Muscat – With schools in summer break and temperatures soaring across the sultanate, families in Oman are being encouraged to view the season as an opportunity for meaningful engagement, self-development and quality time together.

Rather than seeing summer merely as a time for rest, experts are urging parents to make the most of this time by fostering learning, creativity and personal growth in their children.

“Summer is not a void – it is a gateway to exploration and enrichment,” said Khalid al Balushi, an educational consultant. “Children should be steered away from excessive screen time and instead be guided towards activities such as reading, learning new skills and engaging in experiences that leave a lasting impact.”

Domestic tourism continues to be a preferred choice for many Omani families, offering an accessible and enjoyable alternative to international travel. Oman’s varied landscape, particularly the cooler climes of Jabal Akhdar and Jabal Shams, provides an ideal setting for summer excursions. University lecturer Dr Salim al Rawahi noted that these locations offer scenic hiking trails, temperate weather and panoramic views that appeal to all age groups.

“Visiting traditional souqs, heritage sites and historic forts in places like Nizwa, Bahla and Suhar also helps children connect with Omani identity and history,” Rawahi added.

Coastal areas such as Ras al Hadd and the khareef season in Dhofar remain popular, along with cultural hotspots that blend relaxation with educational value.

Beyond travel, experts in child development advocate using the summer as a time to cultivate interests and talents. Dr Aisha al Kindi, a specialist in training and development, said the holiday is an excellent time for young people to explore hobbies or particip-ate in short courses. “It’s an opportunity to instil a love of learning and nurture creativity, whether through painting, coding, languages or sports.”

Across the sultanate, a wide range of structured summer programmes is on offer, including Quran classes that combine religious education with discipline and routine. Dalia al Iraqi, director of a private summer centre in Muscat, said that these programme place increasing emphasis on soft skills.

“Our aim is not just to educate, but to help children build confidence, leadership, critical thinking and teamwork,” she explained.

Experts also highlight the psychological benefits of engaging children in planning their own activities and allowing them to try new experiences. According to psychologist Dr Mazen al Ghailani, such involvement fosters independence and reduces the stress often associated with the school year. “These activities are essential for children’s emotional well-being. They offer a sense of achievement and help children feel more in control of their time,” he said.

Families are encouraged to take advantage of a range of opportunities – from educational workshops and creative indoor pursuits to volunteering and community involvement. Initiatives such as beach clean-ups, food drives and home-based projects help instil values of responsibility, empathy and social contribution.

“Summer should not be perceived as idle time, but rather as a valuable season for building memories, strengthening bonds and learning in ways that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Ghailani.