August has just begun which means the most common question among parents in Beirut is "what can we do with our kids today?"


There are many great places to take kids in and around Beirut, but most of them charge entry fees beginning at at least $10-$15 per child, and if we're speaking of indoor play areas, that usually only covers 1-2 hours of play. In a later post, I'll be sharing some of the most wonderful places to take your kids that have an entry fee - and I am all for supporting small businesses - but I also know that it isn't realistic or preferable for many families to be paying for different activities every single day or multiple times a week, especially if you have multiple children and just want to go out for an hour or two.


So, I wanted to create a blog that would be helpful for families looking for no cost options for their kids. For this entry, I'm sharing outdoor activities. Soon I'll be adding a post with some indoor options worth checking out.


If you know of anything I should add or have any questions, feel free to reach out!


In no particular order, here are some of my favorite outdoor places to take my kids that are completely free of charge:

Horsh Beirut


When I first moved to Beirut, I was surprised to discover that many Lebanese friends have never been here! Horsh Beirut has become one of my top options for photo sessions, as well as to get outside and explore with my kids. Horsh Beirut is SO BIG, with plenty of trails to walk, as well as many grassy areas for kicking a ball, running around, or just setting down a picnic blanket to read in the fresh air. It's also covered in trees, which provides great shade, and plenty of places to put up a hammock, too. In the last year, I've noticed many improvements have been made, including maintenance of trash and natural debris, installment of lights, added exercise equipment, and more.


How to Get There: The main entrance is on the right hand side when you are driving on Omar Beyhum towards the Tayouneh roundabout. You can use Google Maps with this link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/461caYjJoXdEeAho6


Parking: There is no parking lot, but there is street parking along the sidewalk running the length of Horsh Beirut. I usually don't have trouble finding a spot to park.


Hours: Horsh Beirut seems to be open from 7AM to sunset year around.


Food: The rules say that food is not allowed to be brought in, but I know most people take food in.


Bathroom: No.


Below you can get an idea of the landscape at Horsh from some of my photo sessions!

Family group holding hands together while walking on a dirt path surrounded by trees in the forest.
Two people walk through a scenic wooded park setting while holding hands in soft sunlight.
Family walking together on wooded trail during summer photoshoot in matching blue and white outfits.
A couple embraces while standing in a lush green outdoor setting surrounded by trees and natural foliage.

Araya Pine Park


Araya is just outside of the city and one of our favorite outdoor areas. It has trails for walking/hiking, including a small stream, and a playground as well. Araya has beautiful mountain views and is a very quiet, peaceful place to soak up the fresh air. We've only seen a couple of other people when we've been there, even on weekends. There are also some picnic tables and a building next to the playground that can be rented out for events - it would be a great location for a birthday party! There are also tennis courts next to the entrance, but I'm not sure if you are supposed to pay to access them or not.


How to Get There: Follow Google Maps, and pay close attention to the right turn off the Damascus highway. https://maps.app.goo.gl/MiTSGvpW1f534MCSA


Parking: Free parking on site.


Hours: I am unsure if there are specific hours. None are listed on Google Maps. I've been there mid-morning through sunset without issue.


Food: You can bring your own food.


Bathroom: Not that I know of.


Here are some images from a family session at Araya:

Family exploring a scenic mountain trail together on a warm autumn day with golden light and natural terrain.
Family enjoying a picnic on a blanket outdoors in a naturalistic setting surrounded by pine trees and wildflowers.
A parent and child share a tender moment together outdoors among pine trees at sunset.
People walking on a dirt path at sunset with golden pine trees illuminated in warm evening light.
People stand by a rocky stream in a lush forest setting wearing dresses and light summer clothing.

Sanayeh Park


I have to admit I don't LOVE Sanayeh but I do think it's a great option for younger kids. There are paved paths going all around the park that kids can skateboard, bike, and ride scooters on, and there are several play structures, framed by green areas (which you are NOT allowed to step or sit on!).


How to Get There: Follow Google Maps https://share.google/fmY54jpjebPTnsUV5


Parking: I generally find it challenging to find a parking spot here.


Hours: According to Google, hours are 6AM-6PM Sunday-Thursday, and 6AM-7:30PM Friday and Saturday.


Food: I am unsure about the food policy.


Bathroom: Not that I know of.


I don't have any photos from the times we visited, but you can find many on Google at this link: https://share.google/KEtfASFfpE4oyuvYb

Snoubar Skatepark


My husband is a second generation skateboarder and wants to pass his passion onto our kids, so you can bet he was excited when we found out this skatepark was being built right when we arrived in Beirut! The team that we started a non-profit with actually helped in building the skatepark, and one of our close friends and colleagues has continued to volunteer several days a week teaching kids to skateboard there. The skatepark is actually located in one corner of Horsh Beirut, but it must be accessed by it's own gate - you can't get to it if you enter Horsh through the main gate.


How to Get There: Follow Google Maps, while driving on November 22 find street parking on the right hand side along the sidewalk. Al Khashekji Mosque will be on the left across the street. https://share.google/poGKD0yV1cB8L6c2h


Parking: There is no dedicated parking lot, but you can street park along the sidewalk.


Hours: According to the Snoubar Skatepark Instagram page, open hours are 8AM-6PM, but friends of mine say it stays open until sunset.


Food: You can bring your own food, and definitely bring water if you plan to skateboard!


Bathroom: No.


Check out some images (taken on iPhone) from Snoubar Skatepark.

Skaters at a concrete skate park with tall pine trees in the background on a sunny day.
A blue Real skateboard deck being held at a skate park with ramps and pine trees in the background.
Sequence of skateboarding action shots showing jump attempts and tricks on a concrete path surrounded by trees.

Biel Waterfront


This is one of our favorite spots to go where our kids can get out some energy, and we can walk and talk. What we love about this area is that it is blocked off from vehicles so that people can walk, run, bike, and scooter up and down the waterfront. We will often toss our kids' bikes and/or scooters in the car and head over to the waterfront in the early evening, and stay for the sunset. You could do the same on the big seaside sidewalk just south of Zaytouna Bay, but we find it more challenging to find parking in that area. Also, if you don't have your own bikes or scooters, you can rent bikes from Beirut by Bike for a reasonable cost. You could also just walk together!


How to Get There: Follow Google Maps https://share.google/2UypO53AwJdfzAfHH


Parking: It used to be fairly easy to find free parking near the waterfront, but it seems that a valet company has taken over the area. The going rate seems to be 300,000LL for parking.


Hours: There are no hours, it is open to the public 24/7.


Food: You can definitely bring your own food. There aren't any places to buy snacks or water that I know of, but it would be a great business move for someone to have a portable snack and drink cart down there.


Bathroom: No.


Check out some images (taken on iPhone) below to get a feel for Biel Waterfront.

People viewing the ocean and Havana skyline from the Malecon seawall during a sunny afternoon in Cuba.
Person riding a bike along a beachfront promenade at sunset with city skyline in the background.
Beach boardwalk at sunset with scattered clouds and golden sunbeams over ocean horizon.

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