Updated February 2025
Saudi is a thriving and welcoming destination where history and modernity converge in a sacred dance. Here, families are invited to embark on a journey of discovery through the sands of time while also celebrating the novelty of cutting-edge entertainment.
We’ve compiled the top six compelling reasons for choosing Saudi as your next family getaway.
Winter months stand out as the ideal time to visit
Saudi’s climate is more versatile than many believe and does not always remain hot. Each season brings unique charm due to the country’s varied geography. When combined with cultural events, winter inevitably emerges as the most ideal time to witness Saudi’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy.
Average temperatures hover around the teens during winter, making it ideal for families to enjoy mild outdoor activities. Destinations like AlUla, with its ancient civilizations, scenic views, and starry nights, offer enriching experiences for all age groups. Balmy days and cool nights are perfect for camping and rock climbing.
Please bear in mind, however, that Saudi winters can be dry, so pack a warm jacket and lotion for comfort. Nevertheless, the climate varies by city—Jeddah, for instance, stays humid year-round, while Riyadh experiences cooler, drier winter, so pack accordingly based on the cities you plan to visit.
It is also during the winter months that the city of Riyadh fully unfurls. The beloved Riyadh Season entertainment festival offers visitors and locals alike the chance to experience family-friendly activities and entertainment from around the world.
Beyond winter, spring in Saudi showcases the spiritual beauty of Ramadan, while autumn brings with it the soothing cool breeze. Summer naturally brings intense heat, with temperatures soaring up to 45°C in much of the country.
As such, winter remains unmatched for its comfortable weather and vibrant experiences, especially for families seeking memorable adventures and cultural explorations.
Riyadh Season: A world of family fun
There’s nothing quite like experiencing Riyadh in the winter months. The renowned Riyadh Season is in full swing from October to March, making the city a vibrant hub for families and those seeking cultural experiences. Riyadh Season showcases 14 uniquely themed zones, each packed with a wide array of family-friendly activities, entertainment, and attractions.
Boulevard World: a global cultural wonderland
One of Riyadh Season’s standout attractions is Boulevard World, where the globe comes to life in the heart of Riyadh. This expansive zone opens cultural gates to visitors with immersive themed areas inspired by over 15 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, France, India, and more. Take a walk in an exuberant market presenting crafts, spices, arts, and all kinds of international cuisines, or be thrown into interactive exhibits celebrating world traditions.
Thrill-seekers and families alike will find endless adventures here. BLVD Forest (from 13 October 2024) transports guests to an African-inspired wilderness teeming with rare exotic animals and interactive wildlife experiences. For a dose of mystery, Doll’s Trip lures brave visitors to a haunting island where eerie, floating dolls hide chilling secrets. Meanwhile, Oasis offers a whimsical beach escape with waves of plastic balls and relaxing activities that are perfect for any age group.
Those after adrenaline may well confront the Vampire Hotel, a blood-stained, Italian-style mansion where survival challenges await in literally every room, or unravel the Mystery of the Nile to confront the ancient Egyptian curses lurking in shadowy tombs. With ticket prices starting from SAR 60, Boulevard World ensures that each visit is full of cultural discovery and spine-tingling excitement.
Boulevard City: The heart of Riyadh Season
Not far from Boulevard World, Boulevard City stands as one of the largest and most dynamic zones of Riyadh Season. It offers stunningly designed parks, beautiful light-lit water fountains, and a vast selection of cafes and restaurants serving local and foreign cuisine.
Boulevard City also has a reputation for being a shopper’s paradise with its numerous readily available shops and stores. With an exquisite mix of premium local and international shopping brands on offer, your family shopping experience here will indeed be one of a kind.
Family-friendly attractions and activities
Harry Potter: A Riyadh Season Adventure is another major attraction at Boulevard City. Children can enjoy the magic of Hogwarts and explore the wizarding world, while parents can indulge in nostalgia and relive the series’ memorable moments. Wrap up the magical experience by enjoying butterbeer at the famous Three Broomsticks Food Hall.
For gamers and tech junkies, Boulevard City has Sandbox VR, which offers the most exciting virtual reality experiences. One may find themselves in zombie-populated towns or partake in action-packed racing inspired by popular TV shows.
