Happy New Year, Doha parents! The first weekend of 2026 is here, and we’ve got some great options before the big festivals kick into high gear. Don't miss the last chance for outdoor cinema at Baraha Cinema this Saturday, and definitely check out the family-friendly fun at Dadu's Seasonal Garden if the weather is good. Let's make it a fun one!
Quick Picks
Lantern Festival
Al Bidda Park
Wander through a massive display of over 400 illuminated lanterns – perfect for evening family photos.
Winterfest: CandyLand
Doha Quest
Escape any unexpected rain with indoor candy-themed décor, art activities, and theme park rides.
Dadu Gardens: Find the Plant Game
Dadu, Qatar's Children's Museum
Nature-based play with activities like gardening and a fun plant matching card game for the little ones.
Baraha Cinema
This is your absolute last chance to catch the outdoor movie experience before it wraps up! They usually screen family-friendly films with themed food, which is a nice change from a standard cinema trip. Grab your tickets online soon as it ends tonight.
Why we picked it: It’s the final day for this popular outdoor cinema experience, making it a last-chance must-do for the weekend.
Winterfest: CandyLand
Doha Quest's indoor festival is still running, bringing candy-themed everything, which is perfect if we get a surprise chilly or rainy day. Beyond the main rides, they have paid extra activities like gingerbread house decorating and tote bag painting.
Why we picked it: It’s an excellent indoor backup plan with added themed activities that go beyond the usual park entry.
Brouq Events in Zekreet
If the weather is perfect, this is your desert escape, blending adventure (like the Adventure Tower) with culture and wildlife. They usually have puppet shows and face painting for the younger crew alongside the bigger thrills.
Why we picked it: A fantastic weekend getaway vibe with adventure sports and cultural activities set against the unique desert landscape.
Lantern Festival
It’s free to wander through this massive light installation—over 400 lanterns spread out! It’s super pretty for evening strolls and great for those family photos we all love. It runs for months, so you have plenty of time, but it's a lovely Sunday evening option.
Why we picked it: It's a beautiful, large-scale, and completely free evening experience perfect for a casual family outing.
Dadu Gardens Seasonal Activities
Dadu's outdoor nature play area is running workshops all weekend, including a 'Find the Plant Game' and gardening activities—great for getting the little ones moving. They are also featuring a car painting/washing activity that looks super fun for all ages 0-12.
Why we picked it: It’s Dadu’s dedicated nature play space with specific hands-on workshops for younger kids (0-12).
Children's I. M. Pei Cardboard City Workshop
A fun, hands-on session where kids work with cardboard to build cityscapes, tied into the massive I.M. Pei architecture exhibition. The source only confirms Saturday's time, so definitely check the QM site for Sunday's schedule ASAP!
Why we picked it: It connects art, architecture, and practical creation, offering something more stimulating than a standard gallery visit.
Qatari Heritage Festival
This festival is all about authentic Bedouin life, with falconry shows and camel demonstrations—way cooler than a museum trip! It runs until Jan 6th, so this is one of the last chances to catch it this season. Kids have games and workshops too.
Why we picked it: It offers a rare, authentic glimpse into Bedouin culture with demonstrations that kids and adults will find fascinating.
Winter Mirage Fest
The waterpark transforms for this festival, so even if it's too cold for swimming, there's music and evening entertainment happening. Good option if you have older kids or teens looking for an exciting evening out.
Why we picked it: It offers a vibrant, late-night festival atmosphere within the waterpark setting, which appeals to older kids and teens.
Children's I. M. Pei White-Night Drawings on Black Paper Workshop
If your budding artist likes monochrome and architecture, this workshop focusing on white drawings on black paper is cool. It's scheduled for Saturdays, so you must check the QM site for a Sunday slot or if they run it on both days this weekend.
Why we picked it: A unique, focused art activity linked to a major city-wide exhibition.
I. M. Pei: Public Tours
While tours are listed for Monday/Saturday, check if there's an early Sunday session for the I.M. Pei retrospective—it’s a deep dive into incredible architecture. These tours often give context you’d never get just browsing alone.
Why we picked it: A great way to engage older kids/teens with world-class art and architecture through expert-led context.
The Pearl Island Winter Fun (Porto Arabia & Qanat Quartier)
While the initial run ended in December, these areas often keep some elements going—check their Instagram for any lingering stage shows, face painting, or roaming acts. It’s free to walk around the lovely marina area, so no harm in a little look-see.
Why we picked it: It's a guaranteed free activity with nice outdoor ambiance if the weather is pleasant.
Marmi 2026: The Qatar International Falcons and Hunting Festival
This festival is fascinating to watch, featuring falcon races (Haddad Al-Tahadi) and Saluki races, giving a real taste of Qatari tradition. It runs until late January, so this weekend is a great time to see the competitions in action.
Why we picked it: It offers unique, action-packed cultural demonstrations like falcon and Saluki races.
Guided Family Visit at Mathaf
Mathaf runs a 'Guided Family Visit' for kids 5+ that includes an engaging tour and drawing exercise—perfect for a less crowded Sunday morning than the big museums. It’s a calmer art experience for the whole family.
Why we picked it: It's an age-appropriate, structured art activity that is less overwhelming than the massive QNM/MIA complex.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best free family outings in Doha this weekend (Jan 03-04)?
The best genuinely free options this weekend are wandering through the beautiful Lantern Festival at Al Bidda Park on Sunday evening and checking out the ongoing activities at The Pearl Island in Porto Arabia. Don't forget to check if the Marmi Falcon Festival has open viewing days!
What should we do if it rains on Saturday?
If the weather turns, head straight to Winterfest: CandyLand at Doha Quest [id:doha-2]. It’s entirely indoors and offers theme park rides plus themed crafting workshops for a full day of fun.
Any good activities specifically for toddlers/preschoolers (under 5s)?
The most tailored spot is Dadu Gardens [id:doha-4] at Al Bidda Park, as their nature-based play area is designed for ages 0-12, and they usually have simple activities like gardening or puppet shows that little ones love.