Oman with kids: a travel guide for families

Thinking of visiting Oman with kids? You’ve come to the right place for the low down on why this amazing Middle East destination deserves a place on your bucket list.

Within this comprehensive Oman travel guide for families I’ve included all you need to know to help you plan your trip, what to expect while you are here, where to stay and the best places in Oman to visit with kids.

It’s all based on our personal experiences as an expat family living in Oman, so we’ve lucky to have had a bit longer than most to check out the lay of the land. And what a land it is, from desert to mountains and tropical beaches, Oman is a truly an under-rated destination.

But before the good stuff, I’d like to thank you for visiting Oman Wanderlust and also encourage you to join our Facebook group Oman Unpacked. It’s a community to get even more personal recommendations from visitors and expats who love Oman.

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Why visit Oman with kids?

If you’re thinking a family holiday in Oman is going to be just like neighbouring Dubai and Abu Dhabi with their theme parks and skyscrapers, think again.

Yes, it has luxury resorts. But it is also a country of incredible natural beauty with rolling deserts, incredible mountains, lush gorges and a stunning natural coastline teeming with wildlife. 

It’s this diverse landscape that is the main attraction of visiting Oman for families alongside its rich cultural heritage dating back further than any other state in the Arab world. This reveals itself the more you explore. 

We highly recommend hitting the road for at least a part of your holiday to get the most out of your time in Oman.

It is also a place for outdoor adventure. If your family is into anything from wild camping to canyoning or kite surfing to scuba diving, Oman is a brilliant winter holiday destination.

Package holiday or independent travel?

I explored Oman independently with my family – a wonderful perk of living here for 2.5 years.

You’ll find plenty of travel inspiration here on Oman Wanderlust, whether you want to plan your own trip or explore as part of an organised tour.

But if you do prefer letting someone else sweat over the finer details, I have shared a generous helping of my knowledge with UK-based travel agent Little People, Big Adventures who offer bespoke Oman family itineraries.

Read more about how we have pooled our expertise to help even more families discover Oman.

The best time to visit Oman with kids

Take it from a mum, the summer holidays are not the best time to visit Oman. It’s simply too hot to enjoy exploring and you’ll quickly become exhausted.

Having said that, parents in the Middle East would advocate visiting visiting Salalah in the south of Oman between June and September as this is monsoon season there. As a Western mum used to rainy Britain, I have a different view.

You’ll also find Salalah very busy and expensive in the summer months. But if you want to experience the buzz of local culture and Oman’s lush jungle landscape then focus your visit on the south in the summer.

For the most comfortable temperature visit the north of Oman come between the end of October and beginning of April.

If you are visiting Oman with kids of school age it’s likely you’ll be limited to the Christmas, February half term, Easter and October half term holidays.

April is when the temperatures start to edge into the less comfortable early 30℃s peaking in the late 40℃s by June. They don’t drop back down below 30℃ until the end of October.

For this reason May half term is not the best time to visit, although it will be a lot quieter. The number of tourists drop and international schools here are not on holiday, so there’s less people visiting popular attractions during the week.

If you can only visit in May I’d recommend a couple of days on the coast before striking out to the mountains where the temperatures are a lot cooler.

Find out more about the best times to visit Oman to gain different experiences and enjoy cultural events.

What’s the best age for kids to visit Oman?

I’d recommend Oman more for families with children over the age of five if you want to experience the country’s natural attractions. 

It would be a challenge visiting the most famous wadis or sightseeing in the heat of the day with a baby or toddler. They will also be too young for activities like snorkelling at the Daymaniat Islands. Most companies don’t offer snorkelling tours for children under the age of five.

You can go on boat tours including atmospheric sunset dhow trips along the coast but unless you are lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins or whale sharks it is hard to appreciate the wildlife swimming below the surface.

One company offering glass bottom boat tours is Seascape which you can find in Al Mouj Marina.

Check out my guide to easy and accessible places to visit for more details about what you can expect at some of Oman’s famous attractions. You may feel up to the challenge once you have read a few more details.

There are other fun things for babies and toddlers to do but you’ll be limited to indoor attractions and beaches to give your little ones some respite from the heat.

If you do visit Oman with young children I’d recommend checking into a hotel like Al Bustan Palace or the Al Waha wing of Hilton Al Bandar where there are kids clubs, children’s pools and you are right on the beach.

Is it safe to visit Oman with kids?

One of the most common questions I was asked when we decided to move to Oman was: ‘is it safe?’.

It’s a fair question considering Oman has borders with Yemen where there is an ongoing civil war, and Saudi Arabia and the UAE where there is a heightened risk of terrorist attacks. 

Despite its location, Oman is a very safe country. Crime is low and the Omani people are also famously very friendly towards visitors.