If go-karting seems more interesting, Doos Karting provides the best experience on the biggest multi-level track in the world.
Whimsical areas and star-studded performances
Wonder Garden invites adults and children to a themed amusement park that can be described as charming, to say the least. Children can easily lose themselves in the magical atmosphere among the realms of flamingo birds, vibrant butterflies, and magnificent trees.
Kingdom Arena hosts some of the world’s most celebrated superstars. These athletes and artists are there to showcase their breathtaking performances alongside thrilling competitions, fireworks displays, and concerts. In short, the world’s top athletes and artists grace this venue with their talent.
For adventure enthusiasts, the BLVD Runway offers an entirely different experience. Visitors can see a real-life Boeing 777 airplane alongside a control tower.
The wonders of Aseer Province will enchant nature lovers
In the southwest of Saudi lies a remarkable mountainous province called Aseer. Towering peaks, mesmerizing valleys, and majestic waterfalls create an enchanting nature paradise perfect for family adventures. Aseer’s rich history and unique cultural traditions also add to its charm.
Apart from the scenic views, Aseer also features rich traditional architecture that complements the region’s natural beauty. Stone houses in Aseer are particularly popular because they seamlessly blend in with nature. The pleasant climate also allows families to cool off in Aseer’s lush greenery, perfect for picnics and hiking in the summer months.
Seamless and affordable travel across the nation
Moving around Saudi is both affordable and convenient due to the country’s excellent infrastructure. Whether via airplane, metro, or ride-hailing services, everything is readily accessible, making travel pretty much stress-free.
Major airlines in Saudi
Flights between Saudi major cities are generally quick and convenient, with only about two hours of air travel time from Riyadh to Jeddah, Medina, or even AlUla. A number of airlines, including Saudia, Flynas, and Flyadeal, operate within the country.
Saudia is renowned for being reliable and comfortable, Flyadeal provides low-cost tickets, while Flynas is recognized as the top low-cost airline in the Middle East, making domestic and international travel accessible for families.
Riyadh Metro for convenient travel across the capital
In Riyadh, the Riyadh Metro has integrated the city with six additional lines and 85 stations strategically placed in crucial areas around the city, such as business zones, cultural sights, and residential districts. This speedy, reliable, and state-of-the-art metro system provides families with an effective means of navigation and mobility.
Every station has TV monitors showing up-to-date travel schedules, keeping passengers well-informed. The main stations are located in the intersections of metro and bus routes in high-density areas of King Abdullah Financial District, STC, Qasr Al-Hukm, and Western.
Buses and ride-hailing services
The Saudi Arabian Public Transport Company (SAPTCO) operates a fleet of affordable buses, offering intracity, intercity, and international transportation services throughout the country.
These buses are designed to enhance the passenger experience with features such as comfortable seating and overhead handles for a more relaxed and secure journey. Each bus has three doors for convenient boarding and deboarding and a dedicated rear door for families. They also include advanced electronic payment devices for seamless transactions. Some buses are tailored to accommodate individuals with special needs.
The public transportation service serves as the backbone of city travel, which includes an extensive number of routes linking all the major cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Dammam, Qatif, Taif, Qassim, Jazan, Tabuk, Aseer and Al Ehsa. City transportation can also be accessed easily by using Careem or Uber services.
Saudi’s rich cultural heritage
Families visiting Saudi have many cultural and historical activities to look forward to. Chief among them is the Diriyah Season, which runs from December 2024 to March 2025, offering live music, mesmerizing zones, and excellent dining.
Diriyah Season highlights: heritage and hospitality
Through the Bujairi Terrace, visitors can see exquisite Arabic calligraphy and enjoy breathtaking views of the UNESCO Heritage Site At-Turaif while fine dining. In contrast, around Khayyal, families can indulge in Arabian horseback riding and enjoy the beauty of riding, traditional songs, and local market hunting.
Minzal: a cultural haven under the desert sky
Minzal, an outdoor cultural program, returns for its second season this winter with a new lineup of immersive activities for visitors to experience. Stargazing takes center stage, allowing families to sit comfortably in the Majlis area while sipping warm, traditional Saudi coffee under a sky full of stars. Guests will also have the opportunity to listen to mesmerizing storytelling sessions, inspired by Saudi folklore, making for a truly magical night.
