13 Ways to do the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020 with children

The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC), 30th October – 28th November is an initiative of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, designed to help all Dubai residents get healthier and happier through 30 minutes of daily exercise, over a period of 30 days. Try out one of these free activities with the kids every day and you’ll all be fighting fit by the end of the month.

FREE BESPOKE ONLINE WORKOUTS FOR KIDS: Not comfortable going out at the moment? No problem - Dubai Fitness Challenge has created an activity calendar for all ages and abilities, packed full of more than 80 specially created downloadable fitness and wellbeing activities to keep little feet moving, including fun videos like ‘Teach your parents how to floss’, ‘Fun Family Fitness Bingo’ and ‘Modhesh Says’, all featuring favourite children’s characters and brands like PJ Masks, The Smurfs and Fifa. Dubaifitnesschallenge.com/education

KITE BEACH FITNESS VILLAGE: This is one of three Fitness Villages open this year, and it’s brilliant for children, with a dedicated Kids Camp area that’s all about learning new skills and playing with fun elements – including a climbing wall, where kids can play for free and enjoy the space under parental supervision. For older kids there’s the Teen Fit area, filled with bootcamps, circuit training and speed and agility sessions. Plus a trampolining area, Aqua Park filled with watery, inflatable fun, and much much more. Oct 30 - Nov 28, Sun-Thu 2-11pm, Fri-Sat from 7am, free to attend but book ahead: Booking.dubaifitnesschallenge.com.

MIRDIF CAMP: Every Saturday and Wednesday parents can register children aged between six and 12 for free at this sports camp, where kids can polish up their football skills through engaging exercises and games. There are classes available for the little ones too – children aged three to five can join Soccertots for fun, supervised activities which will focus on developing their motor coordination skills. All camp courses are taught by certified coaches who will take the necessary precautions to ensure the health and safety of the students at all times. To book a spot, visit www.soccerkidsdubai.com for more information or email info@soccerkidsdubai.com with your interest.

SILICON OASIS FUN RUN: Taking place on 28 November at 7am, the Spinneys Fun Run at Dubai Silicon Oasis is free and open to all ages, who can opt for either the 2.2km lap or 4.4km lap, before making their way to the Run Village to fuel up and enjoy the entertainment on offer, call +971 4 326 8023 to book.

FAMILY CHALLENGES ON STEPPI: Download the free app Steppi to your phone and sync it with your fitness monitor to get access to a host of discounts and other shopping deals as a reward for getting active. The more steps you manage, the more offers you’ll get access to. Your Steppi dashboard displays your accumulated steps total, which you can redeem to convert into instant savings from Steppi reward partners on the app.

FREE SESSION AT XSTRIKE: Action-packed competitive indoor gaming destination Xstrike has laser guns and simulated combat for all ages, including a separate area for those aged under 10. Enjoy a free session at Xstrike from 3pm-4.30pm every first and third Monday of the week. Only 6 free slots and it will be available on first come, first served basis. Booking will be taken only via calls or emails referencing Dubai Fitness Challenge Offer and cannot be availed through the website or any other means. Please call 800XSTRIKE(9787453) to reserve your passes.

THE DUBAI RUN: Suitable for all levels of fitness and ability, the Dubai Run will take place on 27 November at whatever location you and your family choose. Sign up at Dubairun.com to run either 2KM, 5km or 10km, and you’ll get free access to a detailed training programme by one of the Dubai Run’s handpicked trainers, who will hold weekly webinars and online classes, give training workouts and nutrition plans and plenty of tips to get you in shape before the big day. Dubairun.com.

FESTIVAL CITY MALL FITNESS VILLAGE: Head down to DFC mall’s fitness village to enjoy an amazing array of attractions for kids, including a climbing wall, 200-metre zip line, plunging bag jump and a spine-tingling 12-metre leap of faith. The IMAGINE Fitness Workout with Fitness First is sure to get everyone moving, while sports lovers can also play football and basketball.

AL KHAWANEEJ FITNESS VILLAGE: Kids and adults can hop on a bike at the Cycle Hub, where you can squeeze in your half-hour spin for free on a first-come first-served basis. The Family Fitness zone has daily programming with group classes and open workouts for all fitness and experience levels, while the Kids Skill & Play Area is aimed at 8 to 16 year-olds, featuring junior bootcamps, functional training, low climbing walls and parkour obstacles.

SUSTAINABLE CITY FITNESS HUB: Every day from 15 to 23 November between 4pm and 8pm, dedicated athletes, families and fitness newbies can try out a variety of sports activities at this eco-friendly community. From aquathlon and hip hop, to football and tennis classes and even free horse riding sessions, register for free: Thesustainablecity.ae/event/dubai-fitness-challenge-2020/

DUBAI RIDE: On 20 November cycling families with children aged 5 and upwards will get to peddle their way around an iconic 4km route around a traffic-free Downtown Dubai for this unique community event. You must bring your own bicycles to enter. Register for free at Dubairide.com.

CITY CENTRE DEIRA: Take a break from your weekend shopping to work up a healthy sweat at City Centre Deira this Dubai Fitness Challenge. One 45-minute session will run every afternoon from Thursdays to Saturdays, including workouts like Zumba, Bollywood dance, body combat and more. Head to the mall in your exercise gear, and visit the registration area at the entrance of the class. If there’s a spot available, given the strict social distancing norms in place, you’re all set to start.

PARENTS OFFER FOR LES MILLS BORN TO MOVE: Famous fitness brand Les Mills’ at-home workout videos have been keeping the world in shape over lockdown, and its Born To Move series has been specifically aimed at. The series encourages children to feel successful and have fun moving to music. It builds confidence, and develops skills by stealth, using simple moves, stories, games, problem solving and the magic of music. Les Mills On Demand is also offering a free DFC 30-day trial for all new subscribers.