The Bahrain Archipelago is located off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Arabian Gulf. The smallest of all the states in the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain is a diverse nation that has kept up with modern times while still maintaining its rich history, which dates back to 3000 B.C.
Understanding Bahrain’s history, of course, means knowing that it has been conquered and ruled over by many people throughout the centuries. These included the Babylonians, the Persians, the Assyrians, the Portuguese, and then the British.
As such, at least 50% of Bahrain’s population today are foreigners. With so many foreigners, the influence on Bahrain has been great, and this shows in the diversification in architecture, cooking, and culture—there’s far more to Bahrain than first meets the eye.
This post compiles a huge list of ideas from culture, outdoors, and history to indoor retreats perfect for when you’re travelling to Bahrain with kids. Let’s take a look around Bahrain!
You can catch our complete family guide to Bahrain here.
Best time to visit Bahrain
As with most of the countries in the Arabian Gulf, Bahrain gets pretty hot and arid during the summer months. Temperatures can rise as high as 50 degrees, which is very dangerous, and the hot winds that come from the desert can be very stifling.
Going to the beach is no fun as Bahrain’s shallow waters quickly get super hot. Sandstorms, particularly between June and July, are also common.
You can see our complete guide to the best time to visit Bahrain here.
With all of these issues, visiting Bahrain during the months of May – December may not be the best idea. You are better off taking your family to Bahrain in the winter months, which are from November to April.
How to get around in Bahrain
Getting around Bahrain is pretty straightforward. The city’s public bus system is widespread, very safe, and links most of the main towns and residential neighborhoods.
Public buses run from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily and typically come by every 10 – 15 minutes. Each trip typically costs BD0.3. Going around the city by bus is a great way to engage in Bahrain sightseeing with your kids.
If you wish to drive, renting a car to carry your family around can be pretty convenient, although driving in the Kingdom does have its challenges! Taxis are available but are more expensive than in some other Gulf states.
A cheaper alternative is Uber, which is safe and reliable. If you prefer a more relaxed way to see the many tourist places in Bahrain, car-hire companies can provide you with a sedan and a driver.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Bahrain
Ahmed Al Fatih Grand Mosque
Al Fatih is the grandest mosque in Bahrain and was built in honour of Sheikh Ahmed Bin Muhammad Bin Khalifa, known as modern Bahrain’s patron. 200 years after Al Fatih saved Bahrain from oppression under the Persians, the foundation stone of the mosque was laid 1983 by one of his descendants.
Decades after, the mosque remains a place of worship and is also a cultural icon that foreigners are encouraged to explore.
Head over to the Ahmed Al Fatih Grand Mosque and tour the building. Multiple guides give free tours in English and Arabic. All you need to do is make sure you and the kids are dressed modestly, show up at the mosque, and request a tour at the office.
Wander along the Pearling Path
This collection of 20 natural and architectural components linked to the Pearling Trade is a World Heritage Site and great fun for the whole family to explore. As you wander down alleyways lit by pearl-shaped lanterns, you’ll discover houses that belonged to pearl traders, atmospheric old marketplaces, and beautiful mosques.
There are plenty of places to stop for a snack or a drink as you wind your way through Bahrain’s pearling history.
Learn more at pearlingpath.bh
Drive Laps at the BIC
Competitive driving is one of the biggest sports in Bahrain, and the Bahrain Grand Prix is definitely the biggest sporting event of the year. While the adults drive laps around the main tracks of the Bahrain International Circuit, the BIC has also constructed a go-karting track so that little people who have dreams of being speedsters can get their own thrills.
This circuit is only about 300 meters in length and is very safe for children not younger than seven years old. While the little speedsters zip around the tracks with glee, their parents can also go to the adult tracks, where they can test out a variety of awesome supercars.
Learn more at bahraingp.com
Go to Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park
Parents looking for places to visit in Bahrain with their kids can sometimes be worried about overspending. However, one of the best free things to do with your kids in Bahrain is taking them to the park.
