These top kids’ activities and must-try experiences are all under one roof.

Fun family activities and ideas to try in Bahrain this weekend 

Looking for weekend plans? Here are three fun family-friendly things to do in City Centre Bahrain during your time off…


Magic Planet 

Have a blast on the bumper cars at Magic Planet in Bahrain

There’s a reason why Magic Planet is one of the Kingdom’s most popular places for kids – not only does this sprawling entertainment hub house dozens of rides, simulators and video games, but little ones can also win rewards and incredible prizes to take home. 

Details: Magic Planet, Level 2, City Centre Bahrain  

A Super Sweet Friday Brunch    

Got a sweet tooth? You need to try this tasty brunch in Bahrain

Baharat Restaurant’s all-you-can-eat extravaganza – the ‘Sweetest Brunch’ – is the ultimate Friday feast. Located at Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain, just a quick walk from the main mall, the weekend event is known for putting on an epic spread. 

Grab a seat either inside or on the alfresco terrace, then take to the huge buffet to pile your plate with plenty of dishes from the many international live cooking stations, which include fresh seafood, pasta, grilled meats and Asian favourites. 

But save space for dessert because as the name suggests this brunch serves up hundreds of sweet treats, ranging from buttery pastries to ice-cream, cakes, crêpes and even a chocolate fountain! 

Enjoy gourmet seafood at this brilliant brunch in Bahrain

Kids will also be well looked after with a special children’s area nearby, complete with a large TV to watch while they eat. 

Details: Friday Brunch, from 12.30 pm to 4 pm, 28 BHD per person (including soft drinks), Baharat, Le Méridien City Centre Bahrain

Wahooo! Waterpark 

Have a day out at Wahooo! Waterpark, a massive aquatic entertainment destination located at City Centre Bahrain, where little ones and big kids at heart can enjoy endless hours of fun. 

Set both indoors and outside in the sunshine, the fun factor is set to max at Wahooo! Waterpark, with over a dozen thrill-seeking rides, wave pools and climbing areas. You’ll also find plenty more attractions too, including a toddler pool and an incredible multi-level fortress for your younger ones. 

Details: Wahooo! Waterpark, Level 2, City Centre Bahrain  

The best family-friendly hotel in Bahrain

Fancy a family getaway this weekend? Go for it and treat your brood to a staycation in Bahrain. While the kingdom is home to lots of brilliant hotels, sourcing a stay that ticks all the boxes for kids and adults alike can be a challenge. 

Fear not, as we’ve found the best hotel worth booking. Get the full lowdown below

The Westin City Centre Bahrain has a prime position right next to the mall

Located bang in the centre of Manama, The Westin City Centre Bahrain is one of the leading hotels for families travelling with children. The modern 5-star hotel also sits adjacent to the mall so you’ll have hundreds of shops, restaurants and entertainment activities right on your doorstep. 


Sleep

Elegant furnishings in the huge Diamond Suite at The Westin City Centre Bahrain 

Take your pick from the variety of deluxe room types on offer or splash out on one of the super luxurious suites. For a real treat, book the sprawling Diamond Suite, which comes complete with a large bedroom offering plenty of space for a rollaway bed or crib, plus a separate living room with a dining area for six, a study and even a kitchenette. 


Eat

Delicious meaty dishes await at Furn Bistro & Bakery

Along with all the dining options within the nearby mall, you’ll also find Furn Bistro & Bakery inside the hotel. This cool design-led bistro serves up khaleeji bites with a western twist. Little ones will also be well catered for with a children’s menu filled with their favourites, such as chicken quesadillas and a yummy hummus wrap. 

The Westin can even arrange a professional babysitting service so parents can head to ‘Boudoir’ for hand-shaken refreshments, cigars and snacks in a sophisticated setting. 


Play

Water babies will love the outdoor pool at The Westin City Centre Bahrain

Along with a relaxing spa, sauna and fitness centre, the hotel also has a Jacuzzi and two huge swimming pools, one of which is mainly for kiddies. Roll on a fun family day in the sun! 

Your insider checklist to the top Bahrain attractions.

