Activities for kids in Dubai
Learn to climb, hit the ice or get pampered Discuss this article

- Picture 1 of 2

Wednesday 25
Go mad at Modhesh World
This year, the little yellow fellow has moved from his usual haunt at Dubai Airport Expo to Dubai World Trade Centre. There are heaps of activities including funfair rides and games for kids of all ages, as well as playgrounds, soft toy areas, the latest video games and a 4D cinema. It’s all indoors and it’s all fully air conditioned, so your kids can run around the huge venue without getting heatstroke. Dhs10 per person; free for kids under two.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu 10am-midnight, Fri 2pm-1am. Until August 25. Dubai World Trade Centre (600 54 5555).
Thursday 26
Cool off with movies in the pool at Cine-Splash
Humidity making your life a misery? Fret no more: head to the chilled pool at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and catch the evening Cine-Splash movie sessions. Tonight’s line-up is Gnomes and Trolls at 7pm, followed by Igor at 9pm. Food stations serving hot dogs, popcorn and the like are also on hand to feed hungry film buffs.
Dhs25-40 per person. Thu-Fri 7pm-11pm. Ongoing. Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, www.dubaipoloclub.com (04 361 8111).
Friday 27
Head to the Hello Kitty spa
If you haven’t yet checked out Dubai’s most kitsch beauty salon, now’s the perfect time to book an appointment. The only Hello Kitty-themed salon in the world serves up themed treatments for ladies and kids, with children’s packages ranging in price from Dhs45 to Dhs90. The products are all organic and safe for little ones, and what little girl could turn her nose up at a Kitty Glam facial, or a Kitty-Cure mani? The salon café also serves cupcakes.
Dhs45-90 for kids treatments. Open daily 10am-8pm. Jumeirah Town Centre. www.hellokittybeautyspa.com (04 344 9598).
Family brunch at The Talk
Families can enjoy a quiet family brunch where the kids are supervised and entertained, so grown-ups can relax and enjoy their meal in peace. The menu includes a range of cuisines from tandoori to pizza, sushi
and a vast dessert section, plus a special menu for kids. What’s more, the brunch runs every Friday throughout July and August.
Dhs222 (adults), free for kids aged 12 and under. Fri 12.30pm-4pm. Until August 31. Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, www.moevenpickhotels.com (04 449 8888).
Saturday 28
Try a climbing lesson at Wafi Pyramids
Little thrill seekers can get their kicks through learning to climb the professional indoor climbing wall at Wafi. The 13-metre-high wall, which includes an overhang, has a number of different faces for kids to learn the basics of proper climbing – and, with a maximum of six kids per class, everyone gets proper supervision and instruction. Perfect for kids aged four and above. Book in advance, as classes fill up quickly.
Dhs40-45 for an hour-long class). Kids’ lessons daily 9am-noon. Wafi, Oud Metha, pharaohsclub@wafi.com (04 324 0000).
Feeding time at Dubai Aquarium
Pop along to Dubai Mall’s Underwater Zoo and witness all sorts of gourmet shenanigans as the residents enjoy their meals. The presentations happen every two hours from 10am to 10pm, and provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids about marine biology. The shark feeding time happens every day at 4pm. You can also take a trip on the glass-bottomed boat and feed the fish yourself.
Dhs50-100 per person. Daily 10am-10pm. The Dubai Mall, www.thedubaiaquarium.com (04 448 5200).
Sunday 29
Try a family-friendly iftar
Get into the spirit of the Holy Month and head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding for an Emirati iftar. The evening begins just before sunset, with a prayer to break the fast followed by dates and drinks. Then iftar starts in earnest, with plenty of local flavours – the evening is focused on explaining the principles behind Ramadan. You’ll need to book in advance.
Dhs135 (adults), free for kids under 12. Daily 6.30-10pm. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, Bastakiya, www.cultures.ae (04 353 6666).
