Family fun at Al Khor Park, Qatar

Around 48 kilometers from Doha is the family-friendly Al Khor Park. It is one of the oldest family parks in Qatar and although there is a minimal entrance fee, it is worth it since the spacious and renovated park offers a lot of entertainment and activities for families.




On a Friday, we decided to go on a road trip and head to the famous Al Khor Park for a family day out after shopping and eating at IKEA. Following the directions from Google Maps, the drive was smooth until we were almost to the park. We missed a turn and ended up doing a U-turn some many kilometers away. We finally got to the park just when the sun went down.

The parking lot was surprisingly huge and thankfully, it seemed that there are not that many people judging from how many cars there were.

The entrance was a breeze and we only had to pay 5 QAR to enter. The big dome that visitors can see from the outside is one of the things that will greet you. The fountain was mesmerizing to see in the night time, with the lights shimmering in the flowing water.




Since it was already dark out, we didn’t get to see the animals and the aviary appeared to be closed. We’ll just have to come back for them next time. It is said that the animals from the closed Doha Zoo were transferred here in Al Khor Park.

*Updated November 2018: 

The Public Parks Department has also recently added new species of animals as well as modifying the facilities to ensure a more conducive environment for the animals.

*Update February 2019:

The zoo has recently added baby zebras and ostrich chicks. Popular animals in the zoo are the oryx, peacock, parrot, snake, and deer.

And so, to the playgrounds the kid and the kids-at-heart go to. The play area is quite big and there’s variety for kids to choose from. For the family members who forgot to bring their own mats, there’s also ample seating scattered throughout the park.

Too bad the train was not operating when we went. It might have been not working for a long time now. Walking through the tunnel to the hilly grass outside was quite lovely too what with the artworks on the walls of the tunnel. It surely made for a good photo opportunity too.

When we got hungry, we visited the cafeteria but wasn’t impressed with the usual offerings of chips, popcorn, sandwiches, etc so we just decided to hold off our hunger a bit until we finished going around the park.

Al Khor Park definitely offers an escape from Doha and a good environment with lots of green spaces and facilities for some family downtime. After playing, we just took the time to sit in the grass or walk around, enjoying the cool winds at night.

When we went, we saw employees making sure that the park is clean. But hopefully, the park-goers do their bit too as there are plenty of trash bins around.

Al Khor Park Visitor Information

Opening hours: 8 am to 10 PM daily (except Fridays)

Note: Tuesdays for ladies and children only

Al Khor Park rules: Prohibited activity includes grilling, bringing pets, bringing big bikes

Car park and toilets available

Entrance fee: 5 QAR; children under nine years old – Free

Park features water fountains, mini-zoo, aviary, skating area, mini golf course, basketball court, amphitheater, waterfall, mosque, man-made lake, cafeteria, charging stations, playgrounds, battery operated train

Al Khor Park Location: follow Google Maps

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