Ultimate Family-Friendly Saudi Arabia Itinerary: 10-Day Travel Guide

This family-friendly 10-day Saudi Arabia itinerary is designed to help parents and kids explore the country comfortably and safely.

Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Middle East. With modern infrastructure, interactive museums, awe-inspiring landscapes, and safe, clean cities, it offers experiences that entertain, educate and inspire children and adults alike.
This 10-day itinerary blends learning, culture, outdoor fun, and relaxation—perfect for parents seeking comfort and safety, and kids eager for adventure and discovery.

budget hotels in Riyadh family-friendly accommodation Saudi Arabia
family-friendly Saudi Arabia itinerary

Preparing for a Family Trip to Saudi Arabia

Visas & Vaccinations

Apply for the Saudi tourist eVisa online; children require their own passport and eVisa.
Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Some travellers may need hepatitis A or typhoid shots.
Bring a family medical kit with children’s medication, plasters, suncream, and insect repellent.

Accommodation & Transport

Choose family suites, hotels with pools and kids’ clubs, or resorts with babysitting.
Renting a car is the most convenient way to travel—ensure you request child seats in advance.
Plan long drives with rest stops every 1–2 hours.

Heat Management

Children dehydrate quickly.
Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, carry reusable water bottles, and pack electrolyte sachets. Dress kids in breathable fabrics, hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

Days 1–2: Riyadh – Museums, Zoos & Historic Adventures

9

Day 1 – Riyadh’s Interactive Museums

Start at the National Museum, where child-friendly exhibits use touch screens, 3-D models, and dioramas to bring ancient Arabia to life.
Continue to the King Abdullah Children’s Discovery Centre, a science-themed playground full of hands-on exhibits.

Spend the afternoon at Riyadh Zoo or Al Hokair Land for roller coasters and carnival rides.
End the day at the Sky Bridge in Kingdom Centre—children love spotting landmarks from above.

A historic tower in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, framed by tree branches under a bright blue sky.

Day 2 – Diriyah & Wadi Hanifah

Drive to Diriyah and explore At-Turaif, the UNESCO site that marks the birthplace of Saudi Arabia.
Families can join guided storytelling tours, pottery workshops, and falconry demonstrations.

Have lunch at Bujairi Terrace, then head to Wadi Hanifah to picnic, walk the boardwalk, and let kids enjoy green spaces.

Day 3 – Living Heritage Experiences in Diriyah

Return to Diriyah for immersive, hands-on cultural fun.
Join a living history experience where costumed actors teach weaving, leatherworking, and bread baking.
Children can paint geometric patterns inspired by Al-Qatt Al-Asiri, a UNESCO-recognized art form.

Visit a small farm for goat feeding and donkey rides.
If visiting between October and February, end the day with a family-friendly cultural show.

Days 4–5: Jeddah – Aquariums, Beaches & Marine Fun

Beautiful view of dolphins swimming peacefully at dawn in a calm sea, capturing serene marine life.

Day 4 – Sharks, Dolphins & Playgrounds

Fly to Jeddah and start at the Fakieh Aquarium to see sharks, seahorses, turtles, and coral habitats.
Daily dolphin and sea-lion shows are a highlight for children.

Spend the afternoon on the Jeddah Corniche, where you’ll find bike rentals, playgrounds, ice-cream stalls, and seaside restaurants.
Visit the Floating Mosque, which appears to hover above the Red Sea during high tide.

Pexels Claudia Schmalz 3928374 20346963

Day 5 – Islands & Water Adventures

Take a boat trip to shallow-water islands for child-safe snorkelling.
Many operators provide kids’ life jackets and gear.

If children are not confident swimmers, choose a glass-bottom boat instead.
Return to the Corniche for a family stroll and a ride on the Ferris wheel.

taif festival
Taif Festival

Day 6 – Taif: Roses, Cable Cars & Mountain Breezes

Drive 2 hours to Taif, a cool mountain city surrounded by farms and orchards.
Visit a rose farm to learn how Taif rose perfume is made; children love picking petals and smelling the extracts.

Ride the Al Hada cable car down to a valley amusement park.
Enjoy carnival rides, local snacks, and beautiful mountain views.
In the evening, visit Al Rudaf Park, famous for its granite formations, lakes, and magical light shows.

Days 7–8: Abha & Asir – Mountain Views, Villages & Wildlife

A white car travels on a dusty mountain road in Jabal Shams, Oman.

Day 7 – Art Street & Jabal Soudah

Fly or drive to Abha, known for its cool climate and mountain scenery.
Explore Art Street, filled with murals, craft stalls, and pottery stations for kids.
Take a cable car to Jabal Soudah, the Kingdom’s highest point.
Walk gentle trails and look for wildlife tracks; the Raydah Reserve protects species like the Arabian wolf.

Scenic view of a rocky hillside in Alma, Colorado, showcasing natural beauty.

Day 8 – Rijal Almaa & Habala Villages

Spend the day in Rijal Almaa, a beautiful stone-built village famous for its Asiri architecture.
Children can try Al-Qatt Al-Asiri painting, weaving, and small craft workshops.

Return via Habala, a cliffside village once accessible only by rope ladders—now reached by an exciting cable-car ride.

Captivating night scene of the illuminated Elephant Rock in AlUla, featuring stunning desert landscape.

Day 9: AlUla for Families

Travel north to AlUla, the desert playground of Saudi Arabia.
Visit Hegra, where kids can ride electric shuttles between ancient Nabataean tombs.

In AlUla Old Town, follow a treasure hunt designed for families to learn about caravan life.
End the day roasting marshmallows at Elephant Rock before staying in a desert camp.

Day 10: Red Sand Dunes & Desert Farewell

Depending on your route, head to the Red Sand Dunes near Riyadh or the dunes outside AlUla.
Enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and kid-friendly quad biking.

End with a traditional dinner under the stars and surprise children with keepsakes like calligraphy bookmarks or mini baskets of dates.

Dining Tips for Families

Most Saudi restaurants are family-friendly, with kids’ menus and play areas.
Ask for mild versions of dishes.
Encourage children to try local treats like ma’amoul, kunafa, and fresh fruit juices.

Practical Advice

Break up long drives, bring colouring books and tablets for entertainment, and teach kids simple Arabic phrases like “shukran”.
Respect prayer times and explain the cultural significance to children.

With the right planning, Saudi Arabia becomes an exciting and enriching playground for families.
From interactive museums and mountain cable cars to desert adventures and ancient villages, this 10-day itinerary ensures everyone returns home with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Saudi culture.

FAQ

Yes, Saudi Arabia is very safe for families, with modern roads, clean cities, and excellent hospitality.

 

 

Top family spots include Riyadh museums, Jeddah aquarium, Taif cable cars, Abha mountains, and AlUla.

 

A rental car provides flexibility and convenience, especially with children.

 

Yes, many operators offer shallow-water snorkelling with child-size equipment.

 

October–April offers cooler weather and is ideal for outdoor family activities.