10 fun things to do with family this weekend

EAT AT LARTE – STUDIO ONE HOTEL: Parent and kids both have deliciousness to look forward to when they head to this Dubai hotel. The Family Festa Brunch has live pizza and pasta stations and free-flowing drinks as well as a whole lot of entertainment. The young ones can enjoy the company of a mime artist, a singer and giant characters. For the older kids there’s a game-room with foosball and board games. And for everyone there’s a private screening room, where family movies will be played throughout the day. Plus, pool access is included so if you just want to splash around that’s taken care of too. DETAILS: The Family Festa Brunch, which runs from 1pm-4pm, costs Dh699 for a family ticket which includes 2 adults and 2 children.

SING ALONG TO ABBA: This is your last chance to see the hit ‘Mamma Mia’ before the musical, based on Abba songs, moves on. Join Sophie as she tries to figure out who her real dad is in the comic – and heart-rending - story about love. DETAILS: Tickets to see 'Mamma Mia' at the Dubai Opera from September 13-25 start at Dh295.

WATCH AN ACROBATIC SPECTACULAR: There are gushing waterfalls and death-defying stunts on display when you head over to the Al Habtoor City arena. It’s like falling into a dream. DETAILS: As La Perle by Dragone turns four, it offers 40 per cent off tickets. And when you buy an adult ticket, you get free entry for a kid.

WARNER BROS. WORLD ABU DHABI: Have yourself a merry little weekend at the world’s largest indoor theme park with 29 state-of-the-art exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and live entertainment. DETAILS: When you buy an adult ticket, a kid gets in free. Offer valid until September 30.

OLI OLI: This fun-filled kids’ museum, which turns four next month, offers hands-on activities to learn through play. DETAILS: Through September tickets are priced at Dh95 for children; Dh45 for toddlers.

LEARN ABOUT ART: At The jamjar’s ‘Dotty About Dots’ workshop this weekend students will explore the theory of pointilism and how to combine colours to create unique patterns on canvas. DETAILS: This workshop is perfect for kids aged 6-11 and takes place on the Jamjar’s premises in AlSerkal Avenue from 4.30pm-5.30pm. To book a slot – capacity is set at 10 – go to www.thejamjardubai.com.

SEE THE PLAY ‘SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE’: Home-grown youth theatre troupe The Greenroom is putting on an adaptation of the Academy Award-winning 1999 film. Set in the Elizabethan era, the romantic comedy tells the story of a young William Shakespeare who meets his muse, Viola, while working on a new play. DETAILS: Tickets to see the play at The Junction on September 23 care Dh80.

KIDS LEARN HOW TO BAKE: Golden, crumbly biscuits – that’s what your child will learn to make at Jones the Grocer’s new baking class, which runs on weekends at stores in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. DETAILS: The Anzac Biscuit classes, which are one-and-a-half hours long, run till November 6 and cost Dh149 per kid. The price includes a chef’s hat, an apron and a reusable canvas bag. Timings: Usually 3pm or 4pm. For bookings, visit https://www.jonesthegrocer.com/events-i197

COLOURING COMPETITION at FARZI CAFÉ: Enroll your child at the Farzi Café at Mall of the Emirates competition over the weekend and they could win themselves a bamboo tableware set to take home including a Citron Bamboo Square Plate and Spoon and playful Sippy with adaptable straw. Still don’t just go for the ‘award’. Head over for the cute food. From ‘make-your-own’ pancake crabs and bunnies, to panda and bear milk shakes, banana dolphin berry bowls and smiley fries, you’ll be stumped at all the yummy and good lucking options. DETAILS: With every adult breakfast main dish purchased, kids under 6 get a free dish from the kids’ menu. Offer on until October 14. Winners will be announced on October 15.

INTRODUCE YOUR YOUNG ONE TO THEATRE WITH LOUNA GO GO SAILORS: This upbeat musical about finding treasure on a mysterious island and making friends with marine creatures is perfect for kids aged one to 10. DETAILS: Tickets to see ‘Louna Go Go Sailors’, which runs at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, on September 24 and 25 start at Dh75. Timings: Friday at 3pm; Saturday at 11am and 3pm. Doors open 30 minutes before the show begins.