Play is how little people make sense of the world. There is also evidence to show that play in early childhood can influence the way your child›s brain develops, helping to co-ordinate their mental and physical capabilities. Through play, children and young people of all ages develop problem-solving skills, imagination and creativity, language and observation skills, and memory and concentration.
Essentially, play based learning is just allowing children to be children… and there are plenty of places you can let them do just that in the UAE.
Here are our favourite edutainment centres.
Jump to:
- Best kids’ play areas in Dubai
- Best playgrounds in parks in Dubai
- Best playgrounds in family restaurants in Dubai
- Best indoor play areas in Dubai
Best kids’ play areas in Dubai
Caboodle, Abu Dhabi
Super cute and colourful venue, Caboodle is a multi-purpose spot where the environment is both educational and stimulating. Kids can learn through play and exploration, and if parents wants to indulge in a spot of retail therapy while they do that, they can book in advance and avail the one-on-one ‘Supervised by Caboodle’ babysitting option (from Dhs70 per 30 minutes, 2 hours maximum, up to two siblings per family).
In addition, Caboodle features a kids’ salon, healthy café, crafts and role play areas, as well as Droplets, a new water-inspired play area for babies and young children. Plus, it also hosts musical themed mum-and-tot classes filled with activities, crafts, games, stories and sing-alongs.
Two hours of play: Dhs99 (children 12 months and older), Dhs70 (children under 12 months), 1 adult goes free, additional adults Dhs25. Open Sat-Wed 9am-10pm, Thu & Fri 10am-midnight. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, www.caboodle.ae (02 679 8019).
Cheeky Monkeys, Abu Dhabi and Dubai
A world of colour and fun awaits little explorers at the Cheeky Monkeys soft play centres as well as an educational experience that they won’t even realise they are having. Innovative neon-lit slides, mini zip lines, brilliant dressing up area and an enormous ball pit provide endless entertainment that energetic tots love. And on top of that, role play areas with shops, dressing-up and more provide the learning side of the day out. Plus, there’s a café serving hot kid-friendly meals and Starbucks coffee for the mums and dads.
Dhs60 (first hour, Dhs33 (subsequent hours). Times vary. Various locations including J3 Mall and Arabian Ranches 2 in Dubai and Al Forsan Village, Abu Dhabi (04 276 0011).
Children’s City, Dubai
An entire city dedicated to educating kiddies in a fun way. There are a cool range of exhibits and programmes focusing on space exploration, nature, science and the human body, plus local and international culture where inquisitive little minds can investigate, explore and discover all about the world we live in, while they are playing. Check out outer space in the planetarium, learn about the world in the earth science gallery and meet some cute and creepy creatures (not real ones) in the nature centre.
Dhs10 (kids two-15), Dhs15 (kids and adults over 16), Dhs40 (family of four). Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Sat–Sun 2pm-8pm. Riyadh Street, Dubai (04 334 0808).
Dig It, Dubai
Can they fix it? Yes, they probably can if they spend a bit of time at this construction-themed edutainment centre. The play environment is open for kids aged three to ten years old, and they can do everything from driving a remote-controlled truck and piloting a mechanical arm, to playing in the sand, operating remote control cars and trying out a full-size digger.
Plus, the fun, educational 30-minute workshops, mean that children can release their creative flair and have heaps of fun at the same time as they throw themselves into new challenges such as learning to make gooey slime, decorating pretty cupcakes, building the tallest towers out of blocks and even creating their very own sand sculpture – a useful skill for those Dubai Friday beach days!
From Dhs80 (two hours). Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. The Springs Souk, Emirates Living, www.digitdubai.com (04 438 4479).
Kids HQ, Dubai
The incredible soft play are is huge and sits over three floors. High energy kiddos will love the running, climbing and jumping as they play on the various slides, in the ball pit and on the trampolines. There is also a dedicated area for the tiniest of fun-seekers complete with sensory pit. Kids HQ also hosts a programme of educational classes and activities designed to make learning fun, as well as mummy and toddler music classes for tiny tots from three months to four years, every Thursday.
Dhs52.50 (first hour), Dhs15 (additional hours). Open Mon-Thu 8.30am-6pm, Fri 9.30am-6pm, Sat 8.30am-6pm, Sun 10am-6pm. Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai, www.kidshq.ae (04 379 4233).
