Best Things to Do in Jeddah with Kids

Whether you are visiting for a weekend or planning a longer family holiday, Jeddah has activities suitable for toddlers, teenagers, and adults alike.

This guide covers the best things to do in Jeddah with kids, including travel details, entry costs, transportation options, family-friendly experiences, and practical travel tips.

Quick Travel Information

Best Time to Visit Jeddah

• November to March: Pleasant weather for outdoor activities
• April to October: Hot weather, best for indoor attractions and evening outings

Distance from Major Saudi Cities

• Riyadh to Jeddah: Around 950 km
• Makkah to Jeddah: Around 85 km
• Taif to Jeddah: Around 170 km

How to Reach Jeddah

By Flight:
King Abdulaziz International Airport connects Jeddah with major international and domestic destinations.

By Car:
Excellent highways connect Jeddah with Makkah, Taif, Medina, and other cities.

By Train:
The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Jeddah with Makkah and Medina.

Recommended Transportation

• Ride-hailing apps are widely available
• Renting a car is convenient for families
• Most attractions are accessible by taxi or private transport

Average Daily Family Budget

• Budget family: USD 100–180
• Mid-range family: USD 220–400
• Luxury family: USD 500+

1. Spend an Evening at Jeddah Corniche

Distance from City Centre: Around 5–10 km depending on your hotel location

The Jeddah Corniche is one of the best places for families to relax. Stretching along the Red Sea coastline, the waterfront is filled with playgrounds, parks, cafés, walking paths, and open spaces where children can run freely.

The atmosphere becomes especially lively after sunset when families gather for picnics and evening walks.

Things to Do

• Enjoy seaside walks

• Let children play in public parks

• Try local snacks and ice cream

• Watch the sunset over the Red Sea

• Relax in family seating areas

Entry Fee: Free

Average Food Cost

• USD 5–20

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon and evening

The cooler evening breeze makes the Corniche one of the most relaxing family experiences in Jeddah.

2. Visit Fakieh Aquarium

Distance from City Centre: Around 10 km

Travel Time: 15–20 minutes by car

Fakieh Aquarium is one of the city’s top family attractions and especially popular with younger children. Located along the Corniche, the aquarium introduces visitors to marine life from the Red Sea and beyond.

Children can watch colourful fish, sharks, rays, turtles, and other sea creatures up close.

Things to Do

• Explore marine exhibits

• Watch dolphin shows

• Learn about Red Sea ecosystems

• Take family photographs

• Enjoy nearby seaside cafés

Ticket Prices

• Adults: Around USD 20–25

• Children: Around USD 13–18

Best For

• Families with children aged 3–12

• The dolphin performances are often the highlight for younger visitors.

 

3. Explore Al Balad Historic District

Distance from City Centre: Around 3 km

Al Balad, the old town of Jeddah, offers children a different kind of experience compared to amusement parks or malls. Narrow alleyways, traditional wooden balconies, colourful markets, and centuries-old buildings make the area feel full of stories and discovery.

Walking through Al Balad gives families a chance to experience Jeddah’s heritage in a relaxed and engaging way.

Things to Do

• Walk through historic streets

• Visit traditional markets

• Try local street food

• Photograph heritage buildings

• Buy handmade souvenirs

Entry Fee: Free

Average Snack Cost

• USD 3–10

Best Time to Visit

• Evening, when temperatures become cooler

• Children often enjoy exploring the maze-like streets and discovering hidden shops and cafés.

 

4. Visit Jeddah Waterfront

Distance from City Centre: Around 12 km

The Jeddah Waterfront is one of the city’s newest family attractions. Designed with wide walking areas, fountains, playgrounds, cycling paths, and open green spaces, it is ideal for families travelling with children.

The clean and organised environment makes it especially comfortable for evening outings.

Things to Do

• Rent bicycles

• Enjoy playgrounds

• Walk along the waterfront

• Try food trucks and cafés

• Watch fountain shows

Entry Fee: Free

Bicycle Rental

• Around USD 5–10 per hour

Best Time to Visit

• Sunset and evening hours

• The atmosphere feels energetic but still family-friendly and relaxed.

 

5. Enjoy Family Time at Al Shallal Theme Park

Distance from City Centre: Around 9 km

Travel Time: 15 minutes by car

Al Shallal Theme Park remains one of Jeddah’s most popular amusement parks for families. The park includes roller coasters, arcade games, ice skating, water rides, and entertainment areas suitable for different age groups.

The colourful lights and lively atmosphere create an exciting experience for children.

Things to Do

• Ride roller coasters

• Enjoy family rides

• Visit the indoor ice-skating rink

• Play arcade games

• Explore entertainment zones

Ticket Prices

• Entry: Around USD 8–15

• Ride packages: USD 20–40

Best For: Families with school-age children and teenagers

6. Take a Red Sea Boat Ride

Jeddah’s location on the Red Sea makes boat trips a memorable activity for families. Short sightseeing cruises allow children to enjoy sea views, fresh air, and a different perspective of the city skyline.

Some tours also include glass-bottom boat experiences where children can observe marine life beneath the water.

Things to Do

• Enjoy sunset cruises

• Take family photographs

• Watch the city skyline from the sea

• Try glass-bottom boat experiences

Average Cost

• USD 20–60 depending on the tour

Best Time to Visit

• Late afternoon or sunset

• The calm sea breeze often becomes one of the most peaceful moments of a family trip.

 

7. Visit Indoor Entertainment Centres & Malls

Because Jeddah can become very hot during summer, indoor attractions are extremely popular for families.

Popular Family-Friendly Malls

• Red Sea Mall

• Mall of Arabia

• Aziz Mall

These malls feature cinemas, play zones, arcades, family restaurants, and children’s entertainment centres.

Things to Do

• Indoor games

• Shopping

• Family dining

• Children’s play zones

• Cinema experiences

Entertainment Costs

• USD 10–30 depending on activities

These indoor spaces are especially useful during daytime heat.

 

8. See King Fahd Fountain

Distance from City Centre: Around 8 km

Visible from many parts of the city, King Fahd Fountain is one of Jeddah’s most famous landmarks. Water shoots high above the Red Sea, creating a dramatic sight, especially at night when illuminated.

Children often enjoy simply watching the fountain while families relax along the waterfront nearby.

Things to Do

• Evening walks

• Family photography

• Relax by the sea

• Enjoy nearby cafés

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: Night-time

The combination of sea breeze, city lights, and fountain views creates a memorable atmosphere for families.

Seasonal Events & Family Festivals in Jeddah

Jeddah regularly hosts family-friendly events during major tourism and entertainment seasons.

Popular Activities During Festivals

• Fireworks shows

• Live performances

• Cultural events

• Kids’ entertainment zones

• Food festivals

• Outdoor markets

The Jeddah Season festival often includes concerts, circus performances, amusement areas, sporting events, and family activities across the city.