Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Fakieh Aquarium, Jeddah
Jeddah's premier marine attraction featuring Red Sea marine life, shark tanks, dolphin shows, and interactive exhibits. One of the largest aquariums in the Middle East and a must-do for families.
Duration: 3-4 hours
La Mer Beach and Development
Jeddah's most family-friendly beach development with Mediterranean-style shops, cafes, restaurants, a sandy beach, and calm Red Sea waters. Excellent for a full family beach day.
Duration: 4-6 hours
Al Hada Theme Park and Cable Car, Taif
A mountain theme park with cable car rides offering breathtaking valley views, plus a small fairground. The cable car alone is worth the trip for children — flying over the dramatic Taif valley at altitude.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Jeddah Corniche Family Walk
The 30km Corniche promenade is perfect for family evening strolls with beach areas, playgrounds, ice cream vendors, and the spectacular King Fahd Fountain visible in the distance.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Obhur Creek Water Sports
Jet skiing, banana boat rides, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the calm protected waters of Obhur Creek. Operators have safety equipment and lifeguards on duty.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Al Rudaf Park, Taif
A beautiful mountain park in Taif with walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and rose and pomegranate gardens. The cool mountain air makes it especially refreshing compared to coastal cities.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Taif Rose Farm Visit
Children love walking through rows of fragrant roses and learning about the rose oil distillation process. Many farms allow picking and offer fresh rose water to taste. Best February-April.
Duration: 2 hours
Red Sea Mall Play Area
One of Jeddah's largest malls has an excellent supervised indoor play area for children, perfect for hot summer days when outdoor activities are impractical.
Duration: 2-4 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Rixos Obhur Jeddah Resort & Villas
The best family resort in Makkah Province with private beach, multiple pools (including kids pool), dedicated kids club, all-inclusive options, and comprehensive family programs.
Family features: Kids club (4-12 years), dedicated kids pool, family suites and villas, beach, multiple dining, babysitting service
Narcissus Obhur Resort & Spa
A pleasant Red Sea resort north of Jeddah with private beach access, pools, and a relaxed family atmosphere at more accessible prices.
Family features: Private beach, pool, family rooms, water sports rental, restaurant
Rosewood Jeddah
Luxury Jeddah hotel with excellent family services including cribs, interconnecting rooms, and child-friendly dining options.
Family features: Interconnecting rooms available, cribs, babysitting on request, kids menu, rooftop pool
Shangri-La Jeddah
5-star Corniche hotel with comprehensive family services, excellent pool, and convenient Red Sea location.
Family features: Family rooms, pool, kids menu, babysitting service, Corniche access
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Saudi restaurants always have family sections — use the family entrance for a more private, comfortable dining experience
Children are treated as very special guests in Saudi culture — expect staff to be especially attentive
Al Tazaj grilled chicken and Albaik broasted chicken are universally loved by children
Kids menus typically SAR 15-25 ($4-6.70) at casual restaurants
Many Jeddah restaurants have outdoor Corniche seating — excellent for children who need space to move
Bring snacks for car journeys — distances between attractions can be 45-90 minutes
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
The best family travel season is November-February when temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities
Keep children hydrated — heat exhaustion is a real risk, especially for children under 10
Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen liberally and frequently — the Arabian sun is extremely strong
Respect prayer times — businesses close for 20-30 minutes; use this time for rest or snacks
Saudi families typically dine late (8-10PM) — earlier dining is fine but restaurants are less lively before 7PM
Jeddah malls are excellent rainy-day or extreme-heat alternatives with entertainment, food, and shopping