Planning a family day out in Qatar? Add Al Khor Family Park & Zoo to your list of places to visit in Qatar. This green oasis sits north of Doha and gives you a full wildlife experience without leaving the country. You get lions, giraffes, rare desert animals, a lake, a museum, and even a mini-golf course, all in one visit.
This guide covers everything you need. Timings, ticket prices, animal list, nearby spots, and honest tips. Let’s get into it.
Al Khor Family Park & Zoo: A Quick Overview
Located in Al Khor, this family-friendly park and zoo is among Qatar’s long-established public recreational destinations. The Ministry of Municipality renovated it and reopened it as a modern family-friendly park with wide shaded walkways and clean, spacious grounds. It spans a huge area north of Doha, and it mixes a public park with a proper zoo inside it.
What makes this place special is the variety. You are not just looking at animals behind bars. You get animal enclosures designed for close viewing, a lake, a museum, and open lawns for picnic areas. Locals treat it as a weekend staple, and tourists often add it to their Qatar itinerary because it offers a break from the city without a long drive.
Key Facts:
- Animals: 300+ across ~49 species
- Rare species: Arabian oryx, Dama gazelle, Nubian ibex, Arabian sand gazelle, sand cat
- Parking: 700 bays, including disabled and bus parking
- Amphitheatre capacity: ~400 seats
- Museum size: ~1,200 sq. m., air-conditioned
- Mosque capacity: 360 worshippers
- Booking: online via Ministry of Municipality site or Al Meera outlets
- Park size: originally built on ~28,500 sqm, with the wider zone spanning around 240,000 sqm
- Green cover: 42 types of trees, shrubs, and plants across the lawns
- Lake: artificial lake with waterfalls and fountains
- Basketball and skating court: A 160-square-meter outdoor space for active fun.
Location & Directions
Al Khor Family Park & Zoo sits in the Al Khor area, near Al Bayt Stadium. The easiest way to get there is Route 1 Doha, also known as Al Shamal Road. The road is well marked, and GPS apps take you straight to the gate.
If you rely on public transport, the trip takes longer. You would need to take the Doha Metro to Lusail, then a bus toward Al Khor. Driving is the more practical choice for most families. Parking is not a headache here either.
Opening Hours, Ticket Prices, and Booking Details
Timing matters a lot at this park because the zoo and the park run on different schedules. The full park, including the lake and playgrounds, stays open at a specific time. The zoo section closes earlier, at 6:00 p.m., since animals need daylight for visitors to see them properly.
Online ticket booking is available through the Ministry of Municipality’s website, and you simply scan the barcode at the gate. Tickets are also sold at select Al Meera ticket outlets across Qatar. Here is a quick breakdown of costs and hours.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Adult entry fee | 15 QAR |
| Children under 10 | 10 QAR |
| Park hours | 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. |
| Zoo hours | 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. |
| Special day | Tuesdays reserved for women and children day |
If you plan a group visit or a school trip, call ahead to avoid weekend queues. The park handles large groups well, but booking early saves time.
Top Things to do and see at Al Khor Family Park & Zoo
There is genuinely a lot packed into one park. Beyond the animals, you get an amphitheatre, a museum, a mosque, a lake, and sports areas. Families often spend an entire day here because one section leads naturally into the next. Here are some of the main activities and experiences you can enjoy during your visit.
Below, we break down each major attraction so you know exactly what to expect and can plan your visit around your family’s interests.
Wildlife at the Zoo: Animals, Species, and Rare Encounters
This is the heart of the park. The zoo houses over 300 animals across roughly 49 species, giving visitors a genuine wildlife experience without traveling to Africa or Asia. Enclosures are built with wide viewing paths, and some spots let you get as close as 1.5 metres to the animals.
You will find a strong mix of native and exotic wildlife, including:
- African lions and Bengal tigers
- White tigers and black jaguars
- Cheetahs and Asian bears
- Giraffes and rhinos
- Primates and reptiles
The zoo also protects several endangered species, which adds an educational layer to your visit. These rare animals include:
- Arabian oryx
- Dama gazelle
- Nubian ibex
- Arabian sand gazelle
- Sand cat
Staff run scheduled feeding sessions and guided viewing points, which teach both kids and adults about conservation and animal behaviour. These sessions are worth timing your visit around if your children are curious about how zookeepers care for wildlife.
Birdwatching at Al Khor: Species and Best Spots
Bird lovers get their own reason to visit. The birdwatching sections are spread through shaded, quiet corners of the zoo, away from the louder animal enclosures. This makes it easier to spot and photograph birds without disturbing them.
