Capital Governorate is the heart of Bahrain: Manama's old souq and Bab Al Bahrain, the National Museum and Al Fateh Grand Mosque, the Adliya dining district and the waterfront towers of Bahrain Bay sit within a short taxi ride of each other.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Bahrain National Museum
Large museum on the Manama waterfront covering Dilmun burial mounds, pearling and traditional crafts with life-size dioramas.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Wahooo! Waterpark at Bahrain City Centre
Indoor-outdoor waterpark attached to a large shopping mall with slides, a wave pool and a children's area.
Duration: 3-5 hours
Bahrain Bay waterfront promenade
Flat waterfront walk with open space for children and views of the Bahrain World Trade Center and the Manama skyline; best after sunset from October to April.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Manama Souq and Bab Al Bahrain
Old market lanes with sweets, spices, textiles and gold; best in the morning or evening when it is cooler.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Al Fateh Grand Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the Gulf, with a huge chandelier and calligraphy; modest dress required and women should cover their hair.
Duration: 45-60 minutes
Seef Mall
Air-conditioned mall in the Seef district with a food court and play options for children; useful for midday heat.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
A luxury resort on a private island at Bahrain Bay with a beach, pools and a children's program. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Family features: Family rooms and suites; reservations on +973 1711 5000
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain
A beachfront resort in Manama with a private beach, pools and a kids' club. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Family features: Family rooms or suites; confirm the current kids' club schedule
Sheraton Bahrain Hotel
A large hotel in central Manama with a pool and several restaurants close to the Government Avenue area. Rates are indicative and change by season; check current rates before booking.
Family features: Family rooms; check the current room configuration
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Arabic, Lebanese and Indian restaurants welcome children; shawarma, hummus, grilled chicken and biryani are easy options.
Malls such as Bahrain City Centre and Seef Mall have large food courts with children's meals.
Many restaurants have family sections and high chairs; Friday brunch is a popular family occasion in hotels.
Restaurants are closed in daylight during Ramadan and fill up after sunset.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Plan outdoor activities for early morning or evening from May to October; indoor malls and museums are best midday.
Strollers work well in malls and at Bahrain Bay; souq alleys are crowded and uneven.
Taxis, Careem and Yelo carry few child seats; bring a travel seat or ask the hotel.
Dress modestly outside beach and pool areas and keep behaviour restrained in public.