Thinking of Saudi Arabia for your next family trip? If you're picturing only vast, empty deserts and oil fields, let me tell you, you're in for the most wonderful surprise. As a family that's always on the lookout for the next big destination, Saudi Arabia has rocketed to the top of our list. As a destination that has thrown its doors wide open to the world, it is rapidly emerging as one of the most exciting, culture-rich, and surprisingly kid-friendly places to explore.
We’re talking futuristic cities that look like they're from a sci-fi movie, ancient tombs that rival Petra (but without the crowds!), pristine Red Sea coral reefs, and a culture of hospitality ("Hafawa") that genuinely embraces families and children. This isn't just a trip; it's a real, boots-on-the-ground adventure.
But where do you even start planning? It can feel overwhelming. That's why we’ve crafted this 10-day itinerary that blends modern thrills with timeless wonders, all at a pace that works for little legs and curious minds.
Why Saudi is Now on the Family Travel Map
For decades, Saudi Arabia was one of the world's most mysterious destinations. Now, with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 plan, everything has changed. The government is investing billions in world-class attractions, stunning resorts, and modern infrastructure.
For families, this translates to a unique, golden opportunity: you get to be among the first wave of tourists to explore a destination that feels both incredibly safe and truly adventurous. You'll find high-end, air-conditioned malls with massive play areas and aquariums right alongside ancient souqs and UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s this blend of the brand-new and the truly ancient that makes it so captivating for all ages.
The Best Time to Visit Saudi with Children
This is probably the most important tip I can give you: timing is everything. Saudi Arabia is a desert climate. The summer (May to October) is intensely, unimaginably hot, with temperatures often soaring past 45°C (113°F). This is simply not enjoyable or safe for kids (or adults!) who want to be outdoors.
The absolute best time for a family visit is during the cooler winter months, from November to February. During this "peak season," you’ll enjoy pleasant, sunny days with average temperatures ranging from 20-25°C (68-77°F) in Riyadh and Jeddah. It’s perfect T-shirt weather for exploring, and you’ll only need a light jacket or sweatshirt for the cooler desert evenings.
Family Travel 101: The eVisa, Packing, and Getting Around
Planning the logistics for Saudi is surprisingly straightforward. Here’s the breakdown.
Getting Your Family's Saudi eVisa: A Breeze
This is the number one question people ask, and the answer is wonderfully simple. The difficult, long-winded visa processes are a thing of the past. Over 50 countries (including the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia) are Eligible Countries for Saudi Arabia Visa or can apply online in minutes before the trip.
We used the online portal. The entire application for a family of four took about 20 minutes. You upload your passport photos, fill in the details, pay the fee (which includes mandatory COVID-19 travel insurance), and the approved e-visas were in our inbox within an hour. It's truly one of the easiest visa systems we've ever used.
Getting Around the Kingdom
Saudi is a huge country. The distance between Riyadh and Jeddah is over 950km (590 miles). Don't try to drive it all. The best strategy for a 10-day trip is to fly between cities.
- Domestic Flights: Use the excellent and affordable domestic airlines (like Saudia, Flynas, or flyadeal) to hop between major cities (e.g., Riyadh to Jeddah). The flights are quick, modern, and efficient.
- Car Rental/Ride-Sharing: Once in a city, renting a car gives you ultimate flexibility. Driving standards can be energetic (to put it politely!), but it's manageable if you're a confident driver. Alternatively, apps like Uber and Careem (the local equivalent) are cheap, reliable, and widely available.
- Tours: For day trips to places like the Edge of the World, we strongly recommend booking a private driver or a guided 4x4 tour. It's the safest, most hassle-free option.
What to Pack: A Simple Family Checklist
While Saudi is modernizing, modesty is still the cultural norm and deeply respected. Packing right makes everyone feel comfortable.
Our 10-Day Itinerary: The "Riyadh & Red Sea" Classic
This itinerary gives you the perfect mix of Saudi's two biggest cities—the bustling, modern desert capital of Riyadh and the historic, coastal heart of Jeddah—with a magical finale.
Days 1-3: Riyadh – Capital City Thrills & Desert Vistas
Day 1: Arrival and a Dazzling Fountain Show Arrive at King Khalid International Airport (RUH), get your eVisas processed (if doing visa-on-arrival), pick up your rental car or grab an Uber, and check into your hotel. After settling in, head out for an easy first evening at King Abdullah Park. It's a beautiful, massive green space. The real star, though, is the spectacular musical fountain show after sunset. It’s a huge hit with kids and a perfect, low-key start to the trip.
Day 2: History, Culture, and Modern Fun Start your day at the Saudi National Museum. It's brilliantly curated, fully air-conditioned, and takes you on a journey from dinosaurs and ancient artifacts to the founding of the modern Kingdom. It's interactive enough to keep kids engaged. For a change of pace, you could also visit the Riyadh Zoo, which is well-maintained and a fun, easy win for younger kids.
In the afternoon, jump to the 21st century at Boulevard World or Boulevard City. These massive entertainment complexes are like theme parks, with zones for different countries (think a mini-Epcot), rides, games, and endless food options.
Day 3: Adventure to the Edge of the World Today is a true bucket-list adventure. Book a 4x4 tour to Jebel Fihrayn, famously known as the "Edge of the World." About 90 minutes from Riyadh, these towering cliffs rise dramatically from the desert floor, offering mind-blowing, endless views. Kids will love the thrilling off-road driving and the feeling of being on top of the world. Go for a sunset tour to watch the colors change and enjoy a snack as the stars come out. Note: This is not for toddlers, but kids 6+ will love the climb.
