Some of these activities have appeared before in this guide, but we thought kids would be especially interested in this section.
BOWLING: Just like being at home – shoe rental and all. There is a new bowling alley in the City Centre Souk just off 5th Ring. Cozmo Bowling. Call 574-4975/6 for more information. www.cozmobowling.com.
BRITISH SCHOOL OF KUWAIT: BSK offers a wide variety of academic and leisure pursuits as extra-curricular activities. These activities are open to adults and students from other schools and are marketed under the title of The British Schools.
Presently there are 14 British Schools. They include: aerobics& water aerobics, computing, drama, ballet, basketball, creative arts, dance, gymnastics, karate, languages, music, soccer, speech and drama, swimming and yoga. Registration for each term is well publicized in the English-language newspapers. BSK also offers a summer day camp for kids.
℡: 562-1701/2701. www.bsk.edu.kw.
COLOR ME MINE: A paint-it yourself ceramic studio. Has pre-fired bisque that you glaze with help from the staff. Offers specials on various days and also offers summer camps. You pay a studio fee and then for each individual piece.
Location: Marina Crescent off Gulf road in Salmiya.
℡: 224-4604. website: www.kuwait.colormemine.com.
EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM: Located downtown on Abdullah Mubarak Street directly across from the Fabric Souk and Indian heritage souk. Contains many displays and also has a planetarium. Open 9 AM to noon and 4:30 to 7:30 PM
every day except Thursdays and Fridays.
DOWNTOWN SOUK – MOUBARAKEA: There are many sections – all are fascinating. Kids might find the food part interesting. Several inexpensive pay parking lots are are available. Most shops are open mornings until about 1:30 and in the evenings until about 9 PM. For those who are less adventurous, try the Souk Salmiya in the City Centre just off Fifth Ring.
EMBASSY PLAYGROUP: Parents and kids (toddler age) from the Embassy community meet once a week for a few hours for play and to go on field trips. It’s a great way to meet new families. Meets Sunday mornings at 10:30. Call the CLO for more information.
FRIDAY MARKET: Open Thursdays and Fridays in the mornings and at night. There are several sections: the used stuff, the new stuff and the animals. All is very interesting and free (unless you buy something!) You can use strollers there.
Located between Fourth and Fifth rings and 55 and 60 behind the Plant Souk. You can park on either side of the market.
The animal section is not recommended because of widespread animal abuse.
GAMEWORKS: Located in the Marina Mall, second floor opposite Virgin Records. It is a large arcade and restaurant. You can eat and purchase a debit-type card for play on the machines. Older children and teens would like Gameworks.
GIGGLES: Offers inside games and fun. Will organize birthday parties for you. Sort of like Chucky Cheese in the U.S.
Telephone: 254-8513. In Adiliya, next to Kazma Sports Stadium.
GO-CARTS: There are several tracks around town, but the closest is at the International Fairgrounds in Mishref. It’s open daily after 4PM.
LITTLE GYM: Offers gymnastics and other sports classes for children, ages 3-12. Also offers summer camps and birthday
parties. Website: www.thelittlegym.com.
Location: Jabriya, block 1A street 105, building 41.
℡: 534-4844.
KUWAIT SCHOOL OF DANCE: Founded in 1974, the school caters to children four years old to 18. The studio offers lessons in: jazz, ballet, creative movement, modern dance, classical ballet, choreography, workshop and performance.
Registration is in the fall with three academic terms of ten weeks. Their Performing Company has performances in April.
Call for information.
Location: They are currently meeting in the New English School in Jabriya.
℡: 562-2136 - Mrs.Andi Hicks.
KUWAIT ZOO: A small pleasant zoo. Recently re-opened after extensive renovations. Young children enjoy it because they are close to the animals. They also love the train and small rides. The gift shop has some nice educational -type toys.
It’s between Fifth and Sixth rings just off Route 55. Open every day except Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Phone: 473-3899.
