Welcome to Oman – Arabia’s Best-Kept Family Secret
If you’ve landed here, you’re probably wondering what to do in Oman with kids that doesn’t involve sweating buckets in the midday sun or being trapped in a souq while your toddler has a meltdown. Good news: Oman is one of the most family-friendly countries we’ve ever explored, with jaw-dropping scenery, ridiculously friendly locals, and just enough “wow” factor to make you feel like the adventurous parent you always swore you’d be before kids.
Wedged between the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, Oman is a blend of rugged mountains, endless desert dunes, turquoise wadis, and pristine coastline. It’s safe, clean (to a point… more on public loos later), and refreshingly free from mass tourism. You’re not going to spend your trip elbow-to-elbow with selfie sticks, but you will spend it being offered dates and coffee by strangers who seem genuinely delighted that you’ve brought your children.
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Is Oman Safe for Families?
Yes. And I don’t just mean “statistically safe” — I mean really safe. Crime rates are extremely low, locals will go out of their way to help you (sometimes too helpful — be prepared for a lot of cheek-pinching and baby-cuddling if you’ve got small ones), and you never get that uneasy feeling you can get in some other destinations. That said, keep the usual common sense switched on: watch kids near roads, wadis, and the sea, and pack more water than you think you need for any day trip.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Oman with Kids?
If you’re searching for what to do in Oman with kids, timing is everything. The sweet spot is between October and April, when the days are warm but not scorch-your-eyebrows hot, and the evenings are pleasantly cool. We went in early March — warm enough to swim, not so hot you want to melt into the car seat. Summer here is a whole other beast: we’re talking 40°C+ with humidity that makes even the locals flee to the mountains.
Getting Around – Road-Tripping Oman with Kids
Self-driving is hands-down the best way to explore Oman. Roads are in great condition, signage is in English as well as Arabic, and distances between stops are manageable (though “manageable” is relative — snacks and toilet stops still rule your timetable). A 4×4 isn’t strictly necessary for most of our route, but it’s useful for comfort and the occasional off-road adventure.
Car Seats and Safety
If you’re planning what to do in Oman with kids that involves long drives, bring your own car seat if you can — hire company options can be hit-and-miss. Oman has seat belt laws, but like many places, enforcement is patchy. Don’t rely on “it’ll be fine” — strap them in properly, especially on desert or mountain roads. We did hire one for our toddler when we were out there, so it is do-able; but make sure you triple check before you fly, or just bring your own!
What to Wear in Oman
This isn’t the place for crop tops and hot pants, no matter how hot it gets. Oman is a conservative Muslim country, and covering shoulders and knees is expected, especially in towns, souqs, and religious sites. Lightweight long sleeves, loose trousers or midi skirts work well, and a scarf is handy for mosque visits. Kids can get away with more casual clothing, but still avoid anything too revealing for older children.
Why Oman Works for Families
Oman has that rare mix of adventure and comfort. One minute you’re snorkelling with turtles, the next you’re watching the sun set over endless dunes. There’s history, culture, wildlife, and plenty of space for kids to run wild without you constantly fearing for their safety. And because tourism is still relatively low-key, you never feel like you’re just ticking off the same overcrowded “must-see” list as everyone else.
So, if you’ve been wondering what to do in Oman with kids that’s exciting for you and actually works with nap times, snack demands, and short attention spans — a 12-day road trip could be your perfect answer.
Day 1–3: Muscat & Surrounds
Your first stop on this what to do in Oman with kids road trip is Muscat, the country’s laid-back capital where the sea meets the mountains. This is where you’ll get your first taste of Omani hospitality, strong Arabic coffee, and the slightly chaotic but charming pace of life.
Day 1: Arrival & Mutrah Corniche
You’ll probably land late-ish and be mildly delirious from the flight (or from wrangling kids through immigration), so don’t expect to pack too much in. If you’re staying in Mutrah, you’re in the perfect spot for a gentle introduction. Take a wander along the Mutrah Corniche promenade — it’s a long seafront walkway lined with palm trees, traditional dhow boats bobbing in the harbour, and the odd playground where little ones can burn off energy.
If everyone’s still functioning, pop into the Mutrah Souq for a quick browse — colourful fabrics, incense, jewellery, and enough trinkets to fill a suitcase. Keep a tight grip on wandering hands here, not because it’s unsafe, but because the temptation to touch everything is real.
Day 2: Mosque, Markets & Music
If you only do one “grown-up” cultural thing in Muscat, make it the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. It’s absolutely breathtaking — think huge marble courtyards, glittering chandeliers, and an intricately woven prayer carpet the size of a football pitch. Kids will love the scale of it, though smaller ones might not appreciate the “shoes off” rule in the main prayer hall (pack socks if they’re fussy). Women need to be fully covered, including hair, so bring a scarf or use the ones provided.
