From an an indoor jungle to snow sports or a theme park, there’s something here for kids of all ages…

With the weather heating up it’s nearly time to say goodbye to outdoor playtime, but there are so many indoor activities in Dubai that will keep the kids entertained for hours.

Just in case you’ve run out of ideas we’ve rounded up 17 different activities for you…

1. Dubai Ice Rink

The Dubai Ice rink is perfect for those who love to get active. Kids (and parents) can glide along the ice with glee, with tickets priced from Dhs75 for adults and Dhs40 for children on a summer special. There are an array of public skating times, classes and even a snowfall experience – where you can skate your way around as snow falls.

Dubai Ice Rink, Ground Level, Dubai Mall, Dubai, daily 12am to 12pm. Tel: 800 382246255. dubaiicerink.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. Jumble

This one is better suited for young adults, as Jumble welcomes children aged 12 and over. Groups will work together taking on a series of physical and mental challenges to make it through the maze.

Jumble, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, daily 12pm to 12am, ‘Premium Package, Dhs129 per person. Tel: 800 586 253. jumble.ae

4. Pizza-making at Pizza Express

Pizza is a bit of a universal favourite, so this pizza-making party offered by Pizza Express is a great way for little ones to have fun and learn cooking skills as they make their own creations. They’ll get a choice of ingredients, a glass of apple or orange juice and a chef’s hat and apron. Of course, once cooked, they’ll be able to tuck into their delicious pizzas.

Jazz@PizzaExpress, JLT, Cluster A, Jumeirah Lake Towers, JLT, Dubai, Dhs68 per child, 2hrs. Tel: (04) 441 6342. pizzaexpress.ae

5. 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. 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

6. Kidzania

Designed for children aged 4 to 16, Kidzania is a 7000 square metre city of fun with more than 60 activities for children to tackle. Inside, children can tackle real-life scenarios, role-play different jobs and even earn special ‘kidzania’ money.

Kidzania, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, weekdays 10am to 10pm, weekends 10am to 11pm, Dhs75 adult, Dhs185 child. Tel: (800) 382246255. kidzania.ae

7. 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

8. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Some 33,000 fish, sharks and rays call Dubai Aquarium home. The 10-million litre tank is filled with marine life, and as well as being able to admire from the outside, Dubai Aquarium offers a number of experiences to get up, close and personal with the creatures that call the aquarium home, from feeding sting rays to swimming with sharks.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, daily 10am to midnight, Dhs130 online, Dhs175 on the door. thedubaiaquarium.com

9. TEPfactor

TEPfactor challenges groups to work together to solve a number of challenges around the ‘cave’.  They offer a number of party packages for those who crave a little extra adventure, with kids aged 8 to 12 playing from Dhs79 and 13+ from Dhs99.

TEPfactor Dubai, Bahar Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, Sun to Wed 12pm to 12am, Thurs to Sat 12pm to 1am, from Dhs79 per hour. Tel: (056) 404 0802. tepfactor.ae

10. 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

11. 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

12. OliOli

Factual and fun, OliOli is an interactive museum with eight galleries for little ones to get stuck into. Each gallery is themed on a different subject such as ‘forts and dens’ and ‘future park’.

OliOli Building, Al Quoz 1, Next to Oasis Center, Dubai, 9am to 7pm Sat to Weds, 9am to 9pm Thurs and Fri, Dhs60 for two hours for children under two, Dhs120 for two hours for children aged 2 to 18, Dhs40 adults. Tel: (04) 702 7300. olioli.ae

13. Ski Dubai

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 has loads of entertainment for all of the family, with a ski slope, a ‘Snow Park’ with a giant zorbing ball, ice cave, and 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 depending on your choice of activity.

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

14. Dubai Butterfly Garden

Dubai Butterfly Garden is the world’s largest covered butterfly garden, here, visitors can get up close to some of the most beautiful butterflies from around the world. Three white domes interlinked by narrow corridors house more than 18,000 winged insects imported from The Philippines, Costa Rica, Colombia and Tanzania. Each dome is decorated with colourful flower displays and is cool enough to give the butterflies – and visitors – a pleasant place to roam.

Dubai Butterfly Garden, Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand Area, next to Dubai Miracle Garden, daily 9am to 6pm, Dhs50. Tel: (04) 422 8902. Facebook.com/DubaiButterflyGardenOfficial

15. Bounce

Make like House Of Pain, and jump around on indoor trampolines at Bounce. There are fitness classes and family-friendly bookings, with sessions charged by the hour, or opt for the three hour session for Dhs120. Children have to be a minimum age of three to get in on the bouncy action.

Building 32, 4B Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, 10am to 10pm Sun to Weds, 10am to midnight Thurs and Fri, 9am to 9pm Sat, Dhs80 per hour, Dhs120 for three hours. Tel: (04) 321 1400. bounce.ae

ALSO READ: The best places for animal encounters in Dubai

16. IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park, and it’s packed with fun for all the family. There are a host of rides designed specifically for children, including the Dino Carousel where children can take a spin with the friendlier inhabitants of the Lost Valley and ‘Adventure Time – The Ride of OOO with Finn & Jake’, which will see little ones soar high over the Cartoon Network Zone. Height restrictions vary, but children need to be around 1.2m to 1.3m tall for the rides.

IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dubai, weekdays 11am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 10pm, Dhs285 adults, Dhs265 children. Tel: 04 403 8888. imgworlds.com

17. Mountain Extreme

Mountain Extreme is an indoor climbing and bouldering facility, and is the largest of its kind in Dubai with around 60 bouldering and 70 climbing routes. On the weekends, they also run children’s classes and collaborative games to emphasize teamwork, leadership skills, and goal setting in a dynamically fun and supportive environment. It’s worth noting that the facility is open to children four years and older. 

Capital Golden Tower, Al Khaleej Al Tejari Street, Business Bay, Dubai, daily 9am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4466080. mtnextreme.com

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Images: Supplied