Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Summer Is Here, What To Do?

Many expats and locals find themselves "stuck" in Saudi for the summer with nothing to do, fearing death caused by boredom. Not everyone is lucky enough to escape the Saudi heat. With the schools now closed, children and youth (and housewives) get very bored! This causes frustration in parents, what to do?
There ARE other options than shopping people!

Here is a quick list of suggested activities for the summer mainly for families and women:

Kids Summer camps
Try: My Little School , Creative Hands Preschool, Dragonfly School, SPLASH summer camp at Intercontinental Hotel, Crayon's International Activity Center
Summer Camps Riyadh FB page:  http://www.facebook.com/groups/363357090388129/

Horseback riding
Dirab Golf course and recreation center http://www.dirabgolf.com/
Al Aghar Equestrian club Diplomatic quarters both have lessons available for children and women
Swimming
Equestrian Club inside Diplomatic Quarters has outdoor swimming pool for ladies and children
Al Manahil also in DQ  has indoor pool
Diplomatic Quarters Sports Club has large outdoor pool complete with slides and a wave pool ladies/men's days alternate (membership required)
Water Splash waterpark exit 9 Eastern Ring rd.
Dirab Golf course outdoor pool (membership required)

Rent an istiraha with pool
There are countless istirahas spotted around the outskirts of Riyadh. One of the bigger ones is Yamamah Resort http://www.gtandalusia.com/yamama/yamamaresort.htm

Check Out Maison Bo-M
Inside Nojoud Mall next to Intercontinental hotel. Ethnic fashion, art exhibition, cafe lounge, delicatessen, books, gifts etc..Women only
Special Exhibition "Themar Ramadan" – June 4th-July 31st 2012  
http://www.maisonbo-m.com/

Try Family Bowling
Intercontinental Hotel
Alkhozama Bowling Center
Universal Bowling Center http://www.ubcriyadh.com/aboutus.html

Spend the day relaxing at a women's center
Al Multaka http://www.almultaka.com.sa/overview.htm
Al Manahil http://www.almanahil.com.sa/english/index.html

Visit Dinosaur world
Inside Al Othaim Mall, on the third floor. Also in this amll a large indoor amusement park area with 5D movie theatre on the 4th floor. http://imagesofsaudi.blogspot.com/2012/05/dinosaur-world.html

Cool off Ice Skating
Ice skating rinks I'm aware of: Royal Mall (also for females), Othaim Mall exit 15, Hayat Mall, ChinaMart Mall upstairs (can be reserved for private functions as well)

Play Paint Ball
Riyadh's only paintball operator allows only men on site but they can be booked for private functions and women can play too http://www.facebook.com/groups/68469925659/

Visit King Abdulaziz Historical Center & surroundings
Visit the National Museum, Murabba Palace, the historical buildings, Public Library, King Abdulaziz mosque and Memorial Hall and browse the surrounding beautiful parks complete with fountains and picnic areas. Nearby also the water tower with a viewing platform and a small amusement park located next to it.
My Gym
Inside the Panorama Mall Women's section, has activities for kids and moms this summer. This June
"The Little Artist Competition": http://www.facebook.com/events/164552030341611/

Visit the "Riyadh Corniche"
Newly developed Wadi Namar, 2km long lake complete with promenade and picnic spots off exit 20.

Any other suggestions? Feel free to send me links to events etc that you know of this summer!
Check also: WSB magazine

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

is that you on the photo?

Layla said...

That's my friend..

Anonymous said...

two other wonderful things you can do in Riyadh:
a family can have some great family time at a restaurant
and form an Islamic study circle where they, along with some friends, can exchange some Islamic knowledge

whoever seeks Islamic knowledge (tries to learn more about the true religion Islam) God (Allah) makes it easier for him/her to enter Heaven/Jannah through guiding them to doing more good deeds with a good intention.

Allah knows best.

can I ask you, blue abaya blogger: are you Muslim? what is your name? if you're Muslim, did you change your first name?

imenbouyahya said...

Hi Layla, I am Imen from Tunisia, I've read merely all ur posts and felt soooooooo much sorry and even shocked about a lot of things happening there that do not go with our beautiful Islam rules!! That's unfortunately due to the false traditions and misunderstanding and misinterpretation of religion! I can't see why women are treted as second place citizens! Nonetheless, I know so many young saudi ladies and men who are really starting a new era in KSA, very talented and skilled and who understand very well what their society need..I am so happy when seeing the hard work they are doing..Inshallah KSA woul be better ya Allah!
I also admired your writing and describing style! Mash'Allah ;) you made me relive every moment with you or your heros! you drew an exact picture with your fair opinion and I do appreciate this..even when you disagree with some behaviours I like how you try to understand why? and How did this happen!
I congratulate you for this successful blog and keep it up!
way to go! warm greetings from Tunisia :)

Layla said...

imenbouyahya nice to hear from you and thanks for the comment!
I can see the new era slowly starting as well..hopefully sooner than later!

Anonymous said...

The horseback riding looks fun!

Anonymous said...

Hello ,is there anything for children during ramadan,exept summer camps?

Serge said...

I think that Horseback riding summer camp could be a great bonding time for parents and kids!