Looking for a top summer camp for your kids in Dubai and Abu Dhabi? School’s nearly out for summer and if you’re wondering how you’re going to cope with two long months of attempting to entertain the little ones? There’s a simple solution and it’s a win-win for the whole family.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi are home to an incredible line-up of activity summer camps. From sports and science to arts and crafts, there’s loads to choose from and something to suit happy campers of all ages.
Alliance Française Dubai
There is lots going on for French and non-French speakers at this French school in July. Kids between four and six can learn to speak the lingo by signing up to a three-week course that runs from July 4 to July 29m Sunday to Wednesday between 9am and 10.30am. The language course costs Dhs480 for the week and will be tailored to suit the level of the kiddos taking part.
Little linguists can then either go home or stay on until 1pm to enjoy the camp. The price for the course and camp is Dhs1,620 for the week. Older kiddos between six and ten who speak French as their first language can also sign up to a French language course and camp for Dhs1,500. The camp activities include arts and crafts, cooking, sports, reading and much more.
From Dhs480 (course only), from Dhs1,620 (course and camp). Jul 4-Jul 29. Alliance Française Dubai, Oud Metha, info@afdubai.org (04 335 8712).
Aventura Parks
It may be hot out there, but that doesn’t stop little ones being able to get their Tarzan on at the Aventura Parks summer camp which runs from June 27 until August 26. The action-packed activity park has teamed up with Science Made Fun to offer a fun-filled full-day camp (9am to 6pm) that offers a great mix of physical activities, science, arts and crafts and life skills. Mini Einsteins will get to take part in STEAM workshops that will see them conduct chemistry experiments and learn all about biology and environmental landscaping. But that’s not all, because children will also get stuck into some animal care with Aventura pets, take to the stage in performing arts classes and release their inner Monet during the creative arts and crafts sessions. However, it’s not all indoors. Come late afternoon as it gets cooler, little campers will be able to climb, zip-line and explore the tree top trails among the Ghaf trees. As an added bonus, snacks and lunch are included in the price, which starts from Dhs240 for one day. Provided your little ones have a head for heights, then this camp will be right up their street.
Sun-Thu 9am-6pm, Jun 27-Aug 26. Dhs240 (one day), Dhs420 (two days), Dhs840 (week). Mushrif Park, Gate 1, Dubai, aventuraparks.com (052 178 7616).
BOUNCE Freestyle Academy
Is your little one always bouncing off the walls? The BOUNCE Freestyle Academy is back for a special summer term from Sunday July 4 to Thursday August 19 and is now open for registration across all UAE venues. BOUNCE Freestyle Academy teaches trampoline-enthusiasts how to do things they never expected, such as back flips, wall walking, or conquering tricks like the “Rudy Ballout.” The programme runs for seven weeks and is a great way for kids eight years and older to master new tricks, skills, and parkour skills. The beginner sessions teach kids how to jump in a safe and controlled way, while intermediate and advanced classes focus on core conditioning, wall running and flips. BOUNCE also caters to younger kids with the Freestyle Academy’s Mini BOUNCE squad and BOUNCE squad, which are specialised programmes for kids aged two to seven years old. The mini BOUNCE squad learns fundamental movement skills, confidence and self-expression while the BOUNCE squad learns skill progression and learning through play. Participants will receive a welcome pack with a t-shirt and key ring plus one free hour of general access per week from Sunday to Wednesday during the term.
Dhs1400 (beginners); Dhs2100 (intermediate); Dhs2380 (advanced); Dhs1400 (Mini BOUNCE squad); Dhs1400 (BOUNCE squad); Various locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi (04 321 1400). www.bounce.ae
Dig it at The Springs Souk
From Sunday July 4 to Thursday August 26, kids between the ages of three and ten can learn, play, and stay active with the Dig It crew at Springs Souk. For Dhs170 per day or Dhs650 for five days they’ll enjoy creative workshops, games, dancing, and crafts in a safe and comfortable environment. Little ones will also get the chance to catch a movie at Reel Cinemas junior screen located at Spring Souk. The camp runs from 9am to 1pm from Sunday to Thursday. Tickets are available at Springs Souk level two Dig It counters, space is limited so calling ahead is recommended.