After that, dive back into Mutrah Souq if you didn’t get your fill on Day 1, or head to the Royal Opera House. Even if you’re not catching a performance, the building itself is worth a look — all gleaming white stone and Arabian arches.
Dinner? Try Bait Al Luban for traditional Omani food, Turkish House for ridiculously good grilled fish, or Tokyo Taro if you need a break from Middle Eastern flavours (I was in the early stages of pregnancy when we visited and my ‘food aversions’ were rice and spices….. You can imagine how nauseous I was for the whole trip!)
Day 3: Daymaniyat Islands
This is the bit where your what to do in Oman with kids list gets a splash of turquoise. The Daymaniyat Islands are a cluster of nine uninhabited islands about 40 minutes by boat from Muscat. Think crystal-clear water, powdery sand, and — if you’re lucky — turtles gliding right past your mask while you snorkel. I am so gutted that we weren’t able to do this on our visit because of bad weather and storms out at sea, but If we ever come back to Oman it’s literally top of my list! You can take a look at Adventures of Alice’s guide here and photos to see just why you should visit!
It’s not the cheapest day trip, but it’s worth every rial. Little ones who aren’t strong swimmers can still enjoy the beaches and paddle in the shallows, while older kids can join in the snorkelling. Boats usually provide life jackets, but if you’ve got toddlers, it’s worth bringing your own well-fitting ones.
Muscat Tips for Families
- Stay in Mutrah if you’ve got a car — you’ll be within walking distance of good restaurants and evening strolls.
- Public toilets are… let’s say “basic” — pack tissues and hand sanitiser.
- Fuel and food are cheaper here than you’d expect for a capital city.
- Omani people adore children, so be prepared for lots of friendly interaction (including strangers offering to hold the baby — a cultural norm here).
If you’re following the full itinerary, next up is the drive to the Bimmah Sinkhole and Wadi Shab, which is where Oman starts showing off its natural “wow” factor. That’s also where we can really lean into the adventure side of what to do in Oman with kids while still keeping it realistic for family travel.
Day 4–5: Bimmah Sinkhole, Wadi Shab & Sur
Alright, now we’re getting to the bit where Oman really starts showing off. If you’ve been wondering what to do in Oman with kids that isn’t just city sightseeing, this is where the turquoise water, canyon hikes and random camel sightings kick in.
Day 4: Bimmah Sinkhole & Wadi Shab
Time to hit the road! From Muscat, it’s about an hour and a half to Bimmah Sinkhole — basically a giant natural swimming pool that looks like someone just decided to drop a chunk of the earth into the sea and left it there. It’s a quick stop, but worth it. There are steps down, so you can easily get in for a dip (the water’s salty and super clear). We didn’t hang around for ages — it’s more of a “wow, cool, let’s swim for a bit” sort of place.
From there, it’s only another half hour to Wadi Shab, and honestly? This was one of my absolute favourite things in Oman. It’s a proper adventure — boat across a little stretch of water (about 1 OMR each for a return ticket), then about an hour’s walk through palm groves and rocky paths until you reach the swimming spots. You will get wet feet. Water shoes are handy, but we managed fine without.
The water is the kind of greeny-blue that makes you feel like you’re in a travel brochure. If you keep swimming right to the end, there’s a hidden cave with a waterfall in it. Getting in involves squeezing through a crack in the rock — not for the claustrophobic, but totally worth it if you’re feeling brave. With kids, just judge how confident they are in the water before going for it.
Family notes for Wadi Shab:
- Take way more water than you think you’ll need — there’s nowhere to buy it once you start walking.
- Pack snacks (and maybe a bribe or two if your kids aren’t big hikers).
- Toilets are at the very start only — after that, you’re in the wild.
- It’s do-able with kids, but not with a pushchair.
After your swim, hop back in the car and drive another 45 minutes to Sur, your stop for the night.
Day 5: Sur & Surrounds
Sur’s a pretty little coastal town with a slow pace — perfect for letting everyone catch their breath. There’s not loads to “do” here, but it’s the kind of place you enjoy just wandering. The beaches are lovely for a walk (though be prepared for a bit of rubbish washed up — sadly quite common here).
Top picks in Sur:
- Sunaysilah Fort – Small, quick to explore, with great views over the town.
- Al Ayjah Lighthouse – You can’t go up it, but it’s photogenic and the views are worth the stop.
- Bilad Sur Castle – Another small-but-pretty fort, good for a short explore.
For food, Al Hawash is right on the beach with a big mix of Middle Eastern, Indian and Chinese dishes. Sahari Restaurant is also great — amazing views over the water and a good variety of food if the kids have decided they’re “done” with Omani cuisine.
