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Cool new family experiences in Dubai
Mon, September 12, 2022
Keep the whole family busy with this must-do list of fresh and exciting children's activities in Dubai.
Keep the whole family busy with this must-do list of fresh and exciting children's activities in Dubai.
1
Aim for sky-high fun at The View at The Palm
Enjoy incomparable views of one of Dubai’s most talked about landmarks at The View at The Palm. Located 240m high, the observation deck presents never seen before 360-degree panoramas of Palm Jumeirah alongside the sparkling waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline in the distance. The View at The Palm is located on level 52 of The Palm Tower, which also houses a café, a creative exhibition, interactive aquarium-themed tunnels and a gift shop. To further elevate your sky-high sightseeing experience while here, step up to The Next Level – at 250m above ground, the private, barrier-free space is the island's highest vantage point.
2
Swing from the trees at Aventura
Treetop obstacle course Aventura Parks has unveiled a new Forest Quest. Join in the fun to find 20 hidden keys across five circuits to win a big cash prize. The catch? Only one key will open the special treasure chest at the end. And, given the park's summer timings are from 5pm till midnight, there is a glow-in-the-dark element to the fun too. Splash in the fountains, swing from tree to tree along ziplines, completing thrilling tasks en route.
3
Show off your moves at Roll DXB
It’s time to get your skates on as Dubai’s first-ever permanent roller disco is channeling a new Hawaiian vibe every evening from 6pm to 11pm. Expect Instagrammable Tiki interiors, games, hooplas and more to get you in the mood. So if you're into disco nights, musical skate jams, roller derbies and hockey, it's time to team your leg-warmers with a tropical print. Skating pros can hit the floor during 90-minute open sessions, while beginners can take lessons. The whole family can join in the action as the skate park is open to all ages until 7pm, after which it’s for over 14s only.
4
Slide into the Jungle Bay Waterpark
Whether you are looking for truly thrilling water-based fun or something a little gentler, the Jungle Bay Waterpark at Club Mina will tick all the boxes. This addition to the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi complex, which already offers up a kids club, sandy beach, multiple pools and several restaurants, is done up in Mediterranean blue and white hues and is an additional draw for those on the lookout for kids activities. Splash pads, slides, and a six-metre pneumatic wave pool are part of the mix, plus there's a casual eatery appropriately called The Beach that serves snacks all day.
5
Make a splash at Aquaventure
Dubai’s biggest waterpark has gotten even bigger with the opening of two new areas – Splashers Lagoon and Splashers Cove. These adventure-packed towers have been specially designed for younger thrill-seekers, making it the largest children's only waterpark experience in the Middle East, with over 16 new attractions. Let them race each other on the world’s first kid’s rally-racer, or take the plunge and try out the tornado slide.
6
Visit farms with the family
You don’t need a green thumb to get back in touch with nature. There are plenty of farms in Dubai, which provide opportunities to teach the whole family about organic fruits and vegetables, and much more. My Farm Dubai is a self-sustaining eco-farm in the middle of the desert where visitors can harvest herbs, spices, and honey – and it offers indoor workshops for both kids and adults on how to tend to plants. If you're looking for a high-tech scene, then make your way to UNS Farms in Al Quoz which uses state-of-the-art technology to grow their greens, and teaches little ones everything about sustainability.
7
Explore The Green Planet
Not only can you surround yourself with the sights and sounds of the rainforest at The Green Planet, but now there will be even more animals to spot as Dubai Safari Park partners up with the four-floor biodome. Regulars should keep an eye out for the newly integrated red-handed tamarinds which are calling the City Walk space home. Sign up for the AED199 VIP admissions pass that lets you get closer to the action. You'll get to skip the lines, take part in a fun fish feeding session, pose for a souvenir photo and even get an Animal ID activity card to keep everyone entertained as you explore the structure filled with flora and fauna.
8
Head underwater at Deep Dive Dubai
It's already broken the Guinness World Record for the world's deepest swimming pool at 60.02m, but Deep Dive Dubai offers aquatic fans so much more to see and do. Don your suit and float your way through an underwater sunken city, reminiscent of the lost land of Atlantis. There are also a host of courses to sign up for if you're keen on free diving and scuba diving. Make your way here, whether you are an expert wanting to plunge to new depths or a beginner keen to explore cool habitats.
