Muscat – Muscat Nights Festival has transformed evenings in the capital into a celebration of culture, adventure and entertainment since it began last week. Festival grounds across seven locations come alive in the evenings with laughter, music and the aroma of delectable treats drawing families from in and around Muscat.

One of the key highlights of the festival is the blend of activities tailored for all age groups, children in particular. From cartoon characters, video game lounges to thrilling adventure sports, the festival is a paradise for children.

The adventure zone in Rose Garden, Qurum Natural Park has a ropes course allowing children to test  agility and confidence under the watchful eyes of trained professionals. “I felt like I was flying!” said an excited 12-year-old Rashid, dusting his dishdasha after completing the course, as his younger sister Rania played with balloons on the grass.

Adjacent to the adventure zone, a gaming area pulses with excitement. Children in beanbags have their eyes glued to screens as they compete in football matches and car races. “I love it here. It feels like a big gaming party!” said 11-year-old Aakash Kumar, who was visiting the festival with his family from Al Khuwair.

For movie buffs, Qurum Natural Park has open-air screenings under the stars organised by Lunar Cinemas. Families huddle together on blankets munching popcorn while watching classics like The Lion King. Nine-year-old Mariam loves movies but “watching outdoors in the open air feels magical”.

Parents praised the festival’s variety, which keeps toddlers to teens engaged for hours. “It’s wonderful to see the kids so happy. There’s something for everyone,” said Khalid al Rawahi, a father of three.

Neha Verma highlighted the festival’s cultural aspect, noting how the Global Village at Qurum Natural Park enriched her children’s understanding of diverse traditions.

As drones lite up the night sky, a collective exclamation of amazement is heard across the festival grounds from where families and friends are taking back unforgettable memories.