THE LITTLE JUNGLE: A small private zoo located in Funaitees. It includes petting and hand feeding areas and rides on camels and ponies. You can arrange to have a party there or have them bring the animals to you! It also has a café.
Admission is 250 fils per person, rides and clover for the animals is extra.
Location: Off Route 30. Take Al Messilah Bridge and go away from the sea into Funaitees. Map available in CLO.
Hours: April 1 to Sept. 16, weekends and holidays 4pm to midnight. Saturdays to Wednesdays 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Sept.
17 to 31 March - weekends and holidays 9 am to 11 pm and Saturdays through Wednesdays 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Phone: 390-2635.
LITTLE LEAGUE: Contact CLO for the current information. Little League has been active in Kuwait for many years.
THE MOVIES: Cinemas showing English-language films are available throughout the city. For schedules and location see:
www.kncc.com. All sex is censored out, but violence is not.
NATIONAL MUSEUM: It’s on Gulf Road near the National Assembly building. Has several large buildings, but only a few are restored from the first Gulf War. In the building on the left as you go into the central square is a nice museum of traditional Kuwaiti culture. It includes life-sized dioramas of life in old Kuwait City that kids would like. The museum also has
a planetarium with some English language shows. Open 8 am to noon and 4-7 pm.
PARKS: Many sections of the city have green areas and they are especially green at this time of the year. Here’s one place to find playgrounds. It’s also a nice place for a picnic. Mishref Park is a large park that is nearby.
PAINTBALL KUWAIT: An exciting sport for those who are more adventurous.
Location:The Paintball field lies on the sea front right behind the Kuwait Towers (behind Aqua Park). The field consists of two castles, seventeen pro-ball obstacles (air-filled), four war-like ditches, grass platforms, and much more.
Phone: 243-1101 Internet: http://www.paintballkuwait.com/
THE SAS VIKING HEALTH CLUB: Free with the Embassy badge. Includes a beach, outdoor pool, and indoor pool. Also offered are jacuzzis, steam rooms, and saunas for teens and adults. Tae-Kwan-do classes are offered for kids (for a fee).
There are restaurants in the hotel and a café in the Health Club. There is also a free Maritime Museum and several large dhows to explore on the hotel grounds.
SCIENTIFIC CENTER: Located on Gulf Street at the end of Salmiya. Includes the aquarium, IMAX theatre, Discovery Place – a hands-on place for children, a dhow harbor, gift shop, and restaurant. Open Saturday through Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 and 5 pm to 9:30 pm, Thursdays from 9 am to 9:30 pm, and Fridays from 2 pm to 9:30 pm. Look at their
website: http://www.tsck.org.kw for show times and more information.
SCOUTS: U.S. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for all age children are available in Kuwait. Contact CLO if you would like to volunteer or join a troop.
TOURISTIC ENTERPRISES ATTRACTIONS: (on the web: www.tec.com.kw) this company operates most of the “tourist” attractions in town.
AQUA PARK: The park, opened in April 1996 and operates from April to November. There is plenty of fun to last for hours. No bikinis, please, though it is certainly a place the whole family can go. Mothers with small children seem to find weekday mornings the most enjoyable. Thursday is Family Day with a live band and contests for the children.
NO SINGLE MAN ALLOWED unless accompanied by a woman as a “couple”. Tuesday is Women’s Day – that is, women and children (only boys under 10 years of age). There is a new Speed Zone Go-Kart Track for drivers age 13 years and above.
Location: at the base of Kuwait Towers on Gulf Street.
Hours: Daily 10:00am to 10:00pm, with a 1:30 to 3:30 maintenance break.
℡: 243-1960.
ENTERTAINMENT CITY: Located very near Camp Doha. The theme park is divided into sections including a Tour of Europe, African Safari, Arab and Space Worlds. It has a variety of well-maintained rides including a large carousel, roller coaster and water log ride. Strollers are available as well as an array of fast food restaurants.
Location: Go north towards Jahra on ring 5 or 6, then on to Doha Port. Follow the signs for “Entertainment City”.
