divided into sections based on activities. There…