20-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia is rapidly becoming one of the world's most compelling destinations for families looking for more than just a typical beach holiday. This 20-day route takes you from the glittering skyscrapers of Riyadh to the ancient Nabataean tombs of AlUla, and down to the Red Sea breeze of Jeddah. We've curated this journey to ensure a relaxed pace that respects nap times and little legs, while still hitting the major cultural milestones of the Kingdom.
Traveling with children in Saudi Arabia is surprisingly seamless, as the culture is incredibly child-centric. You'll find modern amenities, large family sections in restaurants, and world-class theme parks. This itinerary focuses on comfort, utilizing domestic flights and high-speed trains to minimize long road trips, allowing your family to focus on making memories in the heart of the Middle East.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Welcome to the Kingdom
Arrival at King Khalid International Airport
Complete your immigration process and pick up your pre-arranged airport transfer. The airport is modern and offers plenty of space for families to regroup after a long flight.
Check-in and Relaxed Lunch
Head to your hotel in the Al Olaya district to drop off bags and enjoy a quiet lunch. Many hotels offer traditional Saudi hospitality with dates and coffee upon arrival.
King Abdullah Park
Let the kids burn off energy at this massive park. It features large green spaces and a famous musical fountain show that starts in the evening.
Dinner at Al Nakheel
Enjoy a relaxed family dinner at a restaurant known for its traditional atmosphere and spacious seating, perfect for families with strollers.
Day 2: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - History and Heritage
National Museum of Saudi Arabia
Explore the interactive exhibits that trace the history of Islam and the Arabian Peninsula. The museum is spacious and stroller-friendly.
Murabba Palace
Located right next to the museum, this former royal residence offers a glimpse into the architectural heritage of the mid-20th century.
Al Masmak Fortress
Visit the iconic clay and mud-brick fort that played a pivotal role in the Kingdom's history. The surrounding plaza is great for a late afternoon stroll.
Souq Al Zal
Experience the sights and smells of Riyadh's oldest market. It's a great place to buy traditional crafts and incense while the kids enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 3: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Modern Marvels
Sky Bridge at Kingdom Centre
Take the high-speed elevator to the 99th floor for a breathtaking panoramic view of Riyadh. The mall below is also a great spot for family-friendly shopping.
Family Lunch at Boulevard City
Visit Riyadh's premiere entertainment zone. It offers a wide variety of international restaurants and themed areas that kids will love.
Winter Wonderland (Seasonal) or Boulevard World
Depending on the season, visit these massive entertainment complexes featuring rides, games, and international pavilions.
Evening at Turaif District
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site in Diriyah. The area is beautifully lit at night and very pedestrian-friendly.
Day 4: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Desert Exploration
Edge of the World Day Trip
Join a guided tour to the stunning cliffs of Jebel Fihrayn. Ensure you book a family-friendly tour with a comfortable 4x4 vehicle.
Desert Picnic
Enjoy a traditional lunch set up in the desert. Most tours provide shaded seating and plenty of water for the little ones.
Return to Riyadh
Head back to the city to rest. Use this time for a nap or some pool time at your hotel.
Farewell Riyadh Dinner
Try some local Mandi or Kabsa at a popular local chain like Al Romansiah for an authentic yet comfortable experience.
Day 5: Riyadh to AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Transit to the Ancient North
Flight to AlUla
Take a domestic flight from Riyadh to AlUla. The flight is about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it much easier than a long drive with kids.
Check-in at Desert Resort
Transfer to your resort. Many accommodations in AlUla are designed to blend into the rock formations, offering a magical experience for kids.
Elephant Rock (Jabal AlFil)
Visit this massive natural sandstone formation. There are comfortable seating areas and cafes nearby where kids can play in the sand.
Stargazing in AlUla
AlUla's dark skies are perfect for stargazing. Many resorts offer family-friendly sessions with telescopes and guides.
Day 6: AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Hegra Exploration
Hegra Tour
Explore Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage site. Use the vintage Land Rover tours for a comfortable and exciting way to see the tombs.
Lunch at AlUla Old Town
Enjoy a meal in the historic old town, which has been beautifully restored with plenty of cafes and shops.
Dadan and Jabal Ikmah
Visit the ancient capital of the Dadan and Lihyan kingdoms and see the incredible rock inscriptions (the 'open library').
