Wednesday 11

Take a trip on the metro
It’s one of the best ways to keep kids entertained – and it’s cheap too. Try a trip on the train, followed by a bus ride from Burj Khalifa station to The Dubai Mall, an ice cream and a wander round the shops. Who says you have to pay a fortune to keep the kids entertained?
From Dhs1.80 (regular class), Dhs3.60 (gold class), Dhs14 (full-day regular ticket). Free for kids under five. Open Sat-Thu 6am-11pm, Fri 1pm-midnight. Ongoing. www.rta.ae.

Thursday 12

Oliver! opens today at the Madinat
Don’t miss opening night of this must-see production at the Madinat’s First Group Theatre. Brought to Dubai by the same people who had us singing in the aisles at The Sound of Music, the original West End score of Lionel Bart’s beloved show includes songs such as ‘Food Glorious Food’, ‘Consider Yourself’ and ‘I’d Do Anything’. The show runs until April 23, so if you don’t make opening night, there will be plenty more performances to catch.
Dhs175. 7.30pm (subsequent performance times may vary; check the website for details). Until April 23. First Group Theatre, Souk Madinat Jumeirah (04 366 6546), www.timeouttickets.com

Catch a family movie under the stars
Head to Dubai Festival City Promenade, where a huge floating screen is showing family films every Thursday night. Cartoon movies are the order of the day, seating is provided, and it won’t cost you a dirham.
Free. Thu 7pm-11pm. Ongoing. Marina Promenade, Dubai Festival City, www.dubaifestivalcity.com (no number).

Friday 13

Today only Sandy fun at Arabian Center Do your kids love playing in sand?
If you don’t fancy taking them to the beach, Head to Arabian Center and book them into the Kidz Sandy Adventures play area. The weekend sessions are free and supervised,
so they’re perfect for parents who want to stroll round the mall. Nippers get to excavate with diggers, discover dinosaur bones and take part in the activities organised by the staff. Get in there early – it fills up fast.
Free Thu-Sat 2pm-10pm. Kidz Sandy Adventures, Arabian Center, Airport Road, Mirdif (04 284 5555).

Saturday 14

Be a rock star for the day with Gap
Get your pop-pickers down to Mercato for a musical session by Gap. The clothing brand will be launching its latest ‘Rockstar’ kids’ collection: as part of the after-party, parents buying from the store will be able to enrol their children in an afternoon fashion show, where kids can strut their stuff on the red carpet, have their photo taken and be interviewed by Tom and Dan from Dubai 92. There will also be a craft zone where kids can customise their own ‘Rockstar’ memorabilia, and participants in the fashion show will receive a goodie bag. For kids aged two to 12.
Free. 2pm-4pm. Mercato Mall, Beach Road, Jumeirah, www.mercatomall.com (no number).

Magic Lantern screening at Mall of the Emirates
If you’re already in the club, you’ll know all about it. This educational film club gets kids aged six to 12 analysing movies and asking pertinent questions, rather than just gawping mindlessly at the screen. The screenings are held monthly and there are six screenings per season, plus lots of movie information that comes with membership. Sign up on the website to take part.
Seasonal membership Dhs150 (first child), Dhs120 (additional children). 4pm-6pm. Vox Cinemas, Mall of the Emirates, www.magiclantern.ae (no number).

Sunday 15

Go for a bike ride at Mushrif Park
Soon it’ll be far too sticky for bike rides in the fresh air, so why not burn off some excess calories on an outing at Mushrif Park? This well-cared-for nature reserve and park has a 2.5km cycle track, with all sorts of interesting detours for little ones to explore and enough hills to leave you comfortably out of breath.
Dhs10 per car; Dhs3 per person. Open daily 8am-10pm. Off Airport Road, Mirdif (04 288 3624).

Monday 16

Mother’s Day afternoon tea at The Address, Dubai Marina
Throughout April, The Address Dubai Marina is celebrating mums by holding afternoon teas at Kambaa, offering scones, clotted cream, mini pastries and dainty sandwiches. We’re yet to celebrate official US Mother’s Day, which falls in May, so we suggest you make the most of this deal while you have the chance.
Dhs80 per person. Daily 3pm-6pm. Until April 30. The Address Dubai Marina, www.dine.dubaimarina.com (04 436 7777)

Tuesday 17

Discount fun at Magic Planet
If your nippers love fairground games and the latest video consoles, don’t miss Super Tuesdays at Magic Planet, which offers double the fun at half the price. Swipe your Magic Planet card to get a 50 per cent discount for two hours on all rides and attractions.
Prices vary. Tue 10am-10pm. Ongoing. Magic Planet, Mall of the Emirates, Deira City Centre and Mirdif City Centre, www.magicplanetme.com (800 534 7873).