11 Fun things to do this weekend with the family

TIME FOR A TREAT: This week’s has been a roller coaster – new school routine to get used to, new guidelines to follow, more prep work for the day. And that’s why it’s so important to relax, unwind and have some fun this weekend. From chilling out with your favourite Disney character to checking out some art, here’s a look at things to do that’ll entertain the whole family.

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS FIND YOUR HERO: Head on over to Etihad Arena on Yas Island to witness adventure on ice! Your favourite characters, from Moana to Elsa, will play out their stories in a two-hour bonanza. DETAILS: The show is on from September 2 to 11 and tickets start at Dh84. Children aged 2 and under do not require a ticket provided they sit on a parent or guardian’s lap.

22 KARAT GOLD O' VADA PAO AT O’PAO: Ok, so this may be the most expensive snack you are going to eat, but be fair – it’s a treat with a difference. This Karama eatery is serving up the world’s first 22 Karat Gold O' Vada Pao. The potato patty is stuffed with cheese and french truffle butter and the bread is topped with homemade mint mayonnaise dip. DETAILS: The 22 Karat Gold O'Vada Pao is priced at Dh99 and comes with a side of sweet potato fries and mint lemonade.

AAM PANNA AT DHABA LANE: Stop by for some fast-food at this restaurant, located in Karama and Al Garhoud, and you’ll start your meal with a complementary aam panna – mango-based drink.

STAYCATION AT ADDRESS HOTELS AND RESORTS: Get Expo ready when you book into this hotel next month – it gives you free passes to the world’s greatest fair. DETAILS: Offer valid on stays from October 1-March 31 but you need to book in September. Email stay@addresshotels.com.

AVENTURA PARKS: Spark that need for adventure when you head over to this park, which is home to more than 20 ziplines and six rope courses for the little ones. There’s also Aventura Discovery where kids can explore a whole new circuit and meet Aventura Pets including little rabbits. DETAILS: The Summer Nights offer, on until September 30, allows admission from 5pm-midnight for Dh99.

ATLANTIS, THE PALM: Ready for an underwater trek? The Aquatrek Xtreme sees visitors descend a ladder 10 metres to the bottom of The Ambassador Lagoon wearing a helment , which receives a continuous supply of oxygen. At the base, they embark on a guided 20 minute underwater walking tour of one of the biggest open-air aquariums in the world, coming face-to-face with 65,000 marine animals including sharks, stingrays, and schools of multi-coloured fish. DETAILS: The Aquatrek Xtreme is available at 1pm and 4pm for a maximum of four guests. Prices start at Dh720. For bookings call 04-4260000.

YAS THEME PARKS: Ready, set, time to ride a roller coaster – well, almost. A flash sale is afoot, from September 1-5, and it means a 40 per cent discount at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi and Clymb Abu Dhabi. DETAILS: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi tickets cost Dh195; Yas Waterworld tickets: Dh170; and tickets to Clymb – which include indoor skydiving and climbing activities – are Dh220. Flash sale tickets are valid for use from the date of purchase until October 14, during public holidays and special events at all parks.

SNOW CINEMA: Check out ‘ Dogtanian and the Three Muskhounds’ with your little one as you sip on hot chocolate and bundle up because it’s cold when you visit the Mall of Emirates snow cinema. DETAILS: A Dh100 ticket includes admission, rental equipment, popcorn and hot chocolate. To make a booking visit voxcinemas.com or skidxb.com.

BE AN ARTIST AT LOUVRE ABU DHABI: When you go to the Louvre, you can explore your own artistic skills. You can create your very own flipbook, a helmet, a mask, a costume, or a paper horse, in four activity stations available with materials. Museum educators are also around to help. DETAILS: Pre-booking is required; a table costs Dh50 for a two-hour session that kicks off at 11.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm.

PLAY AT 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.

LAPITA, DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS: Head over to Dubai’s only Polynesian Island- inspired resort and for Dh109, one adult and two kids (below 17 years of age) can enjoy full day access to all three pools, one hour access to spa facilities including the steam room, sauna and vitality pool, one hour access to the kid’s club, for children aged four to 12, there is 30 per cent off on food and beverage across all outlets and complimentary valet parking. DETAILS: Dh109 for each additional adult and Dh54 for each additional child (between 4 and 17 years). To book, email lapita.olaspa@autographhotels.com or call +971 4 810 9660.