AlUla Oasis Walk
Take a gentle stroll through the lush palm groves of the oasis. It’s shaded, stroller-accessible, and very peaceful.
Day 7: AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Active Adventures
Adventure Hub Activities
Visit the AlUla Adventure Hub. While some activities have age limits, there are usually gentle hikes or bike rentals suitable for older children.
Picnic at the Adventure Hub
Grab a quick and healthy lunch at the hub before heading out for more exploration.
Drive to Harrat Viewpoint
Rent a car for the afternoon to drive up to the Harrat Uwayrid viewpoint for a stunning bird's-eye view of the valley.
Dinner at Maraya Social
Eat at the world's largest mirrored building. It’s an architectural marvel that kids will find fascinating to see their reflections in.
Day 8: AlUla, Saudi Arabia - Relaxation in the Desert
Leisure Morning at the Resort
Spend the morning enjoying the pool and facilities of your desert resort. The rock formations provide a unique backdrop for family photos.
Local Farm Visit
Visit one of the local citrus farms. During the season, you can pick oranges and lemons, a great activity for children.
Old Town Crafts
Return to the Old Town to participate in a traditional craft workshop, such as pottery or weaving.
Resort Dinner
Enjoy a quiet dinner at the resort, making the most of the tranquil desert evening.
Day 9: AlUla to Medina, Saudi Arabia - The Journey South
Drive or Transfer to Medina
The drive to Medina takes about 4 hours. Opt for a private chauffeured car for a comfortable journey with snacks and bathroom breaks.
Arrival and Lunch in Medina
Check into your hotel near the Prophet's Mosque. Enjoy a quick lunch at one of the many international chains nearby.
Dar Al Madinah Museum
A great museum to learn about the history and architecture of the city. It features detailed models that are interesting for kids.
Stroll around the Prophet's Mosque
Experience the peaceful atmosphere of the outer courtyards. Note that non-Muslims can visit the courtyard and the surrounding areas.
Day 10: Medina, Saudi Arabia - Spiritual Heritage
Quba Mosque
Visit the first mosque ever built. The surrounding area has been recently renovated with pedestrian walkways and cafes.
Mount Uhud
Visit the site of the famous battle. The hill is easy to climb for older kids and offers a view of the surrounding plains.
Lunch at a Date Farm
Medina is famous for its Ajwa dates. Visit a local farm for lunch and a chance to see how the dates are harvested.
Hejaz Railway Museum
See the old steam engines and station buildings from the early 20th century. Kids usually love the old trains.
Day 11: Medina, Saudi Arabia - Local Markets and Culture
Old Bazaar Exploration
Explore the traditional markets of Medina. It’s a great place to find unique prayer rugs and traditional clothing.
Family Lunch
Try some local 'Mandi' rice at a traditional eatery where you can sit on floor cushions (if the kids find it fun!).
Yanbu Highway Park
A short drive out of the city leads to some local parks with playgrounds, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Evening Reflection
Spend a quiet evening in the city center, enjoying the cool evening air and local ice cream.
Day 12: Medina to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - High-Speed Rail Experience
Haramain High-Speed Train
Take the bullet train to Jeddah. It's fast (under 2 hours), clean, and very exciting for children. The views of the desert are spectacular.
Arrival in Jeddah
Check into your hotel on the Corniche. Jeddah has a much more relaxed, coastal vibe compared to Riyadh.
Jeddah Corniche
Stroll along the Red Sea. The waterfront is beautifully paved, making it perfect for strollers and scooters.
King Fahd’s Fountain
Watch the world's tallest fountain shoot water high into the air as the sun sets. It’s a must-see in Jeddah.
Day 13: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Marine Life and Shopping
Fakieh Aquarium
The only public aquarium in Saudi Arabia. It features a dolphin show and many species from the Red Sea that will fascinate the kids.
Al Shallal Theme Park
Located right on the Corniche, this park offers rides for all ages and a large indoor skating rink.
Red Sea Mall
One of the largest malls in the country. It has an extensive indoor play area and many international food options.
Dinner with a Sea View
Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the upscale restaurants overlooking the Red Sea.
Day 14: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Historic Al-Balad
Walking Tour of Al-Balad
Explore the historic heart of Jeddah. The coral-stone houses with intricate wooden balconies (Rawashin) are stunning. Most main paths are stroller-friendly.
