Family Activities in Manama

October 29, 2026

Travel advisory, as of October 2026. Bahrain was struck by Iranian missiles and drones from 28 February 2026. A ceasefire has held since 8 April 2026, with reported violations and later drone and cyber incidents. Airspace and the King Fahd Causeway have closed at short notice. Tourism is open, but check the UK FCDO advice , the US State Department advisory , your insurer and your airline before you book, and expect tours and events to change at short notice.

Family days in Manama

Families do best with one outdoor stop in the morning and an air-conditioned stop after lunch. From June to September, daytime heat of 40C or more with high humidity is a real risk for children, so keep outdoor time short, take water and shade, and use malls and museums in the middle of the day.

Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve

The former Al Areen Wildlife Park is now the Mohammed bin Zayed Nature Reserve. It is in southern Bahrain near Zallaq, about 35 minutes by car, and not at Sakhir. Founded in 1976, it protects Arabian wildlife, and families tour it in an air-conditioned safari bus to see Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, Nubian ibex, ostriches and flamingos, then walk through the aviary. Reported hours are 08:00 to 16:00 Saturday to Thursday, shorter on Fridays, and adult entry is about BD 1 to 2, so confirm both before you set out.

Bahrain National Museum

The museum has life-size dioramas of pearl divers on dhows, weddings and market craftsmen, and Dilmun stamp seals that show mythical animals. Entry is about BD 2 (children under 6 are reported free, so confirm). It is open 09:00 to 20:00 and closed on Tuesdays. It makes a good cool break in summer.

Water park, island and beach

The Lost Paradise of Dilmun, also called Janat Dilmun, is Bahrain’s only water park and is open. Check opening days and height rules on the day, and stay close to younger children around the pools.

Al Dar Island is reached by boat from the Sitra jetty, off the east coast. Adult tickets are BD 6 on weekdays and BD 8 at weekends, including the boat and a BD 2 food voucher, and child tickets are BD 3 and BD 5. Confirm current prices and sailing times.

Al Jazayer Beach at Zallaq has designated swimming zones, sunbeds, changing rooms and food kiosks. A small entry fee, reported at about BD 2 at weekends, may apply.

Karting and indoor play

Bahrain International Karting Circuit at Sakhir offers 15-minute arrive-and-drive sessions on a 1.414 km track. Junior karts are for ages 7 to 12 with a minimum height of 125 cm, and adult sessions start at 13. Prices change, so ask the circuit.

In summer, Magic Planet at City Centre Bahrain and Magic Island at Seef Mall offer rides, bowling and climbing walls. The old water park at City Centre has been closed for several years.

Tips for families

Dress modestly outside beach and resort areas, and keep public affection discreet.
Taxis, Uber and Careem are simple for short hops, and economy hire cars are about BD 6 to 15 a day.
Avoid military or security sites and do not photograph them.

Tickets and experiences can be searched at GetYourGuide .