19 places to enjoy winters with kids in the UAE

Dubai: Winters in the UAE are the perfect time to plan outdoor trips with children. Here are 19 spots that families with kids can enjoy, according to the official website of the UAE’s World’s Coolest Winter campaign.

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai in 2020, it is a national campaign to support domestic tourism within the UAE and attract tourists from around the world.

1. Dubai Garden Glow

A popular tourist destination in Dubai, this glow-in-the-dark park opens annually during the winter season. It’s known for its optical illusions and has more than 100 animatronic dinosaurs, luminous flowers and acrobatics shows. Timings: 5 to 10pm.

2. Dubai Miracle Garden

Known to be the largest natural flower garden globally, Dubai’s Miracle Garden has more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants artistically displayed throughout the park. It is a popular attraction for nature lovers and tourists alike. Open till April 30, 2024. Timings: 9am to 9pm from Monday to Friday and 9am to 11pm on weekends.

3. Dubai Safari Park

The Dubai Safari Park has about 3,000 animals, with 78 species of mammals and 50 species of reptiles, in addition to 111 species of birds and many amphibians and invertebrates. A great spot to learn about the diverse species. Timings: 9am to 5pm.

4. Dubai Dolphinarium

Spend your day with dolphins and seals at Dubai Dolphinarium. Children can watch dolphins and seals up close as they dance, play, and even paint. Timings: 9am to 7pm and closed on Tuesday.

5. The Green Planet

Children can see and interact with adorable animals housed at The Green Planet in Dubai, a tropical indoor rainforest. It is home to over 3,000 species of plants, animals, and birds. Timings 10am to 6pm.

6. Play DXB

If your child loves Virtual Reality games, head to Play DXB in the Dubai Mall, an indoor destination for virtual reality games for all ages. Timings: 10am to 11pm on weekdays and 10am to 12am on weekends.

7. Al Barari Playground

The Al Barari Playground offers a variety of fast food, exploration, play, and entertainment options for families. Timings: 8am to 8pm from Tuesday to Sunday, and 2 to 8pm on Mondays.

8. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Would you like to visit one of the world's largest and most beautiful aquariums? The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers an opportunity to see a variety of marine animals and experience many water activities such as a glass-bottom boat ride, a diving cage, and swimming with sharks. Timings: 10am to 10.15pm and 10am to 11.15pm on weekends.

9. KidZania, Dubai

Located at The Dubai Mall, KidZania has more than 80 educational and entertainment activities for children of all ages. It is designed like a replica of an actual city, where children can acquire basic skills and have fun in a safe environment. Children get to try different professions, earn money, enjoy shopping experiences, and try the spa or other recreational facilities. Timings: 10am to 10pm on weekdays and 10am to 11pm on weekends.

10. Sky Zone

The Sky Zone at Ibn Battuta Mall is a popular indoor trampoline park. It has approximately 15 entertainment areas and games, each with a distinct atmosphere and special activities that appeal to all fun and adventure seekers. Timings: 10am to 11pm on Friday and Saturday, 10am to 10pm on Sunday, and 12 to 10pm from Monday to Thursday.

11. Emirates Park Zoo, Abu Dhabi

The Emirates Park Zoo in Abu Dhabi hosts nearly 1,700 species of animals, including the rare white tiger, the Siberian bear, whose age is estimated at 31 years and weighs almost 300kg, the giant elephants trained to present performances, and many lions and giraffes. Everyone can see the animals and take photos with them. Timings: 9am to 9pm

12. Abu Dhabi Children’s Library

The Abu Dhabi Children's Library is spread across three floors and aims to inspire youngsters. Each floor is distinguished by a special design that allows local and expatriate visitors from all over the world to understand the diverse nature of the different regions of the UAE. Timings: 9am to 8pm from Saturday to Thursday, 2 to 8pm on Fridays.

13. Al Ain Zoo

If you are looking for an educational experience rich in fun and adventure, head to the Al Ain Zoo. Children can discover and learn about more than 4,000 animals and 200 species in the zoo. Timings: 9am to 6pm.

14. Yas Kartzone, Abu Dhabi

Located in the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the Yas Kartzone is the ideal for children interested in go-karting. It allows groups of 15 or more people. It is open to children above eight years old. Timings: 9am to 11.30pm.

15. Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, Sharjah

The Arabia’s Wildlife Centre is an ideal place to see the endangered Arabian leopard. Located in Sharjah, it is home to reptiles, insects, lynxes, leopards, and flamingos, raised and cared for in large indoor cages and outdoor enclosures. Timings: 9.30am to 6.30pm from Monday to Thursday, 2pm to 6.30pm on Friday, and 11am to 6.30pm.

16. Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre, Sharjah

Located in Kalba in Sharjah, it is home to 30 species of mountain and desert animals. The reserve includes interior spaces housing a group of snakes, lizards, hedgehogs, scorpions, and large landscapes in which the Arabian leopard, wolf, tahr, and other animals live. In addition, there are golf carts that allow you to roam around the reserve easily. Timings: 9.30am to 6.30pm from Monday to Thursday, 2 to 6.30pm on Friday, and 11am to 6.30pm.

17. Sharjah Safari

Sharjah Safari offers visitors an opportunity to learn about African wildlife through 12 different environments that represent the life and topography of the African continent. It also allows them to explore more than 120 species of African animals without fences in an environment like their real environment. Children can see 50,000 diverse animals, including birds, reptiles, mammals, lions, elephants, giraffes, and many other endangered animals. Timings: 8.30am to 6pm.

18. UAE Pygmy Zoo, Ajman

Located in Ajman, the UAE Pygmy Zoo is a unique attraction in the city. Children can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as animal encounters, camel and pony rides and play with small animals at the petting zoo. The little ones will also have the chance to learn about various species of animals at the same time. Timings: 2 to 11pm.

19. Ras Al Khaimah Zoo

If you are looking for a zoo in Ras Al Khaimah to spend a wonderful day with your children and family, head to the Ras Al Khaimah Zoo. It is home to many endangered animals and predators from different continents, such as grey and Arabian wolves and rare antelopes. It also has an equestrian club, gaming areas, a restaurant, and a cafe. Timings: 9am to 9pm.