Exploring Bahrain: Family-Friendly Activities And Adventures

Bahrain is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors keen to explore its modern attractions and ancient history. The country combines modern Arab culture with historical sites that showcase a 5,000-year-old civilisation.

Bahrain offers a range of activities for families, including amusement parks, water parks, play centres, and outdoor adventures. Here is an introduction to some of the best things to do in Bahrain with your family.

Visit the Bahrain National Museum

The Bahrain National Museum is a great place to visit with your family. Located on the Manama waterfront, next to the National Theatre, the museum offers a wealth of fun and educational experiences for children and adults alike.

As you enter the museum, you will find yourself in a large hall that serves as the main entrance. From there, you can access nine different exhibition halls, each showcasing a variety of historical artefacts and exhibits. One of the highlights of the museum is the opportunity to learn about the Dilmun civilisation, which existed over 5000 years ago. You will also see how Bahrain's relationship with clothing, architecture, and death has evolved over the millennia.

The museum displays a range of palaeolithic remains, including marine dinosaurs, providing a unique insight into the country's ancient past. In addition, the museum features more recent historical and cultural exhibits, offering a comprehensive overview of Bahrain's rich history.

The Bahrain National Museum is a great way to spend a few hours with your family, especially if you are looking for an indoor activity to escape the heat. The museum is well-maintained and modern, with a cafe and a shop where you can purchase souvenirs.

To make the most of your visit, it is recommended to check their website for opening hours and ticket prices. The museum offers a great opportunity to learn about Bahrain's history and culture, and it is easily accessible via the city's public bus system or by car.

Explore the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary

Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve and zoo located in Sakhir, Bahrain. It is one of six protected areas in the country and the only designated protected area on land. The park covers 7 square kilometres and was established in 1976. It is home to species native to Bahrain, as well as species from Africa and South Asia. In total, the park features over 100,000 plants and trees, more than 45 species of animals, 82 species of birds, and 25 species of flora.

The Al Areen area is divided into two 400-hectare sections, one dedicated to the public and the other a protected reserve. The public section includes an aviary, an Arabian wild animals complex, a falcon stadium, and a petting zoo. Here, you can see a range of animals, including Arabian oryxes, South African cheetahs, lions, African wild dogs, Persian gazelles, giraffes, and Nubian ibexes.

The protected reserve section is restricted to specialists, researchers, veterinarians, and animal keepers. This section is equipped with two surface reservoirs for flora and fauna. Entrance to the reserve area is prohibited unless prior permission is obtained.

The park is a great place to spend the day with your family, offering the opportunity to get up close with a variety of animals and birds. You can take a tour bus from the main entrance to see the animals, stroll along the beautiful beaches, or enjoy a meal at one of the top-notch restaurants in the area.

Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary is a 40-minute drive from Manama and is located adjacent to the Bahrain International Circuit.

Discover the ancient ruins of the Dilmun civilisation

The Dilmun kingdom, one of the oldest civilisations in the world, flourished in Bahrain more than 4,000 years ago. The Dilmun civilisation is thought to have been a powerful trading centre, controlling the Persian Gulf trading routes and connecting Mesopotamia with the Indus Valley civilisation.

Qal'at al-Bahrain

Qal'at al-Bahrain, or Bahrain Fort, was the major city of the Dilmun era. It included a trading port as well as public and religious buildings. The site was subsequently occupied by the Babylonians and the Persians, and a massive fort was built on top of the Dilmun town by the Portuguese, meaning that much of the original city is now lost. However, excavations have uncovered three consecutive Dilmun cities beneath the fort, as well as a Greek city dating back to 200 BC.

Burial Mounds

There are more than 11,000 burial mounds on Bahrain, spread over 21 different sites, with the oldest and largest found at Aali. These consist of a mixture of mass graves and individual tombs, dating back as far as 2200 BC. Typically, they were constructed as low cylindrical towers with separate chambers inside, which have since been damaged and plundered, resulting in the rubble mounds that remain today.

Saar

The Saar site is divided into two parts: a residential zone and a cemetery. The settlement has been compared to a modern city, with evidence of restaurants, shops, and a place of worship. It is believed to date back to the early Dilmun period.

Barbar

Barbar is a complex of three temples centred around a freshwater spring. It is not known for certain which god was worshipped here, but Inzak, the local equivalent of the Sumerian god of wisdom and freshwater, Enki, is a strong contender.

Art and Literature

The Dilmun civilisation is referenced in ancient texts, such as the Sumerian creation myth, which describes Dilmun as a paradisiacal place, as well as the Epic of Gilgamesh, which mentions it as the place where the hero Gilgamesh travelled to find the secret of eternal life. The Dilmun civilisation has also been proposed as the location of the Garden of Eden.

Take a trip to Al Dar Island

Al Dar Island is the perfect place to visit with your family. It is one of Manama's closest islands, offering a range of activities for all ages.

To get to the island, you will need to take a boat from the Fisherman's Port in Sitra. The journey is short, and once you arrive, you will find a variety of facilities and entertainment options. The island features a natural beach nestled around a lagoon and an artificial reef, providing the ideal setting for a range of water-based activities.

If you enjoy water sports, Al Dar Island has you covered. You can try out pedal boats, jet skis, paddleboards, kayaking, or even go snorkelling on the artificial reef. For a more relaxed experience, there are also thatched roof huts available for rent, ranging from basic shade structures to luxurious overnight cabins. The island also boasts a restaurant, bars, and a sheesha deck.

For families with children, Al Dar Island offers a dedicated kids' zone and a large climbing frame. The island's shop sells swimsuits, gear, and souvenirs. You can also take a stroll along the soft, beige sand or enjoy the sunset views.

Al Dar Island provides a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for a family day trip. With its range of activities and facilities, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your swimsuits, sun protection, and get ready for a fun-filled day on Al Dar Island!

Enjoy the rides at Adhari Park

Adhari Park is a visitor attraction in the Kingdom of Bahrain, spread across 165,000 square meters. It offers a complete leisure experience for the whole family, with 38 exciting outdoor and indoor rides suitable for people of all ages.

The park is open from 4:00 pm to 12:00 am on weekdays and weekends. You can purchase unlimited access to either the indoor or outdoor rides, with prices starting at BHD 7.7. The indoor playground is perfect for families with small children, while the outdoor area offers entertainment for adults as well.

Adhari Park is a great place to spend time with your family and enjoy a variety of rides and games. The best time to visit is during the winter, as the summer months can be too hot for outdoor activities. However, the indoor rides are a good option all year round.

The park also has a Family Entertainment Centre, a Food Court with 10 food outlets, a dine-in restaurant, and coffee shops, ensuring that you have plenty of options for food and drinks during your visit.

With its range of attractions and amenities, Adhari Park offers a fun-filled and enjoyable experience for families, making it a popular choice for those seeking entertainment and excitement in Bahrain.

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