I explain more about all aspects of safety in my full guide about whether Oman is safe to visit but here’s some handy things for families to know:

• Be aware that health and safety is not the same in Oman as you might find in Europe or the US. You will find broken pavements, long drops without barriers and metal used in play parks in direct sunlight. Be cautious wherever you go.
• Take precautions against mosquito bites. Oman is a malaria-free country but mosquito bites can be incredibly itchy and pass on other diseases like Dengue Fever
• If you are visiting wadis or the mountains be aware that there are poisonous snakes and scorpions in Oman. If you are bitten or stung seek immediate medical assistance.
• You should also be wary around roads. Driving standards are not great here. Always wear seat belts and bring your own child’s car seat for peace of mind. For more information read my guide to driving in Oman.

In case of emergency, call the Royal Oman Police on: 9999.

Oman with kids: what to see and do in Oman

We are living in Oman for a few years but I think we’re still going to struggle to see and do everything we want to in the time we have to explore.

Some of our favourite activities are in the great outdoors: wild camping, exploring the mountains and visiting Oman’s wadis. Of course these are all winter activities when the weather is deliciously mild.

In the summer we spend a lot more time indoors and specifically in malls where there are a range of activities as well as shopping. Oman even has a snow park.

What to see in Oman 

The list is long! I’ve already written about our favourite things to do in Oman. 

But if I was to shorten that to a top five this would be our definitive list of what to see in Oman in kids:

Wahiba Sands

Seeing the sun sink down into the silky ochre dunes of Wahiba Sands is one of the most magical things to do in Oman and not to be missed.

The northern edge of the Wahiba or Sharqiya Sands dunes can be reached from Muscat in two hours by car. 

As well as enjoying the natural beauty of this 12,500 sq km desert you can book dune bashing, nature tracking and camel rides with local guides.

We can recommend staying at a desert camp for an overnight adventure. There are plenty of options from traditional Bedouin camps to sci-fi style domes and luxury camps with private pools.

Find Wahiba Sands Desert camps.

Wadi Shab

If you want to experience Oman’s extraordinary natural beauty Wadi Shab is a popular day trip from Muscat. It’s about one and a half hours from the city centre by road.

Your visit includes a boat trip across the wadi entrance, skyscraper gorge walls, a fun hike, long clear pools and a cave you can swim inside to find a hidden waterfall.

Read more about why visiting Wadi Shab in Oman is such a special experience.

The Grand Mosque in Muscat

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is one the list of most popular things to do in Muscat. And no wonder. Its architecture, scale and atmosphere are a heady mix that leaves a lasting impression on worshippers and tourists alike.

It took six years to build and when it opened in 2001 it boasted the largest handmade carpet in the world and the biggest chandelier. While the UAE has now claimed both records Muscat’s grand mosque is still awe-inspiring.

Allow at least and hour and a half to explore. And make sure you wear culturally appropriate clothing.

Find out more, including tips for visiting with children, in my post about Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

Check out my full guide to things to do in Muscat including lots of other family-friendly ideas.

Daymaniyat Islands 

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d be transported to the Maldives as you approach the vivid turquoise waters around the Ad Daymaniyat Islands.

This small archipelago 16km off the mainland is a protected area where turtles nest and whale sharks come to feed in the plankton rich water in the summer months. 

It’s possible to take boat trips from Al Mouj Marina, Seeb Port and Muttrah Marina to snorkel and dive around the islands. Outside of the turtle nesting season (May to October) you can also land on the islands.

I can personally recommend boat trips with Daymaniat Shells.

Nizwa

The city of Nizwa in the Hajar Mountains was once the capital of Oman and a major trading hub. 

Today it is famous for its iconic fort, souq and Friday livestock market where you can see people selling goats and cows. 

All of this makes it a great place to base yourselves for a few days. 

Close by you should visit:

• Jabal Akhdar (Oman’s ‘Green Mountain’) for hikes and to see its ancient villages
• the mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen above Al Hamra
• Bahla Fort and Jabreen Castle
• the Balcony view on Jebel Shams and the Balcony Walk itself if you enjoy hiking
• and Oman Across the Ages Museum.

Where to stay in Oman with kids

We have our own home in Oman but we have also taken off around the country for a seven day road trip and experienced some of Muscat’s hotels.

Alongside this we have plenty of friends who have given us first hand recommendations on places to stay in Oman that we are keen to check out.

So, based on our experience and some hot tips from people we know, here’s some accommodation options for anyone visiting Oman:

Where to stay in Muscat

Muscat is a long thin city that sprawls along the coast for around 50km with the Hajar Mountains at its back. Taxis aren’t cheap and walking far isn’t an option in the Arabian climate. So staying close to the places you wish to visit will save on your budget.

There’s plenty of options for places to stay in Muscat including international hotels, guest houses and self-catering apartments spread out along the length of the city.

