Often, we do not consider countries such as Bahrain as amazing destinations for young children, but this Gulf kingdom is a total adventure that can transform a family trip into a unique experience. The desert, enormous and opulent mosques, forts, water parks and even the most impressive Formula 1 circuit in the region can be great fun for any child.
Range of child-friendly activities
The Al-Fateh Grand Mosque
Manama is a city that makes a great impression on every first-time visitor, whatever their age. But for the youngest members of the family, discovering the Al-Fateh Grand Mosque can be a most exciting experience.
This is the biggest religious temple in the country, and quite possibly the biggest in the world, as it covers 6,500 m2 and can hold 7,000 worshippers. A place where you can sink into an atmosphere of spirituality and silence that makes a deep impression on everyone who enters.
The building was completed in 1987, and extravagant materials including marble and crystal, were used in its construction, with gilded touches in its décor. One of the Mosque’s great secrets is that it has a library containing over 7,000 books, possibly the largest library that your children will have ever seen.
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun Water Park
One of the greatest adventures on a family trip to Bahrain is a visit to one of the country’s water parks or theme parks. The Lost Paradise of Dilmun is Bahrain’s largest water park.
Set in the middle of the desert, in an oasis covering 77,000 m2, it recalls Dilmun, the ancient kingdom that once occupied this island, and provides an escape to a lost civilisation.
The Lost Paradise of Dilmun has over 20 slides and attractions that combine to create an Oasis in the Desert, and a Paradise Garden specially designed to appeal to the whole family.
Camel farm
There are a few farms of this type near Manama, where you can see the camels and spend some time with them. Although it can all seem a little artificial because the animals are shut in an enclosure, young children love to meet these incredible animals, feed them and have photos taken with them.
On some of these excursions, you can also ride on the animals and feel what it is like to move around on these amazing mammals that can go for days and days without water.
Snorkelling in Al Muharraq
Bahrain’s beach resorts, such as Al Muharraq, are ready to help young children to enjoy the sea and its secrets. It is easy to go snorkelling with them, so that they can see the species that come to these areas to feed and to enjoy the warm currents.
In this area, there are some locations adapted for diving which are safe, so they can be a good option for less experienced divers who would like to try new waters.
The Tree of Life
One of the best experiences for children is a visit to the Tree of Life, a specimen that has survived for almost 500 years, alone in the middle of the desert and the dunes, and with only the water it can absorb from a remote stream that flows through part of the subsoil.
Travelling to this spot through the desert landscape is an adventure itself, and the sight is even more spectacular when the scene is illuminated by the colours of the setting sun. There are lots of campsites around where you can have a coffee while you are waiting for the sunset.
The Dilmun Tombs
Bahrain has a rich history, thanks to the famous Dilmun kingdom that reigned over the main island and a few other parts of the archipelago. In fact, the country has 21 archaeological sites recognised as World Heritage Sites for their rich historic legacy, and especially for their curious tombs, thousands of years old, that form a unique cemetery. Children can also discover the burial sites of some members of the royal family among the remains.
The Qal’al al-Bahrain Fortress
This fortress is located in the capital of the Dilmun kingdom, and many people say that the present building was built on the site of another defensive complex that dates back over 4,000 years. This fort, now a World Heritage Site, houses one of the historic gateways that, from the Mesopotamian period onwards, positioned Bahrain on one of the trade routes between Europe and Asia.
Inside the fort, there is also a museum which will be particularly interesting for children as it gives an illuminating insight into the fort’s history and importance.
Formula 1 Circuit
Fans of motor racing make a pilgrimage to this place to see one of the world’s most modern circuits, and for those who know little about the sport, this facility is impressive inside and out.
Some of its facilities are open to the public, including the grandstands, the shop, and some rooms, including the press room. You can also tour the immediate area, and find a restaurant where you can eat in the shadow of this amazing circuit while you imagine the roar of the engines of the single-seater vehicles.
Recommendations and advice
Bahrain is one of the safest countries in the region, and one where hospitality is a rule that no one dares to break, so it is a place where you can travel with children without any problems. Moreover it offers every service that you could need, and that the youngest tourist demands.
The food in this Gulf kingdom is very good and there are lots of international-style restaurants, so that families are sure to find places to eat that will cater for everyone’s tastes.
The only problem in Bahrain is the heat, so we would recommend travelling between November and March, which is when the temperatures are less intense.
Boys and girls can dress however they wish: only teenagers and adult women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees and to wear loose clothing.
