Star City, Riyadh

It's the start of Gabby and Sunday's vacation! And I'm back to the things that I always take for granted: reading and blogging. I've always looked forward to posting here but life has been a whirlwind for the past months. Gabby graduated from primary school and will be in high school this June. Yes, you read it right. I now have a high school kid. How time flies! I got so sick after that and was rushed to the ER and was given antibacterial medicines intravenously. But now, I'm back and raring to blog again.

Before I post another event or place, let me just finish Sunday's field trip. Before their visit to Prince Salman Science Oasis, the kids went to Star City in Exit 9 first.

We've been passing by this amusement park for the longest time and I am really curious as to what is inside it. Of course, I know there are rides. But what kind of rides? Are abayas taken off or women ride wearing it? These were the questions I had before entering the park.

And those questions were answered bit by bit. I realized at the start of the field trip that the trip was intended for girls aged nine and above only. So understandably, only the female teachers and staff accompanied the girls and only mothers and female guardians joined. So, that's the reason Gabby's field trip was scheduled the day after.

I believe Star City is an old amusement park. There were rides that weren't operational and there were areas that are neglected. The only open food station was a small cafeteria manned by a lady who tried her best to speak to us in English. From the exasperated look on the kids' faces who asked her things the store didn't have or maybe she just didn't understand, I knew she needed help.

While I feel for that lady's dilemma, I felt relieved and happy that Sunday was having so much fun! She didn't want to leave the park.

Star City's roller coaster isn't too high so I let Sunday try it. But did you know that I almost stopped riding roller coasters and included it on my self-imposed amusement park rides ban forever? Here's why. It was just a few months before my wedding when I rode the Space Shuttle in Enchanted Kingdom. I vomited in public and almost fainted after that ride. How embarassing, right? I didn't expect that would happen because I've always enjoyed the adrenaline rush that goes with riding it. Maybe I was just too tired and hungry because my officemates and I came there for work. So what made me try it again? I had kids, what else? I think that's how mothers should be. Brave enough to try new things especially those that their kids enjoy doing. But honestly, I just tried to appear brave when I rode that roller coaster again. But thanks to my kids, really.

I don't always post my verdict on places we've gone to. But I just feel like it so please let me. The park is clean. The hamam or the toilets are clean and well-maintained. The staff were kind and very accommodating. I just noticed that there were rides that aren't operational and there are those that I didn't like Sunday to try - not for fear that she might fall but for fear of what's inside it, as in the case of the 3D Dark Ride where they have to enter a dark room. Would I or would I let my kids go there again? Definitely, yes. But not in the near future.

Star City
Eastern Ring Branch Rd, Al Hamra, Riyadh 13216, Saudi Arabia
Google Coordinates: 24.773590, 46.733065
Tel.: +966 11 2781010
Wednesday - Friday: 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Open on mornings for field trips / private reservations.