Days out with children

Who this is for

Parents, grandparents and carers looking for things to do with children in Qatar, whether you live here or are visiting. It does not rank or list private play centres.

Before you start

• Water, hats and sunscreen for outdoor outings.
• For a library card: your Qatar ID and your child's Qatar ID.
• For museums: a ticket booked online where the museum asks for it.
• For child health visits: your child registered at a PHCC health centre.

Steps

1. Find a park with a play area

   The Ministry of Municipality runs more than 120 public parks, many with children's play areas and space for sport. Even small new neighbourhood parks, such as Al Nabaq Park in Al Thumama, include a playground. Al Bidda Park beside the Corniche has playgrounds for different ages, with sand pits, swings, climbing frames and zip lines, plus picnic areas. Aspire Park has play areas and a lake, and the park at the National Museum of Qatar has playgrounds and gardens.

2. Visit a museum made for active kids

   The 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum at Khalifa International Stadium has family activities and interactive games where children can test their skills. Qatar Museums also runs a family calendar: the National Museum of Qatar holds weekly storytelling and drawing activities on Saturdays, and the Museum of Islamic Art hosts story time and family days. Most Qatar Museums sites are closed on Tuesdays, so check opening hours first. Dadu, the Children's Museum of Qatar, is still being built and is not yet open.

3. Spend time at the Children's Library

   The Children's Library at Qatar National Library has more than 100,000 children's books, plus story time, creative workshops, early literacy sessions and programmes for children with disabilities. Anyone, including visitors, can come in and read. Membership is free for residents with a Qatar ID: a parent registers the child and links the card to their own. Children can borrow up to 6 books for 21 days. Children under 9 must stay within sight of an adult, and for ages 9 to 12 a parent must be in the building.

4. Explore heritage houses in Msheireb

   Msheireb Museums are four restored heritage houses in Msheireb Downtown Doha that tell stories from Qatar's past. Entry is free. They are closed on Sundays and open on other days, with shorter evening hours on Fridays. Every house has baby-changing facilities. Visitors are asked to dress modestly, covering shoulders to knees.

5. Head to a family beach

   Visit Qatar describes Al Wakrah Beach, south of Doha, as having shaded seating, playgrounds and calm, shallow water. Al Shamal Beach in the north has shallow water, shade and family facilities, and Al Maroona in the northeast has calm, shallow water suited to picnics. Lifeguards are not present at most free beaches, so keep children within arm's reach in the water.

6. Look out for holiday programmes

   During school holidays, public institutions publish activity programmes on their own websites. In summer 2026, for example, the 3-2-1 Museum ran a free Summer Sports Fun Factory from early July to late August. Check the Qatar Museums family calendar and the library's children's events page for what is coming up. National Sport Day, on the second Tuesday of February, also brings free family activities to parks and beaches.

7. Keep up with check-ups and vaccinations

   Every PHCC health centre has a well-baby clinic for registered children up to age 5. It covers routine vaccinations, growth and development checks, feeding advice and screening for hearing, vision and developmental concerns. Visits are scheduled at 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 30 months and at 4 years. You can book without a doctor's referral. Vaccines follow Qatar's national immunisation programme, and older children receive later doses such as Tdap between 13 and 18. For questions, ask your family doctor or call PHCC on 107.

8. Protect children from the heat

   The Ministry of Public Health advises limiting time in direct sun between 11am and 4pm, drinking water regularly, wearing loose, light-coloured clothes and a hat, and using sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every 2 to 3 hours. Signs such as severe dizziness, no sweating, a high temperature, red skin or confusion need quick action: move the child to shade, cool them down, and get medical help. In an emergency, call 999.

Useful numbers and apps

• PHCC: information on vaccinations 107 Source
• 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum +974 4452 5200 Source
• National Museum of Qatar +974 4452 5555 Source
• Msheireb Museums +974 4006 5555 Source
• Emergency (police, fire, ambulance) 999 Source

Good to know

• Visitors to Qatar can use the library's collections and exhibitions but cannot register for membership.
• Parents are responsible for their children's safety and behaviour in the library, not library staff. If your child joins a closed programme, stay in the building and collect them at the end.
• Dogs are allowed in Al Bidda Park but must be on a lead at all times.
• Some National Museum of Qatar galleries may close for upgrades from time to time; check the museum's website before you go.
• Last entry to the National Museum of Qatar is 45 minutes before closing, and to Msheireb Museums 30 minutes before closing.