12 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this weekend: April 2 to 4
Looking for ways to fill all this free time? We’ve got your back
Can you believe it’s already spring? Neither can we, and we can’t wait for all the fun things that April will bring. But first, what to do in Riyadh this weekend?
From egg hunts and family-friendly activities to creative workshops and laid-back brunches, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. And if you’re in the mood for something different, there’s also a dose of culture to add to your plans, too.
Here are 12 wonderful things to do in Riyadh this weekend.
Boxing fans, this one’s for you
Riyadh’s sporting scene is getting a high-energy boost with the debut of the Kingdom Elite Belt Championship, bringing together some of the country’s top male and female boxing talent for a final face-off in the ring. Expect fast-paced bouts, rising stars and plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments as fighters go head-to-head for the coveted titles – all building up to a crowning ceremony for the champions across different weight classes. Even better, it’s completely free to attend.
Location: Mike Tyson Boxing Club, Boulevard City, Hittin
Timings: Apr 1 to 3, 12.30pm to 7pm
Check out Boulevard World
Boulevard World brings a diverse mix of cultures together in one place, making it an easy spot for a wander, a bite, and a bit of exploring with the family. This season, new zones from Indonesia, South Korea, and Kuwait join the line-up, alongside refreshed favourites that ensure the experience feels different each time you visit. It’s also your last chance to check it out before it closes for the season on May 2, so if it’s been on your list, now’s the time to go.
Location: BLVD World, Prince Turki al-Awwal Road, Hittin
Timing: 4pm to 1am
Cost: SAR30. Book your tickets here
Try a new restaurant at VIA Riyadh
Good news for fans of Persian cuisine in Riyadh – Berenjak is back, and this time it’s here to stay. Meals at Berenjak are meant to be enjoyed family-style, with shallow dishes of mezze, fresh bread, khoresht (stews), and kebabs spread across the table. Reservations are now open for lunch and dinner, so don’t wait too long to secure your spot.
Location: Berenjak, VIA Riyadh, Al Hada, Riyadh 12912
Timings: 1pm to 2am
Hop into a spring playdate
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Our favourite sensory play spot, Play Makes Sense, is bringing all the springtime feels with its Little Explorers Spring Playdate on Friday April 3. The little ones can look forward to storytelling sessions, magic shows, and hands-on fun, from sensory and pretend-play zones to arts-and-crafts stations with a seasonal twist. Add in face painting and balloon art, and it’s the kind of easy, joy-filled outing that keeps kids happily occupied while you soak up the feel-good atmosphere.
Location: Play Makes Sense, 7260 King Abdulaziz Rd, Ar Rabi, Riyadh 13315
Timings: Fri April 3, 10am to 2pm
Cost: SAR99 per child. Book your spot here.
A fun-filled culinary adventure for kids
If your little one’s always up for getting their hands dirty in the kitchen, a regular cooking sesh might be what they’ll look forward to all week. Cucina, the city’s beloved contemporary Italian trattoria at Riyadh Marriott Hotel, has got just the thing, with a roll call for all tiny master chefs to join its ‘Little Chefs’ experience. Specially curated for kiddos aged six to 12, they get to create their very own pizza or pasta for just SAR75. It’s a playful, hands-on way to introduce kids to the joy of cooking. Guided by Cucina’s talented culinary team, they’ll learn the basics of Italian cooking in a fun, safe, and interactive environment. While the little ones get creative in the kitchen, parents can sit back and enjoy a relaxed à la carte lunch.
Location: Cucina, Riyadh Marriott Hotel
Timings: Every Fri during lunchtime
Cost: SAR75 per child (as an add-on to à la carte dining)
Contact: 058 108 5117
A magical Easter experience in the desert
Set within a cosy camp-style setting, Dunes & Dates’ Little Dunes Explorers event features egg hunts and themed games, hands-on workshops, camel rides, and even sandboarding for the more adventurous. There’s also face painting, a surprise character visit to add excitement, and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere – plus lunch is taken care of, so you can enjoy a laid-back afternoon without stressing over the plans.
Location: King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve
Timings: Fri April 3, 2pm to 7pm
Cost: SAR475 per child | SAR650 per adult | SAR1,950 per family of four | Free for children under two | Book here.
Seafood night lands at Botanica
Friday night plans, sorted. Botanica at Kimpton KAFD Riyadh is serving up The Coastal Catch, a seafood night packed with fresh, ocean-inspired dishes in a lively, laid-back setting. There’s a dedicated option for little ones, too, making it an easy family-friendly pick.
Location: Botanica, Kimpton KAFD Riyadh
Timings: Every Friday, 6pm to 11pm
Cost: SAR295 per adult, SAR145 per child
Celebrate Saudi heritage at the Traditional Arts Festival
The Traditional Arts Festival brings the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage to life with live performances, musical showcases, and traditional rhythms from across Saudi Arabia. Visitors can also participate in interactive activities and experience the artistic traditions that have shaped the country’s cultural identity. Plus, it’s free entry, but you’re still required to book tickets here.
Location: Mayadeen, Diriyah
Timings: Until Apr 8, 4pm to midnight
Flow through Pilates and unwind with hands-on creativity
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Love Pilates? Love a bit of arts and creativity? Pilates & Threads is a cute one to try this weekend. Taking place at Riyadh Oasis (Foodsphere), it begins with a mat Pilates session focused on strength and mindful flow, suitable for all levels, before moving into a hands-on stitching activity where you can create your own personalised charm. With light snacks, matcha, and a relaxed, aesthetic atmosphere, it’s the perfect wellness morning and a great opportunity for socialising.
Location: Riyadh Oases – FoodSphere, 6871 Prince Muhammad Ibn Abd Al Aziz (Tahlia Street), Riyadh 12242
Timings: Sat April 4, 11am to 1pm
Cost: SAR350. Book your spot here.
Have a feast at this spring brunch
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Brunch is always a good idea. Expect a generous international and Eastern buffet, along with plenty of activities to keep the little ones entertained – from a bunny mascot meet-and-greet and egg adventure with gifts to face painting, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, and even a popcorn station.
Location: Crowne Plaza Riyadh RDC Hotel & Convention by IHG, Wadi Al Muaydin, Street, Unit 4, Imam Saud Ibn Abdul Aziz Road, Riyadh 12382
Timings: Sat April 4, 1pm to 5pm
Cost: SAR299 per adult | Half price for kids aged 5 to 12 years old
Contact: 055 870 7059 | @cpriyadhrdc
Catch The Super Mario Galaxy movie
In the mood for a cinema outing? The Super Mario Galaxy Movie has landed in cinemas this week, taking the adventure beyond the Mushroom Kingdom and into a full-on cosmic journey. Expect all the familiar faces – Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Bowser – alongside new characters like Rosalina and Bowser Jr., as the story unfolds across colourful, intergalactic worlds. It’s a fun, easy pick for a family movie day, especially if the little ones are already obsessed with the Mario universe.
Book your tickets here.
Get crafty with this wool sculpting workshop
This hands-on workshop is perfect for little creatives aged seven to 13 who love making things with their hands. Sculpting with Wool introduces kids to the art of needle felting, where soft fibres are shaped into cute 3D creations using simple, safe techniques. Guided step-by-step, they’ll learn how wool behaves, experiment with different textures and create their own figurine to take home, along with a small felting kit to keep the fun going.
Location: JAX District, Diriyah, Studio Youth, Public Programs Building, 7134 Alwatheq Belallah, Al Diriyah Al Jadidah, Diriyah 13732
Timings: Sat Apr 4, 5pm to 8pm
Cost: SAR120. Book your spot here.
Images: Socials / Supplied
