Family Outings in Oman : Parks v/s Malls

As my family and I entered Al Mawaleh Park, memories flooded back from a conversation I had with my son back in 2008 at Al Khoudh Park. Amidst the excited laughter and playfulness of the other children, my son appeared disinterested. Taking a moment to connect, I invited him into a conversation.

“Can we talk, son?” I inquired, sensing his lack of enthusiasm for the park. “Is something bothering you? You don’t seem to be enjoying yourself,” I asked gently.

“I’m just not a fan of places like this,” he responded without hesitation. Curious, he turned the question back to me. “Do you like them?”

“Yes, I do,” I affirmed, explaining, “I find joy in places like these because they showcase nature’s beauty, offer fresh air, and allow us to appreciate the wonders of creation.”

Curious about his perspective, I probed further. “What makes you prefer places created by humans over natural spots?” I asked.

His reply was straightforward. “I’m more drawn to places where people have crafted and invented things. I find man-made creations like technology and machinery fascinating.”

Certainly, malls have their unique allure, ambiance, and the pleasure of sipping black coffee or cappuccino. On the flip side, natural parks hold a distinct charm.

My visit to Al Mawaleh Park wasn’t my first; I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been there. This visit, however, stood out as a “Family Day,” as the evening was abuzz with families. Parents carried their children on their shoulders, sharing in the joy.

To my right, the kids’ playground caught my eye—swings, slides, climbing frames, and see-saws were bustling with activity. The children immersed themselves in other play equipment as well, like jungle gyms, sandboxes, merry-go-rounds, and monkey bars.

Continuing our stroll, I spotted families enjoying a picnic area—a scene that epitomized leisure. The diversity of nationalities present was another highlight of the park, showcasing Omanis, Indians, Nepalis, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and more, contributing to the park’s vibrant ambiance.

“Let’s take a break on that bench,” my spouse suggested. Seated, we observed a couple jogging; the design of the jogging path intrigued me.

At the heart of the park stood a charming miniature palace, reminiscent of the Taj Mahal. Crowded with visitors, the scene exuded its own splendor. A horse was afoot, carrying a child while her father watched from a distance—a heartwarming tableau.

 Article by : Mohammed Anwar Al Balushi. All views expressed are personal.