Looking for fun ways to explore and have fun in the UAE with the whole gang? We’ve got you covered with these cool things to do in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Atlantis launches programmes for kids
Kids fancy themselves as a David Attenborough wannabe? Atlantis The Palm has introduced a variety of new programmes that focus on marine life, animal welfare and ocean conservation.
Costing Dhs275 for anyone not staying at the resort, or Dhs175 for those that are, the hour-long Mini Marine Biologist programme is aimed at kids between three and six and takes place in shallow waters at The Shark Lagoon inside Aquaventure Waterpark.
Little ones will meet starfish, sea cucumbers and baby sharks and will learn all about marine life.
Older kids between 12 and 16 can sign up to a five-and-a-half-hour Master Marine Biologist programme with a focus on life forms and habitats in the world’s oceans as they make their way around Dolphin Bay, Sea Lion Point and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
For Dhs895, tweens and teens will be taught about animal care including how to look after dolphins, jellyfish and tropical fish, and will also learn about on-site breeding programmes.
In addition, kids will be able to join various 45-minute behind the scenes tours where they can get up close and personal with Atlantis’s deep-sea inhabitants including dolphins and sea lions.
For those that dare, provided they are over ten, there is an opportunity to explore the depths of a shark-filled lagoon and for less daring biologists, there is a more tame tour taking kiddos around The Lost Chambers aquarium.
The 45-minute Shark Safari is Dhs360 for anyone staying at Atlantis and Dhs580 for those who aren’t, while the Fish Tales tour is Dhs45.
All the programmes and tours will run daily starting from the first day of half term, which is Sunday February 14.
Time to go and find Nemo.
Various prices and timings. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, info@atlantisdubai.com (04 426 0000).
Exciting classes
CLYMB Abu Dhabi has introduced courses in both skydiving and climbing. Kids aged 14 and unde r can join the Kids the Junior Flying Club where they will learn some master skills in indoor skydiving, while Aspiring climbers aged 14 and above can embark on their climbing journey by signing up for the hands-on bouldering and auto-belaying group courses. Climbing classes are Thursday 4pm to 8.30pm, Friday 1pm to 5.30pm and Saturday 1pm to 5.30pm.
Abu Dhabi, www.clymbabudhabi.com.
New challenges
OCR park has added three challenging new obstacles to the existing five on the kids’ 800 metre course to get them moving and motivated. 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.
Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District, Abu Dhabi, www.ocrpark.com.
Make a splash
Jungle bay waterpark is located on the bay of Mina Seyahi, and is accessible for guests staying at either The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina or Le Méridien Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, or for those who buy a day pass at either of the hotels, The Lighthouse, Whizzard & Body Slides are gentle slides that are perfect for little thill seekers, while a dedicated splash park, Aquaplay, which with no height restrictions, is aimed at kids of all ages. For the more daring, Family Waves is a six-metre pneumatic wave pool offering hours of splashing fun.
There is also an on-site restaurant called The Beach serving up light bites throughout the day.
Open daily 10am-6pm. Al Sufouh, www.marriott.com (04 399 3333).
