Posted inFamily

Abu Dhabi kids’ summer camps

We love them, but it’s nice to have a break every once in a while…

The whole caboodle

The Hilton Abu Dhabi’s Summer Camp returns for its sixth year to relieve parents of their four to 12 year olds (at least from Jun 13 to Sep 2). Packed with activities, from crafts to martial arts, the camp promises to overload your kids with entertainment – and a little education at the same time.
Dhs775 for first week, Dhs650 for subsequent weeks, includes all activities and lunchtime meals. Sun-Thu, 9am-3pm. Contact 02 692 4205; hiltonia.abudhabi@hilton.com

This year the Libra Summer Camp will run from June 20 at various locations, including the Raha International School and the Canadian International School. The camp is suitable for ages five-14 and offers a mix of sporting activities and classroom-based activities. These include ball games, swimming, languages, drama and many more.
Sun-Thu, 8am-1.45pm. Contact camps@libra-uae.com; 050 325 5492 / 055 922 8362 for an application form

In addition to its usual offerings, this summer sees Fun City at Marina Mall starting up its Summer Fun programme. From June 13, the camp will run Sunday to Wednesday for two months. Activities will include arts and crafts, cooking, theatre, dance, martial arts, yoga, field trips and a summer show. Prices vary for day, week and month packages. To register, take two passport-sized photographs down to the centre.
Limited places are available. Contact 02 681 5527

From June 13 to August 5, the Beach Rotana’s Kids’ Summer Camp welcomes children aged five to 12. From Sun-Thu, 9am-2pm your kids can take part in arts and crafts, sports, water-based activities and dancing. The camp also includes informative (but fun!) classes on subjects such as world cultures and environmental issues.
Dhs100 for the day (Dhs120 non-members) or Dhs450 per week (Dhs550 non-members). Lunch included. Contact 02 697 9302

Aiming to take your child on a ‘journey of growth’, the Millennium Hotel Summer Camp runs this year from June 20 until August 5. The camp involves physical activities (including daily swimming sessions) alongside practical and educational classes, such as cookery and first aid.
Prices start at Dhs600 for one week, running Sun-Thu 9am-3pm. Contact 02 614 6000 ext 7555

Children from four-12 years are invited to join the Shangri-La Kids Summer Camp from June 20 to July 29. Activities include football, swimming lessons, magicians, water polo, treasure hunt, martial arts, dancing, yoga, face painting and more.
Camp runs Sun-Thu, 8.30am-3pm. Prices start from Dhs175 for one day to Dhs2,600 for six weeks inclusive of lunch and beverages, discount for siblings available. Contact 02 509 8910/11; healthclub.slad@shangri-la.com

For a wide variety of activities, from martial arts and swimming to arcade and computer games, take your five to 13 year olds to the Armed Forces Officers’ Club Summer Camp. Experienced staff encourage children to build their mental and physical skill in an environment they can enjoy.
Jun 13-Jul 22, Sun-Thu 9am-2pm. Contact 02 441 5900 ext 5229


Sports camps

Turbo Turtles at The Club caters for children aged five to 12, running throughout the school holidays. The cost is Dhs100 per day (Dhs90 members) or Dhs450 per week (Dhs400 members). Activities include kayaking, wall climbing and swimming. Activities run from 10am but parents are welcome to drop off their children any time from 9am.
Sun-Thu, 10am-4pm. Contact 02 673 1111

For any budding Beckhams, Soccer Kids Abu Dhabi will be running a camp throughout the summer months, taking place at Al Muna School every Saturday at 3.30pm, with lessons just Dhs50 each. The school has English Football Association qualified coaches and lessons cater for children aged three-16, with a focus on enhancing skills, coordination and fitness.
Contact Ben McBride on 050 356 0960 or visit www.soccerkidsdubai.com

At the GEMS American Academy from June 20-July 17, the E-Sports Summer Camp will keep your kids occupied with an amazing array of activities. Swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball and climbing are just a few. Admitting five to 14 year olds, the camp is Dhs650 per week (with a 20 per cent discount for siblings).
Sun-Thu, 8.15am-2pm. Contact 050 361 1547, 050 586 8204 or 04 282 4540

Summer is the perfect time to get your sprogs learning how to swim. The Australian International Swim School runs Summer Swim Camps throughout July and August. Taking place Sun-Thu 8.30am-11.30am and 3pm-5.30pm, your kids will be waterbabies in no time.
British International School, Khalifa B; Al Raha International School, Khalifa A. Various timings, Dhs65-Dhs70 per child per session; five- day courses cost Dhs350-Dhs375. Contact 050 8838091 / 04 372 1220; info@aiss.ae / mhilu@aiss.ae; www.aiss.ae

Creative camps

Got creative kids on your hands? Fancy a new necklace? Then pack your little artistes down to the Summer Art and Craft Camp by Bead Palace and Accessories. For boys and girls aged three-14 years, the activities include jewellery making, canvas painting, pottery, scrapbooking, card designing, cooking, candle making and many more crafts, plus (rather randomly) yoga and chess for bendy/brainy kids respectively. Camps are running now until Sep 16.
Sun-Thu, 10am-1pm or 2pm-5pm; Dhs140 per day or Dhs625 per week. Location unconfirmed at time of press. Contact 04 349 7858 / 04 395 2771; beadpalace@regencyglobal.ae

Educational camps

This summer, Whiz Kidz Skill Development offers a range of activities including drawing, painting, arithmetic training, calligraphy, public speaking and etiquette. The camp is running from June to August, offering a two-week programme for kids aged five to twelve. Fees range from Dhs600-700 with transportation.
Mezzanine Floor, Jumbo Electronics building, Defence road. Contact 02 641 7450; whizkidz@eim.ae / whizkids@emirates.net.ae

For teens

The Youth Tourism Summer Camp, organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), aims to give 14-16 year olds an insight into the emirate’s tourism industry, from customer service to culture and heritage. Running 8am-4pm every weekday for four weeks (Jun 20-Jul 15), the camp includes field trips to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Al Ain, and culminates in a graduation ceremony.
To apply, visit www.abudhabitourism.ae

For tots

This summer, Kindermusik is holding ‘Our Time’ classes for toddlers of 13 months to three and a half years. Running throughout June, the course aims to develop your child’s skills – whether motor, vocal or linguistic – in an environment that encourages a strong bond between parent and child.
Tue 9am or 10am or Wed 9am. Prices start at Dhs30 per session. Contact Hanneke Willson on 02 443 5714 or at music@paradise-tech.com