Get out there and have some fun

There are lots of ways to enjoy the Eid break. Here's our round-up of some of the activities on offer, with something for every member of the family.

The Eid Al Fitr holiday is the perfect opportunity to spend some valuable time with family and friends. There is an abundance of fun things to experience with loved ones in the UAE during this time. Here is just a selection of what's on offer.

Make a splash

UAE water park enthusiasts now have more choice than ever, with no fewer than three water parks to visit.

The highly anticipated opening of Atlantis Aquaventure is due this week. At the heart of Aquaventure is the Ziggurat, an immense monument more than 30 metres tall that launches the bold and brave down the near-vertical Leap of Faith, then through a shark-filled lagoon.

There are a large number of other attractions to chose from, including The Rapids, a 2.3 kilometre path of a tidal river consisting of high-intensity rapids, wave surges and waterfalls that circumnavigate a tropical landscape, and Shark Attack, a shoot and spin through the mysterious dark heart of the Ziggurat, followed by a trip through the shark-filled lagoon. Entrance fees for the Aquaventure are Dh220 for adults, and Dh190 for children over two.

Wild Wadi in Jumeirah in Dubai is also worth a visit (www.wildwadi.com), as is Dreamland Aqua Park in Umm Al Quwain (www.dreamlanduae.com/). Atlantis Aquaventure Tel: +971 4 426 1000 (www.atlantisthepalm.com)

Join the culture club

For a day out the whole family can enjoy, why not take a trip to the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation? The museum is organising special weekend family workshops in celebration of Eid Al Fitr on Friday, October 3 (in English) and Saturday, October 4 (in Arabic).

During the workshop, expect to take part in a number of activities including creating your own Eid cards based on decorative elements in the museum, making your own rosary and discovering examples of prayer beads from the museum's collection, and discovering Silk Road through a museum hunt.

Price: Free, on a first-come, first-served basis. Tel: +971 6 5566002. (www.sharjahmuseums.ae)

Take aim

An alternative to paint balling has arrived in the form of the Dubai Laserdome. Instead of paint, this new technology utilises clever laser beams, which are recognised as a 'hit' by special detectors inside the jacket you have to wear during combat. Split into two teams, you can enjoy a battle for 15 minutes at a time, where the object of the game is to hit your opponents more times than they hit you.

The Laserdome is located at Dubai Autodrome and costs Dh80 per 15 minutes. Dubai Autodrome Tel: +971 4 3678700.

Free-falling fun

If you're an adrenaline junkie, a sky-dive may be an ideal way to pass some time during Eid.

A 9,000 feet tandem sky-dive over the pristine desert will leave you feeling exhilarated and wanting more.

Blue Banana offers the experience for Dh1,400, which includes a full safety briefing and a DVD of the experience to show to your friends and family.

If free falling from 9,000 feet leaves you feeling a bit queasy, a hot air balloon ride may be a safer option.

You can now experience the moon-like landscape of the Hajjar mountains, the Dubai skyline and the giant dunes of the UAE from the comfort of a hot air balloon. The trip lasts for about an hour and is suitable for most people, making it possible for families with children over the age of five to have an adventure together, within a safe environment.

Prices start at Dh880 with Balloon Adventures Dubai.

Blue Banana Tel: +971 4 436 8100 (www.bluebanana.ae)

Balloon Adventures Dubai Tel: +971 4 436 8100 (www.ballooning.ae)

The beach beckons

With temperatures beginning to dip by the end of this month, many of us will begin to venture back outside. Take advantage of the glorious weather and head to one of the UAE's many beautiful beaches.

Jumeirah Beach Park is one of Dubai's most popular beaches, and is ideal for a family picnic during the holidays. The park has picnic tables, a barbecue area, small play areas for children, a volleyball play area, showers, and is watched by lifeguards at all times.

Those in Abu Dhabi should venture to the recently opened beach at the Corniche. The new beach features swimming areas, refreshment outlets, scenic gardens, walking pathways, beach volleyball pitches, children's play areas and toilets.

Jumeirah Beach Park Tel: +971 4 349 2555.

Take to the tracks

A bit of friendly competition never hurts, so this Eid consider getting together with your family or a big group of friends and head down to the Emirates Kart Centre for an hour of racing.

You can have a maximum of 15 people on the racetrack. Each driver will be assigned a kart where he or she has to run five laps of practice and another five laps to qualify.

There will be three heats of 12 laps each, and the winner will be the driver who scores the maximum number of points. Advanced booking is recommended for large groups.

Emirates Kart Centre Tel: +971 50 5592131.

Get back to nature

Set in the heart of Al Ain, the Garden City of the United Arab Emirates, Al Ain Zoo was established in 1968. Over the past two years, it has been transformed in order to address wildlife conservation and support environmental education efforts and tourism aspirations.

Visitors can roam over 40 hectares of the zoo and see more than 600 animals on display to learn about and enjoy. Animals at the zoo include the Arabian oryx, giraffe, zebra, gemsbok, nubian ibex, lions, crocodiles, and a variety of primate species.

Admission costs Dh10 for adults and Dh5 for children. Al Ain Zoo Tel: +971 3 7222442.