7 best picnic spots in Riyadh

1. King Abdullah Park

King Abdullah Park, situated in Al Malaz, is the largest park in Riyadh. It features a large grassy zone that is ideal for picnics. Even the surroundings are developed to encourage families with children for outings on sunny days and pleasant evenings. There are children’s playgrounds, green spots to relax and breathe fresh air, contemporary eateries, and fields for numerous sports activities. The park is one of the popular picnic spots in Riyadh, known for its dancing water fountains and a large square with a view of the lake.

Location: Al Ameen Abdullah Al Ali Al Naeem St, Al Malaz

Attractions & things to do: The park is suitable for families as well as groups. Tourists can watch the fountain show, which includes a combination of lasers and multi-colored lights. People also come here for morning and evening walks.

Timing: Summer: 3 pm – 12 am; Winter: 1 pm – 11 pm

Entry fee: SR 10

2. World Sights Park

One of the iconic parks of Riyadh, World Sights Park, is a perfect picnic spot offering a children’s playground and lush greenery. Visitors will find street food vendors near the park serving delicious snacks. World Sights Park also features replicas of some world-famous monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and the Taj Mahal. Visitors can also take pictures with these monuments.

Location: Nasir Ar Rajihi, Al Mughrizat

Attractions & things to do: Take a walk through the park and explore miniature versions of the top architectural landmarks from around the world

Timing: Monday to Saturday: 4 pm – 12 am

Entry fee: SR 10

3. Riyadh National Zoo

The Riyadh National Zoo is home to 1500 animals representing 40 unique animal species and 80 unique bird species. A 20-minute train ride inside the zoo covers a large portion of the zoo in less time, doubling the amount of fun for children. Riyadh National Zoo also has prayer halls, toilets, restaurants, and small cafes. The zoo is an ideal place to watch some of the rare and exotic wildlife.

Location: Mosab Ibn Umair Street, Riyadh

Attractions & things to do: Enjoy the Toy Train Ride, which gives visitors the zoo tour in a short period of time

Timing: Monday to Thursday and Saturday: 9 am – 5:30 pm and Friday 1 pm – 5:30 pm

Entry fee: Adults, SR 10 and Children, SR 5

Must Read: Riyadh Zoo Guide: Location, Timings, Entry Fee, Nearby Attractions

4. Al-Maather Cave Park

Situated in the center of Riyadh, Al-Maather Cave Park serves as a gorgeous picnic destination, especially for families. Featuring a stunning waterfall surrounded by rugged and rocky caves, the park is covered with lush greenery and has wide walkways. Flaunting a lovely lake with a beautiful fountain in the middle, Al-Maather Cave Park offers some incredible spots for setting up an excellent picnic.

Location: King Turki Bin Abdulaziz Road, Al Maather

Attractions & things to do: The park has a play area for children. Visitors can take advantage of the BBQ facilities and enjoy delicious grilled delicacies with loved ones. Those with an adventurous spirit can also explore the historical Al-Maather cave.

Timings: Open 24 hours every day

Entry fee: Entry is free for all

5. Manakh King Abdulaziz Park

With numerous lush green areas and shaded benches, there are plenty of amazing spots in Manakh King Abdulaziz Park for organizing a memorable picnic. Home to a mesmerizing lake, it has a broad stairway leading to a remarkable viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views of Riyadh. Picnickers can sit by the lake and have lunch with the family or play various sports and games on the premises.

Location: Al-Manakh, Riyadh

Attractions & things to do: The park features a play area for children with various slides and swings. Its peaceful atmosphere and soothing ambiance is the major attraction that draws in picnickers from all over the city. Visitors can also enjoy barbecue in the park. Additionally, the park offers jaw-dropping views of the Riyadh skyline, especially at night.

Timings: 3 pm to midnight from Wednesday to Friday, 4 pm to midnight on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Saturdays, and closed on Sundays

Entry fee: Entry is free for all

6. Lake Park Namar Dam

Named after its 2-km-long Namar Wadi dam, the Lake Park Namar Dam has become quite popular amongst locals and tourists alike. It allows visitors to enjoy awe-inspiring views of the dam, lake, and waterfall during their picnic. Families can sit beside the lake organizing their picnic in a natural setting. Additionally, the park has basic facilities like restrooms and prayer areas.

Location: Utaiqah, Riyadh

Attractions & things to do: Visitors can cook up a nice barbeque at the picnic. Bike riding is also quite popular in the park. Lake Park Namar Dam has lush green play areas to keep children delightfully occupied. Also, one can spot turtles and ducks in the park’s lovely lake.