Sporting fans listen up! As Bahrain gears up for the F1 – thought by many to be the greatest sport on the planet – we unveil three other sporting experiences to try now.

Horse Riding 

We cannot think of a better way to see the city’s sights than on horseback. Whether you’re an experienced rider or a keen beginner, the equestrian centre will pair you up with a horse to suit your skill level. 

Ride past quaint local villages towards Bahrain Fort – an ancient archaeological site and one of the top tourist attractions in Bahrain. The horseback journey continues towards Karbabad Beach for a breezy ride with seaside views.

We recommend booking an early evening ride to take in the sunset while you ride. 

The details: Arabian Horse Riding Experience, visit visitbahrain.bh for more information. 

Bahrain Fort is a must-see for visitors to the kingdom

Pearl Diving 

With a rich pearl heritage dating back more than 2000 years, Bahrain’s waters are home to some of the world’s most prized natural pearls. 
The island kingdom only recently opened its waters to give visitors the incredible opportunity to dive and search for pearls themselves, and it has already become one of the most popular marine trips for tourists visiting Bahrain. 

Enjoy the thrill of hunting for precious pearls with a diving excursion in the warm Arabian Gulf seawaters. 

After attending a briefing workshop, you will depart from Ras Rayyah with a licensed diving company before taking to the seas. Throughout the dive, you can collect up to 60 oysters. Once the boat has docked your oysters will be opened, and any pearls appraised for value and quality. You might leave the trip with some treasure in your pocket.

The details: Pearl Diving, visit pearldiving.bh for more information.

Pearl diving in Bahrain is a top tourist attraction

Refuel At the Best Restaurants in Bahrain

After all those sporting excursions you will be in need of a full-on feast. With a broad range of international food and beverage outlets, including authentic Arabian cuisine, take your pick from the dozens of restaurants and cafés located within City Centre Bahrain. 

A country like no other, Bahrain is an island nation where thousands of years of rich history lines the horizons with modern skyscrapers, offering an unparalleled combination of cultural adventures, entertainment options and leisure destinations. Though Bahrain is best explored during the months from November to February, the country does offer tons of exciting experiences all through the year. Whatever be your preferred form of relaxation or amusement, you’ll find it in the Island of Pearls.

If you’re out and about in Bahrain and wondering about what to do and where to go, and trying to choose from the plethora of equally exciting opportunities and choices available to you, we explore some of the best that the country offers both leisure tourists and hardcore travellers alike.


1. Wahooo! Waterpark

Wahooo! Waterpark is one of the most modern and futuristic waterparks in the Middle East. Spread over 15,000 square-meters, it comes packed with games, rides, slides, pools and more. Designed on a theme of “sub-tropical paradise”, the waterpark features a moored schooner at its heart. A great place for people from all age groups, the park has 30% outdoor and 70% indoor activities and assures a delightful experience in all weathers. Moreover, since it's a part of City Centre Bahrain, once you’ve had your fill of the waterpark, you can always bounce next door for a few hours of shopping, to catch the latest blockbuster or visit your favourite eat-out.

Wahooo! Waterpark Bahrain

Location: City Centre Bahrain, Building 2758, Road 4650, Sh. Khalifa Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Phone: +973 1717 3000
Opening Hours:
11:00 AM - 09:00 PM (Thursday - Friday)
11:00 AM - 08:00 PM (Saturday - Tuesday)
11:00 AM - 04:30 PM (Wednesday)
5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Wednesday, Ladies Night)
Entrance Fees:
Above 1.2 m - BD 13
Under 1.2 m - BD 8.5
Under 3 years - BD 4
Disabled - BD 4
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WahoooWaterpark
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wahooowaterpark
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wahooowaterpark
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/wahooowaterpark


2. Magic Planet

As the name might suggest, this is a whole world of magical family entertainment. Magic Planet is packed with tons of exciting and engaging games, adventurous rides, and a futuristic 4D theatre. Whether you’re seeking a rush of adrenaline for the kids or for yourself, Magic Planet is the place to be.

