Keeping busy outside of malls
The heat is really turning up.
Who turned up the thermostat?
What’s cooking?
These quips are not even funny for the denizens of Qatar as the temperature continues to climb even higher. That is a big reason why staying indoors is the best touted option for us desert dwellers in summer. However, staying indoors for long periods of time can take its toll, especially on kids. They need a good romp and regular activities to fuel their ever present appetite for adventure.
But there is nowhere else to go beside the malls? Sorry to burst your bubble, but that has become a cliché after being used repetitively since eons. You do know the fable of the monkeys where a repeated action became the social ‘acceptable’ norm. It is widely believed that this was actually an experiment. Nevertheless, you get the drift. Qatar is evolving right before our eyes, and there is no dearth of activities, even in summers. Where there is a will, there is a way (that is a cliché too, but a hopeful one).
Let’s get creative and discover ways to beat the heat while staying refreshed.
Don’t go to the malls.
But you might miss out on good fun if you don’t. Let me rephrase: Do go to the malls, but not specifically for shopping (unless that is on your agenda). Indoor gaming arenas and activities are located mostly inside malls. Villaggio has a large gaming area for children as well as adults. Let the kids enjoy the train ride or the adorable scary ride (it does get scary at the end), while you book yourself into laser tag, or go-karting, or even bowling.
Speaking of bowling, check out the indoor sports happening all over Qatar. There are complexes dedicated to bowling, snooker and squash alone. If the heat doesn’t bother you, try playing tennis. See what’s happening at the equestrian club if you are a horse race lover.
Learn a new skill, or a language; there are language centers ready to enroll you in summer classes. Find a hobby you have always felt the urge to pursue.
In my experience, I have witnessed a talented pool of artists of all fields taking the stage in Qatar.
The art scene is certainly happening in Qatar. Just head over to Katara or Souq Waqif and have a look at the ongoing exhibitions. Why not join the artistic endeavor and take art classes, or photography?
There are regular sessions for poetry and prose lovers at Katara. Join a book club or the club catering to your choice hobby. There are reading and writing workshops for book enthusiasts.
These clubs have regular meetups and plan events on a regular basis. For mothers worried about their children while they attend these events, there is a better option. Mothers' clubs are quite popular in Qatar, and they even have activities and games lined up for kids, so you don’t have to leave your kids behind. During the summer vacations a lot of workshops are being conducted for kids. Some aim for artistic activities and others involve new skills as well.
Is barbecue on the beach too mainstream for you? Try kayaking then. Try a desert safari, or dune bashing. Barbecuing on the beach at night is still a good option to gather friends and stay unbothered by the heat. Planning activities after evening is the key here for all outdoor plans. There are lots of events happening every week, check out the ones that catch your fancy and treat yourself to a new experience.
You’ll never know what surprises life has to offer unless you try.