Prince Khalifa bin Salman Park is especially awesome and has everything a child needs to have fun – from play areas to cycling tracks, and even a small lake for boat rides. If you are looking to have a quiet day, you can pack a couple of sandwiches and sit on a simple rug.
Visit the Lost Paradise Water Park
Bahrain is a very sunny nation, so the water parks in Bahrain are absolutely necessary and a blessing to parents. Parents looking for things to do in Bahrain can take the whole family on a trip to Lost Paradise, one of the two amazing water parks in Bahrain.
Featuring 18 slides, vertical drops, a rain fortress, a family raft ride, and a lazy river for little people, Lost Paradise offers all the aquatic fun and happiness any family can ask for.
Learn more at lpodwaterpark.com
Shop til you drop at Manama Souk
A visit to the Manama Souq Market is a great way to immerse your children in the vibrant culture of Bahrain. Explore the many and varied stalls selling everything from delicious snacks to spices, clothes, furniture, handicrafts, and even electronics.
Here, you can buy some awesome souvenirs to take back home, as well as hand-made scarves and blankets. Remember that the souq can get very hectic, so hold on tight to your kids so they do not get lost.
Also located in the Souk area is the Hindu temple, where visitors can look around at certain times of the day.
Explore Bahrain National Museum
The National Museum of Bahrain is an international attraction and a great place to visit with your family. From its main entrance, the museum takes its guests through nine halls, which lead to multiple displays of historical artefacts and a fascinating collection of modern art.
As you tour the National Museum, you and your family will learn everything about the Dilmun civilization that existed more than 5,000 years ago. You will also see exhibits that show how Bahrain’s relationship with clothing, architecture, and death has evolved over the millennia.
The anthropology galleries with mannequins are particularly good fun for kids, although some may find the burial mound exhibition a bit upsetting.
There are also lots of other exhibits inside the museum such as the palaeolithic remains of marine dinosaurs and some more recent historical and cultural exhibits from Bahrain.
Learn more at culture.gov.bh
Learn more about Bahrain’s past at Qal-at al-Bahrain Fort
Qal-at al-Bahrain is a beautiful fort located on the northern coast of Bahrain, close to Seef. It was built about 3000 years ago, and its present iteration was remodelled around the sixth century AD.
It was lived in pretty much continuously for about 4500 years. The structure itself and the surrounding area have been rich in archaeological finds, giving a detailed picture of the site’s history and the people who lived there.
Also known as the Bahrain Fort or the Portugal Fort, Qal-at al-Bahrain is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and has been one since 2005.
The adjacent museum is well laid out and gives a good overview of the area’s history and showcases the artefacts found on the site. There’s also a nice cafe serving a range of delicious cakes and beverages and decent toilets.
This is a great place to visit with children of all ages, particularly towards sunset when the cooler temperatures make exploring the fort’s tunnels and staircases much more comfortable. It also brings out local horsemen who ride along the site’s perimeter, adding another level of experience to your visit.
Learn more at culture.gov.bh
Take Scuba Diving Lessons
You can take your kids on a trip to any of the gorgeous Bahrain beaches to play on the sand, or you can introduce them to life under Bahrain’s waters at any of the dive schools in Bahrain.
Head over to the Scuba Life Diving Center in Seef, where they not only have scuba diving for adults but also teach little flippers to explore the ocean’s depths in certified courses such as the Seal Team or the PADI Bubble Maker.
Learn more at padi.com
Al Areen Wildlife Park
If you and your family like to spend time around animals, Bahrain is just the place for you to wander about for a few hours. Visit Al Areen Wildlife Park, a natural reserve and zoo that is situated in Sakhir.
The park is one of five of Bahrain’s protected areas and the only protected area that is on land. It is located on Bahrain’s western end and houses thousands of animal and plant species in a well-tended, semi-natural habitat.
You and your family will be absolutely mesmerized by all the amazing animals on display. From pink flamingos to the majestic Arabian Leopards and the Oryx, there are many wonders to behold in Bahrain’s amazing slice of wonder.