Species you can expect to see include:
- Flamingos
- Peacocks and ostriches
- Macaws and parrots
- Lovebirds and ducks
- Ethiopian chickens
Early morning is the best time for birdwatching, since birds are more active before the midday heat sets in. Bring a zoom lens if photography is your thing, since some enclosures keep a respectful distance for the birds’ comfort.
Family Attractions: Playgrounds, Train Ride, and Mini-Golf
With so many attractions available, children can stay entertained throughout the visit. There are two large kids play areas, both fitted with rubber flooring for safety, so parents can relax while children climb, swing, and slide. One area suits toddlers, and the other works better for older kids who want a bit more challenge.
Beyond the playgrounds, the park adds a few extras that most public parks skip entirely:
- A scenic train ride around the grounds
- A mini-golf course with rentable clubs and balls
- A basketball and skating court for older kids and teens
- Wide walking paths for family strolls
These attractions spread across the park, so a slow, circular route works better than rushing from one end to the other.
Amphitheatre, Museum, and Cultural Facilities
Al Khor Family Park & Zoo is not just about animals and play areas. It also hosts cultural and community facilities that add real value to a family visit.
- Amphitheatre seats around 400 people for events, performances, and seasonal celebrations
- Museum is air-conditioned and spans roughly 1,200 square metres
- Museum displays artefacts and exhibits tied to Qatar’s natural and cultural history
- Mosque accommodates up to 360 worshippers
- Mosque lets families stay all day without leaving for prayer times
Lake, Green Spaces, and Picnic Areas
The artificial lake sits at the center of the park’s calmer side, complete with small waterfalls and fountains. It is a favorite spot for couples and families who want a quiet break from the busier zoo section. Benches line the edges, giving you shade and a view at the same time.
Beyond the lake, the park’s green spaces stretch across wide lawns planted with over 40 types of trees and shrubs. These lawns work perfectly for picnic areas, and many local families bring their own mats, snacks, and games, especially during Qatar’s cooler months between November and March.
Dining Options: Restaurants and Food Kiosks
You will not go hungry here. The park runs a proper family restaurant along with several food kiosks scattered near the main attractions. These kiosks serve quick snacks, local meals, and cold drinks, which is handy when kids get hungry between the zoo and the playground.
If you prefer your own food, that works too. The spacious lawns beside the lake provide comfortable shaded areas where families can enjoy a picnic. Many visitors mix both options, grabbing a snack from a kiosk while carrying their own packed lunch for later.
Parking at Al Khor Family Park & Zoo
The site has 700 parking spaces, with dedicated areas for visitors with disabilities as well as bus parking, providing convenient access for families and school groups.
Is Al Khor Park Family-friendly?
Yes, and it genuinely earns that label rather than just claiming it. The family-friendly park design shows in small details, like rubber flooring under playgrounds, shaded seating near play areas, and wide, stroller-friendly walkways throughout the grounds.
The Tuesday women and children day adds another layer of comfort for mothers visiting without their husbands. Combined with affordable entry fees, safe enclosures, and a mosque on site, the park caters to families across different needs, not just tourists looking for a quick photo stop.
Tips for a Perfect Family Day Out
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid Qatar’s midday heat
- Book tickets online in advance to skip entrance queues on weekends
- Bring cash in small denominations for food kiosks
- Follow a circular route so you do not backtrack across the park
- Start with the zoo section first, since it closes earlier than the rest of the park
- Supervise children closely near the lake and water areas
- Carry sunscreen and water bottles, especially between May and September
Final Thoughts
Al Khor Family Park & Zoo offers excellent value for families, with a wide range of attractions and activities available in one location. Between the wildlife, the lake, the museum, and the play areas, there is enough here to fill an entire day without feeling repetitive.
Whether you are a resident looking for a weekend escape or a tourist adding one more stop to your Doha day trip, this park delivers a mix of nature, culture. It combines variety and family entertainment at a price that makes it an appealing option in Qatar.
FAQs
Which animals are housed at Al Khor Zoo?
You can see African lions, Bengal tigers, white tigers, black jaguars, giraffes, primates, and rare species like the Arabian oryx, Dama gazelle, and sand cat.
What time does Al Khor Family Park & Zoo open and close?
The park stays open from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., while the zoo section closes earlier at 6:00 p.m.
How much does entry cost?
Entry is priced at 15 QAR for adults, while children below 10 years pay 10 QAR.
Is Tuesday really only for women and children?
Yes, Tuesdays are reserved exclusively for women and children as part of the park’s family-friendly policy.
Can visitors feed or touch the animals?
No, feeding or touching the animals is not allowed, though scheduled feeding sessions let you watch staff feed them safely.
Is there parking available at the park?
Yes, the park offers 700 parking bays, including designated spots for people with disabilities and space for buses.
What is the distance between Doha and Al Khor Family Park & Zoo?
It takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes by car via Route 1, also known as Al Shamal Road.
