14 fun things to do with the family this weekend in the UAE

OliOli: This time around, the experimental children’s museum has a new immersive experience to showcase; it’s an indoor desert campsite with activities inspired by the childhood tales of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. DETAILS: The exhibit is on until December 4.

MJ History at Theatre by QE2: Get ready for a ‘Thriller’ of a night when you visit this stage with the kids. This production, with detailed costumes and cool choreography, will take you down memory lane with favourites such as ‘Beat It’ and ‘Blame It on the Boogieman’, and it’ll introduce the kids to old hits. The moonwalk is so on its way back. DETAILS: Tickets to the shows, on Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 2pm, start at Dh135.

La Perle: Logic-defying acrobatic stunts – that’s what you are signing up for when you visit this 'aqua theatre'. Be prepared for gasps of amazement as you witness aerial acrobatics, death-defying dives and unbelievable motorcycle tricks. DETAILS: Kids tickets start at Dh209.

Dubai Opera: Check out ‘Lazgi – Dance of Soul and Love’, a ballet from Uzbekistan. The Lazgi is a 1,000-year-old dance included in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Ancient legends embodied in Lazgi’s dances inspired the choreographer Raimondo Rebeca to create this production, the story of an immortal Soul that has preserved the traditions and culture of Lazgi. DETAILS: Tickets to the show, on November 27 at 8pm, starts at Dh85.

The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates: When Louna heads to Winterland to see her old friend, the Snowman, she is sad to discover that he’s melted. Louna and the citizens of Winterland decide to rebuild him. Kids meet various characters as it plays out including Mr. Thunder, Mrs. Cloud, the Crazy Little Snowflakes. DETAILS: ‘Louna in Winterland’ plays out on November 26 at 3pm; November 27 at 3pm and 6pm; and December 4 at 11am and 3pm. Tickets start at Dh75.

DXB Supercar Parade: Mini petrolheads on your hands? Check out this parade on at The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), where you’ll see a line-up of the best luxury cars in the world.

The Beach Swim: The race is on! At JBR, kids will race on November 26. Those aged 8-11 can take part in the 200m swim, while the 400m race is for anyone over 10 years old. The winners of each category will receive a trophy, and there are also finishers' medals. Doors open at 5:30am. DETAILS: Entry tickets start at Dh100.

Shop, shop, shop: If you need to revise your kids’ – or your – wardrobe, this is the time to do it. The three-day super sale is on in Dubai and it offers shoppers discounts up to 90 per cent on lifestyle, beauty, fashion and electronics.

‘The Qix Club’: Looking for a weekend of relaxation while the kids can play? Head to Address Beach resort, where there are a range of activities that are both fun and educational. Also, there’s pool time! DETAILS: DH60 per child per hour, available from 9am-9pm. Change your stopover to a staycation and your child gets two free hours.

Jones the Grocer: You are going to get a lot of return on this investment. Enroll your child in one of the reindeer brownie or gingerbread house workshops, and you are guaranteed a sweet Christmas. DETAILS: Dh140 per child per class; various dates and timings.

Dubai Festival City Mall: There’s a new reason to head to the mall – it’s festive time. To kick off the upcoming long weekend, there is a marching drummers’ parade, UAE sway-pole acts and children’s activities such as themed arts and crafts and balloon giveaways this weekend. Add to this there’s 50 per cent cashback on a minimum spend of Dh1,000 from November 26 until December 2. Shoppers will also be entered into a draw and stand a chance to win exciting prizes.

Ready Set Go: This is a massive play area complete with spiral slides, rope bridges, tube crawls and a foam canon area. There are five European-style role playrooms, a trampoline park and even a zipline! Get ready for the thrill. DETAILS: General admission for all day per child is Dh140. The offer, valid for November, comes with popcorn.

Expo 2020 is not called the world’s greatest show for nothing – there are 192 country pavilions showcasing futuristic tech, there’s the world’s biggest 360-degree projection dome which projects shows, virtual reality and augmented reality segments and so so much more. DETAILS: Kids under 18 and those over 65 go free; one-day tickets are Dh45 in November.

Are you a fan of Global Village? Us too! From fun rides that’ll have you screaming in delight to carnival games, 26 pavilions from various countries and food from across the world, this – mostly outdoor – space has something for everyone. DETAILS: Entry is Dh20 onsite and Dh15 online. Kids under three, people of determination, senior citizens go for free.