Timings: Open 24 hours every day

Entry fee: Entry is free for all

7. Okaz Park

Listed amongst the top parks in Riyadh, Okaz Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic with friends and family. The park is dotted with many lush green spaces, where one can spread a mat to have a delicious meal amidst a calming setting. The beauty and tranquility of this place are one of the major reasons behind its popularity amongst picnickers.

Location: Uqadh, Riyadh

Attractions & things to do: At night, several vendors set up stalls at Okaz Park to sell a wide range of things, from handbags, electronics, and household items to snacks, toys, and small knick-knacks for kids. Ideal for families, it has several play areas and offers barbeque facilities.

Timings: Open 24 hours every day

Entry fee: Entry is free for all

Best time to organize picnics in Riyadh

The best time for organizing picnics in Riyadh is during the winter season, which falls from November to March. With the average temperature ranging from 18.3°C to 26.6°C during the winter months, arranging a picnic during the daytime can be quite pleasant and enjoyable. One can enjoy a sunny day outdoors in the shade of a tree, enjoying the vibrant surroundings. Those looking to organize a picnic during the summertime can easily do so during the nights. During summers, nights in Riyadh can be quite pleasant and a perfect time for arranging a fun picnic with family and friends.

Things to Remember

While planning to organize a picnic in Riyadh, it is wise to keep the following things in mind:

• While picking the picnic spot, check the timings carefully to ensure that the location is open when required
• Make sure the weather condition of that particular day are suitable and that it isn’t too hot or cold for a picnic outdoor
• Don’t litter in and around the picnic spot. Make sure to use the nearby garbage cans for disposing of the waste
• Follow the rules and regulations of the picnic spot
• Be respectful of the women and families enjoying their time at the location

In the middle of picturesque picnic spots in Riyadh, tourists can enjoy a hearty lunch with family and friends. Most of the picnic spots in Riyadh have playgrounds or grassy spaces where picnickers can relax in the shade or play football, badminton or other such games. Further, a picnic is a great outdoor activity assisting in solidifying the family bond.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Tourist Places In Riyadh : Mosques, Malls, And Skyscrapers

Picnic Spots In Riyadh FAQs

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Top 8 zoos in Saudi Arabia

1. Riyadh National Zoo, Riyadh

Riyadh Zoo is the largest zoo in Saudi Arabia, and is home to more than 1500 animals and birds. The zoo in Riyadh offers a train journey that takes a short route covering most famous exhibits. The zoo has well-maintained cafes offering delicious food and drinks. There are praying halls for men and women, a 5D cinema, conservation centers, and much more. Before the closing time of the Riyadh Zoo Park, visitors also get to attend special animal shows where harbor seals showcase their wit and brilliance.

Location: Mosab Ibn Umair St, Al Malaz, Riyadh

Riyadh Zoo’s opening time: On Monday to Thursday, the zoo remains open from 8:30 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 6 pm, and on Friday, it opens after Jummah Prayer to 6 pm. It is important to note that the timings are different for women, men, and families.

Entry fee: Riyadh Zoo ticket price for 12 years and above is SR 10.50, and for children below 12 years is SR 2.5

Top attractions: Animals including zebras, hyenas, Bengal tigers, camels, houbara bustard birds, Arabian oryx, griffon vultures, Arabian desert leopards, train rides, and 5D cinema

Must Read: Riyadh Zoo Guide: Location, Timings, Entry Fee, Nearby Attractions

2. Dammam Zoo Park, Dammam

The Dammam Zoo Park, or the Al-Homaid Zoo, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Dammam. The zoo has a diverse ecosystem of animals, birds, and fishes. Tourists can find exhibits of animals like crocodiles, hyenas, lions, tigers and more while circulating around the zoo. Further, the place is ideal for kids as it has a beautiful park for children with rides and games. The zoo has several seating areas and restaurants offering an all round experience.

Location: Dhahran Jubail Expy, Saihat, Dammam

Timings: The zoo in Dammam is open from 7:30 am to 12 pm and 2:30 pm to 8 pm, everyday (hours might vary, especially on Friday).

Entry fee: Dammam Zoo Park ticket price for 5 years and above is SR 10, and for children below 5 years, entry is free.

Top attractions: The zoo has a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, falcons, hyenas, foxes, monkeys, crocodiles, porcupines, ostrich, etc.

3. Taif Zoo, Taif

As Taif zoo is not very extensive, it serves as an ideal place for a family outing with kids and elderly. Additionally, the greenery in the place makes one feel closer to nature. The zoo has a variety of animals such as zebras, elephants, lions, and more. The zoo organizes dolphin and sea lion shows on a regular basis. It houses an amusement park for children with thrilling rides to keep them entertained. Various restaurants and fast food vendors are also located nearby the zoo in Taif, offering delicious meals.