Children and parents at Magic Planet, City Centre Bahrain

Location: Level 2, City Centre Bahrain, Building 2758, Road 4650, Sh. Khalifa Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Phone: + 973 1717 3085
Opening Hours:
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Saturday - Wednesday)
10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Thursday - Friday)
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/magicplanetmena
Twitter: https://twitter.com/magicplanetmena
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magicplanetmena
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/Magicplanetdxb


3. Bahrain’s Mosques and Old Houses

Bahrain has a rich heritage and cultural history that has been preserved almost perfectly. This can be experienced in everything from the unique architecture of its century-old houses to the mosques and monuments oozing with tradition and religious significance. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bahrain Fort or the (Qalat al Bahrain) is considered to the site of the ancient capital of the Dilmun era. The site museum has 5 exhibition halls and houses artefacts reflecting the rich legacy and history of ancient Bahrain. 

Delve further into the exquisite and fascinating history of Bahrain in the shade of buildings and historic monuments like Al Fateh Mosque, Abdullah Al Zayed House for Bahraini Press Heritage, and Kurar House.

Al Fateh Grand Mosque in Manama

Location: Al Fatih Highway, Manama, Bahrain
Phone: +973 1772 7773
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Sunday - Thursday)

Bahrain Fort

Location: Karbabad, Capital Governorate, Bahrain
Phone: +973 1756 7172
Opening Hours:
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (all 7 days)


4. Shop until you Drop

Bahrain, and especially Manama, is a shopper's paradise. This is true whether you're strolling through the many souks of Bahrain or through the magnificent malls spread across the country. Pay a visit to Bab Al-Bahrain Souk, a string of dainty yet memorable shops that line the streets behind Bab Al Bahrain (or the Gateway of Bahrain). The perfect place to stock up on souvenirs, the shops offer a true experience of the tradition and culture of the Arabian Gulf. Also, check out City Centre Bahrain. The largest mall in the country, it's packed with more than 340 exclusive brands outlets and 60 dining destinations. City Centre Bahrain is also home to famous hypermarkets like Carrefour, and many other fashions branding including Saks Fifth Avenue, Sacoor Brothers and Debenhams, an indoor-outdoor waterpark and a delightful family entertainment destination. So get out and get yourself some Bahraini retail therapy today.

Manama Souk in Bahrain

Shop & Win displays, fun, and games at the Central Galleria of City Centre Bahrain

5. The Azizia Bird Kingdom

The Azizia Bird Kingdom is a uniquely controlled ecosystem that's home to more than 70 species of birds from across the world and more than 500 in number. Some of these birds are critically endangered and have therefore been carefully bred and raised in captivity at the Azizia Bird Kingdom to aid in their conservation. The environment has been designed to not only provide a stimulating, engaging and fun experience for the whole family but also an educational one. 

Birds at the Azizia Bird Kingdom

Location: Jood, Amwaj Islands, Bahrain
Phone: +973 1603 0597
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM (Tuesday - Sunday)
Entrance Fees:
Adult - BD 1.5
Children - 500 fils

Website: http://www.birdskingdomamwaj.com


6. Nightlife in Bahrain

Bahrain, through all of its heritage and history, has a rich and happening nightlife. This is rather rare in the region and is helped by the rather relaxed rules in the country when compared to others in the Middle East. However, Bahrain's nightlife isn't just about pubs and bars but is brought alive by the must-see neighbourhoods, the exotic restaurants and the vibrant music scene. Check out W-Night at Bushido Lounge for the best ladies-night anywhere in Bahrain or Salsa night at Bizarre Lounge to dance the night away to Latin rhythms.

Bushido Lounge, Manama

Location of Bushido Lounge: Building Nr 52, Road 38, Block 428, Seef Area, Kingdom of Bahrain 
(to the right of Ritz Carlton Hotel)
Phone: +973 1758 3555
Opening Hours:
12:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Monday - Saturday) 
12:00 PM - 12:00 AM (Sunday)

Website: http://www.bushido.com.bh
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bushido973
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/BushidoBahrain


So, if you're out in Bahrain with your friends or family and wondering what to do and where to go for a day of fun and entertainment, remember that there is something exciting and memorable just around the corner. The only trouble you'll have is trying to choose between the plethora of entertainment options. So, get ready to have a blast in Bahrain!

