Much as kids need a good run around and an opportunity to let loose, it’s hard to get them excited about a game of football in the park in August. If you (and they) are keen to work up a sweat, here’s where to head this season.
DUBAI
One of the most popular fitness events on the Dubai summer calendar, the 25,000 sq. metre indoor air-conditioned venue at Dubai Sports World (DSW) at Dubai World Trade Centre offers a packed sporting schedule for kids and adults of all ages plus summer camp programmes featuring a mix of sports, fitness and activity classes. Housing more than 50 pitches and courts, this year DSW offers 20 sports and 14 academies to lead professional summer camps until September 10.
A new addition to DSW this year courtesy of multisport academy Just Play is an arena called Just Action. Here, thrill-seekers can challenge themselves with trapeze, acrobatics, wall and rock climbing, parkour, martial arts and combats, plus the popular Ninja Warriors course, back by huge demand.
Dubai’s AC Milan Academy makes its debut at DSW this year alongside Ball Above All, Just Cricket and Centerline representing basketball, cricket and volleyball training. These new entrants join DSW’s established academies IFA Football Academy, Juventus Academy Dubai and LaLiga Academy, as well as badminton coaching with the Professional Sports Academy (PSA) and Deepika Badminton Academy, tennis lessons with Tennis 360, cricket coaching with G-Force and basketball training with Prestige Star Sport Academy (PSSA) and MPAC. The venue also offers cycling and fitness studios powered by Reebok and Les Mills, a padel court and a large gym.
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, www.dubaisportsworld.ae.
ABU DHABI
In Abu Dhabi, look no further than Zayed Sports City (ZSC) where a holiday camp for kids from five to 12 years includes a variety of sports, games and hands-on projects from 8am-5.30pm daily. Indoor activities include bowling, ice skating and tennis while creative projects tackle sand art and jewellry making. Kids can also partake in teambuilding challenges, healthy eating and fitness workshops, carnival games and relay races. Dhs1,050 per week or Dhs2,625 for three weeks until August 29. Two snacks are provided daily (02 403 4222).
Kids can improve their ice skating skills during the summer under the ZSC Academy’s internationally certified coaching team. Sessions from 8am-2.30pm daily for kids from 5 years include on-ice lessons with qualified coaches and games to help learners improve their skills and agility. Running until August 29, Dhs840 per week including a daily snack (02 403 4333).
From September, ZSC Academy will also offer professional group or private coaching for kids and adults of all levels in tennis, ice skating and cycling. The tennis terms kicks off September 1 for kids from three years in three locations (Zayed Sports City, Emirates Palace and Abu Dhabi Ladies Club where boys age 3-7 are welcome). Ice skating term opens September 15 for kids from five years at the ZSC Ice Rink. Cycling begins September 22 for kids from three years at ZSC. Register by August 31 to avail of two free private lessons.
Embassies District, Abu Dhabi, www.zsc.ae (02 403 4200).
More summer camps to try
Summer Camp in the City
Each week kids enjoy a full day of activities at five attractions in Dubai, including animal experiences at The Green Planet, laser tag battles at Hub Zero, art, crafts and dance classes at Mattel Play! Town, special movie screenings at Roxy Cinemas and a full day at Laguna Waterpark. Starts at Hub Zero each day 8am-4pm including breakfast, lunch and snack. Dhs855 per week for kids from five to ten years; Dhs975 for kids three to four years. Fifteen percent discount for siblings and for two-week bookings.
www.dxbvenues.com.
ESM Academy Summer Camps
Designed for children from four to 14 years, ESM summer camps in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are aim to build confidence, friendships and skills via participation in activities such as basketball, football, dodgeball, arts and crafts, mini tennis and aqua sports. Some venues also offer gymnastics, martial arts, karate, badminton, quick cricket and rounders. Door-to-door bus transport is available from Dhs100 per week; prices for camps vary depending on venue; book for 1-3 weeks to get 25 percent off.
www.esmacademies.ae (04 369 7817).
