For the parent in Bahrain, the constant challenge is finding a spot where our little ones can run, climb and tumble without us needing to hover every single second. This week, I found myself at the Dilmun Club in Saar, and it truly felt like a breath of fresh air. ‘The Dilly’ manages to strike that perfect balance between a high-energy adventure park and a safe, welcoming backyard.
The moment we arrived, my toddler made a direct beeline for the outdoor playground. It is a fantastic setup for younger children, featuring low slides and a miniature climbing wall that are just challenging enough to be exciting.
My daughter particularly loved the wide, gentle slide, it’s easy to climb and doesn’t send them flying off too fast at the bottom. As a mother, the faux-grass flooring is a dream, providing a bit of peace of mind while they’re busy exploring the cosy playhouse.
The real star of the show outdoors, however, was the spider-web rope structure. It was wonderful to see her tiny hands find their grip as she scrambled up with such pride and excitement. It’s exactly the kind of environment where you want to see your children pushing their boundaries in a safe way.
We took a stroll past the swimming pool, which looked incredibly inviting with its dedicated children’s section. While we decided to stay dry this time (saving the splashing for when the weather warms up a little more!), it clearly looks like the perfect spot for a dip later in the season. The depth is just right for toddlers to find their feet, and I can already imagine it being our go-to cooling-off spot in a few months’ time.
For those days when you just need to get out of the breeze or the heat, the indoor soft play area is an absolute lifesaver. It’s a bright, colourful world of padded tunnels and climbing frames. The highlight for us was definitely the hopscotch and the slide that ends in a massive ball pit; I lost count of how many times she went back up for another turn. The entire area is covered in cushioned flooring, making it a worry-free space where you can let them go wild without worrying about bumped knees.
Indoor hopscotch
The Dilmun Club really does offer the best of both worlds; plenty of entertainment to keep the kids busy and a relaxed atmosphere for the parents. Whether you’re looking for a weekend outing or a midweek escape, it’s a brilliant, family-friendly spot.
Slide and ball pit
Located in Saar, the club is open to members, but they also welcome visitors from the British Club, the Bahrain Rugby Club and the Yacht Club for a nominal fee.