10 things to do with kids in Jounieh this weekend
Jounieh is one of the easiest places in Lebanon to fill a weekend with kids. Between the bay, the mountain above it and the old souks, you can plan a full day without spending hours in traffic. Here are ten ideas, from ten minutes away to half an hour.
Opening hours and prices change often, especially with the seasons, so check the day before you go. Most of these work well for children aged 3 and up.
In Jounieh itself
1. Ride the cable car up to Harissa
The Téléphérique leaves from the Maameltein side of Jounieh and climbs to Harissa in about ten minutes. Kids love the little cabins swinging over the rooftops, and the view of the bay is the best in Keserwan. Go early to avoid the Sunday queue.
2. Visit Our Lady of Lebanon at the top
At the top of the cable car, the white statue of Our Lady of Lebanon overlooks the whole coast. Older children can climb the spiral stairs around the base. Bring a light jacket, it is cooler up there.
3. Walk the old souks of Jounieh
The stone arches, small shops and bakeries of the old souks make an easy morning stroll. Let each child pick one snack. It turns a walk into a treasure hunt.
4. Spend a morning at an atelier
At Luciole, in the Chiha Building in the souks, children join hands-on workshops: painting, clay, little chefs, science experiments. Parents can stay in the café downstairs or head out for a couple of hours. It is also our favourite answer to "it's raining, now what?"
5. Take a boat around the bay
Small boats leave from the port area for short trips around Jounieh bay in the warmer months. Ask about life jackets for children before you board.
6. Watch the sunset on the waterfront
A walk along the seafront at golden hour costs nothing. Bring scooters or bikes for the kids and finish with ice cream.
Within half an hour
7. Jeita Grotto
About twenty minutes from Jounieh, the Jeita limestone caves are a real "wow" for children. The upper grotto is a walk among huge stalactites. The lower grotto is visited by boat, and it usually closes in the rainy season. Check before you go.
8. The old souk of Zouk Mikael
Ten minutes south, the restored old souk of Zouk Mikael is quiet, pretty and easy with a stroller. Look for the traditional weaving and craft shops, and let the kids peek into the workshops.
9. Byblos old port and souks
Around twenty-five minutes north, Byblos (Jbeil) has an old harbour, a Crusader castle and narrow souks full of little shops. Children who like castles will want to climb everything. Plan a fish lunch by the port.
10. A rainy afternoon in Kaslik
When the weather turns, Kaslik has shops and cafés close together, so you can move between them quickly. Pair it with a workshop at Luciole and the whole afternoon is covered.
A simple weekend plan
- Saturday morning: cable car to Harissa, then lunch back in Jounieh.
- Saturday afternoon: a workshop at Luciole while you have a coffee.
- Sunday: Jeita Grotto in the morning, sunset walk on the waterfront.
Pick two ideas per day, not five. Children remember one great moment far more than a packed schedule.
