8 awesome things to do with the family in the UAE this weekend

Book a family staycation with theme park access
Not the kind of family who likes sitting around by the pool taking it easy? Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites is offering a family staycation in Dubai that is more thrill than chill. The hotel, which opened earlier this year, has a family package costing from Dhs600, that includes four free tickets to your choice of Dubai Parks & Resorts theme park. You’ll also get Dhs200 credit to spend in the hotel’s restaurants or on room-service.

Eat at Rainforest Café
Ever eaten a burger while a monkey swings above your head? Then get down to Abu Dhabi’s Rainforest Café to experience the jungle while devouring a feast. the kids will love the experience and hopefully actually eat more than a few mouthfuls of their meal, too. Need more info? Check out Time Out’s review here.

Explore a colourful playground
Looking for something new, fun and unusual to do with the kids in Dubai? A brand-new play village at Dubai Creek Harbour might just tick all the boxes. Best of all, it’s not just the little one who get to have all the fun – the colourful playground is aimed at mums and dads, too. So take advantage of the nice weather while you still can and enjoy some al fresco family fun.
Free. Creek Play, Dubai Creek Harbour.

Go and see the latest Disney movie
There’s a lot of hype surrounding Disney’s latest film, and we can’t wait to see it. American computer-animated action film, Raya and the Last Dragon, is now showing in cinemas across the UAE. So it’s time to get the popcorn ready. You could even try out the new kid-friendly cinema at KidZania in The Dubai Mall (check that out here) in a two birds, one stone sort of scenario.

Kids eat free at The Galleria Mall
Buying myself new stuff doesn’t give me enjoyment, said no one ever. Get lost at The Galleria Mall where there are more than 400 stores and 100 restaurants. Can’t buy happiness? These Louboutin heels say otherwise.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Maryah Island, www.thegalleria.ae, Abu Dhabi (02 493 7400).

Kayak through the Mangroves
A leisurely, night kayak through the mangroves sound like your thing? let the kids stay up later (it is the weekend after all) and head out on a post-bedtime adventure. Thanks to Noukhada, you can escape the inner city and go for a night-time paddle around Jubail Mangrove. Heads are rotated as much as the oar in order to see all the nightlife (and the stunning night’s sky).
Dhs210. Daily starts 6pm. Locations vary, Abu Dhabi, www.noukhada.ae, (02 558 1889).

Make your own Pinza pizza
Want to give mum a break in the kitchen this Mother’s Day? It’s the least we could all do to be fair. Keep it simple and order in one of these cool Pinza pizza family bundles, which contain everything you need to whip up a tasty meal for the whole gang.
Order at www.order.chatfood.io/pinza.

Mum and dad go free at KidZania
KidZania is not living up to its name this weekend as mum and dad can take advantage of free entry while their kids run amok in the mega edutainment centre. With more than 40 role playing activities kids can tire themselves out playing surgeon, fireman, police officer and more while parents kick back and chillax. We’ll see you there.
From Dhs69. Open Sat-Wed 11am-8pm, Thu-Fri noon-9pm. Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi, www.kidzania.com, (054 998 6897).