JEDDAH: The newly opened Wonder District in Jeddah is drawing visitors looking for entertainment, thrills and cultural immersion until Dec. 11
Located on King Abdulaziz Road, it is part of the Jeddah Events Calendar and a major highlight of the coastal city’s entertainment scene this season.
The festival spans 10 immersive zones, each offering a unique experience designed to captivate visitors of all ages, including adrenaline-pumping adventures to relaxing cultural experiences.
The Wonder Jungle section lets young visitors interact with animals including hens, raccoons, tortoises, rabbits, parrots, peacocks, flamingos, ducks, squirrels and even kangaroos.
The lush, verdant area is filled with wildlife exhibits, nature trails and peaceful corners for relaxation.
The Let’s Play, also for young visitors, is an energetic space brimming with interactive games and activities featuring iconic characters from beloved franchises such as Barbie, Hot Wheels, Barney, Scrabble, Cocomelon and more.
For those seeking a thrill, the 500 sq. meter Spooky Circus delivers a spine-tingling adventure. From creepy clowns and haunted houses to glow-in-the-dark rooms and suspenseful surprises, the section offers a thrilling journey into the world of mystery and fright.
At the Wonder Job, visitors can put their skills to the test in an exhilarating race against the clock. With only 60 seconds on the countdown, participants must unlock as many safes as possible to win prizes, with one lucky safe containing the ultimate luxury reward.
The excitement is amplified as the action is streamed live on screens outside the zone, creating an electrifying atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
Smiley Beach, made from soft, sponge-like materials, creates a unique vibe where visitors can dive into a bubble pit or enjoy exciting activities like the blob jump, zipline, rope swing and slide. The beach zone also comes alive with DJ performances and light shows, making it an ideal spot to unwind or dive into high-energy fun.
For those craving adventure, Blast Off’s inflatable adventure zone uses varying air pressure to launch visitors into the air, creating a thrilling and exhilarating experience. It features trampolines, interactive ball pools, colored sand pools and slides, offering a unique twist on classic inflatable fun.
Entertainment comes to life at the Wonder Theater with a wide range of performances, including live stand-up comedy, captivating theatrical productions and kids’ shows.
Mohammed Hamza, who went to Wonder District with his children, said: “This is exactly what Jeddah needed; a place where the whole family can have fun while learning and exploring.
“We’ve never seen a jungle, theatrical shows and other similar interactive zones all in one place. We’ve been here for five hours and still have three more zones to explore!”
The retail area showcases the best of local craftsmanship, with 15 shops featuring fashion, accessories and artisanal products from talented local designers. Visitors can explore and purchase items that reflect the region’s rich culture and creativity.
“Customers have been thoroughly enjoying our designs and unique offerings. It has been an incredible opportunity to showcase our brand products. Sales have been remarkably good,” said Mohammed, a staff member at Rysh Fashionable.
Faiza Ahmed, another visitor, told Arab News: “The place is massive, and each zone really deserves at least 45 minutes to enjoy. The crowd management is excellent, and we’re not waiting in long lines; things are moving quickly.
“Smiley Beach was a huge hit with my kids, especially the bubble pit and lively music created such a fun atmosphere. The Spooky Circus is another standout feature, especially since it’s one of the few places where children can fully participate. The weather is perfect, and having such an open-air entertainment space is really enjoyable.”
Deena Ali, a visitor from Makkah, said: “Wonder District has quickly become a popular spot for entertainment and cultural exploration. With so much to see and do, it’s no wonder that visitors from nearby cities are eager to come. It offers activities that are unlike anything we’ve seen during Jeddah Season.”
