The whole family is invited to Al Tamimi Stables this weekend to get up close and personal with over 500 domestic and exotic animals and birds with nature trails across  30 acres of lush farmlands.

To celebrate the first anniversary of the stables in Sharjah, the centre is laying on a day dedicated to family enjoyment on Friday February 7. The Family Fun Day says it will focus on the ‘educational facilities and unique Heroes Programme that fuses the school curriculum with active, outdoor and experimental learning’.

Visitors throughout the day can expect touching and feeding small animals such as rabbits and hamsters, right up to grooming horses, with every experience aiming to excite those involved into taking a more active role in animal care.

There will be pony rides, bouncy castles, magic shows, face painting, musical performances, equestrian shows, eco-friendly arts and crafts workshops and pot planting.  Drama, cooking, Belly Dancing and American Freestyle Dancing will provide the entertainment for those missing the Dr Dolittle gene.

Tickets for the event cost just Dhs85 for adults and Dhs45 for kids over the age of three. For more information visit tamimistables.com.