Hours: In the Summer (April 1 – October 31) Sunday through Friday 4 pm to 12pm.
in the Winter: Sunday - Wednesday 3 PM to 11 PM, Thursday 10 AM to 10 PM, Friday 10 AM to 9 PM, Mondays are for ladies only.
℡: 487-1567, 487-3677
GREEN ISLAND: Located off Gulf Road. This is a large island park made from filled land off the coast, connected by a causeway. It has restaurants, walkways, flowers and trees, as well as an electronic arcade. It has a small pond with paddleboats, trampolines, bumper boats and other rides for younger children. You can also rent bikes. You’ll do lots of walking, so go on a cool day.
Hours: Open daily from 3:00 to 11:00pm.
ICE SKATING HALL: It is off 1st Ring Road across Soor Street from the Ministries Complex. It has an Olympic-sized ice surface, a shoe changing room, a skating equipment store, a first aid center and Swenson’s Ice Cream. Open from 8-1 in the mornings and 3-11PM. It can be very crowded after 8PM.
KUWAIT TOWERS: The most-known Kuwait landmark. The view is amazing from the main tower as it slowly revolves around to show you all of Kuwait City. There is an expensive restaurant on top and a reasonably priced café available on the viewing deck. Off Gulf Road near Dasman.
MUSICAL FOUNTAIN: A large illuminated fountain where the water jets go along with music. Located near downtown off First Ring, near the ice skating rink. Open 4-12 (at night) the fountain is surrounded with seating, cafeteria and playground for kids.
AL-SHAAB GARDENS (OR SHAAB LEISURE PARK): Located off Gulf Road near the big McDonald’s. This is a large amusement park with many rides. It is open Saturday through Wednesday from 3 PM to midnight and Thursday and Friday from 10AM to midnight.
BOWLING: Just like being at home – shoe rental and all. There is a new bowling alley in the City Centre Souk just off 5th Ring. Cozmo Bowling. Call 574-4975/6 for more information. www.cozmobowling.com.
BRITISH SCHOOL OF KUWAIT: BSK offers a wide variety of academic and leisure pursuits as extra-curricular activities. These activities are open to adults and students from other schools and are marketed under the title of The British Schools.
Presently there are 14 British Schools. They include: aerobics& water aerobics, computing, drama, ballet, basketball, creative arts, dance, gymnastics, karate, languages, music, soccer, speech and drama, swimming and yoga. Registration for each term is well publicized in the English-language newspapers. BSK also offers a summer day camp for kids.
℡: 562-1701/2701. www.bsk.edu.kw.
COLOR ME MINE: A paint-it yourself ceramic studio. Has pre-fired bisque that you glaze with help from the staff. Offers specials on various days and also offers summer camps. You pay a studio fee and then for each individual piece.
Location: Marina Crescent off Gulf road in Salmiya.
℡: 224-4604. website: www.kuwait.colormemine.com.
EDUCATIONAL SCIENCE MUSEUM: Located downtown on Abdullah Mubarak Street directly across from the Fabric Souk and Indian heritage souk. Contains many displays and also has a planetarium. Open 9 AM to noon and 4:30 to 7:30 PM
every day except Thursdays and Fridays.
DOWNTOWN SOUK – MOUBARAKEA: There are many sections – all are fascinating. Kids might find the food part interesting. Several inexpensive pay parking lots are are available. Most shops are open mornings until about 1:30 and in the evenings until about 9 PM. For those who are less adventurous, try the Souk Salmiya in the City Centre just off Fifth Ring.
EMBASSY PLAYGROUP: Parents and kids (toddler age) from the Embassy community meet once a week for a few hours for play and to go on field trips. It’s a great way to meet new families. Meets Sunday mornings at 10:30. Call the CLO for more information.
FRIDAY MARKET: Open Thursdays and Fridays in the mornings and at night. There are several sections: the used stuff, the new stuff and the animals. All is very interesting and free (unless you buy something!) You can use strollers there.
