We visited the Qatar International Food Festival yesterday and I got a glimpse of what my future would be like now that I have a family.
The crowd-heavy events like QIFF that I used to stay away from have become one of those exciting things we do as a family. It’s the start isn’t it? I could just imagine going to every Disney on Ice concert, Barney and Friends, and bee lining to every major events in Doha to keep the little one entertained.
Good thing I like food and the weather was super nice these days that coming to the Qatar International Food Festival wasn’t a drag. We really did enjoy our time as a family going for a stroll, stopping by the food kiosk to sample their food, and keeping Naomi entertained with a number of family-friendly activities at the Festival.
This is not another food review of QIFF (but if you’re looking to read more about the food, Qatar Eating and Life on the Wedge have written their top recommendations). But if you are looking to head down there with your family this coming week, here are my top family-friendly picks at the Qatar International Food Festival.
- Family Picnic
The most exciting this about going to the park for me is having a picnic, especially on a very spacious grass area at the Hotel Park. Fraiser Suites Doha is offering a picnic package complete with a picnic mat for QR 90 for 2 persons that include juice, cheese set, fruit basket, 2 mains. They also offer a kids picnic package for QR35 that includes a main, fruit, milk, juice and water. It’s light and refreshing, giving you plenty of room to try other food and dessert.
- Splash Around the Fountain
Perhaps the most exciting thing for kids at the Qatar International Food Festival is getting soaked at the park’s fountain area. Parents can watch from afar with food on their hand. Pack a bathing suit for the children or spare clothes because they will be soaking wet.
- Watch Films Under the Stars
Doha Film Institute is screening free family-friendly films everyday at 7:00 PM. A package of short films made in Qatar is being showcased as well as a programme of international short films themed around food, including the vibrant documentary ‘A Day in India’ that compiles three weeks of traveling and eating all over India into ‘one day’.
- Hang out at the Play area
There’s a dedicated play are at the Qatar International Food Festival and it was by far my favorite place to relax with my family. With trees lined up providing shade, it’s the perfect picnic spot. There are foosball table, kids painting area and food stalls offering ice cream, cotton candy and other snacks.
- Shaded Playground
Just a little further away from the food stalls is a massive playground area that is shaded, which is a perfect spot to keep the kids entertained for hours while you tuck away with some food in the corner.
- Watch the Fireworks
If you are at the Qatar International Food Festival in the late afternoon, it only makes sense for to stay there until dinner, feed the whole family and finish it off by catching the fireworks that happens every night. The vibe at night is completely different especially with the lights, music and have good food.
My mom and I are thinking of coming back with Naomi this week to eat our way through the Festival. Have I missed anything fun that we can do with Naomi at the Qatar International Food Festival?