13 Amazing family-friendly things to do this weekend

MODESH WORLD: It’s the final call for fans of Modesh and Dana as Dubai Summer Surprises heads to a close. The indoor theme part at Dubai World Trade Centre offers rides, games and edutainment activities for kids of all ages. There’s the Battle Park Zone for teenagers, Neeveplaste Slide for children aged three years and older, plus zip Lines and a trampoline park for three- to 12-year-olds. When there, check out Discovery Village, home to workshops and games; Entertainment Village, where you can see performances including Peter Pan, Cinderella and a parade with characters from Alice in Wonderland. There’s also a Harlequins Parade with Modesh and Dana joined by Juggling Acrobats. DETAILS: Modesh world is open from Thursday to Saturday, 10am to 12am. Entry is free.

THE THEATRE: Introduce your child to the classics at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates for ‘The Movies Night Live’ gig where performers will belt out songs from movies including the James Bond movies, ‘Moulin Rouge’, ‘Ghost’, ‘The Godfather’, ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’ and ‘The Fifth Element’. DETAILS: The show starts from 8pm on August 26. Tickets, which start at Dh100, are available from virginmegastore.me

COCA-COLA ARENA: Indian songstress Sunidhi Chauhan is coming to Dubai and will be singing tunes including ‘Mehboob Mere’ and ‘Deedar De’. DETAILS: The show starts from 8pm on August 27. Tickets, which start at Dh100, are available from visitdubai.com

MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA, DUBAI: When you stay at the Mandarin, ask for the Family First offer, which comes with unlimited access to Little Nomads Kids’ Club, complimentary activities including pizza making with Chef Fabio Barca in The Bay, martial arts training with an instructor, and a Junior Lifeguard Programme at the pool and beach. The offer also includes access for each member of the family to The Green Planet in City Walk. Oh and there’s an in-room family night that comes with complimentary snacks! DETAILS: Approx. Dh2,450 per night for a Deluxe Skyline View Room.

SPLASH FEST: If the hot season is making you wish for a dunk in a cool pool and some fun water-flush rides, these awesome offers are perfect for you. When you head to La Mer you can buy four tickets to the Laguna Waterpark for the price of three. And an hour at the Splash ’n’ Party attraction at La Mer Central will cost just Dh50. Both deals run till September 4. But there’s more. Thanks to the Splash Fest, a Legoland Water Park visit comes at a 20 per cent discount when booked online, there’s a 50 per cent off the price of cabanas after 4pm, and kids eat for free after 4pm until September 4. Visitors to Wild Wadi Waterpark, meanwhile, also have cause to celebrate because when they buy a ticket, they also get a meal. This offer is on until August 28.

PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI: Wrap up your summer break in style with a staycation at Palazzo Versace Dubai. When you take the ‘Family Stay and Play’ package, you get complimentary breakfast at Giardino, access to Palazzo Versace Teens Club and Kids Club - where your children can enjoy the latest gaming consoles, Virtual Reality and driving simulators - tickets to Laguna Waterpark and tickets to IMG World of Adventures. DETAILS: Dh999.

DEERFIELDS MALL: There’s a new kids’ club in town. Children who sign up at the Deets Club podium will immediately get balloons and complimentary gifts including a backpack, stuffed toys, a pencil case and other back to school supplies. Members can also participate in a number of interactive arts and craft workshops over the weekend. DETAILS: A canvas painting workshop is being hosted for members at Kidoos at level two of Deerfields Mall from 2-10pm on Friday and Saturday.

NOODLE HOUSE: A specially curated bento box experience awaits kids at Noodle House. Options include the Tempura Bento Box with vegetable spring roll, crispy shrimps, jasmine rice and pineapple cubes; the Chicken Katsu Bento Box, with Malay chicken satay, chicken katsu, jasmine rice and sliced banana; and the Noodle House Bento Box, with vegetable wonton, Singapore noodle, vegetable spring roll, and chewy chocolate cookies. DETAILS: Madinat: Dh32 per bento; JBR/Nakheel Mall: Dh28 per bento.

ARABIAN TEA HOUSE: Visit the UAE’s historic Al Fahidi district with the family and stop by for a lovely meal at this restaurant which dates back to 1997 and offers authentic Emirati hospitality. DETAILS: Try the Chebab Bread Kids Tray that costs Dh55. It’s got chebab bread with cheese and date syrup as the main dish, and is served with balaleet, yogurt and fresh orange juice.

MERCATO MALL: Are you a fan of the circus? Here’s your chance to revist your fond memories – circus performers will be on hand at the mall to entertain guests. Plus there’s a giant slide for kids to woosh from the first to the ground floor. | Photo for illustrative purposes.

SNOW CINEMA: Cuddle up with your little one at the world’s only cinema in an indoor ski resort and watch a movie surrounded by snow – in Dubai! Movies currently screening include ‘Free Guy' (pictured), ‘Spycies’ and ‘The Suicide Squad. DETAILS: A Dh100 ticket includes admission, rental equipment, popcorn and hot chocolate. To make a booking visit voxcinemas.com or skidxb.com.

MAMALU KITCHEN: This spot at the Nakheel Mall, The Palm offers kids the chance to learn a number of fun dishes; this week it’s a sourdough masterclass. DETAILS: The class is from 10am-12.30pm and costs Dh475. Visit www.mamalukitchen.com or call +971527479512 to book a spot.

CARLUCCIO’S: Treat your child to a fancy dining experience with this offer – when you order a main, kids get a three-course dining experience for FREE. Each meal will include veggie crudites, a main course - Mac and Cheese, breaded Chicken Milanese served with rosemary potatoes, pizza or a hearty Lasagna - a dessert and a drink. Dessert choices include a chocolate brownie topped with ice cream or a scoop of gelato in flavours including strawberry, vanilla, and pistachio. There’s even a make your own pizza or pasta option! DETAILS: Offer runs until August 31.