Located between Fourth and Fifth rings and 55 and 60 behind the Plant Souk. You can park on either side of the market.
The animal section is not recommended because of widespread animal abuse.
GAMEWORKS: Located in the Marina Mall, second floor opposite Virgin Records. It is a large arcade and restaurant. You can eat and purchase a debit-type card for play on the machines. Older children and teens would like Gameworks.
GIGGLES: Offers inside games and fun. Will organize birthday parties for you. Sort of like Chucky Cheese in the U.S.
Telephone: 254-8513. In Adiliya, next to Kazma Sports Stadium.
GO-CARTS: There are several tracks around town, but the closest is at the International Fairgrounds in Mishref. It’s open daily after 4PM.
LITTLE GYM: Offers gymnastics and other sports classes for children, ages 3-12. Also offers summer camps and birthday
parties. Website: www.thelittlegym.com.
Location: Jabriya, block 1A street 105, building 41.
℡: 534-4844.
KUWAIT SCHOOL OF DANCE: Founded in 1974, the school caters to children four years old to 18. The studio offers lessons in: jazz, ballet, creative movement, modern dance, classical ballet, choreography, workshop and performance.
Registration is in the fall with three academic terms of ten weeks. Their Performing Company has performances in April.
Call for information.
Location: They are currently meeting in the New English School in Jabriya.
℡: 562-2136 - Mrs.Andi Hicks.
KUWAIT ZOO: A small pleasant zoo. Recently re-opened after extensive renovations. Young children enjoy it because they are close to the animals. They also love the train and small rides. The gift shop has some nice educational -type toys.
It’s between Fifth and Sixth rings just off Route 55. Open every day except Saturday from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Phone: 473-3899.
THE LITTLE JUNGLE: A small private zoo located in Funaitees. It includes petting and hand feeding areas and rides on camels and ponies. You can arrange to have a party there or have them bring the animals to you! It also has a café.
Admission is 250 fils per person, rides and clover for the animals is extra.
Location: Off Route 30. Take Al Messilah Bridge and go away from the sea into Funaitees. Map available in CLO.
Hours: April 1 to Sept. 16, weekends and holidays 4pm to midnight. Saturdays to Wednesdays 4:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Sept.
17 to 31 March - weekends and holidays 9 am to 11 pm and Saturdays through Wednesdays 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Phone: 390-2635.
LITTLE LEAGUE: Contact CLO for the current information. Little League has been active in Kuwait for many years.
THE MOVIES: Cinemas showing English-language films are available throughout the city. For schedules and location see:
www.kncc.com. All sex is censored out, but violence is not.
NATIONAL MUSEUM: It’s on Gulf Road near the National Assembly building. Has several large buildings, but only a few are restored from the first Gulf War. In the building on the left as you go into the central square is a nice museum of traditional Kuwaiti culture. It includes life-sized dioramas of life in old Kuwait City that kids would like. The museum also has
a planetarium with some English language shows. Open 8 am to noon and 4-7 pm.
PARKS: Many sections of the city have green areas and they are especially green at this time of the year. Here’s one place to find playgrounds. It’s also a nice place for a picnic. Mishref Park is a large park that is nearby.
PAINTBALL KUWAIT: An exciting sport for those who are more adventurous.
Location:The Paintball field lies on the sea front right behind the Kuwait Towers (behind Aqua Park). The field consists of two castles, seventeen pro-ball obstacles (air-filled), four war-like ditches, grass platforms, and much more.
Phone: 243-1101 Internet: http://www.paintballkuwait.com/
THE SAS VIKING HEALTH CLUB: Free with the Embassy badge. Includes a beach, outdoor pool, and indoor pool. Also offered are jacuzzis, steam rooms, and saunas for teens and adults. Tae-Kwan-do classes are offered for kids (for a fee).
There are restaurants in the hotel and a café in the Health Club. There is also a free Maritime Museum and several large dhows to explore on the hotel grounds.
