Thursday 15

EDITOR’S PICK NEW See Spy Kids 4 in 3D
At last, the fourth Spy Kids movie is here. Twins Rebecca and Cecil (played by Rowan Blanchard and Mason Cook) may not have much time for their stepmum, Marissa (Jessica Alba), but little do they know that she’s a retired OSS agent – that’s the Organisation of Super Spies. When she’s forced out of retirement after a villain discovers how to stop time, they have no choice but to join in the battle to save the planet, with help from former Spy Kids Carmen and Juni Cortez along the way.
In cinemas across Dubai.

EDITOR’S PICK TODAY ONLY Mexican National Day celebrations
Make your way to Choices restaurant at the Al Bustan Rotana to celebrate Mexican National Day. Expect lots of traditional cuisine: think quesadillas, nachos, tacos and chilli to satisfy hearty appetites. Little ones will love the spicy atmosphere, and mums will love the fact that they don’t have to cook or wash up. But don’t forget your sombrero – or your straw donkey.
Dhs189 (adults); Dhs95 (kids aged six to 12); free for kids under five. From 7pm. Al Bustan Rotana, Garhoud (04 282 0000).

Friday 16

NEW Hone your CPR skills at Kidville
Parents can boost their confidence and acquire some life-saving skills in the new CPR and first-aid seminars being held at Kidville in Motor City. Learn how to place a child in the recovery position, handle choking episodes and carry out CPR on infants and young children. A valuable lesson for all adults. Book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Dhs325 (members); Dhs375 (non members). 10am-1pm, until Saturday 17. Kidville, Dubai Motor City. (04 454 2760).

Brunch bunnies ahoy!
The Mövenpick Hotel in Deira is running a family brunch every Friday. There’s a supervised kids’ corner full of activities, including games, bouncing balls, a drawing area and more. Adults can enjoy the international buffet in Jigsaw restaurant, or sample the food in Wok In, which serves Asian cuisine.
Dhs119-149 (adults); Dhs50 (kids aged seven to 12); free for kids under seven. 12.30pm-4pm. Ongoing. Mövenpick Deira (800 33472).

Saturday 17

EDITOR’S PICK NEW Go organic at Dubai Garden Centre’s RIPE market
This may seem more for mums than sprogs, but don’t be fooled… While you potter about and pick yourself a box of great-value fresh organic vegetables, the kids can explore the garden centre’s jungle-like interior. They will enjoy themselves and you’ll get to acquire some fresh, nutritious food to cook later – or to stuff in their lunchboxes.
Dhs80-125 for organic vegetable boxes. Fri 9.30am-1pm. Ongoing. Dubai Garden Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 340 0006).

Spruce up the kids for school
Are the children looking scruffy after a two-month grooming hiatus? Knock them back into shape with a grooming session at Zen Asia Spa. Kids aged under 12 can have a haircut and mani/pedi (we’re presuming this is only for the girls), while boys can have their tresses tamed for Dhs50. If your teen is in need of some pampering, the teenage package includes waxing, threading and facial treatments for acne.
Dhs50-Dhs275. Tue, Wed, Fri and Sun, 11am-9pm; Thu noon-10pm. Until September 30. Zen Asia Spa, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (04 457 2374).

Sunday 18

TODAY ONLY Learn how to motivate the kids this term
Parenting whizz and former teacher Carmen Benton is running the ‘Discover Your Child’s Learning Style’ workshop for parents. Learn how to assess and nurture your child’s individual learning potential based on his or her talents, interests, disposition, preferred environment and more. You’ll discover how to create the right atmosphere for learning that helps your child excel not only in school, but at home and in life. Learn how to keep the motivation to learn alive in your children.
Dhs200 per person, Dhs300 per couple. 7.30pm-10pm. Lifeworks, Al Wasl Road (04 394 2464).

Monday 19

Meals for kids at The Westin
Kids eat for free at Blue Orange, Hunters, Spice Emporium, Waves and Barasti every Monday night during the Mums’ Night Off promotion. Enjoy a huge array of cuisines that will no doubt satisfy the tastes of even the pickiest eaters. Best of all, it means no cooking – and no washing up. Kids eat free; adult prices vary.
Mon 6pm-midnight. Until September 30. The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Al Sufouh Road (04 366 7630).

Tuesday 20

Fool around at Fun City
Make the most of one of the UAE’s biggest indoor play areas by booking the little monkeys in for some serious fun and games. Fun City at Oasis Centre has everything you need to keep the little tykes amused, while you can relax with a coffee. With two separate areas, one for children aged one to seven, and another for kids aged up to 14, you can also be assured that the play won’t get too rough or tumble.
Dhs20-25 per hour (Sun-Wed) Dhs25-30 (Thu-Sat). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Ongoing. Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road (04 339 7782).

Wednesday 21

NEW Movies and munchies until midnight
Desert Palm’s poolside movie sessions have returned for autumn, screening fantastic flicks to keep you occupied of an evening while you relax in the pool with snacks. This week’s early-birds movie is Tooth Fairy at 7pm, followed by The Tempest at 9pm.
Dhs30, 7pm onwards. Until October 30. Desert Palm Resort, Al Awir Road (04 323 8888).