Dubai Summer Surprises 2021: 11 fun activities for the whole family

PLAYTIME IS NOW: It’s that time of year again – school’s out just in time for Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS). That’s 10 whole weeks of shopping, food, fun and festivities perfect for the whole family. From concerts to workshops and some death defying stunt watching, here’s a look at some options for your entertainment.

HIGH NOTE AT DUBAI OPERA: Check out the Assyrian-Syrian sensation Faia Younan at the Dubai Opera on July 8. The singer, whose hits include ‘To Our Countries’ and ‘Ya Qatily’, has also featured on the Gorillaz's fifth album, ‘Humanz’. DETAILS: Tickets for the show at 9pm start at Dh195.

A FEST AT FESTIVAL PLAZA, JEBEL ALI: Have a creative itch you are dying to scratch? Check out Festival Plaza where you and your little one can get creative with wall art. There are of course things to do for adults – think HIIT and Zumba classes – and kids, thanks to a summer camp with workshops such as gardening and reading sessions, painting, ceramic work, Lego workshops and cupcake decorating. Plus, there are loads of Instagrammable spots to practice your photography skills.

RACE AT THE PLAZA: Sneakers at the ready now; the Summer Running Series is back. On July 16 and August 20, from 7am onwards, runners of ages 5 and above can participate in a 2.5km and a 5km indoor run by registering online at www.dubaifestivalplaza.com. When you cross the finishing line, not only will you get a medal at a prize ceremony but also a hearty complimentary breakfast at Ikea.

TOM & JERRY CHEESE TOWN AT IBN BATTUTA MALL: Are you a fan of the funny cat-and-mouse duo? Well, at this activation you can expect live musical concerts based on favourite episodes, original artwork from the show, sculptures and animations over the years. DETAILS: 12pm-9pm until July 30 India Court. | Above: An image grab from the 'Tom and Jerry' movie.

PHOTO WITH A MASCOT: DSS mascots Modesh and Dana are on a mall hopping adventure, so when you are on your trips keep an eye out and a camera ready for that surprise selfie. DETAILS: Visits on until July 8.

DEFYING GRAVITY AT LA PERLE: La Perle, the acrobatic spectacular, is offering 25 per cent off on tickets for groups of four or more. Kids under 12 get to see the stunt-filled dramatic show for free. Oh and if you live in Dubai, you get an additional 20 per cent discount. As performers face off against the laws of physics, we dare you not to squeal. DETAILS: Tue-Sat 6.30pm and 9.30pm. Offer valid until Sat September 4 at Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, laperle.com

‘LET’S PAINT’ A SHOW AT CITY CENTRE DEIRA: An interactive dance and drama show is sure to keep everyone entertained over the course of 20 minutes. The atmosphere is warm, festive and fun. DETAILS: Show runs 4 times a day from July 12-19.

CLASSIC CIRQUE FANTASY AT CITY CENTRE DEIRA: From July 26-August 4 head to the mall for storytelling like no other with acrobatic contortionists, clowns, ballerinas and other characters that will bring the world of dreams to the stage. DETAILS: Four shows a day. | Photo for illustrative purposes only.

MEET THE SMURFS AT CITY WALK: Don’t forget to carry your camera when you head to City Walk where until July 17 you can meet your favourite blue cartoon characters, the Smurfs. There are also a bunch of activities on hand, from football matches to arts and crafts workshops to keep the children happy. DETAILS: Kids’ zone timings: 2pm to 10pm (Sunday to Thursday); 10am to 10pm (Fridays and Saturdays). | Photo for illustrative purposes.

GET YOUR FIT ON AT AVENTURA PARKS: At this outdoor adventure hot spot the whole family can enjoy a day of activities such as nature trails, tree surfing, rope climbing and zip lining as part of a special line-up of events for DSS. DETAILS: From 5pm to 12am for Dh99, the Aventura Summer Nights promotion gives visitors access to the park’s 24 ziplines, six circuits, 80 obstacles and more than 1,640 metres of games.

HEAD TO BURJUMAN: A fun-filled ‘Summer Farm’, which runs until August 15 in BurJuman’s main atrium, is sure to be a hit with the kids. Kids between 6 to 12 years of age can also enjoy a number of edutainment activities including crop and fruit harvesting, virtual petting zoo, planting workshop, augmented reality games such as fruit ninja and mini haystack tractor race. DETAILS: The ‘Summer Farm’ is open from 2pm-10pm.