Insider tip: it’s worth mentioning that a lot of hotels in the Middle East advertise rooms as accommodating families but only offer one large double bed for you all to sleep in. If you want to sleep in a separate bed to your kids you may need to request extra beds or book two rooms.

I’ve mentioned in the suggestions below whether you need to book two rooms, request extra beds or whether beds are provided for the whole family as standard.

Mid range budget

Here’s some four and five star international hotels for families:

The Crown Plaza at Qurum

If you want to visit the Grand Mosque we can recommend the Crown Plaza Muscat. It overlooks the sandy beach at Shati al Qurum and is a short taxi ride from the mosque as well as Muscat Opera House and the Children’s Museum.

It also has a tempting buffet of international dishes.

A family room with a large double bed and sofa bed is available for under 90 OMR per night.

Check prices and availability for the Crown Plaza in Qurum.

The Sheraton in Ruwi, Muscat

The Sheraton at Ruwi is a short hop from Mutrah Souq, the fish market, Corniche and port where you can find boat trips. It has mountain views, a great pool and beautiful restaurant serving international and Arabic dishes. 

You can book a room with an extra large bed and an extra single bed or two rooms with double beds for under 85 OMR per night. This includes a buffet breakfast.

Check prices and availability for The Sheraton in Ruwi.

JW Marriott Muscat

The JW Marriott Muscat is very family-friendly with a shallow pool for little ones and a kids club. They also have family events planned around school holidays.

The hotel is right next-door to Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre, close to the airport and a short drive from Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

You book a family room with two large double beds for under 75 OMR per night. This includes a buffet breakfast.

Check prices and availability for the JW Marriott Muscat.

High end budget

Here are some hotels that are a proper treat. If you are planning a couple of days to relax at the end of a tour around Oman these are the places to book:

The Kempinski at Al Mouj

If you want to stay in a modern marina the Kempinski is a luxury hotel were you are right on the beach. It’s within easy reach companies offering snorkelling, diving and boat trips.

The hotel has a pool, beach bar and bowling alley. Walk outside and you are not far from a range of cafes and restaurants around the Al Mouj marina.

A grand suite has an extra large double bed and sofa bed for the kids. These are available from just under 250 OMR per night with breakfast included.

Check prices and availability at the Kempinski.

Hilton Al Bandar

To the east of Muscat you’ll find its most luxurious resorts including Hilton Al Bandar resort, which is home to northern Oman’s longest lazy river.

The Hilton has two hotels for families. DoubleTree by Hilton Muscat Al Waha is the most family-friendly with splash parks and waterslides as well as that lazy river.

The resort also right on the beach which is one of many places in Oman where turtles make their nests. In nesting season you can book tours with the hotel’s turtle conservation team.

The Hilton has interconnecting rooms from just over 250 OMR per night including breakfast.

Check availability and prices at the Hilton.

Al Bustan Palace

Al Bustan Palace is another great choice for families with a splash park with slides, a beach front location and kids club.

If you are a family of four or more the best option is to book two rooms, which costs from 125 OMR per night including breakfast. Or you could splash out and check into the presidential suite which has a large double bed and two singles for 1,200 OMR per night.

Check availability and prices at Al Bustan Palace.

Where to stay in Nizwa

We can recommend staying in Nizwa to get the best start for the Friday market. Here’s a couple of options:

Valley Cliff Inn

Valley Cliff Inn offers two B&B villas set in lush gardens with private swimming pools and a small playground. It is an oasis away from the hubbub of the city, yet it’s close to everything.

We have stayed here a couple of times while visiting Nizwa and love it. It’s a short drive from the Souq, Fort and Goat market. Visit in the cooler winter months and you could walk.

Read our full review of Valley Cliff Inn.

It is a great option for large families. We have stayed here when we have had grandparents visiting.

Rooms are available from 30 OMR per night and accommodate up to two people. One of the villas has three bedrooms and the other has five, so you could book out a whole villa as a family group. Request rooms together when you book.

Check prices and availability for Valley Cliff Inn.

Antique Inn at Nizwa

If you prefer a hotel the Antique Inn comes highly recommended. It’s a traditionally decorated hotel with swimming pool and is located just 200m from Nizwa Fort and Souq.

Triple rooms are available from 35 OMR per night including breakfast. If you are a family of four or more you would need to book more rooms.

Check prices and availability at the Antique Inn.

Around Nizwa

If you are exploring outside Nizwa I can also recommend to places to stay in the mountain village of Misfat Al Abriyeen, which is less than an hour away.

Misfah Hospitality Inn and Misfah Old House both have family rooms and both offer excellent hospitality.

Find out more about them in my guide to Misfat Al Abriyeen.

Where to stay in Wahiba Sands

Booking a night in the desert is a must. Here are some options we have tried:

Desert Retreat Camp

For our first stay here we booked Desert Retreat Camp. We wanted starry skies and huge dunes, and it delivered on both. As a bonus we could also bring our dog.

