The weather is just right to plan an outdoor get-together with friends and family. Do you need a place to go this weekend? I have a great suggestion; somewhere to take the whole family to: The Green Island.
I had visited it many times and whenever the weather is pleasant we plan out an outing. Last time we visited was when we arranged our yearly building family-picnic. We were fourteen families and everyone one from kids to elders enjoyed it. Every time we visit it, we fall in love again and again with this place. The Green Island in Kuwait is known to be the best place for the people to relax. This famous picnic spot, a family oriented park, is actually a reclaimed land which has been transformed to an artificial island. The location of the Green Island, is near Kuwait Towers, is in the coastline that extends from Al-Shuwaikh to Ras Alard. It was inaugurated on 22 February 1988. This place is owned by T.E.C and is open from 8am to 11pm daily. This island with an area of 785 thousand square meters and diameter of 3140 meters is linked to the sea by a passage, which is 134 meters long. The surrounding natural rocks were brought from Al-Fujairah Emirates. The sides of the Green Island of Kuwait were fortified with concrete, even the sands that you find at the beaches of the Green Island were imported from other countries. You will not believe that you are in a desert country when you are in Green Island, since this place has a riot of colors with the shrubs and seedlings planted here. It’s a long walk to Green Island entrance and also very windy here. So not a favorable place to go in winter evenings. On the right of the entrance, one can play Soap-Football while on the left; there are many inflatable bouncing castles and such for children available in afternoon and evening. You have to pay the entrance fees (500 fills per person) at the door. It's a well worth amount because you can easily spend the whole day at the island. First and foremost, if you are a diehard tanning enthusiast, there is a gorgeous beach which allows you to catch the rays. Although it's not a very long shore, it is long enough to spend a nice relaxing day on the beach. By now you're probably thinking, "How can I have a relaxing day at the beach when my kids will be so bored they will drive me crazy?” Well fear not, there are many activities for your kids to enjoy. There is a fun pool, a kid castle, trampolining, bumper cars and a machine operated high flying swing ride. Also available to all visitors of the Green Island is a tourist tower that you can climb or take the elevator up. This will allow you to see Kuwait from a different angle. The panoramic views form the top of the tower is quit breathtaking. On one side you can see endless water, from the other side you can see the Kuwait towers and from yet another angle of the top of the tower, you can see Kuwait's budding skyscrapers.
It has facilities for everyone from kids to adults too. Don’t forget to take your kids bicycle. But in case you forget, it has facilities, which according to your need you can rent and move around. As my infant daughter was with me, I could not cycle and so my friends gave me a ride in the 4-wheeler cycle. The smaller cycle (1 seater/2-tires)and (2chairs/4wheels) will cost you 500 fills for half an hour and the bigger one (4- wheeler/ 4-seater) will cost you 5KD for an hour. There is also a train available at 250fills per person which will give you a full ride around the Island. The best time to ride the train is in the evening hours or night time. It is a wonderful place to walk where you don't have to worry about cars. There is an amphitheatre where some musical concerts and plays take place. And in the artificial lake one can rent pedalos. It is a very quiet and serene place for couples who want to spend time alone too. And if you want to plan a BBQ picnic, then this place is the best choice. You can take packed food or order it from any restaurant. But it has a good restaurant within its premises.
Our husbands got busy playing cricket, ladies in cycling or making their kids play in the play-area and bigger kids moved around in their own group. It was nice to see all of us relaxed, playing and enjoying. Our dinner which we ordered from Hotel Kohinoor, at Fahaheel arrived. Even after dinner we felt like staying back for some more time, but it was already 10.30pm and children had school the next day. So had to return, promising to visit again soon.
The Green Island is a perfect place to plan your picnic as it has a good restaurant, good playground for kids, train ride, bicycle rent, good walking path along the beach with Arabic Gulf Street view, and many good points for the outdoor picnic meals. Its green environment adds another color for a picnic in a desert country.
Plan your visit soon and enjoy!
I am sure it will not be a problem to find out Green Island, but still here’s the link to google map which should be much help to the newbie’s
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode =&q=green+island+kuwait&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=34.313287,76.728516&ie=UTF8&hq=Green+Island&hnear=Green+Island,+Arabian+Gulf+St,+Al+Asimah,+Kuwait z=14
Address: Green Island, Arabian Gulf Street, Near Kuwait Towers
Entry Fee: 500 Fils per person
Phone no: 22526153
Time : 8am to 11pm daily