Places to Visit in Riyadh: The Family Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed

Riyadh wasn’t always the modern, lively city it is today. Just a couple of decades ago, it was a quiet desert town known for its mud-brick buildings and deep-rooted traditions. One of its most iconic landmarks, Al Masmak Fortress, still stands proudly in the heart of the city today. It’s definitely one of the must-see places to visit in Riyadh. But don’t worry, we’ll take a closer look at this historic treasure later.

Cultural adventures in Saudi Arabia are even better when there's a relaxing place to return to, and Novotel Suites Riyadh Centre is designed with that in mind.

Centrally located near key attractions like Riyadh Zoo and the National Museum, the hotel is a safe and welcoming base to explore the many places to visit in Riyadh. The hotel features spacious family suites that make it easy to unwind, along with a peaceful indoor pool, a gym, a soothing spa, and an on-site restaurant serving delicious meals for all ages (and taste buds). For added comfort and privacy, booking a suite is a smart choice.

Today, Riyadh's rich Islamic history, warm Arabian hospitality, and vibrant boulevards combine to create a meaningful and exciting getaway. For those travelling from nearby countries or passing through on their pilgrimage journey to Makkah, there's no shortage of places to visit in Riyadh.

In this carefully curated guide we help discover the best family activities in Riyadh to make the most of your trip.

One of the best places to visit in Riyadh is the National Museum of Saudi Arabia, where you’ll find everything from dinosaur bones to a traditional souk recreated indoors.

The famous Wabar Meteorite is on display here. It’s a massive space rock that crashed into Saudi’s Empty Quarter desert over 400 years ago, creating huge craters. It was discovered in 1932 by English explorer Abdullah Philby and now weighs about 3.5 tonnes. If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll also love exploring the life-sized caravan crossing the desert and the huge interactive map of the Arabian Peninsula.

Riyadh Zoo is one of the few outdoor activities that offer a refreshing green escape right in the heart of the city. Home to giraffes, penguins, monkeys, and more, it’s one of the best family activities in Riyadh. Recently renovated, the zoo features upgraded habitats that keep the animals comfortable.

There are plenty of shady spots to rest, snack kiosks for quick bites, and a train ride that helps families explore without getting too tired. To beat the desert heat, try visiting early in the morning. The zoo is typically open daily from 9am to 6pm, but during Riyadh Season, which runs through October and beyond, the hours change from 11am to 7pm. This allows visitors to enjoy cooler temperatures and the festival atmosphere. 

Taking a quick detour from our regular programming to dig into something delicious: food!

You wouldn’t think a fried chicken spot would get a dedicated section of its own on a Saudi travel itinerary, but AlBaik isn’t just any fried chicken joint.

This legendary halal chain is a household name across Saudi Arabia, with a crispy, golden goodness that’s won over hearts (and stomachs) for decades. It started off with just a couple of branches in Jeddah, but due to popular demand, there are now several locations across Riyadh. In fact, you can find one just a 10-minute cab ride from Novotel Suites Riyadh Centre. 

Welcome to Riyadh Park Mall, where shopping meets indoor entertainment and no one complains about errands or homework. Sounds heavenly, right? 

This is one of the most popular places to visit in Riyadh, featuring “Magic Planet”, an action-packed zone with arcade games, rides, and challenges for kids of all ages. There’s also a state-of-the-art cinema, a wide range of family-friendly dining spots, and plenty of international and local brands to browse.

If you're visiting in spring or summer, it’s also the perfect place to cool off and take a break from the midday sun. 

Very few cities have roller coasters inside a mall, but Riyadh is set on breaking records left and right.

If you are looking for an indoor adventure that keeps kids entertained for hours, Sparky’s Entertainment Centre inside Al Nakheel Mall has you covered. From laser tag battles to a mini roller coaster and plenty of games designed for
all ages from toddlers to teens, this spot is a top choice for family fun in Riyadh.

Your kids will probably beg you to come back before you even leave – that could be a good or bad thing. For a more relaxed visit, try going on weekdays when it’s quieter and the lines are shorter.

If you and the family are up for a road trip, get ready to head to Qidiyah Six Flags, just a 50-minute drive outside Riyadh. Although it’s not open just yet, this exciting theme park is set to launch in late 2025.

Years in the making, Qidiyah Six Flags promises thrilling rides and unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. It's also going to be the home of the first water theme park in Saudi Arabia.

Many locals are excited that such a world-class attraction is opening so close to the capital, making it one of the best family activities in Riyadh for those looking to add a bit of adventure to their trip. Keep it on your radar for an epic day out soon.

Known for its traditional mudbrick buildings, Ad Diriyah is one of the top places to visit in Riyadh for families who are interested in cultural discovery. This UNESCO-listed site marks where the Kingdom’s story began.

There are engaging museums, beautiful palm trees, and upscale restaurants that welcome families. With family-friendly walkways and interactive cultural programs, Diriyah makes for memorable family activities in Riyadh. It’s the perfect spot to combine history with an elegant evening out, even when you have children accompanying you.

Al Masmak Fortress is another must-see landmark in Riyadh, steeped in history and full of stories. This 19th-century mud-brick fortress played a key role in the unification of Saudi Arabia and now welcomes visitors eager to step back in time. With its earth-toned walls and majestic presence, exploring the fort’s courtyards and passageways offers a fascinating way to connect with Riyadh’s rich heritage.

Masmak Fort offers a glimpse into the Gulf region’s humble beginnings. Its mud-brick construction stands in striking contrast to the modern skyscrapers now towering over the desert city.

Riyadh is proof that family travel doesn’t have to mean compromise. There’s no shortage of incredible places to visit in Riyadh. But you'll notice that most activities are indoors, and that's because the weather in the city can exceed 50 degrees in summer.

To make the most of your experience, a few practical tips go a long way: dress modestly but comfortably in lightweight layers, plan your outings around the midday heat, and use ride-hailing apps or hotel-arranged taxis to get around.

Keep everyone happy by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and enjoying some downtime at the hotel pool.

If possible, try planning your visit from October to March, so you can make the most of all the great family activities in Riyadh. 

Whether you’re ticking off top attractions or checking out all the awesome places to visit in Riyadh, just bring your curiosity and maybe an extra suitcase for all those awesome souvenirs.