The weekend is within sight, just a few more short hours until you can close those laptops and enjoy some quality time together as a family.
Plus, the kids are on half term from today. So, even if you can’t fit in all of these brilliant family-friendly things to do this weekend, you’ve got time to try them out with the children next week.
Get back to nature
Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm has introduced a variety of educational programmes focused on marine life, animal welfare and ocean conservation. Kids between three and 16 can sign up for the sessions to meets and learn how to look after, the resort’s sea life residents including dolphins, sea lions, sharks, starfish, jellyfish and more. In addition, kids will be able to join various 45-minute behind the scenes tours where they can get up close and personal with Atlantis’s deep-sea inhabitants including dolphins and sea lions. Time to go and find Nemo.
Various prices and timings. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure, info@atlantisdubai.com (04 426 0000).
Challenge the family virtually
Arena Games has opened at DIFC for over 12s. You can choose from 13 awesome games that range from trying to survive a zombie attack (eek), to becoming super-assassin John Wicks. Younger gamers will also enjoy being able to play some of their favourite iPad games, such as Fruit Ninja – the hugely popular fruit-slicing game – which will be an interactive experience… watch out strawberries, we’re coming!
From Dhs90. Daily noon-9pm. Gate Avenue, Zone D, Ground Level, DIFC, Dubai.
Learn some ninja skills
BOUNCE Freestyle Academy has introduced Ninja Squad across all of its locations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The hour-long parkour-focused classes are aimed at high-energy kiddos aged eight and above who can test their agility, co-ordination and nerves! The new ten-week course, which combines core elements of ninja, parkour and free running, promises to teach little ninjas some epic new skills while developing their strength, co-ordination and agility.
From Dhs1,000. Various locations across the UAE, including Al Quoz, Dubai; Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi; Remal Mall, Al Ain (04 3211 400).
Order a takeaway that the kids will love
The newly launched delivery-only Indian snacks kitchen Padosan has teamed up with a local artist Shiba Khan to offer a planting activity kit for kids when mums and dads place an order. The snacktivity kit costs Dhs60 and contains a planter, potting soil, seeds, pop sticks, pencil, coloured pens, brush, disposable gloves and an instruction manual so that green-fingered kids can have fun planting and painting while they tuck into tasty snacks. We’ll do the eating and the kids can do the crafts.
Orders can be made by calling 050 355 2461.
Sign them up to a half term camp
Wondering how you’re going to keep the kids happy and entertained for a whole week of half term? Worry not, we’ve rounded up the best half term camps the UAE has to offer. From art classes and trampoline sessions to gymnastics and sports activities, there’s something so suit all little ones. Have a read through our round-up here this weekend and sign them up!
Thrill seek at Motiongate Dubai
Motiongate Dubai is running a brilliant offer this weekend until Sunday February 14. The special ticket for two costs Dhs290, which covers a day out on the rides, access to cool live performances and even a meal for two at King Julien’s Café or Mr. Ping’s Noodle Shop. But that’s not all, the ticket price also includes a special surprise gift. So for a family of four, you’ll pay Dhs580 to have a fun day out with the whole crew.
Dhs290 (two people). Sat-Wed 11am-8pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9pm. Dubai Parks and Resorts, www.motiongatedubai.com.
Watch a film
Between Thursday February 11 and Sunday February 14, mums and dads who book a Valentines Day date at Reel Cinemas Platinum Suites will be able to book tickets for the little ones at KidZania for a special price of Dhs60 per child. Plus, film-watching parents can tuck into a special set menu created specially for the most romantic day of the year. Live Jebel Al way? On Sunday February 14, you can try a special loved-up offer at Reel Cinemas at the Jebel Ali Recreation Club. For Dhs299 couples will get a Valentine’s Day dinner and movie, plus a house beverage of their choosing. This is one way to prevent yourselves from talking about the kids all evening on date night.
www.reelcinemas.ae.
Planning on spending Valentine’s with the whole gang this weekend rather than just the other half? Here’s how you can
Two family-friendly Valentine’s brunches to try
Grab the gang and head to Bab Al Shams this weekend where a Friday and a Saturday Valentine’s brunch have both been catered to the whole tribe.
Click here for more information.
Spread the love with these Valentine’s sweet treats
Give the gift of food, preferably sugary, heart-shaped food, this Valentine’s day to score heaps of brownie (pun intended) points.
Check out our top suggestions here.
Don’t talk about the kids on this date night
You watch a film, the kids play at KidZania… sound too good to be true? It does, but it’s not! You can see a blockbuster and they can play at being grown-ups with this special deal.
Click here for more information.