Dhs170 (one day); Dhs650 (five days); Springs Souk, The Springs, Emirates Living, Dubai (04 438 4479).
Dubai Design Academy
Do you know a little designer in the making? Does your little one love making jewellery and other crafts? This summer you can give your kids a fun design experience at the Little Jeweller Summer Camp in Almas Tower. Starting Saturday July 25, the Dubai Design Academy is offering kids six days of fun-filled, interactive, and educational activities across two weeks. Kids will have the opportunity to design accessories, take part in experiments, explore the world of gemstones, go on a treasure hunt, get tips on how to sell their jewellery, and much more. The camp is for children between the ages of eight and 13. They can expect interactive learning, storytelling sessions, daily educational activities, and fun designing tasks.
Gemstone week runs from Sunday July 25 to Tuesday July 27 and Diamond week runs from Sunday August 1 to Tuesday August 3. The camp costs Dhs650 for these three-day packages. You can also enroll in six days of design for Dhs1200.
Dhs650 (three days), Dhs1200 (six days). Sun-Tue, 10am-1pm July 25-Aug 3. Dubai Design Academy, Cluster J, JLT dubaidesignacademyonline.classcard.app/event/1477460 (04 568 4565).
Dubai Holiday Camps
When it comes to keeping the little ones entertained during the holidays, these guys are the experts and have options for everyone. Running at three venues across the city they are sure to keep the kids busy for at least part of the summer break. Dubai Holiday Camps are packed full of fun activities for kids aged from three to 14, broken down into two age-appropriate brackets (three to four and five to 14). Everything is included in the fee. Little ones can expect bouncy castles, sensory play, brain gym, ball games, role play, music and movement, fun games, storytelling and more. Older kids will be able to take part in various sports such as football, dodgeball, table tennis, climbing, hockey, archery, dance and tennis as well as more creative activities. There is pay-per-day option and with so much on offer, there’s guaranteed to be something they’ll all enjoy. This year’s camp takes place from July 4 to August 19 at Dubai International Academy (Emirates Hills), Collegiate American School Umm Suqeim 2 and Ranches Primary School, Arabian Ranches 2 and can be booked for a half day, day or week at a time.
From Dhs250. July 4-Aug 19. Various locations across Dubai, dubaiholidaycamps.com (056 115 1906, 050 455 0601).
Emirates Palace
Abu Dhabi’s most glamorous hotel is hosting an action-packed summer camp for kids between five and 14. There will be three groups made up of little ones from five to six, kids between seven and nice and older children from ten to 14 (this group will also be separated into boys and girls). Taking place Sunday through Thursday from July 4 to August 26, there will be a load of sports on offer to keep kids entertained and to ensure they burn off all that excess energy. Prices start from Dhs275 for the day and Dhs1,255 for the week, and a 20 percent discount is also available for siblings.
From Dhs275 (day), from Dhs1,255 (week). Sun-Thu Jul 4-Aug 26. Emirates Palace, W Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 9000).
Etizan Fitness
Swimming, water polo, basketball, football, fitness, martial arts, gymnastics, games and more. Sounds like the best summer ever, no? Etizan Fitness, the newly launched fitness brand from Erth is launching a kids camp until Thursday August 26 from 9am to 2pm. Kids between the ages of three and 14 can enjoy five hours of activities for three days, one week, two weeks, or four weeks for a summer full of fitness fun. Etizan Fitness is the newly launched fitness brand from Erth, featuring a state of the art recreational centre: perfect for all kinds of sports and activities. The venue boasts an eight-lane Olympic sized indoor swimming pool, training studios, paddle tennis facilities, indoor and outdoor football pitches, and facilities for gymnastics, squash, tennis, track and field and more. With meals included the camp costs Dhs630 for three days, Dhs1,000 for one week, Dhs1,800 for two weeks, and Dhs3,400 for four weeks. Without meals it costs Dhs450 for three days, Dhs700 for one week, Dhs1,200 for two weeks, and Dhs2,200 for four weeks. It’s time for kids to kick it into high gear at this newly rebranded and reopened spot in Abu Dhabi.
