I was a kid in Bahrain in the 80s, and remember the Budaia zoo. They had a camel that would drink fanta from the bottle. The tree off life always amazed me, and the Jebel was always a great hill to climb and hide in its many caves. Is the jebel still accessable? Will have to jump on google earth for a trip down nostalga lane.
Couldn't mum do the Dhow trip out to one of the islands? Can't remember the name, but suppose she'll miss the boat if she arrives in at 8am.