We recently visited Doha as a couple, but I had my parenting eye out while we were there to see what would appeal to children, if we were looking to return as a family. I’ve picked out my best 5 things to do in Doha with the kids to share with you.
The Doha Bus
The Doha Bus is a great way to get to know the city. If you sit in the air conditioned section, you can escape the heat too, plus free bottled water is provided. Kids will enjoy using the headphones and listening to the commentary (new inside ear headphones are provided, but if you ones that sit on the ears bring your own along). You can read my review of the Doha Bus here.
Dhow Trip
A boat trip is usually a family favourite and getting out on the water is the perfect way to escape the city heat and dust for a little while. Dhows are traditional fishing boats, but these ones have been kitted out to keep tourists comfortable.
The Souk
The Souk in Doha is a curious mix of old and new. They knocked the old souk down and rebuilt it. To a large extent they have kept the quirky market atmosphere, but it’s good to know that there are nice, modern toilets available. There are undoubtedly bargains to be had and haggling is expected. Children might enjoy seeing the various pet stalls with animals for sale. All the animals we saw looked to be in condition and were kept in clean accommodation, but some of their quarters were rather cramped, so I hope they weren’t there for long. There are plenty of places to eat in the souk from very traditional local food to South American cuisine. You can get just about everything you could want to eat there from traditional street food to superfoods.
Ice Rink
This sounds a strange one for such a hot country, but if you are looking to cool off you could go skating in the City Center Mall. The rink forms the bottom storey of the mall.
Doha Corniche
Walking along the corniche is very pleasant as long as you avoid the worst of the heat of the day. It’s a safe traffic free place where children can run along or even scoot or ride bikes. Dotted along the way are stations with exercise equipment, but also other things (we saw one place that you could charge your phone up for free – I guess when you have next to no rainfall it’s ok to leave those charging cable out). The views are fantastic and many of the sights of the city are situated along the waterfront.
I’ve never been to Doha but would love to as I understand it is the world’s richest country! We’ve been to Dubai before and that was great for kiddie activities so it’s good to see what you can do in Doha. I bet the ice rink gets lot of business!!
I have never been before and wouldn’t think of it as kid friendly, but you have really opened my eyes. My boys would love the boat trip.
Doha looks really interesting and just the kind of place my family would enjoy!
I love reading your travel pieces x
Wow this is not somewhere I have ever even considered going before but it sounds fantastic. Mich x
I love the look of Doha, as we plan to eventually emigrate to the Middle East, I’m super interested in finding out what cities offer the most for children. The tour bus sounds brilliant x
I am embarrased to say that I have not even heard of Doha but looking it up, it sounds amazing. What a fascinating trip
Seems like you all had a great holiday.
My father worked in Doha in the early 1970’s and my sister & I used to fly out there for holidays as we were both in boarding school. My father lived in a single storey “villa” with a flat roof and stairs up to the roof on the outside of the building. Most of Doha consisted of those buildings, except the Emir’s palace (which was under construction the 3 years my father lived there), and the main mosque which was a large building with green mosaic tiles on the outside. When I see photos of Doha now, I’m always amazed by how much it has changed.
There’s very little like that now unless you go quite a way out of the city.