Many families flocked to Aspire Park to celebrate the first day of Eid al-Adha with picnics and gatherings, or for a leisurely stroll around the area to enjoy its amenities.

Slightly cooler temperatures also made the park more attractive to many visitors, according to one resident who noted that the weather is now quite suitable for families to enjoy the outdoors during the weekends.

“It’s been a while since my family and I have enjoyed the outdoors because of the summer heat. But since temperatures are going down, we plan to come back to Aspire Park again while my kids are still on class vacation,” he told Gulf Times.

A group of Asian expatriates said the park is an ideal location for picnics or even small outdoor parties. “We frequent the park, especially during our off days. The area has a lot of green, shaded places where people can just relax,” one of the picnic goers said.

Many visitors also enjoyed the paddle boats, one of the popular amenities at the park. The boats are available from 4pm to 9pm. A staff on a jet ski is available to make sure that people on the paddle boats are safe while they go around the park’s man-made lake.

The 88-hectare Aspire Park is a suitable location for walks, jogging, and other physical activities. Parents can also allow their children to run and play without worrying about fast-moving vehicles.

“We love going to the water fountain and the park is a good place to take selfies,” said a teenager, who came to Aspire Park with her parents and siblings.

This Eid al-Adha, the Qatar Tourism Authority has included Aspire Zone in its events calendar. According to the Aspire Zone website, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, which will be held throughout Eid from 4pm to 9pm.

These activities include kayaking in the lake, horse carriage tours, and pony rides, all in Aspire Park.

Daily races are also part of a programme prepared for radio control (RC) car enthusiasts. The RC races are held at the Aspire Zone roundabout (opposite to Aspetar) throughout the Eid holiday from 4pm to 9pm.

Aspire Zone’s fields and courts will be open throughout the holiday for sports enthusiasts who are into football, tennis, basketball, volleyball, and cycling. Bicycles near the kid’s playground are also available for rent.

Aspire Zone is also inviting the public on September 25 for water sport shows, including fly board, jet ski, and waterboarding exhibitions.