Author: Rachel Henriquez

Do you have a special craft, skill or hobby that you indulge in to wind down? For many people, crafting is a way to relieve stress. Studies have shown that being creative or doing something repetitive allows you to zone out of your surroundings and focus only on the task at hand and has a similar effect as meditation. Crafting can also teach you practical skills like sewing, painting and remodelling.From carpenters and painters to tailors and calligraphers, there’s no shortage of talented and creative people in Qatar. We spoke to three crafty women (and mums!) about their special skills…

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The kids are back in school, or soon to be, and that means it’s time for early bedtimes, packing lunches, homework—and dress up days. Whether it’s for Halloween or school spirit days, fancy dress is inevitable, but costumes can be tricky to find in Qatar and not everyone carries the creative genes to make an elaborate costume from scratch.For those of you out there who aren’t so crafty or just don’t have much time, we’ve rounded up of some easy kids’ costume ideas that require minimal effort to put together. Most of the supplies you probably already have around the…

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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…

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“Stop exercising and just sit and play video games!” said no parent ever. Instead, you’ve probably found yourself in the opposite scenario—having to tell your kids to put down the video games and go play outside, read a book or play a sport. For families that struggle with making fitness fun, CanDo is a great alternative to the typical Qatar play area or arcade.Combining entertainment with physical exercise, this new play area in the Gate Mall is divided into three zones—Green, Yellow and Red. Children aged five years and older can “charge their battery”, that is, earn points, by playing…

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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…

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Stepping into Jungle Zone Park is like being whisked away on a jet plane, deep into a jungle filled with roller coasters, amusement park rides, video games, carnival games and silly jungle animals. Ok, so you may not actually leave Doha, but the first time you visit the colourful world of Jungle Zone you’ll surely feel the excitement of stepping into a carnival. On the ground floor, sandwiched between the video arcade and the carnival games section, you will find a plethora of amusement park rides—rides that will whirl, twirl, swing, splash and fly you. There are also bumper cars,…

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