The Bahrain Summer Toy Festival is returning for the third time, and it’s the biggest one yet. Running across July and into early August, the event pulls characters, live shows, gaming, shopping and family activities together under one roof, with themed zones built around different age groups.
If you are looking for somewhere to take the kids during the long summer days, here is what you need to know about dates, tickets, timings and what is on.
The festival takes place at Exhibition World Bahrain, the large venue in Sakhir that most taxi drivers will know by name. It runs from 2 July to 5 August.
Opening times change depending on the day:
The later weekend opening gives families a bit more flexibility, and the evening close means you can plan around the heat and visit once temperatures drop.
Tickets start at a low entry point, with a few options depending on how you want to visit:
The five-person ticket is the obvious pick for families or groups, working out cheaper per head than buying separately. Fast Track is worth considering on weekends and during peak evening hours, when queues tend to build.
You can buy tickets through Platinumlist here.
The festival is organised into themed zones, each aimed at a different age group, so younger children, older kids and teens all have spaces designed with them in mind. Across the venue, you will find more than 25 global brands and experiences, with interactive activities, play areas and plenty to keep children busy for a few hours.
The main stage runs a full programme through the summer, with seven live performances in Arabic and English. Shows are a mix of character productions and interactive sets that lean on entertainment and learning, so there is something to draw kids back to the stage between activities.
Alongside the play zones and performances, there is shopping, gaming and meet-and-greet moments with familiar characters, which tend to be the highlight for younger visitors.
Exhibition World Bahrain is in Sakhir, reachable by car or taxi. By car, take Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Highway, merge onto Al Fateh Highway, then follow Sheikh Isa Bin Salman Highway and the signs for Exhibition Avenue. By taxi, the venue is well known, so most drivers will get you there without much direction. Parking is available on site.
With the festival open until 10:00 pm most evenings, the cooler end of the day is the easiest time to go, especially with younger children. Weekday afternoons from Sunday to Wednesday are likely to be quieter than the Thursday to Saturday stretch. If you are visiting at the weekend or in the evening, the Fast Track ticket can save you time at the entrance.
READ MORE: Staying Put This Summer? Here’s Where to Keep the Kids Buzzing Over the Holidays
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