From beach days to theme parks and outdoor play…

Without quite knowing how it happened, we’re in the middle of October and that means the half-term holidays for school children in Dubai. If you’re wondering how to keep them occupied all week, worry not, as we’ve compiled a handy list of fun activities to do with children in Dubai.

From beach days to outdoor play and indoor adventure parks, here are the best family-friendly things to do in Dubai this week.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is always a great option for a family day out, with a long stretch of sand, tons of food trucks and tons of fun activities. As well as half term holidays, this also happens to be the first official week of the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge, meaning there’s even more fun activities to do at Kite Beach this week. From a tough mudder or mini mudder style challenge, an inflatable aqua park or watersports like kayaking or canoeing – the whole family can get involved. There’s also an open-air cinema with child-friendly films showing from October 24 to November 8.

Kite Beach, Jumeirah, Dubai, 7am to 9pm, weekdays, 7am to 11pm on weekends, October 18 to November 16, free. Tel: (04) 317 3999. kitebeach.ae

ALSO READ: 8 fun outdoor activities to try in Dubai this weekend

Oli Oli

If you’re looking for something fun but educational, check out Oli Oli on Tuesday October  22 for the last day of their S.T.E.A.M.ANIA event, with workshops for youngsters on Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths.

Oli Oli, Next to Oasis Center, Al Quoz, Dubai, 9am to 9pm, ends October 22, suitable for children under 12, from Dhs156 per child regular price. Tel: (04) 702 7300. olioli.ae

Legoland

It might have been invented way back in 1932, however, colourful mini-brick building brand, Lego still hasn’t lost its popularity. Dubai has a whole theme park dedicated to it and if you haven’t taken the family yet, you need to. In the theme park, there’s different ‘lands’, loads of rides, attractions and even a factory where you can see how lego bricks are made. If all of that wasn’t enough, their very own waterpark next door should satisfy your need for action.

LEGOLAND Dubai, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 6pm, Thurs to Sat, 11am to 9pm, from Dhs275. Tel: (04) 820 3123. legoland.com/dubai

XPark Jr.

XPark Jr is the perfect spot for little ones to run around in a natural environment and blow off some steam. Just off Kite Beach, this lush green haven is full of plants, rocks, dirt, grass and water, meaning they can splash, tumble and unleash their adventurous side with tree houses, wooden bridges, climbing nets, a sand area and there’s even chickens, ducks and goats wandering around.

XPark Jr., 35A Mizmelah Street, Kite Beach, Dubai, 8am to 6pm, Saturday to Wednesday, 8am to 8pm, Thursday and Friday, Dhs80 per child with accompanying 2 adults for 2 hours and an extra Dhs30 per child for every extra hour. Tel: (054) 582 5561. xparkjr.com

Hawa Hawa

You’ve probably spent the summer taking the kids to some adventurous activities indoors but now things are cool enough to be outside, you need to check out Hawa Hawa at La Mer. It’s a giant inflatable playground for children, teenagers and adults, with springy peaks that make it a giant trampoline. Once you’re all bounced out, head to one of the many food outlets or shops that run along La Mer beach.

Hawa Hawa, La Mer Beach, Dubai, 10am to 10pm, Dhs25 for 20 minutes, Dhs40 for 40 minutes. lamerdubai.ae

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

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. Watch their little faces be fascinated by the different colours and patterns of the beautiful butterflies.

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

Kartdrome

Let children unleash their competitive sides and indulge their racing dreams with Dubai Autodrome’s Kartdrome experience. There are special sessions for kids aged 7 to 12 and they can zoom around the track, closely monitored by the kart instructors.

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

Ski Dubai

If you’re bored of outdoor activities, Ski Dubai is always a safe bet for loads of fun for any age. This 22,500 square metre ski park set in Mall of the Emirates has loads of entertainment for all of the family with a ski slope, 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

3D Blacklight Mini Golf

One for all the mini-golf fans out there, 3D Blacklight Mini Golf takes things to the next level with its glow in the dark experience. Be fascinated by the stunning hand-painted artworks that adorn the walls, ceiling and floor. First you’ll go deep down under the sea, then journey across Arabia and finally go to outer space as you pitch and put your golf balls into the holes.

3D Blacklight Mini Golf, JBR, Bahar Plaza Level, Dubai, 12pm to 1am daily, Dhs90 aged 5 to 12, Dhs110 regular. Tel: (04) 565 7621. 3d-blacklight-minigolf.ae

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