Your children might be used to splashing in the Mediterranean or going on country breaks in the UK, but if you’re looking for a holiday with a twist, you could take them on an explorative trip of the Middle East. Here are just some amazing things you can get up to in the region that your youngsters will truly love.
See the pyramids in Egypt
Perhaps the most famous site in the Middle East is the pyramids in Egypt. Children will love to get up and close to these ancient wonders, as they will be able to learn more about Ancient Egypt while on holiday in the north African country. Most kids love finding out about the civilisation, and seeing the stone pyramids up close will be a chance to bring it all to life.
The pyramids are situated just outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau and you can see some of the largest in the world here, as well as the Great Sphinx. You can also enjoy a Sound and Light Show at Giza, which will make the trip feel even more magical.
Visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
If you’ve always wanted to enjoy a luxurious holiday in five-star accommodation in Dubai but were worried your children might not have enough to keep them amused, think again, as there are plenty of things to occupy their time in Dubai.
One attraction they’ll love is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, where they can get up close to thousands of marine animals from penguins to sharks. The aquarium itself holds ten million litres of water and is one of the largest suspended tanks in the world, with 140 species of sealife, including 400 sharks and rays. Visitors can even attempt shark diving if you or your kids are feeling really adventurous or try a cage snorkelling experience.
There is a 48-metre tunnel through the aquarium, giving you 270 degree views of the tank, allowing you to see all the marine life in its full glory! As well as being able to take a look at a plethora of sealife, you can spot the likes of otters, Humbolt penguins, Caiman crocodiles and water rats at the Underwater Zoo.
Go camel trekking
Wherever you visit in the Middle East, one activity that will be high on any child’s to do list is going camel trekking. Kids (and adults) love the adventure of riding a camel through sandy deserts into the golden landscape – and you’re bound to have lots of fun doing so.
You’ll find options for camel trekking in the majority of locations, with lots of tour operators providing this as an enjoyable day out for families, whether you’re in Morocco, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates or Jordan.
Explore the ancient site of Petra
As well as camel rides, Jordan offers visitors an abundance of sites to explore, including those that children will love. Petra is perhaps most famously associated for being in the movie Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, but children are most likely to be unfamiliar with the 1989 film!
Despite this, they love visiting the rose-coloured city. Walking through the gap in the red clifftops to eventually spot the magnificent Treasury carved into a sheer rock face at the end of the 1 km gorge will be a hugely exciting experience for the entire family.
The city, created more than 2,000 years ago, has an interesting history, but children will be mostly impressed by the sandy-coloured tombs, buildings and mountains that make up beautiful Petra.
Take a splash at Yas Waterworld
Abu Dhabi is growing in popularity as a tourist destination, and one place you should head to if you’re bringing your children on holiday here is Yas Waterworld. There are 43 rides at the water theme park, all offering an exhilarating experience for children and adults alike.
Yas Waterworld is suitable for youngsters of all ages, offering both adrenaline-fuelled rides and more relaxing ones for young children. There are also lots of dining and shopping facilities, so you can easily spend all day here splashing in the water and having fun with your little ones.