Nassif House
Visit this historic mansion to see how wealthy merchant families lived in the 19th century.
Traditional Coffee Break
Stop at a traditional cafe in Al-Balad for some Saudi coffee and 'Lgeimat' (sweet dumplings).
Sunset at the Waterfront
Head back to the Corniche for a relaxed evening. Rent a bike or a small electric car for the kids.
Day 15: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia - Red Sea Fun
Private Boat Trip
Charter a small boat for a few hours of snorkeling in the Red Sea. The water is calm and clear, perfect for introducing kids to marine life.
Beach Club Lunch
Visit one of the family-friendly beach clubs in Obhur for a day of swimming and sunbathing.
Tayebat Museum
A quirky and fascinating museum housed in a large complex that looks like a traditional Jeddah city. It's filled with curiosities that kids enjoy.
Relaxed Dinner
Choose one of the family-oriented restaurants in the Al Tahlia street area.
Day 16: Jeddah to Abha, Saudi Arabia - Into the Mountains
Flight to Abha
Fly from Jeddah to Abha. This city in the Asir mountains is much cooler and offers a different side of Saudi nature.
High Point Park
Head to one of the highest points in the city for a cool breeze and a playground for the kids.
Abha Lake
Enjoy a walk around the lake or rent a pedal boat. The area is lush and green, a stark contrast to the desert.
Art Street Dinner
Walk through Abha's Art Street, lined with purple jacaranda trees (in season) and colorful galleries.
Day 17: Abha, Saudi Arabia - Asir National Park
Habala Village
Take a cable car down to the 'hanging village'. The ride is exciting for kids and the history of the cliff-dwellers is fascinating.
Mountain Picnic
The Asir region is perfect for picnicking. Many locals spend their afternoons here enjoying the views.
Jabal Sawda
Visit the highest peak in Saudi Arabia. There are walking trails and plenty of spots to see the famous 'baboons' of the mountains (keep a safe distance!).
Abha Local Market
Visit the Tuesday Market (held daily now) to find local honey and traditional Asiri clothing.
Day 18: Abha to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Return to the Capital
Flight back to Riyadh
Take a morning flight back to Riyadh for your final days. This allows you to finish your trip in the main hub for international flights.
Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping
Visit the Centria Mall or Riyadh Park Mall for some high-quality Saudi gifts and brands.
Murabba Garden
Enjoy one last quiet walk in the city's green spaces while the kids play.
Celebratory Farewell Dinner
Choose a fine-dining Saudi restaurant like Najd Village for a traditional feast to end your journey.
Day 19: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Last Day of Fun
Riyadh Zoo
The zoo has been recently renovated and is a great way to spend the morning with younger children.
Lunch at a Theme Cafe
Riyadh has many quirky themed cafes that kids will love, from board game cafes to cat cafes.
Relaxing at the Hotel
Use the afternoon to pack and let the kids have some downtime before the flight home.
Early Night
Enjoy a quiet dinner at the hotel and get some rest before your international journey.
Day 20: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - Departure
Breakfast and Checkout
Enjoy a final Saudi breakfast with fresh bread, honey, and shakshuka.
Airport Transfer
Take a comfortable private transfer back to King Khalid International Airport.
Final Duty-Free Shopping
Pick up some last-minute dates or local perfumes before boarding.
Boarding
Safe travels home after your epic Saudi Arabian family adventure!
Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia, especially for families, is during the cooler months from October to March. During this period, the weather in Riyadh and AlUla is pleasant for outdoor exploration, while Jeddah remains comfortably warm. If you are visiting Abha, the summer months (June-August) are actually quite popular because the elevation keeps the temperatures significantly lower than the rest of the country.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Saudi Riyal (SAR). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in almost all shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller souqs or local markets. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10% is a generous gesture in sit-down restaurants.
Getting Around Saudi Arabia
For intercity travel, domestic flights are the most efficient way to cover the vast distances between Riyadh, AlUla, and Abha. The Haramain High-Speed Railway is an excellent, world-class option for traveling between Medina and Jeddah. Within cities, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are the most convenient and family-friendly ways to get around, as they offer climate-controlled vehicles and door-to-door service.
