Qatar Travel Itineraries: Enjoy...

With a host of indoor and outdoor pursuits, kids and grown-ups will be entertained all day long

Having transformed itself from a desert outpost to a must-visit destination, Doha offers an enticing mix of fun for your whole tribe with adventure parks, desert escapades and immersive museums. The city also prides itself on its family-friendly dining credentials, with an array of both local and international options to appeal to all palettes and purses.

Travel through time at Doha Quest
Take off on a journey through time and space at Doha Quest, located within Doha Oasis mixed-use development in Msheireb. Featuring more than 30 attractions and rides, including the world’s tallest indoor ‘shot and drop tower’, the Magma Blast, and the highest indoor rollercoaster on the planet, EpiQ Coaster. There are also climbing, bouncing and racing amusements for younger visitors. With time dimensions that represent the past, present and future, thrill-seekers will revel in the adrenaline-fuelling rides, media-controlled simulators, and virtual reality experiences. Doha Quest is free for kids under four, QR125 for those aged four to 12, and QR200 for those over 13; open daily from 2pm to 6pm; www.dohaquest.com

Experience the magic of the desert
Hop into a 4X4 and enjoy an exhilarating cruise across the undulating desert as you head to Khor Al Adaid (also known as the Inland Sea). Your desert safari will include a visit to a camel ranch, a drop-in at a traditional Bedouin camp and a falcon experience, before reaching your final destination, Khor Al Adaid, a UNESCO World Heritage site near the borders of Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Some safaris also include henna tattooing, live dance shows and barbecue dinners. Several operators offer a range of half and full-day safaris. For more information, visit www.viavii.com, www.viator.com and www.getyourguide.com

The Inland Sea

Take a tour of Torba Farmer’s Market
From fresh farm produce to eco-lifestyle products, handmade trinkets and artisanal goods, Torba Farmers Market is Qatar’s first and only artisan farmers market and shopping here is a meaningful way to support the community and its small local businesses. Highlights include its bakery and sweets stalls. Torba has its own baking team, with specialities including sourdough loaves, sugar-free snacks and handmade chocolates. For high-quality essential oils, healing lotions, and elixirs, there’s also an Apothecary section, while enticing food and drink stalls will keep the whole family fully charged. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/farmersmarketqa

Dive in at Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park
Located at the heart of Salwa beach resort, situated in the southern region of Qatar near the Saudi Arabian border, Desert Falls Water and Adventure Park is home to more than 50 exhilarating slides, splash-filled rides and water- and land-based attractions. Some of its highlights include Whizzard Mat Racer, King Cobra and Ship Kids Pool. There are plenty of food trucks, kiosks and restaurants to keep families well-fed, too. Entry is free for kids aged three and below, QR100 for visitors under 1.2 metres in height and QR150 for those above 1.2 metres; www. salwabeachresort.qa/desert-falls-water-adventure-park

Become a culture vulture at the National Museum of Qatar
For child-friendly exhibits with innovative audio-visual techniques and interactive technologies, look no further than the National Museum of Qatar. Inspiring children to discover more about Arabian innovations, local culture and the environment through their senses, this immersive museum is as entertaining as it is educational. Entry is free for all Qatari residents and children under 16, QR50 for non-resident adults, QR25 for non-resident students; www.nmoq.org.qa

National Museum of Qatar

Enjoy meals at a steal
For a quick, delicious meal at a bargain price – under QR20 – local eatery, Ali Al Naama Café, located in the bustling Souq Waqif, never disappoints. The egg and cheese paratha washed down with a cup of karak (tea with cardamom, saffron and sugar) is a culinary match made in heaven. For more information, visit www.souq-waqif-doha.com

Souk Waqif

Get messy at Isla Mexican Kitchen
It’s the one time you don’t need to nag the kids to use a knife and fork… Isla Mexican Kitchen, which excels in nachos and tacos in all shapes and sizes, actively encourages eating with your hands. The family-friendly restaurant, located in Porto Arabia on The Pearl-Qatar, will leave your taste buds singing with its vibrant flavours. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/IslaQatar

Pearl-Qatar

Have your cake and eat it at Karak Mqanes
Serving hearty dishes based on the recipes of Qatari mothers and grandmothers, Karak Mqanes has more than 20 branches across Qatar. Specialising in breakfasts and desserts – the honey cake is sensational. As its name implies, it is also a popular spot for a sweet cup of karak. For more information, visit www.karakmqanes.com

Live La Dolce Vita at The Italian Job
Italian cuisine is always a family crowd-pleaser, and with mini pizzas, penne Bolognese and sweet treats galore, it’s no surprise The Italian Job was named Doha's Best Family-Friendly Restaurant in 2019 by Time Out. The cherry on top? Waiters singing the best of Broadway from Mama Mia to The Greatest Showman. For more information, visit www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-doha/restaurant-bar/the-italian-job