Cheap Bahrain activities that bring the most happiness

What I’ve noticed about travelling is that the places often touted as the “best” to see and experience are almost never our favorite ones. It could be that our pack likes doing and experiencing odd things, but it could also be that some of the more magical spots, as well as the cheapest, are often overlooked simply because they are less accessible or well advertised. SO, here are a few of the best Bahrain experiences that keep both our souls and wallets happy 🙂

Volunteer at Bahrain’s SPCA on the weekends. We have only been once so far, but we plan on going here much more often now! Milo talked about visiting the doggies ALL DAY before and after we went, Adam made a sweet fluffy cat friend, and I soaked in all the puppy love. It gets hot here around midday, so I would recommend going as early as possible to get the most quality time in with the animals before they start to get uncomfortable. The dogs and cats of Bahrain’s SPCA definitely appreciate the love that volunteers provide them in their pets, walks, and admiration! (Price: Free)
Admire the Gulf sunsets: The sunsets here have blown us away. I’ve wondered why the sunsets are so incredible here on this desert island and still have no clue, but we’ve heard it has something to do with the dust and sand in the air amplifying the colors. Regardless, some of my favorite evenings here have involved us frolicking on long stretches where the Persian Gulf meets the shore. There are usually little tide pools with crabs, seahorses, starfish, and manta rays swimming around, and Milo could play here for hours as we enjoy the beautiful and steadily cooler sunsets at the same time. (Price: Free)
Admire the aquarium at the Mall of Dilmunia: Milo has recently fallen in love with the movie Finding Dory, and watching the tropical fish inside this three-story cylindrical aquarium at the heart of the Mall of Dilmunia has been right up his alley! Plus the gelato cart at the entrance to the mall is delicious. (Price: Free. Gelato: 2BD)
Stroll at the Avenues Mall: Neither of us are big fans of malls in general, but many of the malls here in Bahrain are designed as indoor experiences rather than shopping centers, with top notch restaurants, children’s play places, arcades, movie theaters, and all kinds of unique entertainment. The Avenues Mall in particular is good for us because it is all one level (so no escalators or stairs), and has a fantastic corniche overlooking the beautiful Bahrain Bay. The walkway is car-free, full of outdoor seating for all the great restaurants inside the mall, and makes for a beautiful evening admiring the illuminated skyline and enormous bay. Also, an entertaining tangent: Milo once threw his stuffed Spiderman over the edge of the walkway and we were certain it was lost to the fishies. Fortunately he landed on the rocks instead, and Adam was able to climb over pull him back to safety. (Price: Free, unless you buy gelato like we typically do)
Jump on the trampolines at the Mall of Dilmunia: The same mall as the aquarium above, this is one of our favorites because it is rarely busy and has a terrific trampoline park where parents can join their children for free. Each time we have gone early in the day and had the entire trampoline floor to ourselves. And honestly, all three of us go berserk with the bouncing around. Back in the U.S. we have been to a few trampoline parks which are also great fun, but are much more expensive than here in Bahrain for less bouncing time. (Price: 3BD per child for 30 minutes, which equates to $8 total).
Go to Diraz beach for playgrounds, low key beach vibes, and Lemon with Mint: This beach is a hotspot for Bahraini locals to enjoy the beautiful waters and family time that this spot allows. From the playgrounds right beside the beach to the friendly kids running all over this beach spot was perfect for us. Milo has made so many beach friends here as there are kids everywhere! This is a spot I would definitely recommend for families. (Price: Free)
Ladies (and children under 4) can enjoy free Access to the Art Rotana’s resort beaches, small waterpark, playground, pools, and outdoor sports every Monday. This is one Incredible beach and pool combination spot that we have ventured to for our fare share of opportunities. One of Milo’s favorite parts about this place is there is a giant decorative cow on the property that he always likes to say hello to! (Price: free on Mondays/ depending on where you live free even more often!)
The Royal Camel Farm, Bahrain: This was my ABSOLUTE favorite activity that Adam and I did back in 2015 when I visited him out in Bahrain. I loved every second with these majestic, and goofy creatures. We got to pet, befriend, and feed the camels! Unfortunately the Royal Camel Farm was closed for a few years due to COVID but it has indeed opened up this summer again. (Price: Free)
Splash in the Fountains at Bahrain’s Dino Park: We have spent SOOOO many nights here. The Dino park is amazing and has so much to see and do but the real draw for Milo are the fountains that entertain him for 90% of our time there… with the other 10% being split between dinosaurs and playgrounds.
Explore the Souq: This one could be pricier depending on what cool things there are to buy but in general window shopping and taking in the craftsmanship, lights, and smells of the Souq is an experience in and of itself. (Price: free)
Run in the desert. This sounds a bit ridiculous…but watching Milo scamper around collecting and throwing all of the best rocks is both hilarious and memorable each time! (Price: free)