Days 4-6: Jeddah – Coastal Charms & Underwater Wonders
Day 4: Fly to Jeddah & Explore the Corniche Take a morning flight (approx. 90 minutes) from Riyadh to Jeddah (JED). Check into your hotel and feel the balmy, humid Red Sea air. In the late afternoon, head to the Jeddah Corniche. This waterfront promenade is the city's living room. You can rent family-friendly 4-wheel bikes, stop at playgrounds, admire the quirky modern art sculptures, and marvel at the engineering of King Fahd's Fountain (the world's tallest) and the beautiful Al-Rahmah Mosque, which appears to float on the water at high tide.
Day 5: Old Town Al-Balad & an Aquarium Spend the morning (before it gets too hot) getting lost in the winding alleys of Al-Balad, Jeddah's UNESCO-listed Old Town. The kids will be fascinated by the ancient coral-stone buildings with their intricate wooden rawasheen (balconies). Let them sniff the spices in the small souqs and imagine life here hundreds of years ago. In the afternoon, cool off at the wonderful Fakieh Aquarium. It’s a fantastic facility showcasing the incredible marine life of the Red Sea, complete with a fun dolphin and sea lion show.
Day 6: Red Sea Splash Day You can't come to Jeddah and not experience the Red Sea. While public beaches are available, the best and easiest option for families is to buy a day pass for one of the many private beach resorts (like those in North Obhur). This gives you clean beaches, pools, restaurants, and, most importantly, easy and safe access to snorkeling. The coral reefs are just offshore and are teeming with colorful fish. It's like swimming in an aquarium.
Days 7-9: The Grand Finale: AlUla's Ancient Magic or Red Sea Relaxation
This is a "choose your own adventure" finale. You can't go wrong.
Option A: AlUla's Ancient Magic (For Adventurous Families)
Day 7: Take a short flight from Jeddah to AlUla (ULH). Check into your hotel (options range from stunning desert resorts to unique eco-lodges). In the evening, visit Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil) at sunset. Watching the light change on this massive, naturally formed rock is pure magic.
Day 8: Today is the main event: exploring Hegra. This is Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a stunning city of Nabatean tombs carved directly into sandstone rocks, just like Petra but without the crowds. Kids will be in awe of the scale. You can tour the site in a luxury bus or even in a vintage Land Rover.
Day 9: Explore AlUla Old Town, a beautifully restored labyrinth of mud-brick houses, now home to cute cafes and shops. You could also visit Maraya, the world's largest mirrored building, which is an incredible sight in the middle of the desert.
Option B: Red Sea Relaxation (For a Chilled Vibe)
Day 7-9: If another flight sounds like too much, simply double down on the coast. Check into a family-friendly Red Sea resort near Jeddah for three days. Let the kids enjoy the pools, kids' clubs, and water sports. This is your chance to unwind, snorkel every day, and soak in the sun before heading home.
Day 10: Departure Enjoy a final Saudi breakfast (or futur). If you chose AlUla, you can fly home from AlUla's airport (it has some international connections) or take a short flight back to Jeddah/Riyadh for your main flight. If you stayed in Jeddah, head to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) for your flight home.
Must-Do With Kids: The Arabian Desert Safari Experience
If the Edge of the World seems too intense, a classic desert safari is a must. You can book this as an evening trip from Riyadh. It's a curated, family-friendly experience that includes:
- "Soft" Dune Bashing: A fun, roller-coaster-like ride over smaller dunes in a 4x4.
- Camel Rides: A slow, gentle ride that kids always love.
- Bedouin-style Camp: Relax in a traditional tent, try on Arabic clothing, and enjoy a delicious BBQ dinner.
- Stargazing: Away from the city lights, the desert sky is simply breathtaking.
What to Eat: A Kid-Friendly Guide to Saudi Food
Don't worry about picky eaters! You will find every international fast-food and casual dining chain imaginable in the malls (McDonald's, KFC, Pizza Hut, etc.). But encourage your kids to try the local flavors!
- Kabsa: The national dish. Gently spiced rice served with tender chicken or lamb. A guaranteed winner.
- Shawarma: A classic they may already know and love.
- Mutabbaq: A thin, savory pancake stuffed with minced meat or cheese. A perfect kid-friendly snack.
- Fresh Juices: Roadside stalls blend incredible fresh fruit cocktails.
- Dates and Arabic Coffee: You will be offered this everywhere as a sign of welcome. The coffee (qahwa) is spiced and an acquired taste, but the sweet dates are a perfect kid-friendly treat.
A Quick Guide to Culture: Etiquette, Dress, and Staying Safe
- Politeness is Key: "Hafawa" (hospitality) is real. You will find people to be incredibly welcoming, patient, and doting, especially towards children.
- Dress (A Quick Reminder): Adults (men and women) should dress modestly—cover shoulders and knees. Kids can wear their normal clothes.
- Photos: Always ask permission before taking photos of people, especially women and children. It's considered very rude not to. It's fine to take pictures of sites, food, and landscapes.
- Safety: Saudi Arabia has a very low crime rate. Normal family travel precautions apply, but you will feel exceptionally safe walking around, even at night.
Final Thoughts: Is Saudi Arabia Your Next Family Holiday?
Absolutely. A trip to Saudi Arabia with your children is more than a vacation; it's an education. It's a chance to see a country in the midst of a fascinating transformation, to stand in awe before wonders built 2,000 years ago, and to experience a level of warmth and hospitality you'll never forget. The adventure is calling!
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