For those lazy family weekends…

Pool brunches are becoming almost as much of a Dubai institution as regular brunches, with unlimited drinks and food on tap as you top up your tan. Bliss.

Some are more family-friendly than others, so when the kids are clamouring for the pool and you just want to sit back and relax, here’s 8 family-friendly pool brunches to try in Dubai this weekend.

1. Riva

It’s really family-friendly at Riva Beach Club, with the pool being attached to a residential building. For a wallet-friendly Dhs199, you can enjoy free-flowing soft drinks and unlimited food or upgrade to house beverages for Dhs395. There’ll be live food stations for you to graze from, with seafood, meat, salads and desserts aplenty.

Riva Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs199 soft drinks, Dhs395 house drinks. Tel: (04) 430 9466. riva-beach.com

ALSO READ: 14 of the best family-friendly brunches to try in Dubai

2. Dukes, The Palm

Dukes The Palm have just launched their brand new family-friendly Friday brunch at an affordable price. For Dhs250, you’ll get three and a half hours of unlimited drinks and a BBQ buffet, a DJ playing all day, along with pool and beach access. Theres even a lazy river so the kids can go and play while the adults lounge on the Mediterranean-style terrace.

West 14th, Dukes The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs250 house drinks, kids under 12 go free. Tel: (0) 4 455 1101. facebook.com/West14thUAE

3. Lapita

Not quite a brunch, but this family-friendly day out deserves a mention. Lapita at Dubai Parks and Resorts have recently launched their new brunch ‘Daycation Luau’ where for Dhs99 per person, you’ll get access to the lagoon pool, the lazy river, kids pool and splash park. There’s loads of entertainment on all day including a golden coconut treasure hunt, limbo, face painting and more. The Dhs99 is redeemable on food and drinks too.

Dubai Parks and Resorts, E11 Abu Dhabi-Dubai, Fri 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 810 9421. marriott.com

4. Cleo’s Table

For a serene Saturday afternoon pool brunch, head to Cleo’s Table who are offering up a Mediterranean feast of dreams with access to the Venus pool or the Fortuna pool for those with children. Alongside the three course meal, you can have soft drinks for Dhs300 or enjoy free-flowing house wine and beer for Dhs400.

Cleo’s Table, Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai, 12pm to 3pm, Saturdays, Dhs300 soft drinks, Dhs400 house drinks, pool access 10am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 556 6666. facebook.com/CleosTableDubai

5. Pik Nik at The Westin Mina Seyahi

You can choose a blanket, table or beanbag, grab your hamper, and relax on the grass with nibbles, barbecue food and drinks at this Saturday brunch. There’s a bouncy castle and games, plus live music and entertainment that will even wow the grown-ups. Pool and beach access is included and it’s Dhs250 per food basket (for two adults and two kids with water), Dhs799 with a basket, bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne, bottle holder and water. Other hot dishes on offer from the food trucks will cost you extra.

The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, 12pm to 5pm, Saturday, from Dhs250. Tel: (04) 399 7373. westinminaseyahi.com

6. Cafe Nikki

Nikki Beach’s hotel pool is a more relaxed offering compared to the beach club next door. Their family-friendly brunch takes place at Cafe Nikki on Friday, whose terrace leads right out onto the pool itself. One for the seafood lovers, there’s stations bursting with freshly caught options alongside a salad station, poke bowls and a generous dessert offering.

Cafe Nikki, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, Pearl Jumeirah, Dubai, 1opm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs345 soft drinks, Dhs435 house drinks, Dhs175 for children aged 6 to 12. Tel: (04) 376 6000. facebook.com/NikkiBeachHotelDubai

7. Sofitel The Palm

Moana’s aptly named Ocean Brunch happens every Friday, where you can devour freshly-caught seafood cooked Pan-Asian style. Tuck into the like of shrimp cocktails and pan seared sea scallops for starters and grilled king prawns or spinach ricotta ravioli for main. You’ll get access to their stunning pool too, so prepare for those vacation vibes.

Ocean Brunch, Moana, Sofitel Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 4pm, Fridays, Dhs320 soft, Dhs470 premium. Tel: (04) 455 5656. sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com

8. Fairmont, The Palm

Mediterranean and European dishes are all on the menu at Seagrill Bistro’s family-friendly Friday brunch, with fresh grilled meat and seafood for you to tuck into. You’ll get access to Fairmont The Palm’s stunning pool and beach with awesome views of the Dubai Marina skyline.

Seagrill Bistro, Fairmont the Palm, Palm Jumeirah, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, pool and beach access from 10am to 7pm, every Friday, Dhs345 per person soft, Dhs495 per person alcoholic beverages. Tel: (04) 456 3457. palmdining.com

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