Desert Retreat Camp is one of the larger camps with an oval of 14 traditional goat hair tents, each with a private open roof bathroom. 

Tents can accommodate up to two people each (no extra beds are available) and cost from 60 OMR. This price includes dinner and breakfast.

Check prices and availability for Desert Retreat Camp.

Bader’s Camp

We have also stayed at Bader’s Camp several times. There are bedouin-style tents for couples as well as family groups and shared shower cubicles with western style toilets.

Dinner and breakfast are included and Bader can arrange camel riding, dune bashing and a creepy crawly nature walk in the mornings.

Contact Bader direct for rates for your family group.

Check out some of the other options in Wahiba Sands.

More things to know before visiting Oman with kids

Check out my full Oman travel guide for all the essential information for planning your visit.

But here’s some quick FAQs for families:

Do children need visas for travel to Oman?

Tourists from more than 100 countries do not need a visa for Oman if they are staying for 14 days or less. These counties include the UK, USA, France and Germany.

If you plan to stay longer than 14 days both adults and children require a tourist visa.

Read more about visas for Oman and the travel documents you need with you in my post about travel to Oman.

Do you need cash in Oman?

Most places in cities and towns accept credit and debit cards. However it is handy to have cash when you are visiting remote areas in the desert and mountains.

If you book accommodation in these places check whether card payments are accepted.

The Omani currency is the Rial.

What should you wear in Oman?

Children under the age of puberty can dress for comfort in Oman rather than to meet local customs. Nudity is frowned upon, even for babies. Put them in a light romper suit and don’t forget a sun hat.

Adults and teens need to dress more conservatively. Have a read of my tips on what to wear in Oman including outfits for outdoor activities and visiting the Grand Mosque in Muscat.

Some specific items I recommend packing for your kids are:

• sun hats
• non-slip water shoes for beside swimming pools and the beach
• buoyancy aids if you intend to swim at a wadi or at the Daymaniat Islands (boat companies sometimes only have adult sizes)
• walking shoes that can get wet for wadi hikes.

Are child car seats a legal requirement in Oman?

Yes. If you’re visiting Oman with kids under the age of four it is a legal requirement for them to have a car seat in private and hired cars as well as taxis. 

If you are hiring a car you can check with the rental company whether they can supply a seat. 

However I’d strongly advise you to bring your own, especially for children over the age of four. As these are not a legal requirement in Oman they are not widely available for older children.

Airlines will allow you to bring a car seat per child for no additional charge. Buy a car seat bag for some extra protection. 

We can recommend the Roam and Rove car seat bag. It has ruck sack style shoulder straps so you can carry your seat hands free at the airport. 

Find out more about driving in Oman and other ways to get around the Sultanate.

What vaccinations are needed for travel to Oman?

We were up-to-date with all of our routine vaccinations before we travelled to Oman from the UK so didn’t need anything extra. However things can change.

Find out about the recommended vaccinations for Oman on the Travel Health Pro website.

Can you get Calpol in Oman?

No. Pharmacies sell a liquid Panadol. It tastes terrible so bring liquid Calpol with you.

Can you get nappies in Oman?

Yes, you’ll find Pampers nappies and wipes available in supermarkets and convenience stores. If you prefer to use other types of nappies or wipes bring a supply with you.

Baby formula is also available.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Oman?

The tap water is safe for washing fruit and vegetables, and cleaning your teeth, but avoid drinking from the tap.

Boiled water is safe to drink. Bottled water is readily available.

What are toilets like in Oman?

You will find pedestal toilets in hotels, shopping malls and at larger tourist attractions. However squat toilets are common in rural areas, souqs and petrol stations outside the cities.

Bring your own toilet tissues or use the bum gun provided. Also bring some hand sanitiser for you and the kids. Some public toilets aren’t cleaned regularly.

What plug sockets does Oman use?

Oman uses the same type of plug sockets as the United Kingdom: Type G plug (or BS 1363) with three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern.

Final thoughts on visiting Oman with children

A family holiday in Oman offers adventure, culture and experiences that the whole family will love. If you ask my kids to list their favourite things about Oman they could go on forever.

They would happily snorkel with turtles, tumble down sand dunes and swim in wadis again and again.

And there’s never been a better time to see Oman. It’s a country that is only just coming into focus for many international holidaymakers. Visit now ahead of the tourism wave. Your children will thank you later!

Before you go, read my latest blogs about Oman

• Beat the heat: what to do in Oman during the summer
• Bahla Fort – handy things to know about this UNESCO attraction
• Visiting Oman during Ramadan – what to expect in 2027
• Oman on a budget: how to save money on your trip
• Review: Wadi Al Arbeieen Resort – a hotel off the beaten track