9 Best Places to visit in Jeddah with family

The best places to visit in Jeddah with family include family-friendly attractions in Saudi Arabia, so you can plan the perfect trip to Saudi with family.

Looking for an exotic yet modern family vacation destination that seamlessly blends ancient heritage with contemporary excitement? Set your sights on the dynamic city of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s cosmopolitan jewel along the sparkling Red Sea coast.

As the gateway to the holy city of Mecca, Jeddah carries a certain mystique yet offers an array of attractions to entertain all ages.

From dazzling modern amusement parks and mammoth malls to historical sites dating back centuries, pristine beaches, engaging museums, and more, this intriguing city promises a family adventure like no other.

If you’re traveling from outside Saudi Arabia, we recommend flying directly to King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) with budget-friendly airlines like Flyadeal. You can catch a taxi from the airport to your hotel and stick to using the ride-sharing apps to get around. Public transportation is limited in Jeddah so Uber or renting a car, are popular choices for families visiting the city.

Best Places to visit in Jeddah with family

Al Shallal Theme Park

Let’s start with an adrenaline rush at Al Shallal Theme Park, one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East!

Spread across lush grounds divided into Arabic, American, French and Italian-themed zones, this sprawling entertainment mecca features over 25 heart-pounding rides and attractions.

Teens and daring adults can test their mettle on the Scorpion steel looping roller coaster with pulse-pounding drops and inversions. For a sky-high thrill, take a spine-tingling turn on the Dunes Free Fall Tower Ride that plunges riders over 60 meters at thrilling speeds.

Younger kids and tamer souls can ride cosy spinning teacups, kiddie coasters, and classic carnival attractions.

Fakieh Aquarium

For a deeper dive into the ocean realm, head to the Fakieh Aquarium with its immersive theming; of course, it is one of the fun places to visit in Jeddah with family.

Get up close with fascinating marine life as you wander through tunnels surrounded by towering aquariums filled with sharks, rays, turtles, and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish.

One of the main draws is the spectacular dolphin and seal shows where you can watch these incredibly intelligent creatures perform amazing acrobatic tricks and dazzling moves.

Little ones will also delight at the petting pools allowing hands-on interactions with starfish, small sharks, and more. Families can also enjoy the fun interactive exhibits that engagingly teach about ocean conservation.

Al Balad

While embracing the modern, Saudi Arabia and Jeddah pay homage to its ancient roots at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Al Balad.

This historic district considered the cultural heartbeat of the city, transports you back centuries with its maze of narrow alleys lined with towering multi-story houses made from traditional coral stone and adorned with intricate wood lattices and carvings.

Wander past the 500-year-old Naseef House museum and Sharbatly House to experience traditional Hijazi architecture at its finest.

The bustling Al-Alawi souq is a treasure trove for authentic souvenirs, spices, perfumes, clothing, and local treats.

Silver Sands Beach

You can’t visit Jeddah without indulging in its gorgeous Red Sea shoreline; another one of the best places to visit in Jeddah with family.

For a relaxing yet upscale beach day, head to the private Silver Sands Beach, a tranquil oasis along Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Street. Sink your toes into the pristine powdery white sand or rent plush chairs and umbrellas to soak up the sun in comfort while the kids build sandcastles and frolic in the peaceful blue waters.

More adventurous families can gear up for snorkeling, jet-skiing, and parasailing, or arrange for scuba diving excursions to explore the vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life just offshore.

There are also beachside restaurants, play areas, and shops, which make this an easy one-stop beach getaway.

Mall of Arabia

If indoor entertainment is more your family’s scene, prepare to be dazzled by the Mall of Arabia, one of the largest malls on the planet!

This retail wonderland in central Jeddah boasts an astounding 468 stores and more than 50 restaurants and cafes across four levels.

From ultra-high-end luxury brands to casual shopping, it’s all here under one massive roof. But the Mall of Arabia is much more than just shopping – it contains a colossal indoor theme park called Jeddah Park with spinning roller coasters, family rides, and carnival games.

Al-Tayebat Museum

For an enriching journey through Saudi culture and heritage, set aside time to explore the Al-Tayibat Museum. This award-winning institution is housed within an extraordinary reconstructed mud-brick village featuring 300 rooms spread across four floors.

Inside you’ll find thousands of artifacts spanning a remarkable 2,500 years! Intricate dioramas and exhibits showcase traditional Saudi Bedouin clothing, jewelry, furnishings, weapons and armor, historic ceramics, maps, coins, manuscripts, and much more.

The Corniche

No visit to Jeddah is complete without a stroll along the iconic Corniche, a lively waterfront promenade hugging the shimmering Red Sea shoreline for over 15 miles. The walkways are dotted with eye-catching artwork and sculptures from renowned international artists.

Marvel at massive abstract works in stainless steel, bronze, and molded fiberglass forming whimsical shapes. The stunning pieces make for wonderful photo backdrops against the beach scenery.

At night, the Corniche takes on a dreamy ambiance illuminated by colorful lighting and sparkling fountains reflecting on the calm waters. Plus, the local entertainers and vendors peddle snacks and souvenirs to add to the lively atmosphere.

Atallah Happy Land Park

When it comes to jam-packed fun and thrills for all ages, you can’t go wrong with Atallah Happy Land Park, one of Saudi Arabia’s premier amusement parks.

Little kids will be wide-eyed in the designated Kiddie Land with adorable rides, playgrounds, and carousels perfectly suited to their size. Bigger kids and teens can get an adrenaline surge on high-octane roller coasters, spinning rides, drop towers, and racing attractions.

Adults will enjoy the mix of modern thrill rides and nostalgic classics. With over two dozen rides, it’s a coaster lover’s paradise.

The Red Sea Mall

Another one of the best places to visit in Jeddah with family is the Red Sea Mall. Located in the heart of Jeddah, the Red Sea Mall is of course, full of plenty of stores and restaurants but also includes some fun activities for kids.

The expansive Kids Zone offers interactive play areas, arcade games, and a mini amusement park; ideal for families wanting to see the popular mall but make sure their kids have fun too.

There are arts and crafts workshops, an indoor sports facility, and even puppet shows and storytelling sessions available for children too. 

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The incredible diversity of things to see and do means you can craft an itinerary tailored perfectly to your family’s interests and pace. There are plenty of places to visit in Jeddah with Family, so you can plan a trip to Saudi Arabia for the whole family!