Amidst the azure waters of the Persian Gulf, lies the island nation of Bahrain. This land mass made of 33 islands has a heritage that dates back several millennia and today boasts of a buzzing modern lifestyle and cosmopolitan outlook that sets it apart from the rest. Bahrain offers a wide variety of options for the avid traveller, from timeless landscapes and archaeological treasures to the thrill of the Formula One, places to visit and experience in Bahrain are aplenty.

Home to the ancient Dilmun civilization, Bahrain has been an important centre of ancient commerce for more than 4000 years. So it’s no surprise that this ancient land has been influenced by several cultures.

Today, Bahrain’s skyline is punctuated with skyscrapers that talk about its emergence as a hub for banking and financial activities.

Here are the top ten places to visit in Bahrain -

1. Bahrain National Museum: Step back in time when you step through the doors of the Bahrain National Museum. Get a glimpse of the nation’s rich cultural and historic legacy as you walk through the main halls that hold ancient artefacts, each with a story to tell. From the traditional handicrafts to the local customs and traditions, a tour of the museum will be an enriching experience that proves why the Bahrain National Museum is still the most popular tourist attraction in Bahrain.

2. Qal'at al-Bahrain: As you walk through the empty hallways of this ancient fort, you are filled with the realization that you are walking among legends. Just a 10 minute drive from the capital city of Manama, the Qal’at al-Bahrain is one of the best preserved sites of the ancient Dilmun heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the forts sits atop an artificial hill and was the capital of the Dilmun culture.

3. Al Fateh Mosque: This beautiful testament to Islamic architecture has been built with marbles from Italy, glass from Austria, teak wood from India and finally crafted to perfection by the local Bahraini artisans. Explore Islamic architecture at its finest at the grandiose Al Fateh Mosque, located in Manama.

4. Al Areen Wildlife Park & Reserve: When the wild calls, you can’t help but answer. Especially when it’s the Al Areen Wildlife Park and Reserve in Bahrain. This expansive reserve is home to the Arabian Leopard, the Ostrich, the Arabian Gazelle, the Oryx and more. Al Areen is the perfect place to experience Arabian wildlife unlike ever before.

5. City Centre Bahrain: No visit to Bahrain is ever complete without spending an evening at the largest shopping, leisure and entertainment destination in Bahrain. Give your children the ride of their lives at Magic Planet, enjoy exciting water rides at Wahooo! Waterpark or watch the latest blockbusters at Cineco20 Cinemas. With over 340 exclusive brands, 60 dining outlets and a million possibilities, you’ll be spoilt for choice at City Centre Bahrain.

6. The Tree of Life: If you are looking for a miracle in Bahrain, you’ll find it under the shade of this 400-year-old majestic mesquite tree. This tree is believed to be from the Garden of Eden and is a popular tourist destination. The tree has miraculously survived the ravages of time and still stands fresh and green among a sea of sand.

7. Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park: Discover a refreshing experience amidst your travels in Bahrain at the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park. Centred on the theme of the Dilmun civilization, this state-of-the art water park is a fun-packed adventure for adults and kids of all ages.

8. Al-Jasra: Watch women weave mats from palm fronds both plain and bright, learn basket making, pottery and boat building too while you are at it. At Al-Jasra, a popular handcraft centre, get a taste of the local Bahraini life as you stroll past historic homes and tree-lined pathways.

9. Suq Al-Qaisariya: Explore this ancient marketplace trading in wares of envy for a charming shopping experience. More than 100 years old, it has been recently renovated and has several shops selling traditional wares.

10. Bahrain International Circuit: Get a taste of the fast life at the Bahrain International Circuit, the Home of Motorsport in the Middle East. The Bahrain International Circuit is open throughout the year and has recently opened a Karting Circuit for the thrill seeker. The Grand Prix week is a yearly event that attracts the who’s who of the racing world and speed enthusiasts from around the world.

A trip to Bahrain is an adventure waiting to happen. All you need is a willing heart and a wanderlust that will transport you to an experience that is Bahrain.