After eight to nine hours of fasting, you’ll probably feel like going outdoors to enjoy some family-friendly activities after iftar. Ramadan is a month that brings families closer.
In Riyadh, the city stays awake well into the morning hours (as late as 4am), making room for after-iftar activities that go beyond the dining at new restaurants for suhoor, enjoying a cup of coffee at a cafés or checking out the usual shopping complexes.
Here are a few fantastic after-iftar things to keep busy with the family after you’ve broken your fast.
Game on at Magic Planet
What better way to spend a few hours with the family than playing video games, rides and attractions. It’s like an indoor theme park that’ll have your kids jumping up and down with excitement. Don’t worry, there’s fun for the adults such as bowling and retro arcade games. You can also dine, play, and strike 10 at Yalla! Bowling, a retro-inspired bowling alley.
Free entry. Open Sat-Thu 10am-midnight; Fri 10am-1am. Magic Planet, Riyadh Park, Al Aqiq. magicplanetmena.com (011 236 4383).
Check out the King Fahd Cultural Centre’s planetarium
Consisting of 280 seats, the King Fahd Cultural Centre’s Planetarium is one to leave the kids in awe. It’s a great family outing to enjoy what might look like a sky theatre reflected by the projectors creating a simulation of the twinkling night skies. You can also peek through the lens of the telescopes and take a look into the actual night sky. Take about a glistening experience.
Ar Rafiah. (011 480 0537).
Get crafty at Keramos
How creative can you get? Get together and start creating with the little ones by signing up for one of Keramos’ many workshops as one of the after-iftar activities. The space is known for its ceramic creations, from curated plates and mugs, unique vases, Keramos is there to get those creative juices flowing, regardless of your skill level or age. Don’t worry if you have never done it before, this activity is all about family-bonding and making memories at any level. The bonus is that you will get to have a keepsake. How special is that?
An Narjis, @keramosksa.
Paint at Café Ceramique
One of the more fun activities to enjoy with family and friends, Café Ceramique gives painting a new meaning. You don’t need to be a Picasso in the making to be good at this pick. The creative spot offers a wide range of already sculpted items to choose from. Looking for a new jewellery box? You’ll find that and more at this paint-to-create space. Grab a ceramic piece of choice such as elephants, plates, mugs, bird houses and more, pick your selection of paint brushes and the colours you’d like to use and begin.
SAR50. Al Makan Mall, Al Malqa, @cafeceramiquesa (050 123 6611).
Shoot to score at Goal Junior
Kick it with the kids at Goal Junior. Yes, it’s time to aim for the goal at this fun family-friendly football spot for little ones. Play 12 to 15 minute games, get active and make new friends at this popular space. Goal Junior has more than one location in the city, with the first being in Al Rabwa and the second location in Sahara Mall. On this field, it doesn’t matter who you support, all that matters is securing a goal.
Various locations including Al Rabwa and Sahara Mall, goaljunior.com.
Watch a movie at VOX Cinema
Popcorn, nachos and a blockbuster for suhoor? Count us in. Catching a movie with the fam-bam is one of the top after-iftar picks to enjoy in the city. Sure, you could always have movie night at home but you’ll be missing out on all those fun snacks and sound effects, and we wouldn’t want that. Step it up a notch, and bite into Mona Mosly’s special menu for iftar or suhoor. The Saudi chef’s menu is available at VOX GOLD locations and include next-level picks such as kibbeh nachos, Armenian tabbouleh, three kinds of bao, and more.
VOX GOLD Cinemas. ksa.voxcinemas.com.
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Sporty after-iftar activities
Race to win at Doos Karting
It’s time for some speed. Doos Karting is ready for you to take to the tracks and tackle all the twists and turns in the road at full speed. Press to accelerate and avoid all the obstacles in front of you. Bring along your group for a competitive yet friendly time out.
SAR91. Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Road, dooskarting.com.
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