Minzal is made up of various themed zones, each offering a different experience. At Al-Birwaz, guests will be able to participate in traditional Saudi craftsmanship, including the complex art of making bishet, a prized men’s garment worn on very special occasions.
Visitors can also watch the crafting of handmade misbaha prayer beads, an artisanal profession passed down from generation to generation, made with natural materials like Red Sea corals and olive seeds.
For relaxation, Al-Mashb offers an escape in its cozy space with families and friends coming together to sit around a fire that crackles in the open, while music is being played live as they snack on local delicacies before heading to the open space for star-gazing.
Beyond these activities, Minzal offers interactive cultural workshops where visitors can participate in hands-on learning, gaining insight into Saudi’s rich heritage through live demonstrations by expert artisans.
With the conversation of history, hospitality, and an immersive experience, Minzal remains a must-visit spot during this year’s Diriyah Season, creating endless memories for families while celebrating Saudi culture in all its beauty.
Wellness and adventure for the whole family in AlUla
Saudi offers the AlUla Wellness Festival for families seeking both relaxation and adventure. Set against the stunning backdrop of AlUla’s ancient oasis, the festival features renowned yoga, meditation, and art therapy instructors and provides a serene environment for mind and body rejuvenation.
The AlUla Wellness Festival is the largest of its kind in the Middle East; it offers a two-week program focused on recreation and relaxation.
Farm-to-table flavors and culinary arts
Nearby restaurants offer healthy food and drinks made with fresh local ingredients, ideal for festival attendees focused on overall wellness. In AlUla Oasis, discover local farms that use sustainable practices to grow dates, citrus and moringa.
The Dadan Culinary Arts Centre, a global flagship for eco-gastronomy, offers nature-inspired culinary experiences. It features healthy dishes made from fresh, local ingredients to enrich the overall wellness journey.
Adventure and exploration: thrills in the desert
Beyond wellness, AlUla offers guided outdoor adventures tailored for families and thrill-seekers. Take in the Hidden Valley Hike-a tranquil 4km trek through golden sands and dramatic rock formations of the Sharaan Nature Reserve. Bilingual guides lead the 1.5-hour adventure from SAR 265 per person operating until 28 February 2025, including snacks, water, and round-trip transport from Husaak Adventures Centre. Recommended for families with children aged upwards of 7, this hike has easy walking and spectacular views of AlUla’s desert landscape.
Taking it up a notch, the Sharaan Platinum Lunch Safari takes exploratory families on ancient canyons through the Land Rover Defender 130, led by expert conservationists. See millennia-old rock carvings, inhale the scent of native flora, and relax with a four-course South African “Braai” meal of grilled delights, hearty appetizers, and desserts provided with views of towering cliffs (until April 2025). Specific inclusions are hotel pick-up, reusable water bottles, and a deeper appreciation for geological and cultural history.
Crown your day with stargazing in the pristine skies of Gharameel or embark on a 4×4 safari through Sharaan Reserve, where raw desert beauty unfolds at every turn.
Trail Race: from family fun to ultra-marathons
AlUla will welcome back the Trail Race, which promises to stretch athletes of any level, regardless of age, through a stunning countryside setting and athletes from different regions worldwide. The race will feature lengths from 1.6km for kids to a 100km ultra-marathon, giving a glimpse of some of the most impressive and wondrous heritage sites AlUla has to offer.
In January, families are invited to join the children’s race on Thursday, which will last the entire weekend. This will allow you to bond with your kids as they prepare for their first adventure, followed by endurance runners who will partake in several distances on Friday.
Desert retreats and historical journeys
Outdoor enthusiasts can find a retreat at Khaybar Volcano Camp, nestled in the stunning landscapes of Khaybar. It’s perfect for festivalgoers wanting to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature. You can explore vast lava fields, meditate in the peaceful desert, and enjoy stargazing at night.
For a journey into history, book the Hegra Day Tour. You’ll travel comfortably on a luxury coach bus to Hegra, where skilled local guides, known as Rawis, will share their knowledge of the area’s fascinating past. Visit the impressive monolithic tomb of Lihyan Son of Kuza and explore the ancient banquet halls. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
All images courtesy of Saudi Tourism Authority