KidZania, Abu Dhabi and Dubai
There’s just something fun about pretending to be a doctor, a fireman, a chef or a builder. KidZania has over 40 role playing activities for the little ones to enjoy where they can immerse themselves into a variety of careers. Inquisitive little minds – aged between four and 16 years – can choose to be a fireman, chef or hotelier, or they can take up career as a doctor, car racing champion or hair stylist. And once they’ve done each job, they earn their very own salary in KidZania money, which they can then spend on their way out in the on-site shop. Whatever jobs they pursue in the vibrant child-sized city, they will be developing decision-making, creativity and social skills in a safe, friendly indoor environment. Kids, there’s so much to explore out there so make your way to KidZania for a practice go.
Dhs110 (toddler aged two-three). Dhs195 (economy ticket, children aged four-16), Dhs260 (premium ticket, children aged four-16), Dhs80 (adult aged 17 plus). Open Mon-Sun 10am-10pm. Yas Mall, ground floor, Abu Dhabi. The Dubai Mall, Dubai, www.kidzania.ae.
Little Explorers, Dubai
Designed for kids aged three to 12, this edutainment centre is a hive of activity with plenty going on to keep the kids entertained. Mini adventurers will love exploring the three different zones. A dedicated space section teaches them about the universe and how rockets work, and they can make a splash in the water zone and find out all about the importance of water for our planet, while getting an opportunity to get wet at the same time. In the play zone the interactive exhibits are designed to help kids develop their balance and hand-eye co-ordination. Good luck dragging them away from here when their time is up.
From Dhs149 (day pass). Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. City Centre Mirdif, Dubai, www.littleexplorersmena.com (04 231 6285).
Little World Discovery Center Abu Dhabi
Education meets fun at this centre that is all about experiential, play-based activities for kids. Playing, creating, designing, building and role-playing, kids aged zero to three come in with a caregiver, while kids aged four and above are checked in for some supervised fun. And with an impressive nine zones all offering something different. From role play and soft play to an enchanted tree house, there’s even an outdoors play area little ones won’t get bored, there’s something for everyone. Best of all, they will be enjoying themselves so much, they won’t even realise they are learning anything. Mums and dads can get a caffeine injection at the on-site café too – win, win.
Dhs99.75 (kids aged two and above, per hour), Dhs63 (kids under two, per hour). Open Sat-Wed 10am-9pm, Thu & Fri 10am-midnight. Nation Galleria, 1st Street, Abu Dhabi, www.littleworlduae.com (02 681 8824).
Louvre Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
No surprises that this incredible destination, which we are lucky enough to have right on our doorstep, made the list. We love the Louvre for so many reasons, but one of the main ones is the unique on-site Children’s Museum. All of the artworks are specially designed to be at a child’s eye-level and the vibrant space is home to a host of immersive and interactive zones, featuring hands-on activities and educational workshops.
Museum entry Dhs63, free for under 18s and over 60s. Open Tues-Sun 10am-6.30pm. Closed Mon. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, www.louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Oli Oli, Dubai
It is with very good reason (make that lots of reasons) that this colourful, vibrant and visionary venue in Al Quoz picked up a Highly Commended accolade at the Time Out Kids Awards. The play and learn edutainment centre is all about feeding inquisitive little minds. Built around hands-on activities that nurture curiosity, imagination and exploration, OliOli has eight galleries and over 40 interactive exhibits spread over two floors. Each space features artistic, innovative concepts that create a one-of-its-kind educative play experience. Little spidermen (and women) will love Toshi’s Net, the region’s first “textile playground,” while the Future Park, where kids design a fish and watch it come to life on a digital wall (genius) is designed to inspire children’s ingenuity. Such fun – and parents will love getting involved too. From Dhs126 (standard visit, 1 child aged two-16 and 1 adult), Dhs63 (standard visit, 1 toddler aged 12 months – 23 months and 1 adult). Two-hour slots are available to book from 9am-4pm. Bookings must be made online in advance. Al Quoz 1, Dubai,www.olioli.ae(04 702 7300).
