Keeping your kids entertained during the summer can be quite a daunting task. There’s always the struggle of keeping them active instead of stuck behind a computer screen. This, of course, can be difficult considering how hot it is right now. No need to panic. From aquatic zoos to ice skating to water parks, we have put together an A to Z list for the ultimate summer entertainment.
All about water
One of the best ways to stay cool this summer is being submerged in refreshing water. The UAE conveniently has more than a handful of water parks across the country with special rates throughout the summer. Splash Pad is a refreshing splash park for toddlers and kids that has an array of activities from fountains, tipper bucket and water squirters, alongside climbing frames and other equipment to play on. Conveniently shaded and located at JBR’s The Beach near Reel Cinema, a children’s one hour pass is priced at Dhs 65 or Dhs 95 for the full day. Call 800 MERAAS (800 637227) or visit www.thebeach.ae.
Bowled over
You may not have done it for years, but bowling is a fun and social way to spend a few hours with family or friends. Check out Dubai Bowling Centre just across Sheikh Zayed Road from Safa Park. Visit www.bowlingdubai.com or call 04-3391010. For those on the other end of Dubai, head over to Switch Bowling in Ibn Battuta Mall. Visit www.switchbowling.ae.
Cram in some culture
Teach your children a little bit more about the amazing country we live in at The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The cetnre aims to help others understand the UAE’s traditions and culture. Held in the courtyard of the wind-tower house in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historic District of Old Bur Dubai, events include a cultural breakfast, lunch or dinner as well as tours of Jumeirah Mosque and a heritage tour. Call 04-3536666 or visit www.cultures.ae.
Day with a difference
Dreamland Aqua Park offers over 250,000 square metres of lush landscaped gardens. Located in Umm Al Quwain, it offers thrilling rides, overnight waterside camping facilities in tents or cabanas as well as a mini zoo, sporting facilities and various dining outlets. General admission starts at Dhs 100 for juniors and seniors and Dhs 160 for adults and a family pass is also available for Dhs 450 (2 adults, 2 children). Visit www.dreamlanduae.com or call 06-7681888.
Exciting rides
Situated in front of the Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers 30 rides and attractions for all members of the family. The park is themed around the tale of Juha, a character from the Arabian folklore and is open from 10am to 7pm (10am to 6pm on Thursdays) and on Starlight Fridays, the park opens from 10am to 10pm. The general admission rate is Dhs 275 for visitors 1.1 metres or above in height and Dhs 230 for visitors below that. Call 04-3484444.
Foster an animal
If you are staying home for the summer, why not foster a cat or dog? Especially during the summer, so many animals are abandoned in the city and rescue organisations find themselves overwhelmed. With so many animals in need of homes, why shop for a furry friend? If you are looking to get a cat, visit Feline Friends (www.felinefriendsdubai.com) or 38smiles (www.38smiles.com). If you want a dog, visit K9 Friends (www.k9friends.com). Animal Action (www.facebook.com/animalactionabudhabi) also does some amazing work with all kinds of animals.
Glide and slide
Improve your ice skating skills at Dubai Ice Rink Skating Academy, located in Dubai Mall. Open to anyone, you can enjoy ice skating for the first time or perfect your skills. You can even skate all day for just Dhs 125. Just drop in during opening hours and skate to your heart’s content. This is valid from Sunday to Wednesday only and not applicable on public holidays. Call 04-4485111 or visit www.dubaiicerink.com.
Hotel haven
If you time it right, it is not too hot to go the beach or hit the pool. Why not make a mini staycation out of it? Hotels across the country are offering special summer rates for weekend stays with exclusive access to pools and beaches. Check out your nearest hotel or beach club for their summer admission offers.
Ice ice baby
Only 45 minutes from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah’s Ice Land Water Park offers snow and ice right here in the desert. Online ticket prices start at Dhs 200 for adults and Dhs 115 for children with combo packages are also available. Call toll free 800 WOWRAK (969725) or visit www.icelandwaterpark.com.
Jump for joy
Imagine a world where the walls become the floor, a slam-dunk is within your grasp and the rules of gravity no longer apply. Get airborne at BOUNCE and throw yourself into aerial manoeuvres, slam dunking, wall running and dodgeball warfare. General admission for jumpers over 110cm in height is Dhs 80 for the first session and Dhs 70 for the second session. Visit www.bounce.ae.
King of the crocs
Take your kids for a unique day out at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located at The Dubai Mall. It is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. It houses thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. King Croc weighs in at a whopping 750 kilos and measuring over 5 metres in length; he has to be seen to be believed. Originally spotted measuring only 2.4 metres in length and dubbed a ‘problem’ crocodile by the locals, the soon to be King Croc was quickly moved from the Botanic Gardens that he had taken over, to a more protected environment located in Queensland, Australia before coming to Dubai. Visit www.thedubaiaquarium.com or call 04-4485200.
Learn to fly
Why stay on the ground to stay cool this summer? Take to the skies at Mirdif City Centre’s iFly Dubai skydiving simulator. Enjoy the Resident Rate offer of Dhs 175, instead of Dhs 220, or take advantage of the SkiFly pass to enjoy a Polar Pass at Ski Dubai and a first time flyer experience at iFLY Dubai for Dhs 300. Open Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to 11pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 10am to midnight. Visit www.theplaymania.com/ifly or call 04-2316292.
