Is that the weekend we see? Time to switch off from the daily grind and start thinking about all the brilliant things to do with the whole family this weekend.
From visits to organic farms and taking advantage of some discounted tickets to one of the UAE’s best water parks to challenging obstacle courses and a brand-new park to try, we’ve got you covered for a fun-filled weekend with the whole gang.
Book discounted tickets to Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld is set to reopen to the public on Monday February 22 after a short break during the winter months. Those looking to make a splash, enjoy the rides, attractions and just chill out in the sun can do so for less as the park has launched a deal just for UAE residents. Celebrating the eight anniversary of the park, UAE residents can book tickets to visit the waterpark for Dhs175 per person, a 30 percent discount on full price. Also, those looking to enjoy the park’s Pearl Diving experience can get access with a day pass for Dhs195. In addition, Yas Waterworld pass holders are able to book to visit the park on Saturday February 20, two days before reopening, to enjoy early access. The deals are available on the Yas Waterworld website until February Sunday 21.
From Dhs175. Until Feb 21. Yas Waterworld, Yas Island www.yaswaterworld.com.
Have fun at the new park at Dubai Hills
With a splash park, skate park and even an ice rink, The Dubai Hills Park has something to keep the whole gang entertained for hours on end.
Best of all, you don’t have to live at Dubai Hills Estate to be able to visit the park. Tickets can be bought on-site and cost Dhs85 for non-residents and Dhs55 for residents for a day pass allowing entry to all of the attractions. Alternatively, you can pay per attraction with prices starting from Dhs20 for residents and from Dhs30 for non-residents.
For more information, visit www.dubaihillsestate.ae.
Journey to Mars at OliOli
There are eight interactive Mars-focused activities inspired by the UAE’s Hope probe top keep kiddos entertained. Little ones can test their skills on the Perseverance landing challenge where they have to land a spacecraft on a planet, which is constantly in motion or test the aerodynamics of small paper blades at the hovercraft table in order to help NASA send a helicopter to Mars. In addition, they can use tools to break a hard surface and find signs of water and other elements on the surface of the Red Planet and they can also set off to explore the various different areas on the planet’s surface. The Mission Mars 2021 exhibition is free with a general admission ticket, which costs Dhs126 for an adult and one child when booked in advance online.
Dhs63 (kids one-16), Dhs126 (kids two-16). Sun-Wed 9am-6pm, Thu 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-7pm. www.olioli.ae (04 702 7300).
Pick up some fresh at an organic market in Business Bay
Straight from the farm to your kitchen, nothing quite beats cooking up fresh organic food. And in good news, Business Bay’s organic farmers’ market is back for its 12th season. Taking place at Bay Avenue Park every Friday between 9am and 2pm until Friday April 9, there will be 20 different stalls to check out and marketgoers will be able to pick up fresh fruit and veggies from local farmers. Other products such as honey, herbs and spices, coffee, ice cream and oils will also be available from a number of different brands including Balqees Honey, Astraea, Revolution Real and 100 Café.
Fri 8am-2pm. Ongoing until Fri Apr 9. Bay Avenue Park, Business Bay.
Picnic in the sunshine at Westin Mina Seyahi
After almost a year’s hiatus, the Westin in Dubai Marina’s family-friendly Saturday picnic is back. Kicking off this weekend (Saturday February 20), the al fresco family feast costs Dhs250 for a basket containing the perfect amount of food for two adults and two kids. Plus, for an additional Dhs200, the whole gang (family of four) will also get pool and beach access, as well as entry to the brand-new Jungle Bay Waterpark. You can check out what’s in store at the splash-tastic park here.
Dhs250 (per basket for a family of four), Dhs450 (family of four including pool, beach and Jungle Bay Waterpark access). Sat 12pm-4pm. Dubai Marina, Dubai, www.marriott.com (04 511 7373).
Read one of our recommended books to your toddler
From greedy caterpillars to whacky rhyming stories, we have rounded up the very best books to read to your very best little people. The books we have chosen are brightly colored picture books that are ideal first reading for tiny tots. And what’s better than snuggling down with your toddler at bedtime with a good story? Exactly.
Click here for the full list.
Take on a new challenge at ORC Park
The UAE’s largest permanent obstacle course has upped the anti when it comes to challenging the kiddos by adding three new obstacles to the existing five on the kids’ 800 metre course. Sounds good to us. New to the park is Rambo, a fun rope swing challenge that emulates a playground favourite – the monkey bars – which will get the kids to swing across the obstacle and take a leap of faith on to surrounding cargo netting to make it to the other side of the obstacle. The Sergeant is also new and sets kids the task of walking across swaying swings while using their upper body strength to guide them across. Finally, I See The Light aims to help kids conquer their fears by challenging them to crawl through cargo netted tubes. Fancy taking on the new challenges? You have to book your tickets online in advance.
For more information, visit www.ocrpark.com.
Looking for more fun things to do with the kids?
Kids under 12 can sign up for discounted memberships at VR Park’s soft play
On the hunt for something to do with the kids that won’t blow the budget? The Dubai Mall has a brand-new membership just for the littlest members of your family.
Click here for more information.
Book a family staycay with theme park tickets
Enjoy a little escape with the whole gang and get tickets to Dubai’s IMG Worlds of Adventure included.
Click here for more information.
Sign up to a marine life programme at Atlantis The Palm
If your little ones like animals, and specifically fish and sea creatures, then these new educational programmes at Atlantis will be right up their street.
Click here for more information.