SCIENTIFIC CENTER: Located on Gulf Street at the end of Salmiya. Includes the aquarium, IMAX theatre, Discovery Place – a hands-on place for children, a dhow harbor, gift shop, and restaurant. Open Saturday through Wednesday from 9 am to 12:30 and 5 pm to 9:30 pm, Thursdays from 9 am to 9:30 pm, and Fridays from 2 pm to 9:30 pm. Look at their
website: http://www.tsck.org.kw for show times and more information.
SCOUTS: U.S. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts for all age children are available in Kuwait. Contact CLO if you would like to volunteer or join a troop.
TOURISTIC ENTERPRISES ATTRACTIONS: (on the web: www.tec.com.kw) this company operates most of the “tourist” attractions in town.
AQUA PARK: The park, opened in April 1996 and operates from April to November. There is plenty of fun to last for hours. No bikinis, please, though it is certainly a place the whole family can go. Mothers with small children seem to find weekday mornings the most enjoyable. Thursday is Family Day with a live band and contests for the children.
NO SINGLE MAN ALLOWED unless accompanied by a woman as a “couple”. Tuesday is Women’s Day – that is, women and children (only boys under 10 years of age). There is a new Speed Zone Go-Kart Track for drivers age 13 years and above.
Location: at the base of Kuwait Towers on Gulf Street.
Hours: Daily 10:00am to 10:00pm, with a 1:30 to 3:30 maintenance break.
℡: 243-1960.
ENTERTAINMENT CITY: Located very near Camp Doha. The theme park is divided into sections including a Tour of Europe, African Safari, Arab and Space Worlds. It has a variety of well-maintained rides including a large carousel, roller coaster and water log ride. Strollers are available as well as an array of fast food restaurants.
Location: Go north towards Jahra on ring 5 or 6, then on to Doha Port. Follow the signs for “Entertainment City”.
Hours: In the Summer (April 1 – October 31) Sunday through Friday 4 pm to 12pm.
in the Winter: Sunday - Wednesday 3 PM to 11 PM, Thursday 10 AM to 10 PM, Friday 10 AM to 9 PM, Mondays are for ladies only.
℡: 487-1567, 487-3677
GREEN ISLAND: Located off Gulf Road. This is a large island park made from filled land off the coast, connected by a causeway. It has restaurants, walkways, flowers and trees, as well as an electronic arcade. It has a small pond with paddleboats, trampolines, bumper boats and other rides for younger children. You can also rent bikes. You’ll do lots of walking, so go on a cool day.
Hours: Open daily from 3:00 to 11:00pm.
ICE SKATING HALL: It is off 1st Ring Road across Soor Street from the Ministries Complex. It has an Olympic-sized ice surface, a shoe changing room, a skating equipment store, a first aid center and Swenson’s Ice Cream. Open from 8-1 in the mornings and 3-11PM. It can be very crowded after 8PM.
KUWAIT TOWERS: The most-known Kuwait landmark. The view is amazing from the main tower as it slowly revolves around to show you all of Kuwait City. There is an expensive restaurant on top and a reasonably priced café available on the viewing deck. Off Gulf Road near Dasman.
MUSICAL FOUNTAIN: A large illuminated fountain where the water jets go along with music. Located near downtown off First Ring, near the ice skating rink. Open 4-12 (at night) the fountain is surrounded with seating, cafeteria and playground for kids.
AL-SHAAB GARDENS (OR SHAAB LEISURE PARK): Located off Gulf Road near the big McDonald’s. This is a large amusement park with many rides. It is open Saturday through Wednesday from 3 PM to midnight and Thursday and Friday from 10AM to midnight.
3 comments:
Thanks for the informative list. Its really helpful. You mentioned that in the SAS Viking Club, there is a badge that gives access to the health club for free. What badge are you referring to? Is this available to all Americans or is it specific to embassy employees? Thanks in advance.
Greetings Ali,
Yes, I took this article from the US embassy, the badge is for US Embassy employees.
Regards,
AIK
Post a Comment