Sharjah National Park is Sharjah’s largest park — 630,000 square metres of lawns, barbecue areas, playgrounds and a duck pond on the Sharjah–Dhaid Road, near Sharjah Desert Park and about four kilometres from Sharjah International Airport. It is not a wildlife park and it is not a theme park. It is the park Sharjah families choose for a barbecue day: shaded tables, fixed grills, a playground children run to first, and enough open grass that a large family group does not feel crowded.
This guide covers the entry fee as it is actually published (with a warning about conflicting figures), the timings, the barbecue and playground areas, the duck pond and mini-zoo, and how to reach Al Qarayen.
Sharjah National Park at a Glance
Location: E88 Sharjah–Dhaid Road, Al Qarayen, Sharjah, near Sharjah Desert Park and Sharjah Airport. Size: 630,000 square metres — the largest park in Sharjah. Timings: Daily 8:00 AM–10:00 PM in most guides (one gate listing says to midnight). Entry fee: Small fee, published AED 2–6 range — check at the gate. Facilities: BBQ areas, picnic tables, shaded playground, giant slide, duck pond, mini-zoo, Miniature City, miniature train, cycling and jogging tracks, mosque, free parking. Best time: October–April, or 4:00 PM–8:00 PM in summer. Pets: Reported as not allowed — verify before visiting with a pet.
Sharjah National Park Entry Fee and Timings
The timings most consistently published are daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, including the Sharjah Municipality portal listing for the park. One gate listing says 8:00 AM to midnight, so if you are planning a late evening visit, check the gate hours on the day. Hours may also vary on public holidays and in certain seasons.
The entry fee is small but published differently: one guide lists AED 6 per adult with free entry for children below 5, another lists AED 6 per person with free entry for children under 2, and a visitor review reports AED 2 per person. Treat it as a small AED 2–6 range and confirm at the gate — either way, it is one of the most affordable family park days in Sharjah. The contact number reported for the park is +971 6 545 8996.
Barbecue and Picnic Areas
Barbecue is the reason most families come here. The park has designated barbecue areas with fixed grilling stations, sheltered and open-air tables, and plenty of space for children to play on adjoining lawns while meals are prepared. Use only the marked barbecue stations, bring charcoal, utensils and cleanup supplies, keep water or sand nearby for safety, and leave no trace — dispose of ash and trash responsibly. Arrive early on weekends and public holidays to secure a shaded spot, because the best tables fill first.
Picnic areas with tables are spread across the park, and visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics, especially for large groups. Small cafeterias or snack kiosks are also reported, and food stalls appear during busy periods such as National Day, but do not rely on them alone — bring your own picnic as the main plan.
Playground, Giant Slide and Miniature Train
Children make a beeline for the covered playground as soon as they arrive. A canopy provides shade through most of the day, while slides, swings, seesaws and climbing frames keep young visitors engaged. Benches close by let parents supervise easily. The giant slide is the playground highlight most visitor reviews name, and the miniature train is another children’s favourite — a slow tour around the park that younger children love.
Duck Pond, Mini-Zoo and Miniature City
The duck pond is the park’s calm centre — a peaceful spot for relaxation and photography, especially in the evening light. Nearby, the mini-zoo covers deer, goats, ostriches and a variety of exotic birds, and it is a good stop for children who want animals without a full zoo day. Miniature City displays detailed clay models of Sharjah’s famous landmarks, which is both educational and visually impressive for visitors who want to see the city’s landmarks in miniature.
Cycling, Jogging and Plane Spotting
Cycling and jogging tracks run through the park’s greenery, and the grassy hill is a favourite spot for plane spotting, since the park is only about four kilometres from Sharjah International Airport. Early mornings are serene for walks, while late afternoons and early evenings are livelier as temperatures drop and groups set up picnics or start grilling. The park’s trees, gardens and lakes create a tranquil atmosphere for a leisurely stroll, and birdwatchers report plenty of birdsong, especially in winter.
How to Reach Sharjah National Park
Sharjah National Park is on the E88 Sharjah–Dhaid Road in Al Qarayen, near Sharjah Desert Park and Sharjah Airport. It is well signposted along the road, and free parking is available. Driving is the easiest option; taxis and ride-hailing are available throughout Sharjah. The park is in the Al Gharayen neighbourhood area, so check the location on a map before you set out if you are coming from Dubai or Ajman.
Best Time and Simple Route
Visit between October and April, when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities, or in summer visit between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, when shaded areas and cooler breezes make picnics and playtime comfortable. A simple route is: arrive in the afternoon, secure a barbecue table first, let children use the playground and miniature train, walk to the duck pond and mini-zoo, then finish with a stroll on the cycling track and plane spotting from the grassy hill. Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, charcoal for the barbecue, and a camera — sunset light transforms the park’s lawns and pond.
For other Sharjah park days, our Sharjah Desert Park guide covers the desert park next door, and our Sharjah Safari Park guide covers the safari park day in Al Dhaid. For smaller Sharjah parks, our Abu Shagara Park Sharjah guide and our Al Mahatta Park Sharjah guide cover two neighbourhood parks. For a family park list to plan around a barbecue day, our Best Family Parks in Dubai guide is a useful starting point, and the Mushrif Park guide on our home page covers the quiet nature park at the heart of this site.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is Sharjah National Park entry?
A small fee, published in the AED 2–6 range: one guide lists AED 6 per adult with free entry for young children, another visitor reports AED 2 per person. Confirm at the gate.
What are Sharjah National Park timings?
Daily 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM in most guides, including the municipality portal listing. One gate listing says to midnight, so check late-evening hours on the day.
Where is Sharjah National Park located?
On the E88 Sharjah–Dhaid Road in Al Qarayen, Sharjah, near Sharjah Desert Park and about four kilometres from Sharjah International Airport.
Is barbecue allowed at Sharjah National Park?
Yes, in designated barbecue areas with fixed grills and tables. Use only marked stations, bring charcoal and cleanup supplies, and arrive early on weekends for a shaded spot.
Are pets allowed at Sharjah National Park?
Pets are reported as not allowed, to ensure comfort and safety for visitors. Verify the current pet policy before visiting with a pet.
What is there for children at Sharjah National Park?
A shaded playground, giant slide, miniature train, duck pond, mini-zoo, Miniature City, and large open areas for sports and play.
Final Thoughts
Sharjah National Park works best as a barbecue family day: table first, playground second, duck pond and mini-zoo in the middle, and a sunset stroll to finish. Confirm the small entry fee at the gate, arrive early on weekends for shade, and bring your own picnic supplies. It is not Sharjah’s most famous attraction, but for a large family group it is one of the most practical — affordable, spacious, shaded, and close to the airport road.