By now you’ll be properly in the swing of the road trip — and the next leg takes you inland to Wadi Bani Khalid and the desert, which is where Oman cranks the “adventure with kids” factor up to eleven.
Day 6–7: Wadi Bani Khalid & Wahiba Sands
By now you’re probably realising that what to do in Oman with kids is basically “drive somewhere jaw-droppingly beautiful, get wet, dry off, eat something delicious, repeat.” These two days are exactly that — only with a lot more sand and a proper chance to slow down.
Day 6: Wadi Bani Khalid
It’s about an hour and 40 minutes from Sur to Wadi Bani Khalid, and it’s worth every single “are we there yet?” you’ll hear along the way. When you pull into the car park, you’ll wonder if it’s going to be underwhelming. It’s not. A short walk later, you’re suddenly standing in front of the kind of oasis that looks like it’s been Photoshopped — perfectly clear pools, palm trees swaying, and dramatic rocky cliffs all around.
There’s a restaurant here (decent for a quick bite), plus toilets — a rare luxury on Omani road trips. You can swim in the big pool at the start, but if you follow the water up, there are smaller pools and even some fun “rapids” for the older kids.
Water shoes make life easier for clambering over rocks, and if you’ve got little ones, keep a close eye — the rocks can be slippery and the water can be deep in places.
After a swim and lunch, it’s time for a completely different kind of landscape…
Afternoon: Into the Wahiba Sands
From Wadi Bani Khalid, it’s about an hour to the edge of the Wahiba Sands — 12,500 square kilometres of rolling golden dunes that look like they’ve been poured straight out of a giant hourglass. You’ll leave your normal road behind and swap it for sand tracks.
We stayed at Safari Infinity Camp for two nights, which gave us a whole day to actually enjoy the desert instead of just rushing through it. Infinity Camp is a private section of Safari Camp with just two tents — perfect if you want the desert experience without feeling like you’re on a school trip. The guys running it — Ibrahim, Aaron and Hemit — were incredible. They adored Adelaide and she adored them right back.
The set-up is simple but lovely: plenty of food (and lots of it), tea and coffee on tap, games to play, and evenings spent around the fire under a ridiculous number of stars. You can watch the sunset from the top of the dunes, then get up early to watch the sunrise in total peace.
Day 7: Your Desert Day
This is one of those what to do in Oman with kids moments that feels like it’s straight out of a movie. Start the day with sandboarding — basically snowboarding, but warmer and without the soggy socks. Older kids will love it; younger ones might just end up rolling down the dunes giggling.
You can also go dune bashing in a 4×4, try quad biking, or do a camel ride (all extra cost, but they make for amazing memories). Or you can just do nothing — sit in the shade, drink endless cups of sweet Omani tea, and watch the sand change colour as the sun moves.
Evenings are for shisha (if that’s your thing — 5 OMR at camp), stargazing, and wondering why you didn’t book threenights here.
Day 8–9: Nizwa & the Mountain Villages
After the calm and quiet of the desert, you’ll be ready for a bit of history, colour, and the kind of markets where you accidentally come home with a bag of dates, some pottery, and possibly a dagger you have no idea how to get through airport security. Welcome to Nizwa — a must on any what to do in Oman with kids list if you want a bit of culture without boring the kids senseless.
Day 8: Forts & Souqs
It’s about a 2 hour 45 minute drive from Wahiba Sands to Nizwa. The road’s easy, but there’s a good chance you’ll want to pull over to photograph random goats in the road (they’ll be everywhere — it’s basically their town).
First stop: Nizwa Fort. It’s beautiful, well-restored, and big enough to explore without being a “we’re here all day” commitment. There’s a huge circular tower with views across the city and out to the mountains, plus little rooms and corridors to peek into — great for kids who like a game of hide and seek. Entry is 5 OMR per adult, under 6s free.
Right next door is the Nizwa Souq, which is actually split into different sections — spices, pottery, silver, and a general market for everyday bits. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s a sensory overload in the best way: smells of frankincense, piles of pomegranates, colourful textiles, and the occasional shopkeeper offering you dates just because.
If you’re here on a Friday morning, you’ll see the traditional goat market — chaotic, loud, and worth a watch. The kids will either love it or ask to go back to the desert.
Day 9: Villages & Castles
This is the day to get out and see the smaller, quieter side of the region. Start with Birkat Al Mouz, a ruined village surrounded by date plantations. It’s not suitable for pushchairs and you’ll want to keep an eye on little ones, but the crumbling mud brick houses are fascinating. You can also walk part of the ancient falaj irrigation channels.
From there, head up into the hills to Wadi Bani Habib — another abandoned village, this one set in a gorge with old houses you can wander around. It’s cooler up here, and the views are ridiculous.
