Family outings: Fun in Jeddah

By MARRIAM MOSSALLI, MARRIAM.MOSSALLI@ARABNEWS.COM

July is right in the midst of summer. It’s not only a time when you can no longer wear silk or other moisture-sensitive clothing, but also the time when your kids can’t play outside without getting a heat rash. So what can one do? Hibernate indoors until autumn brings in a breeze?

Arab News decided to list some of the local hot spots for family fun. Entertaining, exciting, and a 100 percent heat free; these five places are all about creating summer memories with your children.

Jungle Land

Location: Mersal Village

Tel: +966 2 2881111

Ok, we cheated. This one is outdoors. But the “Middle Eastern Disneyland” is one amusement park you can’t miss out on this summer! It offers Chinese acrobats, clowns, and fireworks displays! With fun rides for the teens, entertainment for the toddlers, and a café-like atmosphere for parents, Jungle Land has something for everyone. Although the huge park has shaded refuge during the day, Jungle Land is ideal at night when the cool desert breeze can be felt and the fireworks shine the brightest. But just be warned: You might end up staying a few extra hours than planned… it’s just that fun!

Fantasy Stationary (Rawa’e Al-Maktabat)

Location: Prince Sultan Street

Tel: +966 2 6827730

This is the place to go in the afternoon to meet up with girlfriends, while the kids play in one of the many themed rooms. There is the “Occupation Room,” where your son or daughter can live out their fantasy career with a variety of props, from a doctor’s clinic to a news broadcasting set. Or you child may enjoy the bakery, where they get to make the dough and bake their goodies under the supervision of Fantasy staff. Make sure your kids don’t miss the outdoor water park where they can cool off from the heat. And if you and the girls finish with your coffee early, there is the stationary downstairs that sells unique home accessories as well as other home fixtures.

Chuck E. Cheese’s

Location: Corniche Road

Tel.: +966 2 6062608

www.chuckecheeses-sa.com

An international chain, Chuck E. Cheese is the place a kid can be a kid! Arcade games and rides, suitable for those 12 and under, make Chuck E. Cheese’s a fun party place. Delicious pizza and the family stamps that are used for security are just a few reasons why even parents love it. With a stamp that makes sure you leave with who you came, parents are able to feel more relaxed as their kids run around having fun, and enjoying the many games Chuck E. Cheese’s has to offer.

Mall of Arabia

Location: Madinah Road

Tel: 920009550

www.mallofarabia.com.sa

One can’t help referencing Circus Circus’ Adventure Dome in Las Vegas. A huge clear glass dome hovers over all the coolest rides in town, making you feel like your outside, minus the intense heat. With wall climbing, a 3D motion ride, and the “Black Adder” — an upside down ride. Mall of Arabia’s Vector seems to have it all. It’s just like the amusement parks in the United States, but add an ice skating rink in the center of the food court. Mall of Arabia is hands-down the ultimate indoor malahi for families this summer!

Fun Time Pizza

Location: Corniche Road

Tel: +966 2 6555992

A local chain, Fun Time Pizza, is a family restaurant targeted at tweens and toddlers. Although less expensive than its counterparts, Fun Time Pizza doesn’t sacrifice any of its amenities. It’s a big playing field filled with games and arcades that the locals have come to love. Pizza and games in a large indoor funhouse is the formula for cool summer fun — a perfect replacement for those winter picnics on the Corniche.

Comments

LIZA

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Thank you Marriam for providing such resourceful information about suitable outings for children in Jeddah. My friend Nawell and I, Liza, thought it is a better idea to hang around these places and not necessarily malls to entertain the kids. I would be equally thankful if you keep posting new events for children for future reference in Jeddah.
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