It’s been an eventful year, with ups and downs and everything in between. That being said, there has been a lot to celebrate here in Qatar, especially in the last few weeks. With the abundance of family activities around this time of year, from sporty to seasonal, you too can get into that celebratory spirit. So, here are three places you can go to do just that.
1- Al Gharrafa Park
If the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup has kicked off your brood’s sporty spirit, then this park is a must-visit. This newly opened park is paved with air-conditioned walking and jogging paths that maintain pleasant year-round temperatures between 26°C and 28°C. And it’s one of the world’s first to do so, according to the head of the Public Projects Department at Qatar Public Works Authority (Ashghal), Abdul Hakim Al Hashim.
It boasts an area of 50,000 sqm, complete with green spaces, a cycling path, fitness equipment, and dedicated play areas for children ages two to five, six to 12, and those with special needs. Additionally, it has four restaurant kiosks, bicycle renting kiosks, and public toilet facilities. So, mark it down on your calendar for the days where you’re up for a family jog or want to try out a new picnic spot.
2- Doha Quest
Doha Quest, Qatar’s first indoor theme park, is hosting WinterFest, an event jam-packed with winter-themed food and fun, until 8 January 2022. Now a whimsical wintery wonderland, it is dotted with sparkling lights and seasonal decor and contains an enchanting winter forest. The park’s 30-plus rides and attractions have also been tailored to the season and can be enjoyed by children and families of different age groups.
On entry, guests are greeted with two giant snowmen surrounded by smaller ones that children can decorate. And if that’s not enough decorating, kids also get edible gingerbread houses to customise to their liking and take home to enjoy. Plus, guests of all ages will be able to savour seasonal treats in Quest Café, from hot chocolate with marshmallows to pecan tarts, cinnamon rolls, and more. Tickets can be bought at tickets.dohaquest.com and cost QR 225 for adults (ages 13 and up) and QR 150 for juniors (four to 12). Under-fours enter for free. Opening hours are between 2 pm and 11 pm.
3- KidZania Doha
KidZania’s Winter Camp is back and runs until 24 December 2021 and again between 26 December 2021 and 31 December 2021. This days-long immersive camp is filled with edutainment activities that aim to give children ages four to 14 the chance to enjoy themselves while discovering new interests and growing their knowledge base. There are several sub-camps within the camp: Arts Camp, Big Chef Camp, Media Camp, Volunteer Camp, STEM Camp, and Sports Camp. At the end of the week, kids can participate in a graduation ceremony to celebrate their accomplishments and enjoy a free play session after.
Sessions run from 8 am to 2 pm on Sunday to Thursday and 12 pm to 2:30 pm on Friday. Weekly tickets cost QR 699, but KidZania is currently offering a 50% discount on daily admission tickets until 31 December 2021. With this offer, four to 16-year-olds can pay QR 80, and people ages two to three and 17-plus can pay QR 50. Plus, Doha Family has partnered up with KidZania to offer a 30% discount voucher in the Winter 2021 issue. It is valid until February 2022, which means that you can have fun long into the new year! Please note that you cannot combine two discount vouchers. You can book your tickets online at kidzania.qa.
Hopefully, these activity ideas will inspire you to make the most of this season with your families. So have fun, embrace the milder weather, and remember to follow the health and safety rules.