Orange Wheels, Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Little adventurers between the ages of six months to eight years have free rein to run, jump and explore the mega soft play destination where they can burn off energy in a safe environment. Billed as a learning destination, they will be garnering new skills, without even realising. Little princes and princesses can book themselves in for a quick trim – or something more drastic if they are feeling daring – in the on-site hair salon, or get that all-important Abu Dhabi mani-pedi in the spa where a rainbow of nail varnish colours are at their fingertips. Pampered expat kids, much? Parents who want to keep an eye on their mini mes can stick around and kick back in the café with a coffee. Plus, plenty of regular offers such as kids eat free, Wednesday super saver deals and Thursday Play Date discounts mean regular visits won’t break the bank. Their future is bright, their future is Orange Wheels.
Dhs80 (90-minute session), Dhs35 (additional hour), 1 adult free per household, additional adult Dhs25. Open daily 10am- 9pm. Jumeirah Town Centre, Dubai and Al Raha Mall, Abu Dhabi, www.orangewheels.com (02 556 2229).
The Green Planet, Dubai
The Green Planet in Dubai’s City Walk is a biodome designed to educate kiddos on the dangers facing the world’s rainforests. It is an immersive experience, designed to allow its inhabitants to live as they would in the wild, with a broadly diverse ecosystem of creatures and jungle creatures. More than 3,000 exotic animals and plants (including two resident sloths) are housed at the indoor four-storey tropical rainforest where budding biologists can get up close and personal with some of the resident creepy crawlies as well as some of the ecosystem’s cuter, more furry wildlife. From Dhs110 (online ticket purchase), from Dhs140 (at the door). Kids under three go free.
Open Sun-Sat 10am-6pm. City Walk, Al Safa Street, Dubai,www.thegreenplanetdubai.com.
Woo-hoo, Dubai
This edutainment destination aimed at kids up to 12 opened in Al Quoz in November 2020. Woo-hoo promises a fun blend of education, discovery, development and play across 10 themed galleries. Each gallery hosts cool interactive exhibits designed to spark children’s curiosity, imagination and innovation whilst delivering clear learning objectives (just don’t tell the little ones).
Mums and dads haven’t been over-looked either and can get their caffeine fix courtesy of an on-site café called The Nest, while parents with tiny tots in tow will find nursing and changing rooms. In addition, there will be various extra activities laid for on little ones including classes and camps, while there will be programmes for parents to sign up to as well. All the usual COVID-19 safety measures will be in place including temperature checks, limited numbers, social distancing, masks for kids over four and plenty of hand sanitizing.
Dhs110 (1 child and 1 adult), Dhs60 (1 toddler aged 12 months- 24 months), Dhs30 (1 infant aged 0-11 months and 1 adult). Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz www.woo-hoo.ae (800 966 466).
Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre, Al Ain
There are plenty of exhibits to keep the whole gang fully engaged for hours on end. Find out all about the country’s flora, fauna, and natural history, while little ones can learn all about the importance of conservation. Guided tours are available in English and Arabic, and a 15-minute feature film is shown at various times throughout the day.
Dhs28.35, Dhs9.45 (kids three-12). Daily 9am-6pm. Al Ain, Desert Learning Centre, Al Ain (800 966).
Playgrounds in parks
Al Barari Playground
As playground areas go, this one knocks it out the park. A set-in-nature wonderland for little (and big) adventurers, there are floating bridges to cross, treehouses to explore, cargo nets and giant slides to climb, pirate ships to conquer and water-filled coves to splash around in here.
Weekdays: Dhs25 for 2 hours. Weekends: Dhs35 for 2 hours. Open Tue-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sat 8am-8pm (closed Mon). Al Barari. https://www.albarariplayground.com/ (056 686 7439).
Dubai Hills Park
Dubai Hills Park boasts three swing, slide, monkey bar and cargo net-filled playgrounds (the ‘Dragon Park’ is particularly popular) which are open to both residents and non-residents and free to use. A sheltered-from-the-sun splash park and wave pool, skate park and ice rink all add to the fun and mean that this park appeals to tweens and teens as well as smaller children. These do come at a cost though: non-residents will be charged Dhs85 for a day pass allowing entry to all of the attractions (Dhs55 for residents) or alternatively you can pay per attraction.
