Fun days out for the whole family…

Whilst there’s loads of great pools around to keep the kids entertained, it’s always nice to get the family together for a fun day out. With the weather heating up, here’s 10 fabulous places to visit before it gets too hot.

1. Legoland

Lego has been around for ages, but there’s still something so satisfying about sticking those colourful blocks together, whatever your age. Legoland Dubai takes things to a whole new level with their incredible Lego models. A waterpark and a theme park, it has over 40 Lego-themed rides, building experiences, shows and attractions. See how the blocks are made in ‘The Factory’, steer a boat or fly a plane in ‘Lego City’, build a racing car in Imagination and visit ‘Mini Land’ showing iconic Dubai buildings made out of Lego.

Legoland Dubai, Opposite Palm, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Weekdays 10am to 7pm, Thursday & Friday 10am to 8pm, from Dhs222.50, Tel: (04) 820 3123. legoland.com

2. The Green Planet

It’s hard not to be impressed by nature at this tropical rainforest, home to over 3000 plants and animals. Little ones will be fascinated with activities such as The Sloth Encounter, The Bat Cave, The Sugar Glider Encounter and the new Australian Walkabout. There is also a wonderful variety of tropical fish to gaze at and, those feeling brave, can even hold a Python!

The Green Planet, City Walk, Dubai, Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 7pm, Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 8pm, from Dhs89. Tel: (04) 317 399. thegreenplanetdubai.com

3. Hub Zero

The UAE’s first immersive entertainment park, Hub Zero is a huge indoor facility with 18 awesome rides and attractions including climbing zones, virtual reality and games areas with adrenaline-filled activities like laser quest. Even if you haven’t got kids, this is a great place to head for a fun alternative birthday party. It’s a gamer’s heaven.

Hub Zero, City Walk, Phase 2, Dubai, Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 11pm, Thursday & Friday 12pm to 12am, from Dhs165. Tel: 800 637227. hubzerodubai.com

ALSO READ: 30 Things to Do in Dubai Before the Summer Strikes

4. Aquaventure

This waterpark at Atlantis is a popular choice for a fun family day out. With over 30 water slides and attractions, kilometers of interconnected rivers and rapids, the infamous ‘Surf’s Up Wave Rider’ and Splasher Island, there is something for everyone. Housing Dubai’s largest Aquarium with thousands of marine animals and Dolphin experiences at Dolphin Bay, you might need more than one day to see it.

Aquaventure, Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai, Open Daily 10am to 6pm, 1-Day Super Pass from Dhs33o. Tel: (04) 426 2000. atlantisthepalm.com

5. Kartdrome

Dubai Autodrome offers an exciting day out for all ages offering the chance for people to discover their racing driver dreams. Their indoor space Kartdrome is perfect for when the weather gets too hot and the younger ones can enjoy it too with carefully monitored karting sessions for kids aged 7 to 12.

Dubai Autodrome, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 9am to 9pm, daily Kartdrome from Dhs105, Tel: (04) 367 8700. dubaiautodrome.com

6. Dubai Miracle Garden

If you haven’t visited Dubai Miracle Garden yet, it is definitely something to see before the summer. Prepare to be awed by the incredible creations, made entirely of flowers and foliage. In an explosion of colour and with the feel of a fairyland, there are little villages, animals, heart-shaped arches and an amazing Disneyland section that will leave the kids wide-eyed.

Dubai Miracle Garden, Al Barsha South, weekdays 9am to 9pm, weekends 9am to 11pm, Dhs50 for Adults and Dhs40 for Children. Tel: (04) 422 8902. dubaimiraclegarden.com

7. iFly Dubai

Ever wondered what it’s like to skydive but never want to step straight out of a plane? For a totally exhilarating experience that a little different from the usual family day out activities, iFLY Dubai is a definite must-try. You’ll be taken up 4-meters in the air where you’ll go against gravity, held up like you’re free-falling.

Ifly Dubai, Third Floor, Play Nation Area, City Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 10pm, Friday & Saturday 10am to 11pm, Dhs220. Tel: (04) 231 6292. theplaymania.com

8. Tee & Putt Mini Golf

Everyone loves a bit of mini-golf and the Tee & Putt at WAFI Mall is so much fun. Get competitive as you navigate the course that’s lit up by funky, glow-in-in-the-dark neon lights. This is a great one for family days out or birthday parties, with a number of ready made parties like ‘Let the Party Roarrrrrrr’ or ‘One and Only Glowing Party’ available.

Tee & Putt Mini Golf, WAFI Mall, Level 1, Oud Metha Rd, Dubai, Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 10pm, Dhs80, Thursday & Friday 10am to 12am, Dhs95. Tel (04) 357 3290. teeandputt.com

9. Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate Dubai, the Dreamworks Studio Park is a fantastic place to be a kid in the city (even if you’re technically an adult…). There are four unique lands for you to explore based on blockbuster favourites such as Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, The Flintstones and The Smurfs. Enjoy a fun-filled day of rides, 4D screenings and interactive shows.

Motiongate Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Park and Resorts, Weekdays 12pm to 9pm, Weekends 12pm to 10pm, Dhs245. Tel: (800) 2629464. motiongatedubai.com

10. Ski Dubai

This one’s perfect for when it actually does get too hot. If you haven’t yet given skiing a go at the Mall of the Emirates then you really should. This 22,500 sq-meter ski park set in the mall (yes really) has loads of entertainment for all of the family, with a ski slope for the confident ones with chair lifts to take you to the top, a ‘Snow Park’ with a giant zorbing ball, ice cave, and ‘Mountain Thriller’ ride. Animal lovers can even see a penguin show. If you’re planning a family ski trip, the ski school is available to help you learn the basics. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate at the Avalanche and Ice Café. Ticket prices vary on your choice of activity.

Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, daily, 10am to 11pm. skidxb.com

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Images: Facebook/Supplied