Summer in Abu Dhabi

Wrapping them in swaddling clothes and leaving them on unsuspecting neighbours’ doorsteps just doesn’t work (we tried that last year and anyhow, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find reed baskets big enough to squash seven-year-olds into). Luckily, the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has donned its red underpants and cape to come to the rescue of the city’s panicking parents, and has once again put together a jam-packed programme of events for this year’s Summer in Abu Dhabi family festival.

The festival has grown to take over three halls at Adnec this year, where a series of different zones include everything from a life-sized adventure maze to the fairytale home of Fulla, the UAE’s best-selling doll. Cartoon Network is also bringing its ‘Cartoonival’ musical to Adnec, which will be the Middle Eastern premier of this children’s show featuring the little ones’ favourite characters from the Friday morning cartoons they spend too long watching.

This year’s programme also boasts five other interactive shows, so there’s bound to be something for even the most difficult-to-impress infant. These feature a whole host of big stars from the world of kids’ TV including SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, as well as more vintage favourites such as Pinocchio and Cinderella. We’ve rounded up what not to miss to save you suffering from sulking kids when you accidently forget to visit the Smurf Village…

Football World
Have a regular kick about with your mates on a real grass pitch or try the beautiful game in a giant bubble suit – dubbed ‘Bumper Ball’. We’re not sure who dreamt this one up, but we just know boisterous tearaways will love it.

Circus School
You might think your kids are good enough at clowning around already, however they now have the chance to learn from a professional. There are 13 skills being taught at the Circus School, ranging from unicycling to tightrope walking, not forgetting old-school clown classics such as juggling and plate spinning, naturally.

Smurf Village
Prepare yourselves for the world’s very first full-sized Smurf Village, complete with mushroom houses, where children can meet and play with the little blue critters themselves. The Smurf theme will be as difficult to escape as Gargamel’s grasp, with a Smurf orchestra, Smurf cinema and even a Smurf theme park to entertain the kids. You have been warned.

Fulla Play House
One for your little princess, popular charcter Fulla has just moved into her very own brand new pad in Adnec for the summer, and Abu Dhabi’s children are all invited to the housewarming of this fairytale home. Expect lots of pink and swarms of over-excited girls. Seriously. Lots and lots of pink.

SpongeBob SquarePants
This guy is so famous he’s recently had a mushroom named after him. We’re not kidding. This interactive show is going to raise a lot of laughs with the kids, so make sure you check the timings well in advance. SpongeBob is playing up to six times a day from July 20, so we’re afraid you haven’t got a chance of avoiding this one.

Career World
It might sound a tad serious, but Career World is a great chance for your little ones to have a go at what they want to be when they grow up. This little city is dedicated to education through entertainment, and allows the kids to dress up and play at their dream job with everything from fireman to fashionista.
Summer in Abu Dhabi is on at Adnec until July 30. Entry costs Dhs20 for children aged up to 12 years, and Dhs40 for adults. Toddlers up to two years go free. To check the programme or for more information, call (02 444 0444) or visit www.summerinabudhabi.ae.