All you need to know about Dadu Qatar

After a successful run during the Qatar World Cup last year, Dadu Qatar returns with a ‘Play, Learn, Explore’ event featuring some of your favorite activities from January 15 to February 4, 2023 at the Al-Owaina Public Park in the Al Wakra Municipality.

Promoting play-based learning and enhancing the bonds between parents and children through interactive play, Dadu Qatar had nearly 7000 visitors enjoy the experience during the World Cup at Al Bidda Park. If you missed out on all the fun during the World Cup, this is your chance to be a part of the Dadu experience for FREE!

From Dadu’s exciting activities to its plans for the future, here is everything you need to know about Dadu Qatar.

What is Dadu Qatar?

Organized by the Dadu Children’s Museum in Qatar (an initiative by Qatar Musuems), Dadu Gardens was introduced during the World Cup. 

The newly introduced ‘Play, Learn, Explore’ event of Dadu Qatar, at Al Owaina Public Park encourages nature-driven interactive play to help nurture the physical, social and emotional development of children. Loosely translating to “play” in Arabic, the ‘Dadu’ experience caters to a range of activities including creative play, narrative play and more.

After a successful trial run of the ‘Dadu Gardens’ at Al Bidda Park, the experience has gone mobile with ‘Dadu on Tour’: a signature outreach programme designed to make selected Dadu experiences available to those outside Doha.  

Under development by Qatar Museums, Dadu Gardens is expected to reopen in spring 2023, bringing back the complete Dadu experience Al Bidda Park.

Who can visit ‘Dadu on Tour’ at Al Wakra?

According to Qatar Museums, Dadu welcomes visitors between 0-11 years old along with their families and caregivers. Children under 11 years need to be accompanied by an adult over 18 years, while children between 12 and 18 are welcome to visit when accompanied by both.

What can you expect at the Dadu 'Play, Learn, Explore' event at Al Owaina Public Park in Al Wakra?

In addition to the activities curated by Dadu, the Al Owaina Public Park features slides, swings, climbing fixtures, a balancing beam and even a mini zip line for your little ones. Benches and gazebos are scattered throughout the park for relaxation, with toilet facilities available on site.

A more condensed version of Dadu Gardens, the Dadu ‘Play, Learn, Explore’ experience of Dadu on Tour, nurtures the bonding between parents and children through play-based learning with the following activities:

Scavenger bingo - An adventurous scavenger hunt

Parents and children are given a bingo chart to complete by crossing out completed activities and finding listed objects. Activities include playing in the sand, finding footprints of birds, spotting different objects scattered across the park and more. This activity encourages children to focus on the world around them by eliminating excess visual stimulation.

Archaeology in the sand – An exciting dig to uncover hidden objects in the sand

Children are asked to dig up hidden objects in the sand with a shovel and bucket. It is an excellent opportunity for them to tap into their adventurous side and reenact being an archaeologist uncovering hidden objects in the sand. While the fun-filled activity will get their hands dirty, it also aims at making them understand and connect with history.  

Blind contour drawing – No peeking at the paper!

An exciting activity for both children and parents – blind contour drawing asks both children and parents to draw their subject without looking at the paper. This activity hones both their focus and observational skills and as a bonus, also brings out plenty of giggles!

Wobble workout – A daring task to maintain your balance

Children are invited to replicate the workouts as instructed by the Dadu facilitator on a wobble board. This exciting activity helps refine their balance, body control and reflexes to avoid falling. Children can practice their stretching, exercising and balancing in this fun filled activity.

Kashta: Qatari Camping – Gather some sticks and blocks to build your own tent

Children and parents have to work together to build a camp or tent out of sticks, blocks and cloth. This is an interactive activity that aims to build the relationship between parent and child while unleashing their creativity.

Story picnic – Books and props for a light-hearted story time

Dive into a picnic basket of books courtesy of Qatar Museums, and go on a narrative adventure with your little ones. Reenact the story with the props available for a more engaging experience.

Zesty za’atar – Make your own za’atar and eat it too!

Parents and children are invited to explore the ingredients that make up the middle-eastern classic -za’atar before making their own version of it. Sliced pita bread is provided  to enjoy this mix, while encouraging children to try new food.

Remember!

Tickets: Book your FREE TICKET in advance. Have your confirmed ticket ready prior to visit. Both adults and children require a ticket to enter, you will not be allowed if you do not have a ticket.

*Caution: Check your spam folder for ticket confirmation if you don’t receive it after completing your booking. 

When: January 15 - February 4, 2023

Where: Al-Owaina Park in Al Wakra Municipality

Timings: Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm and Friday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

*There are 3 slots daily: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm and 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Facilities: Toilets are available. Food and beverage outlets are not.

Access: It is a 10 minute drive from Al Wakra Metro Station or a 20 minute walk. There is limited parking available outside. 

Looking for more fun-filled activities for your little ones? Check out Qatar's new play areas for children here.

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