Open 24 hours. www.dubaihillsestate.ae. (04 567 2030).
JLT Park
Whether you’re a JLT-dweller or live a little further afield, should you and the clan be seeking some thrifty, post-school al fresco entertainment, the play areas in JLT Park are well worth a visit. Little ones can enjoy toddler-safe rides, swings and slides, while their older pals burn off energy hurtling along zip lines and scurrying up the large black spider’s web climbing frame.
Open 24 hours. Cluster P, Jumeirah Lake Towers.
Sustainable City Park
Expect all the farm feels (albeit with a middle-of-the-desert slant) at Sustainable City park: feed the ducks, say hello to the donkeys and goats and admire the peacocks strutting about in their enclosed area. After that, challenge the kids to navigate their way through the mini maze and climb to the top of the lookout tower, swing high into the sky on the upcycled tyre swings and have a pretend tea party in the wooden tree house that overlooks the equestrian centre.
The Sustainable City, Al Qudra Rd, Dubai, www.thesustainablecity.ae (04 347 5955).
Town Square Park
The large grassy expanse (ideal for impromptu sport’s days and football games), straight-out-of-Mary-Poppins carousel, water fountains, super-fun splash zone and good-sized play park with apparatus for different ages (from genteel slides to rather more ambitious swinging cargo nets) mean that you can easily spend a good few hours at Town Square Park.
Top tip: if you fancy a meal that’s a cut above the average park fare, head to on-site Mediterranean-inspired restaurant caya.
Free entry. Open daily 10am-9pm. Al Quadra Road nshama.ae/town-square-park
Umm Sequim Park
Umm Sequim Park (or Burj Park Beach) has a top location just opposite the beach and a sweet set-in-the-sand playground area as well. Pack up a picnic and head here for a play, then make your way across the road for ice cream and sandcastle building.
Open 8am-10pm. Note that the park is only open to women and children during the week. All family members are welcome at the weekend. Jumeriah 3.
Playgrounds at family restaurants
caya
Neighbourhood eatery caya in Town Square Park is a great spot to enjoy a relaxed meal en famille. The European-style restaurant has a sweet children’s corner, dedicated kid’s menu and perhaps most appealingly of all during the winter months, an outdoor terrace that spills out onto Town Square’s grassy main park area. If your children are slightly older (i.e they can climb slides unsupervised), they’ll be able to spirit themselves off to the playground while you linger over dessert.
Open Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat 8am-11pm. Town Square Dubai, Al Qudra Road (056 484 2836).
Maison Mathis
Dubailand family favourite Maison Mathis has a small enclosed outdoor play area that certainly offers up enough excitement to keep little people entertained while you enjoy your coffee. The added bonus here being that if you snag yourself an indoor table close to the floor-to-ceiling windows or at just the right spot on the outdoor terrace, you can watch them play from the comfort of your chair.
Open 8am-1am daily. Arabian Ranches (04 450 1313).
Phileas Fogg
The large, air-conditioned indoor-outdoor play area at Phileas Fogg’s is one of the top playgrounds attached to a restaurant in Dubai. This one is probably best suited to the over-3s (there’s a tongue-in-cheek no adults allowed rule) and in addition to the swings, slides and climbing apparatus, there’s also a cute retro-style carousel here. Kids tend to be fascinated by the quirky travel trinkets and ornamental hot air balloons dotted around the place too.
Open daily 8am-1am. Address Montgomerie, Emirates Living (04 572 4477).
Reform Social & Grill
When the weather is good, we struggle to think of a better place for families to kick back and chill al fresco than at Reform. You can’t go wrong with their classic pub grub, the roasts are great and the kid’s menu has plenty to offer too. In addition to the outdoor playground area, there’s also masses of green space for running about on.
Open daily 8am-12am. The Lakes. reformsocialgrill.ae (04 454 2638).
The Farm
Lots of tropical greenery, swoon worthy views, a sun dappled terrace, tranquil vibe and health-focused menu – a trip to The Farm for an outdoorsy brekkie or lunch is always likely to please. The grassy lawn to the left of the main building and the kid’s climbing frames and swings mean that it’s not only the adults who will relish their time here.
