Just because it’s hot and quiet in Doha during August is no excuse to let your sporty side rest. In fact, there’s never been a better time to get out and try things: with shortened work hours (well, in theory) and quiet days thanks to a chunk of the population going on holiday, there are new adventures to be had both indoors and out.

We’ve rounded up our top picks of sports activities for the whole family that are too good to wait until autumn.

Indoors

Bowling
The sport of kings in matching polyester shirts, bowling has a retro edge that’s fun for people from eight to 80, including unruly teenagers. And it’s easy to have fun no matter what your skill level might be – it’s one of those sports where part of the enjoyment comes from winding up in the gutter and heckling (we mean supporting) your friends. And it’s even air-conditioned. The Qatar Bowling Centre offers lanes for QR60 per six games, meaning it’s an entire afternoon for less than you’d spend for lunch.
Qatar Bowling Centre (4444 3355).

Go-karting
Who doesn’t want to be a race car driver? With a 300-metre indoor track accomodating up to eight drivers at a time, this one is a high-energy indoor treat rife with the sweet smell of burning rubber and petrol fumes. Surprisingly large and fast, the track is located in Villaggio Mall, making it an easy stop for impromptu afternoons. Fulfill all your Formula 1 dreams for just QR60-70 per race.
Gondolania (4451 9993).

Ice skating
What could be cooler than floating atop a sheet of ice, surrounded by brisk air-conditioning? There are two options in Doha for those who have dreams of frozen glory in mind, in Gondolania at Villaggio Mall and the original ice rink in town at City Centre. For just QR30 on weekdays and QR35 on weekends (or QR100 for a whole day), you can strap on some skates and have a go. Or just sit and watch the zamboni – it’s hypnotic. Get your skills up to scratch this summer and come out in the autumn for the Qatar International Ice Hockey League (www.qiihl.com). With two levels of play, as well as a children’s programme, you could be in the Desert Cup.
Gondolania (4450 7873) or City Centre Doha (4483 9163).

Pool & snooker
Emerge from the summer as a far sharper shooter by spending a few dimly-lit months in one of the city’s pool halls. Our top recommendation is Nero Bianco, on the Old Airport Road, next to Pizza Hut (7720 3055), where you can play for QR25 an hour, although we also wouldn’t turn our cues up at Hotshots on Airport Road (4465 7215), where you can play for QR30 an hour. Hardened enthusiasts should also check the billiards group at www.qatarliving.com for tournament news.
Nero Bianco (7720 3055), Hotshots (4465 7215).

Swimming
Summer temperatures tend to surpass the sane person’s sweat threshold, so one option is to jump into a chilled pool. Q Motion (4442 6329; www.qmotion.com.qa) has a comprehensive range of programmes for both adults and children, using the temperature-controlled 50m and 20m swimming pools at the Al Sadd Sports Club, opposite Jaidah Tower, near Sofitel hotel. Adults can sign up for the ‘start to swim’ programme (QR450 for 10 sessions), stroke improvement (QR350 for 10 sessions) or other advanced coures like lap swimming or fitness classes. Register on the website (QR295 membership applies).

Another option is Hamad Aquatic Centre, next to the Aspire Tower by Villaggio Mall (4499 7650) – it’s not open for casual visits, so you’ll have to pay a three-month membership, but then you can visit all summer. There are lessons (free for anyone born in Qatar), and separate classes for men and women.
Q Motion (4442 6329), Hamad Aquatic Centre (4499 7650).