Al Ain: The UAE's only outdoor cinema that opens today at the Al Ain Wildlife Park and Resort (AWPR) will show popular animation movies with themes based on animals on Wednesday evenings to coincide with school summer holidays.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs will be shown from 8pm today, said a spokesperson of the park.

"We are excited to welcome families and couples to the AWPR on Wednesday evenings for our Movie Nights — a unique cinema experience and a perfect way to spend a fun-packed summer evening this school holiday," said Tom Kaferle, Director of the Zoo and Wildlife Park Operations at the AWPR.

For the movies, he said, visitors can settle on picnic mats with snacks and drinks to enjoy animal-themed movies, and then continue the adventure by exploring the park to watch real animals.

Children of all ages can also get involved in more fun games and activities from face painting, hair braiding and henna painting to bouncy houses, character appearances, and live animal displays, the official said.

Kaferle said animated films are an enjoyable and educational way to introduce children to the fascinating world of animals.

"Combining this with the sights, sounds and smells of a real wildlife park will create an unforgettable evening for the whole family," he added.

On July 7, the AWPR will show Madagascar 2, and on July 14, Happy Fee followed by A Bugs Life (July 21). The films planned in August include films based on Dr Seuss' books, as well as Fantastic Mr Fox, The Ant Bully and Kung-Fu Panda.

Wednesday evenings, he said, will also feature the bird show, animal feeding, keeper talks, and the dinosaur trail exhibit.

The Dinosaur Trail, with lifelike animatronic dinosaurs, is also open through September.

Combination tickets to the AWPR and Dinosaur Trail cost Dh25 for adults and Dh15 for children between three and 12 years of age. Tickets are free for children up to the age of three. The entrance fee includes the cost of Movie Nights.