The weekend is upon us. Considering your options for things to do with the kids? Panic not, because we’ve got you covered.
From brand-new freakshakes and high energy fun on trampolines to animal magic at the zoo, here is the lowdown on what’s going on in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Go have fun with the whole gang.
Burn off energy at BOUNCE
Looking for fun things do with the kids who happen to have seemingly inexhaustible levels of energy? There are heaps of activities on offer at BOUNCE Abu Dhabi including the “super tramp”. This beast is four times the size of a standard trampoline and can generate a force of over 14Gs, which is what a fighter pilot feels. X Park is a brilliant way for tiny tots a to find their inner Spider-Man while older kiddos can unleash all their pent-up energy in the parkour zone. Whether they want to do a flip or two in the air on the performance trampolines, run vertically up a wall or simply bounce around on the massive free jumping area, the sky’s the limit (or the roof of its building, at the very least).
Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu & Fri 10am-10pm. Marina Mall, Al Marina, Abu Dhabi, bounce.ae.
Enjoy some animal magic at Al Ain Zoo
Kids love animals? There are a few places in the capital where they can get up close to nature, but as far as animal-focused family-friendly things to do in Abu Dhabi go, Al Ain Zoo is a winner. This 52-year-old spacious animal park is the granddaddy of all animal attractions in the UAE. More than 4,300 animals call it home, including leopards, wolves, monkeys, lions, tigers, hippos, crocodiles, rhinos, gorillas and giraffes. Education and conservation programmes are central to the facility’s core beliefs and a high standard of care is apparent with animals having large spaces to themselves. As well as roaming around on foot, you can also head out on a safari drive (at the world’s largest man-made safari park), sit down for a talk (the new expansion includes the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Centre) and enjoy bespoke experiences such as giraffe feeding and birds of prey demonstrations.
From Dhs30 (per adult), Dhs10 (per child aged three to 12). Open daily 9am-8pm. Nahyan The First St, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, www.alainzoo.ae (800 966).
Get your soft play on at Caboodle
There are heaps of fun things for little kids to do at this edutainment centre in the luxurious mall, including a soft play zone, dressing up area for role play, a mini city, climbing pit and jungle gym, plus themed arts and crafts. As an added bonus, everything they get stuck into is aimed at promoting physical, social and cognitive development. Best of all, it’s a fab family day out because there’s something to keep all members of the gang entertained from the tiniest of tots (as young as six months, right up to the tweens of 12.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu & Fri 10am-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, caboodle.ae (02 679 8019).
Head off for a family staycay to Rixos Bab Al Bahr
The hotel on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island, which has a 450m private beach, eight swimming pools and a kids’ aquapark for the youngest guests, is offering 20 percent off best available rates and 20 percent off in-room dining, on top of a free room upgrade and free meals in the hotel’s 14 restaurants and bars.
From Dhs750. Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah (07 202 0000).
Turn the page at Al Ain Book Fair
Little bookworms in the family? Head to the Zayed Central Library in Al Ain where over 100 exhibitors and publishers from around the country have set up shop until Thursday September 30. Expect endless exhibitiors and publishers participating at the fair, showcasing the latest literary across all age groups. Join seminars, musical performances, over 50 speakers and writers. Visitors are required to install and activate Al Hosn app on their smartphones. You will also need to pre-register here to obtain an electronic entry card. We can’t wait to get into the new chapter.
Sept 21-Sept 30. Zayed Central Library, Al Ain City, adbookfair.com/en/aabf.
Treat the kids to a freakshake at the new Black Tap
A brand-new branch of Black Tap has opened at one of the hottest beachfront communities: Mamsha Al Saadiyat. The kids can get their sugar rush on with crazy shakes, while mums and dads quench their thirst with craft hops. All the usual Black Tap favourites are on the menu including stacked burgers. Yum!
Open noon-midnight. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (02 446 5128). Read more about Black Tap opening here.
For more things to do with the kids in Abu Dhabi click here.
