10 fun things to do with the kids in the UAE

Following the announcement of school and university closures for the next month, we’re on the lookout for fun-filled family activities to keep your little ones busy (and away from the TV!)

Here’s our top pick of things to do with the kids in UAE over the coming weeks…

Cook at home with the kids

Deliveroo has launched a limited-edition home cooking kit for children in partnership with Fuchsia Urban Thai. The Thai Tots Cooking kit allows parents to conduct their very own cooking workshop at home while teaching the little ones the basic steps in putting together a simple and healthy meal. Each kit will consist of fresh ingredients and child-friendly step-by-step instructions. Two kits are currently available, with prices starting from AED48 per kit. Orders are to be placed via the Deliveroo app.

If you enjoy cooking at home with the children, you may also be interested in our recipe section, where Jeri (@my_wild_tribe) takes us through some simple make-at-home recipes that the whole family will enjoy.

Unleash your artistic flare while the kids play

Returning by popular demand for 2020, the first “Paint and Grape” session of the year is set to take place this March at JLT’s favourite French bistro, Couqley. Taking place on Saturday 14 March from 2:30pm until 5:30pm, this “Mother and Child” special showcases a painting from renowned Austrian artist, Gustav Klimt. The session encourages mums to bring their little ones along to enjoy the dedicated play area, while adults unwind and enjoy sipping on a glass of red while splashing colour on a canvas. Priced at AED390 inclusive of 3 hours of painting (including all materials and pre-sketched canvas) plus 2 glasses of grape or 4 soft beverages.

Visit a nearby petting zoo for just AED10

The Animal Barn and Petting Zoo, located at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi, is home to a number of furry friends, including goats, ponies, donkeys, cows and camels. Managed with Emirates Park Zoo, the team at the zoo are both devoted and experienced in animal welfare, ensuring that adequate care is given to each and every animal onsite. Open daily from 8am until midnight, it’s the perfect spot for families to enjoy an afternoon close to nature. Children can enjoy pony rides from 4:30pm for just AED10, while there is also the opportunity to feed the animals for AED10 per bunch. Park entry is priced at AED10 per person.

Attend an exciting design workshop at StuDIYo Lab

With schools planning to roll out e-learning programmes for students to learn from home via smart devices in the coming weeks, the need for children to take a break from electronics in their spare time has never been greater. StuDIYo Lab, a brand-new concept in Times Square Shopping Centre, hosts design and technology classes that encourage children to experiment with their dexterity and build a familiarity of working with their hands. For kids aged 5 and up, StuDIYo Lab offers a range of exciting workshops to guide children to create their products safely and confidently. Each child then takes home their finished project to hang proudly on the wall or to place up on the kitchen shelf. Prices start from AED120 per hour. Contact 04 388 8530 or info@studiyolab.com for more details.

Check out Abu Dhabi’s dedicated Children’s Museum

Encourage curiosity and creativity through hands-on learning at the Children’s Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi. Kids have the chance to create their own avatar, then go on an interactive journey exploring costumes seen in historical artworks, with fun challenges to try along the way. Aimed at children aged four to ten, it’s the ideal day out for young students. Families with little ones aged three and under can explore the toddler space and discover costume through simple construction games and activities. Admission for adults is priced at AED63; admission for those aged 13-22 is AED31.50 and children under 13 enter for free. Admission includes access to the Museum Galleries, exhibitions, Children’s Museum, outdoor plazas underneath the dome, museum café and boutique. Open daily from 10am (except Monday).

Take a tractor tour around Emirates Bio Farm

Head over to Emirates Bio Farm’s impressive tourism centre to experience a new era of farming with the little ones. For an educational afternoon, book onto a tractor tour around the farm as you immerse yourself in the refreshing greenery of the nearby fields and greenhouses, while you learn about organic and sustainable farming methods. Plus, there’s a chance to harvest your own vegetables to take home – which makes for a great family friendly experience. Stop by the café afterwards for a delicious bite to eat as you take in the gorgeous views. Farm tours are available from Monday to Saturday, from 9am until 4pm. For more information, please visit the website.

Get outdoors with free entry to this Dubai waterpark

Make the most of the great weather with this epic ‘kids go free’ deal that is currently running from Sunday to Thursday until 26 March at Laguna Waterpark, La Mer. Home to a host of top-notch rides, adventure slides and exciting attractions, it’s the perfect spot for a family day out. The best news? While the kids have their fun, adult thrill seekers can take a ride on the Constrictor, Free Fall and Mad Racer, while those who would prefer to take it easy can do so in the comfort of a luxury cabana overlooking the Arabian Gulf. For more information and bookings, please visit the website.

Explore the world’s largest butterfly park

With around 15,000 butterflies calling Dubai Butterfly Park home, this indoor garden is a sight to behold for nature lovers. Situated at Dubai Miracle Garden, the garden features around 26 kinds of butterflies – all housed in 10 domes. While not only offering the opportunity to get up close with an abundance of beautiful butterflies, the garden is also a great learning outlet for everyone – with visitors getting the chance to understand how butterflies evolve through their various stages of life. It’s the perfect spot to capture some gorgeous snaps of your little ones surrounded by these beautiful creatures in a stunning location. Open from 9am-6pm daily, with admission priced at AED55 for adults and children (above 3 years). People of Determination and children under the age of 3 can visit free of charge.

Try a new form of fitness

If you’re looking for fun and to keep the whole family active at the same time, you will love a day out at BOUNCE. It is the perfect place for families, as its suitable for all ages & skill levels. The indoor trampoline park has its own X-Park course, combining obstacles that can be explored as stand-alone challenges or navigated as one circuit with different levels of difficulty. It’s a great way to practice parkour moves for an unconventional workout for kids and adults. Located in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Prices start from AED 75; 2-hour Superpass for only AED 120. Read more about it here.

Hang out in five-star luxury

Popular lifestyle membership, Privilee, offers families those vacay vibes without the need to catch a flight – which couldn’t be more appropriate during current concerns surrounding travel plans. With a monthly membership, priced from AED 529 per adult, many of the partner hotels allow up to 3 children to use the facilities (some also welcome nannies, too!) meaning you can all enjoy a mini daycation, just a short drive from your home. Expect dining discounts, kids-only pools, waterslides, kids’ club access and knock-down prices on spa treatments to ensure the whole family is kept entertained. Visit privilee.ae for more details.

Book a night’s stay at this beachside glamping spot

Popular glamping spot Longbeach Campground will be open for weekday stays from Sunday 8 March, having previously only been open for weekend breaks. The Ras Al Khaimah destination has been a huge hit with families, offering affordable getaways with plenty of onsite activities to keep everyone happy. Stays an be booked from AED299 per night, including breakfast. Activities include egg hunting, giant jenga, tug of war, sack race, hula hoop, surf gladiator and more. Visit binmajid.com for more information.

If you enjoyed this article, read about more things to do with the kids in the UAE here.