Five outdoor UAE places to visit with children this weekend

With the weather getting cooler, temperatures are perfect for outdoor plans with your family this weekend. The Met Office forecast says that rain is expected in eastern parts of the country, including Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah over the weekend, so it is advisable to avoid outdoor road trips to these areas.

But, here are five places to explore in the UAE, where you won’t need to take a rain check on your outdoor plan.

1. ‘Dino Mania’ at Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts just brought back its popular ‘Dino Mania’ show to the theme park, this week.

Every weekend, from Thursday to Sunday at 9pm, a 15-minute interactive show will bring the prehistoric world to life with a series of life-like animatronic dinosaurs including the mighty T-Rex, triceratops, raptors, and much more.

The event features special sound and visual effects to make the experience believable as the dinos parade around the park.

Guests can take exclusive photos and enjoy interactive encounters with the dinosaurs as well as win prizes for the best ‘fearless photo’.

2. Neon Galaxy, illuminated camel, and more at Riverland Dubai

Riverland Dubai has set up a neon space-themed play park this week, featuring ninja courses, slides, rope climbing, wipe-out challenges, ball pits, and educational activities.

The venue is also home to the world’s largest illuminated camel. The 7-metre-tall structure recently broke a new Guinness World Record title for the ‘Largest LED Sculpture of a Mammal’,

Guests can also enjoy a family dinner at Riverland’s restaurants and food trucks, with a wide variety of choices for cuisines including Emirati, Italian, Far Asian, Indian, and French, as well as fast food.

3. See butterflies on Sharjah’s Al Noor Island

Head to the Butterfly House in Al Noor Island, which houses over 500 butterflies of over 20 different species, including the exotic Tailed Jay, Emerald Swallowtail, Pink Rose, and Malachite.

At this temperature-controlled facility, not only will you be able to interact with butterflies, but also learn a lot about the different species.

This Butterfly House also includes a children’s play area and an education zone where children can learn the journey of a butterfly from its origin as a furry caterpillar.

The Butterfly House is open daily from 9am to 6pm and tickets cost Dh50 for adults and Dh30 for children. You can book the tickets online on the park’s official website.

And, afterwards, you can explore the Al Noor Island with your family. 

4. Meet the animals at Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi

Why not toss in a wild encounter while you are exploring Abu Dhabi? Visit the Emirates Park Zoo, where you and the kids can interact with animals and feed them under careful supervision.

The zoo also operates a large adventure play area where children can zip, swing, and slide. There may be entry restrictions depending on age and height, however, there is a junior climbing area that takes you across the tropical bird area.

5. Visit a traditional souk in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Heritage Village

Get a glimpse of the past way of life in Abu Dhabi at the Emirates Heritage Village. Visit a traditional souk, a mosque, and dhows, and explore artifacts. Watch artisans in action as they make pottery, weave fabrics, and blow glass.

You can also get a chance to participate in public workshops where craftsmen demonstrate traditional skills such as metalwork, pottery, and weaving.

The village is open from Saturday to Thursday, between 9am and 4pm, and on Fridays from 3.30pm to 9pm.