Monday 30
Get arty at Super Dooper
Want to catch up with friends, but got to look after the kids? Super Dooper has the answer. Bring the kids with you to the Dubai Marina centre and staff will whisk them away into the toddler room for an hour, while you catch up with friends over a coffee and enjoy craft activities. Book your spot in advance.
Dhs79 (includes ceramic painting, coffee and one hour’s childcare). Mon-Wed 10am-1pm. Ongoing. Super Dooper, Damac Tower, Dubai Marina, www.superdooper.ae (04 454 8391).
Tuesday 31
Ice-skating fun at The Dubai Mall
Share the thrill of the ice with your little one at Dubai Ice Rink’s mums-and-tots skating sessions. Get there for the first session of the day and the pair of you will pay just Dhs55. An instructor is on hand to help you both through the wobbly stages.
Dhs55 per adult and child. Sun-Wed 10am-noon, 12.15pm-2.15pm; Thu-Sat 11.15am-1.15pm, 1.30-3.30pm. The Dubai Mall, www.dubaiicerink.com (04 448 5111).
Time Out Dubai,
Search
Explore by
Type
Area
- Academic City(1)
- Al Quoz(12)
- Arabian Ranches(9)
- Barsha(37)
- Bur Dubai(18)
- Deira(23)
- DIFC(1)
- Downtown Dubai(54)
- Dubai Investments Park(1)
- Dubai Marina(26)
- Dubai Media City(3)
- Dubailand(9)
- Emirates Hills(15)
- Festival City(15)
- Garhoud(14)
- Ghusais(10)
- Green Community(5)
- Hatta(1)
- International City(2)
- Jadaf(1)
- Jebel Ali(5)
- Jumeirah(128)
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers(2)
- Karama(7)
- Knowledge Village(12)
- Mirdif(25)
- Motor City(3)
- Mushrif Heights(1)
- Nad Al Sheeba(3)
- Others(166)
- Oud Metha(32)
- Palm Jumeirah(6)
- Rashidiya(2)
- Satwa(6)
- Sheikh Zayed Road(15)
- Silicon Oasis(2)
- The Gardens(9)
- Umm Suqeim(4)
- Zaabeel(1)
Dubai's best Nightlife revealed
-
Time Out Dubai Music & Nightlife Awards 2013 The best nightlife in Dubai revealed
Best Selling Events
- SANDANCE presents The Killers, Of Monsters And Men, The Wailers & more
- Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters (Semi Finals & Finals)
- Urban Circus (Fri, May 24 - 8pm Show)
- Love, Loss and What I Wore (Fri, May 24 - 8pm Show)
- Digital Photography - Level 1
Our favourite features
-
101 best dishes of the year in Dubai Tastiest meals that have tickled Time Out’s taste buds in 2012
-
10 top Dubai beaches Grab your sunscreen and head for the city's best beach clubs
-
100 top brunches in Dubai Friday feasts plus evening and Saturday brunch for all wallets
-
55 ways to party in Dubai Celebrate our 11th birthday with an alternative activity
-
10 must-try nights in Dubai The ultimate checklist for the city’s party people
-
Best cupcakes in Dubai We give in to our cravings to taste the city’s sweetest offerings
-
14 Wi-Fi hotspots in Dubai Ditch the office in favour of these Wi-Fi cafés and venues in the city
-
24 top pizzas in Dubai We tuck into the city’s best slices of Italy
-
24-hour dining in Dubai We stay up to try 12 of the city's best round-the-clock eateries
-
Where to watch Premier League football in Dubai Great spots to catch the English Premier League soccer on TV
-
28 top Dubai takeaways We rate the city's best delivery food
-
Dubai's luxury hotel suites Live like a king at the city's most extravagant rooms
-
24 brunches to try in Dubai Time Outers share their favourite Friday feasts in the city
-
10 top Dubai breakfasts The best spots to enjoy the most important meal of the day
-
Pay less rent in Dubai The ultimate property guide to help you relocate and save cash