Dhs630 (three days); Dhs450 (three days no meals); Dhs1,000 (one week); Dhs700 (one week no meals); Dhs1,800 (two weeks); Dhs1,200 (two weeks no meals); Dhs3,400 (four weeks); Dhs2,200 (four weeks no meals). Khor Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi erth.ae (052 497 5308).
Fly High Fitness
This sports summer camp gives kids the opportunity to learn energising sports and activities in a safe environment. If your kiddos are always full of energy this could be the perfect activity for them. Activities include gymnastics, fitness, obstacle races, dance, arts and crafts, football, volleyball, and more. Kids can spend the summer moving and building up their strength and sports skills and making friends. The camp runs from Sunday July 4 to Thursday August 26 and goes from 8:30am to 2pm. The pre-booked day rate is Dhs160, while the non-booked rate is Dhs200 per day. You can also sign them up for five days of fun at Dhs750.
Dhs160 (pre-booked); Dhs200 (one day); Dhs750 (five days); Dubai Investment Park 1 (04 224 9075). www.flyhighfitness.org/iw-courses/summer-camp/
Footlab Dubai
Does your little one love football? Founded by legendary Portuguese midfielder Rui Costa, the brand-new Footlab training facility is open to everyone who loves the beautiful game. Now you can take the kids to a daily or weekly summer camp, where they will measure their performance, break records, improve their skills, and experience the world’s first indoor entertainment and performance park. Technology-based activities will help them boost their skills, and give them stats to be proud of. The camp is running from Sunday July 4 to Thursday August 26 and you can book one day for Dhs225 or one week for Dhs845. The camp runs 9am to noon, and spaces are limited so be sure to call ahead. For more places to have a kick about in Dubai click here.
Dhs225 (daily) Dhs845 (weekly); Sun-Thurs 9am-noon, until Aug 26. Dubai Sports City footlabworld.com/en (055 997 4878).
Heroes Academy
Mini ninjas can hone their skills at this martial arts summer camp that runs between July 11 and July 15 from 9am to 2pm in Motor City. Heroes Academy uses a holistic approach to teach little ones various skills and techniques needed in a variety of martial arts disciplines. The camp will be open to kids six and above and little ones will be divided up into age groups. The camp can be booked at a day rate of Dhs250, or you can opt to send the little Daniel-sans for the whole week for Dhs1,000. Plus, sibling discounts apply, which is helpful for the budgeting. But it’s not just about the fighting, it’s about nurturing mini minds through meditation and yoga for martial arts. Time to find your Zen kiddos. Wax on, wax off.
Dhs250 (day), Dhs1,000 (week). Jul 11-Jul 15 9am-2pm. Control Tower, Motor City, Dubai, heroesacademy.ae (055 1741196 / 050 911 8074).
OliOli
This summer OliOli is running not one, but two, camps to keep the little ones occupied between July 4 until August 26. The Discoverer’s Camp will take place in the morning, while the Adventurer’s Camp will run during the afternoon. Little ones signing up to the four-hour Discoverer’s Camp will enjoy activities centred around a time travel theme. Kiddos will embark on a journey to explore key moments in history including the prehistoric and ancient era, modern era and contemporary era. Mini time-travellers will also be able to jump forward in time to see what the future holds. Very Marty McFly.
Afternoon sessions are for the three- hour Adventurer’s Camp, which is focused on active play and experiments. There will be daily themes to keep little ones hooked that will focus on different subjects. The themes are: science Sundays, messy Mondays, tech Tuesdays, wacky Wednesdays and treasure hunt Thursdays. Both camps run during the week between July 4 and August 26 and are aimed at kids from four to seven, who will be divided into two groups by age (four to six and seven and above). As an added bonus, if you book before June 16, you can take advantage of the early bird discount and, if you’ve got more than one kids, you will get a Dhs100 discount for the second and subsequent children.
From Dhs690. Jul 4-Aug 26. Various times. Al Quoz, Dubai, olioli.ae (04 702 7300).
