What Can Kids Do While You Shop at Mall of Qatar?
By Amar Sham Unal
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Anyone who's taken young children shopping knows the challenge. The first twenty minutes usually go well, then someone gets hungry, another wants to go home, and suddenly browsing stores becomes a race against boredom.
That's one reason I enjoy visiting Mall of Qatar with family. It isn't just a place to shop—it's designed so children have plenty to do between store visits. Whether your child enjoys climbing, arcade games, movies or simply running around, there are enough attractions to turn a shopping trip into a family outing instead of a stressful errand.
Here are the places I think are worth knowing about.
Virtuocity – Best for Older Kids and Teenagers
If your children are old enough to enjoy gaming, Virtuocity is easily one of the biggest attractions in the mall.
It's much more than a traditional arcade. Inside you'll find racing simulators, virtual reality experiences, esports gaming stations and interactive attractions that can easily keep older children occupied for an hour or two.
It's especially useful if one parent wants to continue shopping while the other stays with the kids, since there's enough variety that they rarely finish everything in just a few minutes.
For teenagers, it's often the highlight of the entire visit.
Megapolis Entertainment Center – Something for Almost Every Age
Another place families regularly head to is Megapolis, one of the mall's largest indoor entertainment centres.
Unlike Virtuocity, which mainly appeals to gamers, Megapolis offers a wider mix of activities. Depending on the attraction, you'll find bowling, arcade games, bumper cars, laser tag, soft play areas and other family-friendly entertainment.
That's what makes it such a practical stop if you're visiting with children of different ages. Younger kids, teenagers and even adults can usually find something they'll enjoy.
Novo Cinemas – A Good Midday Break
Sometimes the easiest way to slow the day down is to watch a movie.
Novo Cinemas regularly screens family films, animated releases and children's movies, making it a popular choice for parents who know they'll be spending several hours at the mall.
Watching a film also breaks up the shopping trip nicely. Instead of trying to keep children interested in store after store, you get a couple of relaxed hours before heading back for any final shopping.
Seasonal Shows and Family Events
One thing Mall of Qatar does particularly well is filling its central Oasis area with entertainment throughout the year.
Depending on when you visit, you might come across live performances, children's workshops, holiday celebrations, science demonstrations, character appearances or interactive stage shows.
If you're visiting during school holidays, Ramadan, Eid or other festive periods, it's worth checking the mall's event calendar beforehand because there's often something happening that children can join for free.
Kid-Friendly Stores That Feel Like Attractions
Even shopping can become entertainment.
Stores such as Hamleys are often as exciting as the play areas themselves. Children can spend plenty of time exploring toys, watching demonstrations and trying interactive displays before parents continue with the rest of their shopping.
For many younger visitors, a stop at Hamleys becomes part of the day rather than simply another store.
Take a Break Before Everyone Gets Tired
One mistake many parents make is trying to finish all the shopping before stopping for food.
I've found it's usually better to plan a break before everyone becomes tired or hungry. A short meal often gives children enough energy to enjoy the rest of the visit instead of asking to leave halfway through.
If you're looking for something simple, Pizza Hut at MoQ works well for families because everyone can order according to their appetite.
For younger children, the Junior's Pizza Box includes a Half Sicilian Junior's Pizza with a 200 ml juice, while the Junior's Pasta Box comes with baked chicken or vegetable pasta, potato wedges and a 200 ml juice. Both are priced at QAR 15, making them practical choices that are portioned for children rather than expecting them to share an adult meal.
Parents can order pizzas, pasta, wings or sharing meals from the regular menu, so everyone gets something they'll actually enjoy.
Plenty of Other Family Dining Choices
If pizza isn't what your family feels like eating, Mall of Qatar has no shortage of alternatives.
Restaurants including Chili's, Nando's, Paul, and several cafés throughout the mall make it easy to find something that suits different tastes. Whether you're after a full meal, coffee and cake, or simply ice cream before heading home, there are plenty of options nearby.
A Shopping Trip That Doesn't Feel Like Shopping
What makes Mall of Qatar work so well for families isn't one single attraction—it's the combination of everything.
Children can spend time playing at Megapolis or Virtuocity, watch a movie at Novo Cinemas, explore Hamleys, stop for lunch, and still have energy for another round of shopping afterwards.
That balance is what keeps many families coming back. Instead of asking children to spend the entire day following adults from one shop to another, the mall gives them reasons to enjoy the visit too. For parents, that usually means a much calmer—and far more successful—shopping day.