If you’ve still got the energy (or if your kids are on board with another fort), check out Jabreen Castle. It’s a bit of a drive from Nizwa, but it’s one of the most beautiful in Oman and has a more “lived-in” feel than Nizwa Fort.
Family tips for Nizwa & Villages:
- Lots of rooftop cafes — perfect for parents to grab a coffee while the kids snack.
- Some sites aren’t pushchair-friendly — carriers are easier.
- The sun can be brutal — hats and water are essential.
- Goats will try to steal your food if you leave it unattended.
Day 10–11: Al Hamra & Jebel Shams
By now you’ve done beaches, wadis, deserts, forts, and markets — so what’s left on your what to do in Oman with kidslist? The mountains, obviously. And not just any mountains — these are the kind of dramatic cliffs and deep gorges that make you feel like you’ve wandered into a National Geographic photo spread.
Day 10: Al Hamra & Mud Villages
It’s a short 40-minute drive from Nizwa to Al Hamra, which is a nice change after some of the longer days earlier in the trip. On the way, stop at Al Hoota Caves. You can’t just wander in — it’s a guided tour — but it’s worth it for the massive underground chambers and stalactites. Plus, it’s cool inside, which is a treat after days in the Omani sun.
Once in Al Hamra, head to the old mud village. Parts are in ruins, but you can still wander the narrow streets and see traditional Omani architecture up close. The best bit? The views over the date plantations and mountains in the distance.
For lunch, Halwa Coffee is a lovely spot. Yes, it’s pricier than most places in Oman, but the view is incredible. When we visited, they even had a little cultural exchange thing going on where visitors could try on a hijab and learn about local customs.
The rest of the afternoon is perfect for just strolling, finding a shady spot, and letting the kids have some downtime before tomorrow’s big adventure.
Day 11: Jebel Shams — The Grand Canyon of Oman
You can’t come all this way and skip Jebel Shams. It’s about an hour’s drive from Al Hamra, and the higher you go, the better the views get. It’s called the “Grand Canyon of Oman” for a reason — the sheer drop is breathtaking (and a little terrifying if you have small kids, so keep them close).
If your children are older and you’re feeling active, the Balcony Walk is the famous hike here. It’s about 3–4 hours round trip, hugging the side of the canyon to an abandoned village with mind-blowing views the whole way. It’s not ideal for toddlers, but even doing the first section gives you a taste of the scenery without committing to the full trek.
Otherwise, there are plenty of viewpoints near the top where you can stop, take photos, and maybe have a picnic. The light in the late afternoon is incredible, and the temperature is much cooler than down in the towns.
Family tips for Al Hamra & Jebel Shams:
- Mosquito repellent is essential in Al Hamra — they’re relentless (I got bitten over 50 times in one night!)
- Take warm layers for Jebel Shams — it can be chilly up there, especially in the evening.
- There’s no fencing at the viewpoints, so be vigilant with little ones.
- If hiking isn’t an option, just driving up for the views is still worth it.
Day 12: Back to Muscat & Fly Home
And just like that, your 12-day Oman adventure is almost over. From Al Hamra, it’s about a 2-hour 10-minute drive back to Muscat airport. If your flight’s later in the day, you might have time for a slow breakfast, one last wander through the village, or even a quick detour for a final coffee in Nizwa before hitting the road.
The drive itself is easy — Oman’s roads are in great condition — but allow extra time for refuelling and returning your hire car. Car rental drop-off at Muscat airport is straightforward, and most companies are used to dealing with families, so returning a car seat is no big hassle.
If you’ve got a little time before check-in, you can stretch your legs along the Muttrah Corniche one last time, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs from the souq (just remember you’re about to carry them through an airport, so maybe skip the giant clay pot).
Final Thoughts: What to do in Oman with kids — and why you should
Oman might not be the first place that springs to mind for a family holiday, but it’s honestly one of the most rewarding destinations you can do with children. Over these 12 days, you’ve had beaches, wadis, forts, mountains, and deserts — without once feeling like you were dragging your kids through “boring grown-up stuff.”
The driving is straightforward, the people are warm and welcoming (sometimes very welcoming — don’t be surprised if strangers want to chat to your kids), and the mix of adventure and downtime is just right.
If you’re looking for what to do in Oman with kids that ticks the boxes for culture, scenery, and family fun — this itinerary pretty much has it all. It’s not a trip where you sit in one place for a fortnight, but that’s the beauty of it: every day brings somewhere new, something different, and memories your children will remember long after they’ve forgotten the hotel buffet breakfasts of other holidays.
So, pack the water shoes, prepare for some long drives, and get ready to add “Oman road trip” to your list of “holidays we can’t stop talking about.” You’ll leave tired, happy, and maybe already planning your return.
Interested in some more ideas for your next family holiday? Take a look at some of our other adventures like Japan and New Zealand:
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