9
Go celebrity spotting at Madame Tussauds
Want to pose with the stars on the red carpet? Madame Tussauds let's you do just that. Visit the famous waxwork museum, known for crafting lifelike replicas of high-profile figures and celebrities, at Bluewaters Dubai. You'll not only be able to mingle with 60 international stars but see figures of 16 regional heavy-hitters too. Record-breaking singer Balqees Fathi is the centre of attention at the A-List Party Room, while Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan shares the spotlight with Nancy Ajram and Maya Diab.
10
Fast forward at the Museum of the Future
Multi-sensory experiences are at the heart of the Museum of the Future, so the young and young-at-heart will find plenty to explore. From a 'DNA vault' housing thousands of special species to a digital rainforest and a dedicated kids area, little ones are guaranteed to be enthralled. The beautiful landscaped gardens outside are another draw. An added bonus? Children under three enter for free. Remember to book your slot well in advance and aim for the morning timings, so you can combine your tour of the future with breakfast nearby.
11
Make time for Ready, Set, Go
Ready, Set, Go is a sprawling, jungle-themed playground that comes complete with soft play area, trampoline park, a mini-town and a zone specially for toddlers. From foam cannons to balance beams, tunnels and rope bridges plus lots of slides, children from the ages of one to 12 have lots of different routes to check out at the Al Quoz-based indoor space. There are even five role play rooms ranging from a princess theme to a disco one, so it's the ideal place to keep them entertained.
12
Find thrills at Dubai Hills
Whether you have teenagers looking for extreme thrills via The Storm Coaster or kids looking for indoor frolics at Adventure Park, the Dubai Hills Mall has plenty to occupy all ages. Become a storm chaser via the state-of-the-art coaster, with a vertical launch, sharp drop and multiple twists and turns. Just nearby is Adventure Park with 10 different experiences, including climbing walls, a trampoline 'jump park', plus caving tunnels and a rope course for hours of non-stop fun.
13
Book a stay to remember at Legoland Hotel
If you're a fan of Lego you're in for a treat as the region's first ever Legoland Hotel has opened its doors at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Expect a dramatic Ollie the Dragon entrance, brightly-coloured interiors plus rooms decked out in five whimsical motifs, including pirates and Lego Friends themes. Little ones will be kept busy as there's a schedule of imaginative activities and workshops at the hotel, and guests also get free tickets to the nearby theme parks and water park.
14
Ride thrilling rollercoasters at Motiongate
Two new record-breaking rides have roared into town at the Lionsgate zone in Motiongate Dubai. Adrenaline-seekers can hop on board the first rollercoaster inspired by the action blockbuster John Wick, while fans of the heist flick Now You See Me can embark on twists and turns intrinsic to the movie as they try out the fastest single-car spinning rollercoaster in the world. Motiongate has also secured the accolade for having the most rollercoasters in the region and, with plenty of indoor rides too, you can beat the heat here all through summer.
15
Climb into the Tr88house
Whether you are looking to grab a bite at the gourmet food hall or while away time at interactive play zones, you'll find a lot on offer at the Tr88house indoor play emporium in Bluewaters Island. The littlest patrons can explore multi-storey mazes and ball pits at the Munchkin Monster soft play area, while older kids can jump into the trampoline park, opt for a game of laser tag or master glow-in-the-dark mini golf. Shows where brightly-hued characters mingle add to the excitement.
16
Check in at Dubai Islands
Those looking for an eventful family stay can head to Centara Mirage Beach Resort, which presents warm Far Eastern hospitality and plenty of adventures thanks to a waterpark, shoreside souk and seven dining venues. Hotel Riu Dubai at Dubai Islands is another top contender – the 24-hour all-inclusive resort offers pools, a spa, themed restaurants and the Splash Water World waterpark. Don't forget to check out the waterfront Souk Al Marfa market for great deals on gifts and souvenirs.
17
Chill with a movie at Snow Cinema
You'll be snug in your blanket and beanie while taking in the latest blockbusters at Snow Cinema by Vox Cinemas. This new movie experience, which comes complete with popcorn and soothing hot chocolate, is set up in Ski Dubai's winter landscape. Round up the family for a summer movie night surrounded by snow, elevated with state-of-the-art sound and screen quality. Book your tickets early, especially on weekends.
18
Learn to trot with Arabian Desert Camel Riding
Learn how to ride the ships of the desert as Arabian Desert Camel Riding – Dubai's first licensed school – shows both novices and those with experience how to sit atop and steer these majestic creatures. From trotting to race training and beach trips, every camel enthusiast is catered for thanks to the professional team who strive to pass on their love for these animals to those that come to the classes.
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