Oman is such a fun destination for a family trip. From bustling markets and beautiful mosques to desert adventures and sea turtles, there’s a great mix of culture, nature, and activities to keep kids entertained. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Oman with kids.
1. Visit Muscat
Start your Oman adventure in Muscat, the country’s beautiful capital. There’s plenty to explore here, and we found that the city and its bustling markets kept us interested and on the go for hours.
One of the highlights is wandering through Mutrah Souq, where you can browse colorful textiles, spices, jewelry, souvenirs, and traditional Omani goods. For kids, the souq is almost like a treasure hunt—there’s something interesting to discover around every corner.
Be sure to take some time to simply walk around and soak up the atmosphere. The combination of traditional architecture, mountains, the sea, and busy streets makes Muscat feel completely different from other cities.
2. Check Out the Al Jinz Turtle Sanctuary
A visit to the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve is a memorable experience for the whole family. This protected stretch of coastline is famous for green sea turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs.
Seeing these incredible animals in their natural environment is especially exciting for kids. Depending on the season and conditions, visitors may have the opportunity to see turtles coming onto the beach or tiny hatchlings making their way toward the sea.
Because this is a protected environment, visits are carefully managed, which makes it a great opportunity to teach children about wildlife conservation and respecting animals in their natural habitat.
3. Go Desert Glamping
If your kids love adventure, add a night of desert glamping to your itinerary.
Instead of simply visiting the desert for a few hours, spend the night surrounded by golden sand dunes. Many desert camps offer comfortable tents, beds, meals, and activities, so you get the experience of camping without having to completely rough it.
Kids can run through the sand, try dune activities, watch the sunset, and enjoy the incredible night sky. Once the sun goes down, the desert becomes wonderfully quiet, making it a completely different experience from being in the city.
Watching the sun rise over the dunes the next morning is also worth getting up early for!
4. Go for a Hike
Oman is an excellent place for families who enjoy getting outdoors. The country has dramatic mountains, canyons, wadis, and rocky landscapes that make hiking feel like an adventure.
Choose a trail that matches your children’s ages and experience, and remember that temperatures can be high, particularly outside the cooler months. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and sturdy shoes.
One of the best things about hiking in Oman is that the scenery changes so dramatically. One minute you can be walking through a rocky mountain landscape, and the next you may come across a beautiful pool of water or a spectacular canyon.
5. Visit a Rug Shop
A stop at a traditional rug shop is a fun way to experience another side of Omani culture. Even if you’re not planning to buy a rug, it can be fascinating for children to see the different colors, patterns, materials, and craftsmanship.
We enjoyed taking our time looking at the different designs and learning about how the rugs are made. It’s also a good opportunity to pick up something meaningful to take home rather than a typical souvenir.
And with so many beautiful patterns and colors, kids may have their own opinions about which one they like best!
6. Explore Muscat Some More
Don’t feel like you have to rush through Muscat. There is plenty more to see and do, and we found that some of our favorite moments came from simply exploring the city.
Take some time to see the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, admire the traditional architecture, walk along the waterfront, and stop for Omani food and treats along the way.
Muscat is also a great city for slowing down between bigger adventures. After hiking, desert excursions, and wildlife experiences, having a day to wander around, eat good food, browse shops, and take in the scenery can be a welcome change of pace.
7. Go Swimming at the Blue Hole
For a little adventure and a chance to cool off, head to the Bimmah Sinkhole, often called the “Blue Hole.” This natural limestone pool is filled with striking turquoise-blue water and surrounded by dramatic rocky cliffs.
The kids loved the chance to get into the water and swim in such an unusual setting. After exploring Oman’s mountains and desert, jumping into the cool water is a refreshing change of pace.
The sinkhole is easy to visit as part of a road trip along the coast, and there’s plenty of space around the pool to take in the scenery. Bring swimsuits, towels, water shoes, and plenty of drinking water—and keep in mind that the rocks around the water can be slippery.
It’s one of those stops that feels like a real adventure: beautiful scenery, clear blue water, and a swimming spot unlike anything you’d find at home.
Oman Is a Great Family Adventure
What makes Oman particularly fun with kids is the variety. You can spend one day exploring a city and its markets, the next watching sea turtles, and another sleeping beneath the stars in the desert.
It’s a trip that combines culture, wildlife, outdoor adventure, and plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace—making Oman a destination the whole family can enjoy.