Location: Alshifa Road, Taif

Timings: Monday to Wednesday and Saturday: 9 am to 12 pm; Thursday: 9 am to 1 am; Friday: 2 pm to 1 pm; Sunday, 3 pm to 1 am

Entry fee: The ticket price for 3 years and above is SR 15, and for children below 3 years, entry is free

Top attractions: Animals, including zebras, lions, five-legged buffalo, gigantic elephants, etc., amusement park, and the sea lion and dolphin show

4. Al-Kharj Park Zoo, Al-Kharj

The Al-Kharj Park Zoo combines the best of both worlds in one place: the serenity of green parks and the adventures of a zoo. It is one of the largest zoos in Saudi Arabia that is home to a plethora of exotic animals and birds. The zoo has an amusement park, a tourist resort, entertainment centers, swimming pools, and tents for the visitors. The gripping rides and lush grass make the Park Zoo one of the must-visit zoos in Saudi Arabia for family picnics and outings.

Location: Riyadh – Al Kharj Road, Exit 5, District Alafjh, Al-Kharj

Timings: Saturdays to Wednesdays: 4 pm to 12 am; Thursdays and Fridays, 4 pm to 1 am

Entry fee: The ticket price to the Al-Kharj zoo is SR 10. There might be a separate entry fee for the amusement park.

Top attractions: Animals and birds such as leopards, vultures, eagles, flamingos, rhinos, bears, tigers, etc., an amusement park, entertainment centers, swimming pools, and resorts

5. Al-Taraf Model Zoo, Al-Ahsa

This zoo in Al-Ahsa is a popular tourist destination for families and children. The quaint place has lush green gardens with various species of animals and birds. There is a game city for children with rides and electronic games. The terrain is full of greenery and serves as an excellent place for family picnics. After a long day at the Al-Taraf Model Zoo, visitors can re-energize themselves with exquisite meals available in restaurants and cafes.

Location: Al Tarf, Al-Ahsa

Timings: 9 am to 11 am and 3.30 pm to 9 pm, everyday

Entry fee: The ticket price is SR 15

Top attractions: Amusement area and animals such as lions, deer, Australian ostrich, crocodiles, monkeys, etc.

6. Asfan Zoo, Jeddah

The Asfan Zoo is a privately-owned zoo that is open to the public on prior booking. This zoo in Jeddah is well-maintained and is an abode to various wild animals, including monkeys, hyenas, deers, giraffes, zebras, porcupines, raccoons, etc. The zoo has relatively large exhibits for animals preserving their wild nature. Visitors can enjoy watching the animals at the zoo and organize picnics in the premises.

Location: Al Riyadh, Jeddah

Timings: Jeddah Zoo timings are from 6 am to 6 pm

Top attractions: Elephants, giraffes, zebras, raccoons, hyenas, monkeys, porcupines, flamingos, ostriches, emus, camels, kangaroos, snakes, other birds, etc.

7. South Park For Animals, Abha

Being surrounded by mountains in Abha, South Park For Animals is an excellent location to spend a day with friends and family especially with kids. The zoo is home to various species of animals like tigers, lions, ostriches, deer, snakes and more. The location has an expanding park, best for organizing picnics and playing along with kids. Further, there are numerous kids areas and restaurants for providing an all inclusive experience in Abha zoo.

Location: Route number 10 Qaradah, Abha

Timings: Saturday to Wednesday: 12 pm to 1 am; Thursday and Friday: 12 pm to 1 am

Entry fee: SR 20 for adults

Top attractions: Tigers, lions, deer, snakes and other reptiles

8. Al-Khobar Zoo, Khobar

Al Khobar Zoo is a small zoo consisting of a decent collection of animals and birds. It has a game city to entertain kids and adults alike. The animal park, gardens and amusement center have made this place one of the most popular zoos in Saudi Arabia. Further, one can also find numerous restaurants along with seating facilities near the zoo.

Top attractions: Animals including fox, deers, horses, hyenas, lions, monkeys and some exotic birds, and the gaming center

Zoos in Saudi Arabia are ideal for spending quality time with near and dear ones. These zoos help kids learn about the wild animals and bring them closer to nature. Most zoos have amusement parks that offer great rides and games that bring out the kid in everyone. Further, tickets of these zoos are highly affordable while ensuring maximum fun.

Suggested Read: Top 30 Tourist Places To Visit In Saudi Arabia

Zoos In Saudi Arabia FAQs

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