Reform Social & Grill
The family-friendly restaurant at The Lakes has an incredible line-up of summer holiday activities to bust boredom. There is plenty on offer for little ones whatever their age or interests, plus mums and dads aren’t over-looked either with coffees, pastries and the chance to chat to other parents all on the cards. The week kicks off with an hour-long messy play session at 9.30am. Costing from Dhs145 including coffee and a pastry, little ones can get as messy as they like – and best of all, it’s not in your living room. There is also a baby sign language hour for Dhs110 from 11am. Music Monkeys takes place on a Monday at 9am and costs from Dhs70 and on Saturdays, our very own, very silly Magic Phil will be entertaining the troupes at 1pm for Dhs50, which also includes lunch and ice cream for the little ones. Various days and times throughout the school summer holidays.
The Lakes, Dubai, reformsocialgrill.ae (04 454 2638).
SKYZONE
Looking to take your kids’ entertainment to new heights this summer? At SKYZONE little nippers aged five to 12 can get stuck into a range of activities including arts and craft classes, singing and dancing, ultimate dodgeball, zip lining, face painting and more. Beginning on Sunday June 27, events run until the start of September with sessions held every Sunday to Thursday. There are sibling and early bird discounts with packages including half day, full day and full week also available. Snacks of two slices of pizza, juice and water will also be provided on the day.
From Dhs150. Jun 27-Sep 1. Persia Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, skyzone.ae/programs/summer-camp/ (800 7599663).
Smart Teens
Got older kids? If your teens aspire to be the next Jeff Bezos, Huda Kattan or Satya Nadella, this summer camp might be right up their street. Smart Teens is designed to hone the skills and harness their passion with a view to bridging the gap between academic learning and the real world. A UAE-based junior MBA programme for students aged 13 to 17, this six-week online course is designed to teach students life skills such as analysis, problem-solving, strategic thinking, persuasive communication and decision-making to help them on their journey to becoming competent next-generation leaders, entrepreneurs and thinkers. This action-packed programme will be taught by international business school faculty and will also feature special appearances by some of the UAE’s top C-level executives who will act as mentors for your teenagers. There are four modules for them to complete: Teen CEO (entrepreneurship and decision-making skills), Teen CMO (data analytics and market positioning), Teen CTO (problem-solving with technology) and Teen COO (strategic planning, finance and logistics). Then, at the end of the course, students will get the opportunity to present their big ideas to a panel of experts, in order to try and secure themselves internships at some of the UAE’s biggest companies and also receive a certificate upon completion.
Dhs4,000 (six weeks). Smartteens.org (058 581 5810).
The Dubai Mall
If you’re looking for an engaging and educational summer camp for kids, look no further than The Dubai Mall’s summer camp. The camp starts on Sunday June 20, and ends on Wednesday August 25; you can register at any of the participating attractions for Dhs599 and watch your little one enjoy four days of fun at The Dubai Mall. Kids will be awed by the wildlife at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and enjoy a glass-bottom boat ride, a behind-the-scenes- tour of the aquarium, and feed the fish. The fun continues at Dubai Ice Rink, where they can skate to their heart’s content for fun-filled exercise. Next up is KidZania: the indoor edutainment park that allows kids to dream and explore. Participants will also gain access to VR Park for thrills and gaming, plus a ticket to catch a movie at Reel Cinemas. At the Top, Burj Khalifa is the perfect place to end the camp, as kids embark on a tour and sightseeing adventure at one of the highest observation decks in the world. They will also receive a souvenir from the gift shop. Once the camp is complete, kids receive a fun certificate of completion. Head to any of the attractions to register.
Dhs599 (four days). Jun 20-Aug 25. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, www.thedubaimall.com.
Yas Island
Okay, so this isn’t a camp exactly, but we had to mention it because it’s a brilliant way to keep the kids entertained this summer without blowing the budget. Until September 30, kids under 12 (when accompanied by a paying adult), can enjoy the three Abu Dhabi theme parks – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi – absolutely free.
All you have to do is book a staycay at any of the Yas Island hotels, which include Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, W Abu Dhabi and Yas Plaza Hotels.
There are various packages to choose from that include added benefits such as kids eating for free, plus discounts on dining as well as offers on spa treatments for parents needing a spot of pampering.
Prices from Dhs368. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yasisland.ae.
