Beach Day with Kids: Tips, Packing, and Locations

Planning a beach outing? Nothing says family fun like a day at the beach. But when going with kids, a little planning goes a long way. From packing snacks and toys to visiting at the right time, this guide covers everything you need for a smooth and pleasant experience — and introduces the best family-friendly beaches in Qatar.

Timing is important for a successful beach day with kids. Aim to head out early in the morning — before 11 AM or after 3 PM — to avoid peak sun and crowds. Always check opening hours, booking rules, and any weekend restrictions in advance, especially during holidays. 

Since some beaches have poor mobile signal, it’s recommended to download maps or any other essential information in advance and not rely on mobile data. It’s also important to go over basic safety rules with your kids, like the meaning of beach flags — red means danger, yellow means caution, green means safe — and remind them not to swim past buoys.

For the ride home, keep an extra towel or mat for sandy feet and a few kid-friendly snacks. If it’s your kid’s first beach day, consider a short visit to avoid overwhelming them. Lastly, check facilities in advance and pack things accordingly.

From luxury resorts like Banana Island to chill public shores like Al Wakrah, Qatar has a beach for every kind of parent-kid crew. 

Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara

Banana Island is the best choice if you are in the mood to treat your family. It has shaded play areas, a surf pool, and even a bowling alley. You can also choose golfing or the cinema for lighter activities. 

You’ll need to book a ferry in advance from the Shyoukh Terminal near the Corniche, but once you're there, it's all smooth sailing. Remember to carry your passport if you’re a non-resident or a tourist. Pre-booking is required via the Anantara website.

Facilities include showers, restrooms, restaurants, shaded lounges and lifeguards.

Location: Banana Island, Downtown Doha 

Opening hours: Open 24 hours 

Entry fee: QAR 395 per adult — 12 years and above, QAR 150 per child aged 5-11

Sealine Beach, a Murwab Resort

The perfect duo of water sports and desert safari makes Sealine Beach one of Qatar’s most iconic getaways. Colorful kites in the sky, sandy dunes, light music, and hospitable locals are sure to make your trip worthwhile with kids! Camel and horse rides, alongside football sports, add that extra sense of adventure for thrill-seeking children. 

Reservations are recommended on weekends — book from the website. Facilities include shaded sitting areas, kids' playgrounds, family rooms, pools, and restaurants.

Location:  Sealine Beach Rd. Mesaieed

Opening hours: From 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily

Entry fee: QAR 100 per person for a weekday pass, QAR 50 per child aged 6-12

Doha Sands BeachClub

Laid-back chilling, grab-and-go beverages and food, alongside live entertainment, best describe the Doha Sands Beach Club. This newer self-service beach club is quickly gaining popularity thanks to its modern facilities and family-centric vibe. 

With day passes available, it’s a good pick for a last-minute weekend plan. Your kids will love the Inflata Splash Waterpark. Enjoy the music, dance, and party vibes. Facilities include changing rooms, lifeguards, sunbeds, café. You can walk-in with a day pass or book online in advance.

Location: West Bay, Doha

Opening hours: From 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Entry fee: 75 QAR for children and adults, QAR 25 per child aged 6 to 15

Al Wakrah Family Beach

Al Wakrah Family Beach is one of the few public beaches where families feel completely at ease. There’s a shaded playground, lots of picnic space, and the water is calm enough for kids to paddle around. Make sure to pack your food, snacks, and plenty of water as there are no vendors on-site. 

You’ll also find volleyball and soccer courts for fun family games at the beach. After you’re done with sports or chilling, you can use the barbecue facilities for a fulfilling dinner. Facilities include toilets, shaded benches, trash bins, and a playground.

Location: Al Wakrah

Opening hours: Accessible 24 hours, recommended to visit before 10:00 AM or after 3:00 PM

Simaisma Beach

Indulge in the tranquility of the calm, turquoise waters at Simaisma Beach. With everything within reach — supermarkets, mosques, toy shops, playgrounds, and cafes- it’s a kid-friendly beach, perfect for a relaxing day. While it has a free BBQ pit facility, remember to carry your seating. Facilities include showers, restrooms, shaded areas, cafes, restaurants, and shops

Location: Simaisma 

Opening hours: Accessible from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM