When you think of family holidays, Doha might not be the first place that springs to mind. But it should be. This sleek, sun-soaked city in the heart of the Gulf is one of the Middle East’s best-kept secrets for family travel — and once you’ve been, you’ll wonder why you didn’t go sooner.
Doha has everything you could possibly want from a family break: safe streets, fascinating culture, modern hotels, endless sunshine (especially during our gloomy UK winters), and activities to keep kids and grown-ups equally entertained.
And the best bit? It’s all surprisingly easy. This is a place where things work — getting around is simple, everyone is welcoming, and there’s that lovely combination of relaxation and adventure that makes a holiday truly special.
So, where is Doha again?
Doha is the capital of Qatar, a small but mighty country that juts out into the Arabian Gulf. It’s about a 6½-hour flight from London — far enough to feel like a proper escape, but not so far that you need to pack the entire entertainment catalogue for the kids.
If you fly with Qatar Airways (highly recommended), the journey is straightforward, and the service is great for families. Hamad International Airport is one of the best in the world — clean, efficient, and designed with travellers in mind. Within an hour of landing, you can be poolside at your hotel.
What’s it like?
Doha is one of those places that feels both brand-new and deeply historic. One minute you’re looking up at a futuristic skyscraper, the next you’re wandering through an old souq with the smell of spices and oud in the air. It’s a city that’s proud of its heritage but has its eyes firmly on the future.
It’s also incredibly family-friendly. You’ll notice it straight away — locals adore children, staff in hotels and restaurants go out of their way to make things easy for you, and public spaces are spotless and well-kept. Whether you’re travelling with a toddler, a teenager, or three generations in tow, Doha works.
Where to stay with kids
One of the great things about Doha is the choice of hotels. Whether you want five-star glamour or something more budget-conscious, you’ll find plenty of family-friendly options.
For something a little bit different, Banana Island Resort by Anantara is a great pick. You take a short boat ride from the city and suddenly you’re on a private island with its own beach, bowling alley, cinema and villas with private pools. It’s a proper “wow” experience and ideal if you want to mix city and resort in one trip.
If you prefer to stay central, there are loads of excellent options. The Ritz-Carlton Doha is super luxe and great with kids. Hilton The Pearl has family apartments with kitchens and space to spread out. Or, for something with local flavour, the Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels put you right in the heart of the action — perfect for kids who like to explore.
What to do (and how to keep the kids happy)
Doha is packed with activities for families, and you can mix things up depending on your mood. Want to go full culture mode? Start at the Museum of Islamic Art. The building alone is breathtaking, but it also has plenty of hands-on activities and a great park outside where the kids can run around with views of the Corniche and city skyline.
Right next door is MIA Park, which has one of the best playgrounds in the city and food trucks galore. We spent a sunny afternoon here and didn’t want to leave — it’s the kind of place where families hang out together, eat, play, and take in the view.
If you’re travelling with little ones, a wander around Souq Waqif is a must. It’s bustling, colourful, and full of sensory delights. Think birds, spices, textiles, handmade toys and sweets. There’s even a falcon hospital you can peek into. It’s best visited late afternoon when it’s cooler, and it really comes alive in the evening.
Fancy some beach time? Head to Katara Cultural Village, which ticks a lot of boxes. You’ve got a family-friendly beach, an open-air amphitheatre, regular art exhibitions, and loads of places to eat. It’s all really walkable and scenic, with enough going on to keep even the easily-bored teenagers happy.
For something more adrenaline-fuelled, Doha has indoor amusement parks that are perfect for escaping the heat. Gondolania in Villaggio Mall has everything from a rollercoaster and bowling to ice skating and arcades. Doha Quest is another winner, with immersive rides and games in a slick, air-conditioned space that adults secretly enjoy just as much as the kids.
Want to get out of the city?
A desert safari is one of those unforgettable experiences that kids talk about for years. You can book a family-friendly version with shorter dune-bashing, camel rides, sandboarding and a stop by the magical Inland Sea, where the desert meets the Gulf. It’s surreal and stunning — and if your children have never seen a desert, it’s guaranteed to be a highlight.
What about food?
You’ll eat well in Doha, whatever your budget. There are lots of international options — familiar names like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack and PF Chang’s — but it’s worth trying some local Qatari and Levantine cuisine while you’re here too.
For family dining, head to places like Shay Al Shomos in Souq Waqif for traditional breakfast, Sugar and Spice for sweet treats and comfort food, or IDAM at the Museum of Islamic Art if you’re celebrating something special (children over 10 only — this one’s a grown-up treat!).
Everywhere we went, staff were happy to accommodate children. High chairs are common, and many restaurants have dedicated kids’ menus.
And the practical stuff?
One of the things that makes Doha such a good family destination is how easy it is to get around. Taxis are safe and affordable, and the Doha Metro is a joy — clean, fast, and air-conditioned. English is widely spoken, and everything is signposted clearly. It takes the stress out of navigating a new place with children in tow.
Oh, and did we mention how clean it is? Doha has to be one of the cleanest cities we've ever visited. Public toilets are spotless, hotels are immaculate, and even the parks are pristine.
When to go
The best time to visit Doha is between November and March, when daytime temperatures hover between 22–28°C — perfect for sightseeing, playing outside, and enjoying the beach. Summer (June to September) can be extremely hot, but many of the city’s attractions are indoors and air-conditioned, so if you’re after sunshine and shopping, it can still work.
Final thoughts
Doha might not have been on your radar for a family break, but once you’ve been, you’ll get it. It’s a place that knows how to look after people — especially families. There’s just enough adventure to keep things interesting, with plenty of comfort and calm when you need to slow things down.
It’s a city where culture and entertainment sit side by side, where kids are genuinely welcomed everywhere, and where planning a family trip doesn’t feel like a logistical nightmare.
If you’re looking for something a little different for your next family holiday — something warm, welcoming, easy, and packed with things to do — Doha could be just the place.
At Travelaire, we specialise in building affordable luxury breaks that work for real families. From hotel recommendations and day trip planning to airport transfers and family-friendly dining tips, we’ll make sure everything’s taken care of — so you can just relax and enjoy your time together.
Get in touch with us to start planning your Doha family adventure today.