Make new friends
Why not check out Adventureland, the indoor entertainment facility which first opened its doors in 2002. Located at Sahara Centre, Adventureland covers 70,000 square feet of floor space and houses signature attractions such as the indoor roller coaster and elevated train. They have now added exciting new rides including the Motocoaster, two-level indoor Go Kart track and four-level Soft Play facility. The new attractions deliver their thrills in a unique jungle setting, providing a virtual world of tall tree canopies, tribal huts and exotic animals. The lush rainforest theme is enhanced with a specially-designed and fully-integrated light and sound effects system. Adventureland’s exciting new additions now offer a total of 21 rides and attractions, almost a hundred video and simulator games, party halls, food kiosks, and a host of other high quality indoor leisure activities. For more information visit www.adventureland-sharjah.com.
Night tour
You may think that you know everything there is to know about the city, but Dubai becomes something else when the sun sets and moon rises. The Big Bus panoramic Night Tour invites you to see Dubai from the top of a fully air-conditioned double decker. The two-hour 45-minute tour includes live commentary in English from a knowledgeable guide, so sit back, relax and take in the spectacular skyline as the sun sets and the city comes to life. There are five departure points across Dubai. Visit eng.bigbustours.com/dubai or call 800 Big Bus (800 244 287).
Overnight indulgence
Need a break? A drive out to Dibba or an excursion to Oman is sure to be lots of fun for the entire family. We give you some ideas.
Pick up a penguin
Beat the heat this summer and discover the ultimate indoor snow resort at Ski Dubai and meet and play with Ski Dubai’s Snow Penguins. They offer penguin “meet and greets” as well as the chance to swim with the penguins. Ski Dubai is located at Mall of the Emirates. Visit www.skidxb.com to learn more.
Quiet please
The Old Library is Dubai’s leading English language lending library with over 1,800 family and individual members. It is a non-profit organisation which is run entirely by volunteers as a service to the Dubai community. The library is located in the Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre (DUCTAC) complex at Mall of the Emirates. Choose from a collection of over 20,000 books with well stocked specialist sections. The library also offers a toddler’s reading session, and secondhand books for sale. Open from Saturday to Thursday, from 10am to 6pm. Call 04-3414777.
Ride the metro
All kids love to ride on public transport, so if you have a toddler obsessed with trains or trams on your hands, jump on the metro and see the city like never before. Try to avoid rush hour though.
Splash, splash, splash
Feel the rush at Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, discover an underwater world at The Lost Chambers Aquarium or meet the incredible marine mammals at Dolphin Bay and Sea Lion Point. For further details visit www.atlantisthepalm.com.
Target practice
Learn to shoot at Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club’s indoor shooting range. You could also try Target Archery at the indoor range complete with the latest equipment and qualified personal trainers. For schedules and prices, call 06-5487777 or visit www.golfandshootingshj.com.
Under the sea
Dive into the waters of Dubai, Oman and beyond to discover a world of sunken shipwrecks and exotic sea creatures. From scuba diving for beginners through to courses for professional dive instructors, The Pavilion Dive Centre at Jumeirah Beach Hotel has the expertise with numerous courses and experiences available. email divecentre@jumeirah.com or call 04-4068828.
View from the top
Soaring high at 555 metres, At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY is Dubai’s most iconic destination. Enjoy exclusive access to the redefined, highest outdoor observatory in the world, spread across levels 148 and 125 of Burj Khalifa. Ticket prices start at Dhs 125 for adults and Dhs 95 for kids (non-peak times). For someone who’s scared of heights, the trip up may get your palms sweaty, but the view is truly worth it. Visit www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/the-tower/ObservationDecks.aspx.
Watch a movie
When it comes to blockbuster hits, the UAE is always in the action, with most release dates one day before the US. A night at the movies is always a popular choice for the family, but with the latest 4D cinema experience you can live the movie and not just watch it. With motion chairs, scent, wind, light and water effects, this is the ultimate cinema experience. Visit www.uae.voxcinemas.com or www.reelcinemas.ae.
Xtreme temperatures
Chill Out Dubai at Time Square Center is the Middle East’s first sub-zero lounge and at a temperature of -6°C it has to be the coolest place in the city. Visit www.chilloutindubai.com or call 04-3418121.
Yas magic
Next door to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and at the centre of Yas Island’s entertainment complex, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi is the largest water park in the capital. All day ticket prices start at Dhs 240 for guests that are 1.1 metres tall and above and Dhs 195 for junior guests that are below that. In addition, every Thursday evening the park transforms into a ladies-only haven. Visit www.yaswaterworld.com or call 02-4142000.
Zoological park
Enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from the air conditioned heaven of the indoors. Not only does Arabia’s Wildlife Centre house the world’s largest collection of Arabian wildlife but it is also the only zoological park in the Middle East to be completely indoors, making it perfect for a day out, regardless of the weather. This is where you will see reptiles, invertebrates, birds, and large carnivores. Visit www.breedingcentresharjah.com or call 06-5311999.