Long weekend in Dubai: Top Parks to enjoy the outdoors with your family

There’s a chill in the air and it’s the best time to take a stroll in the park and enjoy the greenery and fresh air. If you’d like to do more than just walk around, then a picnic or BBQ is a great option to enjoy the weather with family and friends. Here are some of the top areas to check out...

Town Square Park: Free to enter, this park features water fountains, a play park as well as splash zones. The park is great for children of varying ageas given the variety of options available.

Dubai Hills Park: The park has an urban playground with three playgrounds with swings, slides, monkey bars and cargo nets. Free for all, the playgrounds are open to both residents and non-residents of the area. You will, however, have to pay to enjoy their splash park and wave pool, skate park and ice rink.

Jumeirah Beach Park: A perfect spot for your next grilling station is on Jumeirah Beach Road, near the Dubai Ladies Club. Jumeirah Beach Park is a popular place because it’s so family and community friendly. However, the rules must be followed. Setting up the BBQ on the sand is not allowed and proper, designated spots must be used.

Love Lake: Get your picnic basket out for a spin and visit this lovely location. Camp out and enjoy watch the birds amid nature. There is also a cycling track nearby.

Zabeel Park: BBQ with a view at Zabeel Park, which has the Dubai Frame right in the centre. It’s centrally located, opposite Karama and huge, with lots of amenities and play areas for kids within, in case they get bored of the grilling.

Mushrif Park: Head on to Mushrif Park to Dubai for a day of adventure. Located off the Khawaneej Road, past Mirdiff, between the Emirates and Dubai bypass roads, the park has an unusual charm. The BBQ area at Mushrif Park is one of the most popular attractions among residents and visitors, and it is quite large and expansive, spread over 125 hectares. Featuring an Adventure Park in Mirdiff, swimming pool, playgrounds this park been a favoirite since its opening in for both kids and adults.

Creek Park: The Dubai Creek seperates Bur Dubai from Deira and provides a beautiful view of the area. Creek Park is one of the city's oldest parks, with a cable car that offers spectacular views, features designated BBQ sites, bicycle areas, Dolphanarium and children's play areas, making it ideal for a family excursion.

Al Mamzar Beach Park: This is the right place if you want to enjoy a nice BBQ and a dip in the sea, also to enjoy some water sports. With a dedicated play area for kids and other facilities like running tracks and swimming pools.