Our adventure begins with the National Museum of Oman, which is a true gem among Muscat's attractions. This modern museum, opened in 2016, offers visitors a fascinating journey through Oman's history and culture. Interactive displays, multimedia presentations and a rich collection of artifacts make it possible for any visitor to fully immerse themselves in Oman's past and present. The museum is especially friendly to families with children, offering a number of interactive stations where little ones can learn about Omani culture through play. The ticket price is 5 Omani rials (as of 2023), but it is worth noting that students under the age of 25 have free admission. The museum is open every day except Fridays, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Our next destination is Oman and the World: A Musical Journey Exhibition, which is a true feast for music and sound lovers. This unique place allows visitors to discover how nature has influenced the development of music, and to trace the evolution of this art over the centuries. The exhibition is highly interactive, making it ideal for both adults and children. The opportunity to experiment with different instruments and musical scales is not only great fun, but also a valuable lesson about the musical culture of the region and the world. The exhibition is part of the Royal Opera House Muscat, so plan a visit in conjunction with a tour of this impressive facility.

The third place that is definitely worth a visit is the Place & People Museum. Housed in a century-old building, this intimate museum offers a unique glimpse into the daily lives of Omanis in the 1950s-70s. Visiting the museum feels like traveling back in time - each room is a separate story about the culture, traditions and daily life of Omani people. The museum is extremely authentic and allows you to literally touch history. The ticket price is 2 Omani rials (as of 2023), and the tour takes about 15-20 minutes, making it an ideal highlight of even a short stay in Muscat. The museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Continuing our tour of Muscat's interactive attractions, we can't leave out the Bait Al Zubair Museum. This private museum, founded by the Al Zubair family, offers a fascinating collection of traditional costumes, weapons, jewelry and everyday objects. The museum consists of several buildings, each depicting a different aspect of Omani culture and history. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to not only view, but also touch and try on some of the artifacts, which is especially appealing to the youngest visitors. Bait Al Zubair Museum is open Saturdays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and ticket prices are affordable (as of 2023).

Next on our list is the Oil and Gas Exhibition Center, which offers a fascinating journey through the history and technology of the oil and gas industry in Oman. This place is a true paradise for science and technology lovers. Interactive displays, models and simulations help you understand the complex processes of oil and gas production and processing. The center is particularly popular with school groups, but it also offers many activities for families with children. Importantly, admission to the center is free, but advance booking through the website is required. The center is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.

At the end of our museum journey, visit the PDO Planetarium, which is part of the PDO Knowledge World educational complex. This place offers a fascinating journey through the cosmos, combining astronomical education with the latest presentation technologies. The planetarium is equipped with an advanced projection system that allows a realistic representation of the sky and astronomical phenomena. In addition to planetarium screenings, the complex also offers exhibitions on ecology and environmental protection. PDO Knowledge World is open Sunday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, and admission is free.

When comparing the three attractions, it's worth noting that each offers a unique educational experience. The Bait Al Zubair Museum focuses on traditional Omani culture and history, the Oil and Gas Exhibition Center showcases modern technology and its impact on the country's development, and the PDO Planetarium takes us into space, showing a broader perspective of our place in the universe. All of these places are family-friendly and offer interactive exhibitions that engage visitors of all ages.

After a busy visit to the museums, it's time to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The ideal place for this is Qurum Natural Park, which is a green oasis in the heart of Muscat. This sprawling park offers plenty of activities for both adults and children, making it an ideal place for a family outing.

Qurum Natural Park is a true paradise for lovers of nature and active recreation. The park stretches over a huge area and offers many walking and biking paths that lead through picturesque landscapes. One of the park's main attractions is an artificial waterfall, which not only looks beautiful, but also provides pleasant cooling on hot days. The park is also equipped with numerous children's playgrounds, where the little ones can let off steam on safe and modern equipment.

For picnic lovers, Qurum Natural Park offers many shaded areas with benches and tables where you can have a family meal outdoors. The park also has a small lake around which you can walk or feed the ducks, which is especially attractive for children. The park is equipped with clean and well-maintained restrooms, which is important for longer stays.

Importantly, admission to Qurum Natural Park is free, making it an excellent option for families looking for economical activities. The park is open daily from early morning to late evening, allowing for flexibility in scheduling a visit. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are friendlier.

To summarize our tour of Muscat's interactive parks and museums, it's worth noting that each of the sites described offers unique experiences and opportunities to learn through play. The National Museum of Oman and Bait Al Zubair Museum allow you to explore Oman's rich history and culture, while Oman and the World: A Musical Journey Exhibition and PDO Planetarium offer fascinating journeys through the world of music and the cosmos. The Oil and Gas Exhibition Center takes a closer look at the secrets of the industry that has played a key role in the country's development, while the Place & People Museum lets you feel the atmosphere of ancient Oman. Finally, the Qurum Natural Park offers a chance to relax and be active in nature.

When planning a visit to these places, it is worth bearing in mind the differences in ticket prices and opening hours. Some attractions, such as the Oil and Gas Exhibition Center and PDO Planetarium, offer free admission, which can be important for families traveling on a tight budget. On the other hand, museums such as the National Museum of Oman and the Bait Al Zubair Museum, although chargeable, offer rich and valuable displays that are well worth the price.

Whether you are a lover of history, science, music or nature, Muscat has something to offer for everyone. These interactive parks and museums not only educate, but also provide unforgettable experiences and memories that will linger in your mind for a long time. When planning a weekend in Muscat or a short stay in Oman, you should include these places in your itinerary to fully experience the cultural and natural wealth of this fascinating country.