RIYADH: As temperatures soar across Saudi Arabia, many families in Riyadh are turning to summer camps that combine education, creativity and physical activity, while offering children an opportunity to stay engaged while schools are closed.
From robotics and science workshops to sports, art, cooking and outdoor play, this year’s programs reflect a growing demand among parents for experiences that go beyond simply keeping children occupied during the long summer break.
For many families, these camps are as much about developing life skills as they are about entertainment.
Hams Nabeel, the mother of a 6-year-old, said: “My daughter Misk has so much energy, just like other kids her age, so it’s best for her to be busy with other kids and put that energy into learning new activities.
“I want her to interact with other children because it will develop her sharing skills. I don’t want her to be shy all the time, so being with other kids will make her better.
“And, of course, when school starts again, she’s already used to having a routine, which makes it much easier for me.”
Across the capital, camps are catering to children of all ages and interests. Cozy Camp, in collaboration with Twinkle Star, offers a three-week program designed around educational activities, creative play and social interaction.
Other programs put the focus on children who benefit from additional academic support. One summer camp in Granada, led by behavioral analysts and education specialists, provides individualized learning plans for children aged 3 to 6, with an emphasis on school readiness, communication and social development.
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education also continues to attract families. Exceliya’s Innovators Summer Camp gives students from grades four and above the opportunity to build, design and present innovation projects over five days, introducing them to entrepreneurship and problem-solving through hands-on learning.
Fitness and well-being have also become an important part of the summer camp landscape. Al-Manahil Center’s girls-only teen fitness camp encourages participants to build confidence, improve their physical health and develop healthy habits in a supportive environment.
For younger children, preschools such as Clouds Garden are offering programs centered on water play, arts and crafts, cooking activities and outdoor games, allowing children to make friends while exploring new interests through play-based learning.
Woosh Center’s Camp of Cultures introduces children to countries around the world through games, languages, crafts and interactive cultural experiences, reflecting a growing emphasis on global awareness alongside traditional summer activities.
For parents, these choices mean selecting programs that best match their children’s personalities and interests.
“My son wanted something that wasn’t like school,” said Riyadh resident Waleed Al-Ghamdi, whose 8-year-old enrolled in a robotics and sports camp this summer.
Al-Ghamdi said: “He comes home excited every day because he’s building things, making friends and trying activities he has never experienced before. That’s exactly what we hoped for.”
As Riyadh continues expanding its family-focused entertainment and educational offerings, summer camps are becoming an increasingly important part of the city’s seasonal calendar, giving children opportunities to discover new talents while providing parents with meaningful ways to enrich the school vacation.