Learn more at alareen.org
Putt Away at the Wee Monty course
Many of the best golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods, started playing when they were little. So, if your little person thinks whacking a ball with a stick is a fun thing to do, then maybe you should take her to the Wee Monty course at the Royal Golf Club.
The Wee Monty course provides the perfect challenge for your little people, with nine holes spread out over 60 – 140 yards. A one-off session is definitely fun, but there are also instructors who teach junior lessons for aspiring PGA winners.
6 Best Indoor Activities with Kids in Bahrain
Dealing with the heat in Bahrain, there are still plenty of fun indoor activities specifically aimed at the kids in Bahrain. If you are visiting Bahrain over the hotter summer months, why not try:
Visit the Magic Island
One of the most fun places in Bahrain to take your family is Magic Island, located in Seef Mall. This mesmerizing place is about 4,300 square meters and contains everything a child could ever want on an island designed just for children.
It has over 20 amazing rides and well-set-up play areas, as well as 150+ games of the arcade and traditional kind. All in all, it is set up for kiddie joy, and it works. Watch your child running around with other children with full grins as they jump in and out of ball pools, go bowling underwater, and so much more!
Learn more at seefentertainment.com
Go Science Mad at Nutty Science
Join an explosive workshop at Nutty Scientists in City Centre Mall, where kids can learn all about various scientific concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Learn more at nuttyscientists.com
Go under the sea at Marassi Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
This modern and well thought-out aquarium is the perfect place to learn more about the wonders of the deep. With an incredible array of marine species from all over the world and immersive and interactive exhibits, an afternoon at the aquarium offers a fantastic experience for the whole family.
Learn more at marassiaquarium.bh
Channel your speed demon at Trax
Unleash your inner-race driver at Trax, Bahrain Mall, as you zoom along the GCC’s biggest indoor e-karting circuit. This custom-built 500 m racing track offers a totally unique racing experience. The karts operate at a speed of 45 km/h, so this isn’t really for little kids but great for older teenagers.
Note there is a minimum height requirement of 150cm
Learn more at traxbahrain.com
Go thrill-seeking at Yabeela
One of Bahrain’s most recent additions to the indoor entertainment scene is Yabeela at Al Liwan. Featuring two soft play areas (one for under 7s and another for four older children), thrilling rides and slides, and an incredible indoor climbing wall, Yabeela is the new go-to place outside of Manama.
We won’t lie—Yabeela is a little pricey, but during the hot weather, it’s a clean, well-maintained place that will keep the kids happy—especially as there’s also a burger bar and ice cream kiosk conveniently located inside.
If you’re worried about all that adrenaline and sugar, don’t worry; there are also lots of lovely places for a healthy dinner just outside in the beautiful and serene Al Liwan complex.
Learn more over on instagram
Go Skydiving Indoors
Many people dream of being able to fly as children, but few have ever gotten the chance. Gravity Indoor Skydiving, located in Zallaq, allows adults and kids to strap up and temporarily win the fight against gravity in their 12-meter wind tunnel.
One of the most exciting activities for kids in Bahrain is Gravity Indoor, which provides a safe space where your children can enjoy the thrill of jumping out of a plane without actually having to jump.
The speeds in these wind tunnels can reach 250 miles per hour, sending little ones on a controlled but thrilling air ride that will have them grinning from ear to ear.
Learn more at gravitybah.com
Our guide was last updated in March 2025.
Learn more about Visiting Bahrain & the Middle East
Whether you are looking at a short getaway in the Middle East or stopover options with Gulf Air in Bahrain, there’s more to this small island nation than first meets the eye! Don’t forget to check out our guides to:
- The Best time to visit Bahrain
- Everything you need to know when visiting Bahrain with kids
- What should I wear in Bahrain?
- What to expect in Bahrain during the Holy Month of Ramadan
Do you have any more helpful family-friendly suggestions for Bahrain? We’d love your comments or pop on over and join the conversation on our Family Travel in the Middle East Facebook Group.
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The Family Travel in the Middle East team of travel writers are all parents based in the Middle East, sharing first hand experiences and reviews from across the region to help you plan your next family adventure.