Open daily 7.30am-10.30pm. Nad Al Sheba, opposite The Villa development on Emirates Road (exit 44). (04 392 5660)
Wavebreaker
Sundowner inspo coming at you. Laid-back beachside bar Wavebreaker at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah might not be the newest or snazziest venue in town, but you know what, sometimes that can be a good thing (particularly when you’ve got kids in tow).
Turn up here with the family and the adults can sip away on icy drinks while the kids burn off late-afternoon energy at the resort’s enclosed playground on the sand. Round things off with a group paddle in the sea and everyone will be happy.
Open daily 9am-sunset. JBR, The Walk, Dubai (04 318 2999).
Restaurants/cafés with indoor play areas
Baker’s Kitchen
Baker’s Kitchen brings us a winning duo, by way of selling some of the finest sourdough in the city and also housing a brilliant kids playroom complete with soft play area, climbing frames, toy kitchen and playhouse.
The tasty-yet-wholesome children’s menu will please both adults and kids, the space is light and airy and they even host children’s baking classes here.
8am-9.30pm. Dusti Princess Residences, Dubai Marina www.bakerskitchenuae.org
Café Confetti
As cute and cozy as the name suggests, this pretty little spot in JLT has plenty to keep toddlers and little kids entertained: crawling in and out of those made-for-Instagram tepees, knocking up a (pretend) snack for mum and dad in the wooden kitchen, taking a spin around the room in a toy car and launching themselves down the made-for-minis green slide included.
This place knows how to put on a memorable kid’s birthday party too.
Daily 8am-9pm. Cluster U, JLT, cafeconfettidubai.com (04 554 6206).
Luigia
In addition to the lure of a Bambini menu chook-full with pizza, kids will love the playroom at family-friendly Italian, Luigia. The dedicated space for littles ones has soft play toys, a video game machine, arts and crafts options and books, as well as a cosy cinema room.
Open daily Mon-Fri 5.30pm-midnight, Sat-Sun 12.30pm-midnight. Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR (04 349 6950).
Organic Foods & Café
Next time you take you tots shopping at the Organic Foods & Café in City Mall and they’ve happily filled your trolley to bursting with leafy greens and the like (ha!), meander on through to the café proper where you’ll find a decent-sized play area with toy kitchens, work benches, games and the like, as well as a two-story playhouse complete with shiny red slide (warning: it’s faster than it looks).
Cityland Mall, Wadi Al Safa 4, beside Global Village.
Sanderson’s
Light-filled, spacious and really rather lovely, Sanderson’s looks out over Sustainable City’s pretty plaza and is a great place for a wholesome breakfast or lunch. A compact but well-equipped indoor play section complete with mini kitchen (always a winner for toddlers), wooden toys and games is perfect for smaller children. Handily, the kid’s menu also does double duty as a colouring pad.
Open daily 7am-10pm. Block E, Diamond Plaza, Sustainable City www.wearesandersons.com.
The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen
No matter how many new cafés open in the city, part of our heart will always belong to long-term Dubai favourite and homegrown café concept The Lime Tree. How could it not when the carrot cake is that good, the kid’s menu is considered and the atmosphere relentlessly busy, buzzy and welcoming. The fact that each outlet also has a small area dedicated to tots and equipped with toys, books and games just adds to the appeal.
Various locations around Dubai. thelimetreecafe.com.
The Scene
You might have to drag yourself away from the outdoor terrace with its stellar Marina views so that your little one can enjoy the designated play corner at The Scene, but the various toys, activities and games should keep them amused long enough for you to devour your gastro pub-inspired meal without interruption. What more could you ask for? (Oh, hang on, they serve up inventive cocktails here too).
Mon-Wed noon-12am, Thu-Fri noon-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am -12am. Pier 7, Dubai Marina (04 422 2328).
Tom & Serg
There’s no need to worry about rushing your flat white or powering through that plate of smashed avo on toast at speed for fear that the kids will soon be causing uproar at Tom & Serg. Instead, let them pick their meal from the better-than-average children’s menu and then amuse themselves in the kids zone.
Open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, Sat-Sun 8am-6pm. Al Quoz (056 474 6812).
