Looking for things to do with the family in the UAE over the upcoming Eid Al Fitr break? We’ve got some ideas on how you can spend the long weekend with plenty of activity and without breaking the bank.
Volunteer at a dog shelter: Thinking about getting a pet or just want to foster some love for animals in your child? Head to one of the dog shelters and volunteer them for a day or so with four-legged friends. Whether it’s taking the rescues for a walk or just petting them, the activity will be good for both pooch and kid.
Hang out at a beach: This is a tried-and-tested fool-proof way to ensure fun with the family. There are cycling tracks and rent-able bikes at most beaches, water sport options and sand castle-building opportunities for everyone.
Visit museums: There are a number of museums in the UAE – the latest one to capture the imagination is the Dubai’s Museum of the Future. The site is home to three main experiences: Imagine, Design and Build, which present children with opportunities to play and to learn through activities that encourage communication, collaboration and creativity, explains the museum’s website.
Meet the turtles: Teach the kiddos about marine ecosystems and how to conserve them when you visit Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project at Jumeirah Al Naseem. While the kids – and you – can go over to the outdoor turtle enclosure every day, Wednesdays are special – you can join a feeding session.
Al Fahidi Historical District: This picturesque spot is home to Dubai’s oldest building (1780s) the Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum and the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. Wend through the lanes of the district, which was once known as Al Bastakiya, and you’ll discover hidden nooks with beautiful artworks, cafes offering delicious treats and Insta-perfect spots where you can capture a memory with your young one.
Dubai Fountain: Spend an evening watching the famous fountain dance this way and that as the sky changes colour. The world’s tallest tower sometimes joins in the evening shows with light displays or cool messages. Visiting Dubai – this is one shot you won’t want to miss. Evening shows every 30 mins 6-11pm (times may vary).
To lick: Hang out at this cool spot where graffiti is splashed across walls; wooden rides stand waiting for children; and a sandy shore calls for a relaxed time out. You can take a dip in the pool, watch roaming entertainers or just watch the day gently give right of way to the night. Free to visit, Jumeirah 1, retailers open from 10am to 9pm.
Visit the old souq: Head to Dubai Deira’s old souq for a glimpse into the bustle of yesteryear. The spices are heady and the haggling is a dance perfected over centuries of practice. After a walk, some buys and lots of photos, climb aboard an abra (small wooden boat) at sunset. As you hear the sea gulls cry, you can enjoy the cool breeze flitting over the creek as you see the tall glass and steel titans of Dubai standing against an orange sky.
Al-Qasbah: When in Sharjah, this is the spot to visit for the complex is home to plenty of fine food but also lots of entertainment for the whole family.
Wasit Nature Reserve: This spot in Sharjah is home to a diverse ecosystem and a big lake. There are more than 200 species of birds and various other creatures including the national animal of the UAE, the Arabian oryx. Not up to a lot of walking? Don’t worry, there are also golf carts to make the trip easier.
Umm Al Emarat Park: This Abu Dhabi park is home to a tonne of activities for the entire family. There are workshops such as face painting and origami making; to playground; an animal barn; and a space where the kiddos can learn all about herbs and vegetables.
Winter At Al Hosn: This night market in Abu Dhabi is open until May 5 and has street food, handmade goods, local farms’ organic produce, and free live entertainment. Timings: Weekdays 4pm-11pm; Friday and Saturday 4pm to midnight.