Family Adventures in Al Baha: Top Attractions and Activities
Al Baha is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, combining breathtaking natural beauty with rich cultural heritage. Located in the southwestern part of the Kingdom, Al Baha enjoys a mild climate in the summer and cool temperatures in the winter, making it an ideal destination for families year-round. The region offers a variety of attractions that provide enjoyable experiences for all family members, from natural parks and reserves to historical landmarks and archaeological sites. This city has so much to offer for families and in this article, we will explore the top attractions in Al Baha for families.
Raghadan Forest
Raghadan Forest in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia, is one of the top tourist destinations thanks to its natural beauty and biodiversity. Spanning an area of approximately 600,000 square meters, it is home to juniper trees and a variety of other plant species. Additionally, the presence of water features adds a special charm to the forest.
Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 00:00.
Entrance: Free
Khayrah Forest and Waterfalls
Khayrah Forest Park in Al Baha is considered one of the city’s most beautiful parks, characterized by its vast green spaces with water basins, waterfalls, and springs. The park also boasts a variety of plants and trees, including juniper, wild olive, and acacia. It offers walking paths, sports areas, recreational zones for children, and stunning waterfalls.
Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 02:30.
Al Shada Al A’la Mountain Reserve
Al Shada Al A’la Mountain Reserve in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia, is distinguished by its towering mountains and fascinating rock formations. The reserve is home to rare plants and trees that thrive in mountainous and rocky environments. The cold, foggy atmosphere during winter attracts tourists and hiking enthusiasts. The reserve also features remnants of ancient homes and stone structures from old civilizations, making it an intriguing site for history and archaeology lovers.
Note: Visitors should exercise caution when heading to this area due to the rough roads and rocky terrain. It is recommended to use a Jeep or similar vehicle, as smaller cars may struggle with the challenging road conditions.
Prince Hossam Park
Prince Hossam Park is located near Raghadan Park in the heart of Al Baha city and is considered one of the most beautiful tourist spots in the region. The park includes many attractions for children, such as games and paid activities like the suspension bridge, glass bridge, giant slide, and zipline. It also features green spaces, seating areas, scenic viewpoints, a lake, and fountains. There is a dedicated children’s play area, prayer facilities for men and women, other amenities, and parking lots, as well as food stalls.
Operating Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 00:00.
Hamdah Valley and Waterfall
Hamdah Valley is a newly developed and incredibly beautiful tourist destination, with the Hamdah Waterfall creating a river course along the road. The valley is notable for its charming bridge, which facilitates crossing, and includes seating areas and stalls operated by local families offering coffee and tea. The scenery in Hamdah Valley is particularly stunning, especially with the various events held there. The change in atmosphere, coupled with the sound of flowing water and the refreshing waterfall, makes it a place well worth visiting.
Note: The presence of ducks and fish in the lake adds to the site’s charm, and the children selling flower garlands offer a lovely local touch to the experience. However, parking spaces are limited in the area.
Al Akhawayn Fortress Museum
The Al Akhawayn Fortresses, known as the "Twin Fortresses," are located in the ancient village of Al-Mald in the Al Baha region, atop a hill along the trade route to Asir. Built four centuries ago for military purposes, the fortresses were used by two brothers as storage for food supplies. They are situated 100 meters above the valley, with a gap of 120 cm between them. The fortresses are symmetrically constructed in both size and design, with one located to the north and the other to the south.
Operating Hours:
- Saturday to Thursday: 14:30 to 20:30
- Friday: 09:00 to 23:00
Entrance Fee:
- Very affordable and includes complimentary coffee and photography.
- 20 SAR for adults, 10 SAR for those under 20, and free for children under 10.
Al Baha Mall
Al Baha Mall covers an area of 45,000 square meters, offering a wide range of international and local stores selling clothes, perfumes, bags, shoes, accessories, and cosmetics. Additionally, the mall includes home furniture stores and Othaim markets for groceries and consumer goods. The mall houses 220 stores, along with various cafes and restaurants, and provides 1,400 parking spaces. Besides shopping, visitors can enjoy coffee and desserts while strolling through the mall and finish their day with a delicious meal at one of the restaurants.
Operating Hours: Daily from 09:30 to 00:00.
In conclusion, Al Baha is a fantastic tourist destination for families looking to enjoy nature, history, and culture all in one place. The diversity of attractions in Al Baha ensures that every family will find something to suit their interests, creating unforgettable memories in one of the most beautiful regions of the Kingdom. So don’t miss out on the best deals for Al Baha flights on WINGIE.
