Thursday 25 / April / 2024
Temperatures in Oman are soaring, and families with children will have a difficult time keeping them busy and entertained indoors. So this week we bring you different ways to make sure your children do not get bored while cooped up inside your house. Forget your outdoor activities and indulge in some fun indoor activities that the
Sultanate has to offer.
For many people in Oman, including children, summer time becomes excruciatingly and unbearably hot, and enjoying an outdoor activity is almost impossible. But don’t fret, all is not lost, as several centres, designed to entertain your children in the comfort of air-conditioned spaces, have opened in Muscat. Whether your kids love to spend time swimming in an indoor pool, get a kick out of video games or simply like some other fun-filled physical activities, we’ve got you covered.
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Jump with joy
A unique attraction that has recently opened in Oman is the Trampo Extreme, a family entertainment centre for those looking for indoor thrills and challenging action. There are so many exciting things to do in this 4,700sqm arena that one day isn’t really enough to explore all that it has to offer. On offer are several things that will keep your kids busy and entertained. Skytrails, trampolines, climbing facilities, caves and tunnels, foam pits and other attractions will keep your kids constantly jumping in excitement, or simply because of the bouncy trampolines. If your child is competitive, they can try out games, as well as obstacle courses, apart from the mini football and basketball that this centre has to offer. And since no entertainment centre in 2018 feels complete without some AI or VR, this comes equipped with a digi zone and a virtual reality area for digital activities. Also, make sure to take your kids to the indoor skate park, Skate ’n Ride, where they can enjoy a fun-filled scooter-riding session.
Have a cool summer
If jumping around isn’t your child’s cup of tea, there are other fun recreational activities, such as ice skating, for instance. While your kids have fun skating, the cool indoor atmosphere also gives them a big break from the blazing summer sun. And FunZone in Muscat has a nice skating rink that’s usually packed with folks of all ages. And there are other rinks that will be opened in malls across town.
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Bowl away your boredom
If your older children, say above 13 years of age, want to try out something new, they can always head for some bowling fun. Bowling might not sound that exciting, but when the whole family gets involved it can get pretty interesting. You can visit the Al Masa Mall or FunZone for some bowling activities, but hey, watch out for that ball!
Another activity for older kids is the action-packed game of Laser Tag at Panorama Mall, where people fight a futuristic battle with laser guns to collect points in a dark, combat, boot-camp. The game is one of the most exciting experiences, especially if you are a fan of battle-in-an-arena kind of games, such as paintball, except it does not leave weird purple bruises on the body.
Videogame madness
If laser tag is a bit too extreme for your kids, you can move to a more comfortable set-up and explore alternative realities, full of spectacular graphics and interesting storylines: Video games.
In Muscat, video games have massive followers who exist only to play. But instead of playing inside your house, take your kids to gaming centres where they get to play with other kids of their age group. Gaming centres are spread across town and offer a variety of genres for the pickiest of gamers.
Illusion fun
For kids who like something quirky, there is always The Museum of Illusions, a wonderland of creative visuals and mind-blowing effects that will get you to dive into a beautiful maze. The museum hosts more than 70 exhibits that use optical illusions, such as holograms to produce an interactive and educational experience. The Croatian franchise serves as a great outlet for various games, puzzles and activities, which are suitable for people of all ages, and to top it all off, it has a variety of attractions that will keep you coming back for more.
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Cool down by a pool
Nothing beats the heat like a nice dip in a cool pool. But, with the water in outdoor pools getting hot, as well, your kids are left with just one choice — indoor pools. Apart from helping your child beat the heat, the benefits of swimming are endless. It is an extremely important life skill, especially in countries surrounded by beaches. It is always better to learn any skill at a young age, and the same applies for swimming. There are a number of indoor swimming classes for those who want to learn, and for those who want to do something fun, at a time when it is nearly impossible to step out without getting a sunburn.
For the bookworms
But, if your child is someone who likes to keep their nose buried in a book, we have them covered, too. “Access to knowledge is our right,” says the Children’s Public Library, which opened in Oman last year. In an attempt to instil the wonderful habit of reading among children, many volunteers and authorities have been working to develop the library. It is a pleasant place, filled with books of different genres, where kids would enjoy spending a lot of time. Apart from having interesting books, there is also a colourful play area, which the children can use should they require a break from reading. This spacious, colourful space is where most parents should be taking their kids during summer breaks in order to brush up on their reading skills in a fun way.
With peak summer in Oman, work out a new summer plan for your children that involves paying a visit to some of these cool indoor places. So what if you couldn’t go out on that wonderful holiday. With so many indoor places, you can have fun right here.
