Family Activities in Dammam and Al Khobar

November 5, 2026

Travel advisory, as of November 2026. The UK FCDO advises against all but essential travel to Saudi Arabia, and against all travel within 10 km of the Yemen border. Its page names Dammam among the cities facing a heightened threat of Houthi missile and drone attacks on airports, military sites, ports and energy sites, and says further airport disruption is very likely. The US State Department advises reconsidering travel, and non-emergency US government staff were ordered to leave the country from 23 October 2026. Travel insurance can be invalid if you travel against FCDO advice. Check the UK FCDO advice , the US State Department advisory , your insurer and your airline before you book, and expect flights, tours and opening hours to change at short notice.

Planning with children

Families in Dammam spend most days across three cities: science and culture in Al Khobar and Dhahran, rides and parks in Dammam, and the beach on the coast south of Al Khobar. Evenings are the lively time, from about 16:30 to midnight. Between June and September the heat passes 40C with heavy humidity, so keep children indoors from late morning to late afternoon and use the shaded or air-conditioned options below.

Scitech, Al Khobar

Scitech is the Sultan bin Abdulaziz Science and Technology Center, on the Al Khobar Corniche. It has interactive science halls and a dome theatre, and it suits school-age children on a hot afternoon. Hours and ticket prices change, so check with the centre before you go.

Ithra’s Children’s Museum and Energy Exhibit

Ithra in Dhahran has a ticketed Children’s Museum for ages 1 to 12, and the Energy Exhibit and the public areas of the Center are free. Ithra is closed on Sundays, and hours vary by day, so check ithra.com or the Ithra app before you set out.

Cobra Entertainment City and King Fahd Park

Cobra Entertainment City is the amusement park inside King Fahd Park in Dammam, with a range of rides including the Cobra ride. Rides usually have height limits, so check them at the ticket desk before queuing.

Marjan Island and Salt Beach

Marjan Island, linked to the Dammam Corniche by an 1,800 m bridge, has cafes, play areas and parks, and a spiral tower of about 30 m. Salt Beach and Playground on the Al Khobar Corniche is a family play area by the water. Both are easy places to spend an evening, with food close by.

The beach and water safety

Half Moon Bay, south of Al Khobar, has about 18 km of white sand, calm shallow water, free entry, toilets, showers and parking. Calm water still demands care: people have drowned on this coast where swimming was prohibited. Swim only in areas where swimming is allowed, obey signs and Border Guard instructions, and keep children within arm’s reach. Do not count on a lifeguard being present. On public beaches, girls and boys should wear modest swimwear, and a resort beach is more relaxed. The Mövenpick Beach Resort Al Khobar, on Half Moon Bay Road, has villas and a private beach.

Family basics

Alcohol is illegal for visitors, and public displays of affection are an offence.
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered.
Ask before photographing other families, and never photograph oil or government sites.
Carry water and sun protection at all times.

Family tickets and tours are listed at GetYourGuide .