8 Places to find space-themed fun for little ones in the UAE

MUSEUM OF THE MOON AT OLI OLI, DUBAI: Give kids an out-of-this-world day at Oli Oli with its Museum of the Moon exhibit, a fully immersive experience that fuses detailed NASA imagery of the moon’s surface with surround sound for an awesomely atmospheric encounter for your mini astronauts. Once you’ve marveled at this lunar wonder, continue the edutainment with a wander around the rest of Oli Oli’s galleries, which are packed full of experiential play for little ones. The Museum of the Moon is a travelling exhibit that has been presented in over 30 countries and will be in OliOli for six months from October 15. DETAILS: Child tickets for Oli Oli are Dh126 (one free adult included), or Dh63 for toddlers between 12 and 23 months. Olioli.ae.

SHARJAH PLANETARIUM: With the aim of promoting astronomy and space sciences to families of all ages, the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences (SCASS) was opened in 2015 and hosts an observatory as well as exhibitions on astronomy and space. Highlights for children include the state-of-the-art Planetarium. Housed under an 18-metre diameter dome designed to look like the sun, its advanced technology can display a glittering 10 million celestial bodies, and it plays regular shows on black holes, astronauts and much more, which can be booked in advance.

SHARJAH COSMIC PARK: Kids will also adore the SCASS Cosmic Park: an amazing, super-sized replica of the solar system. Built to scale, children can weave like meteors between the planets’ orbits, leaping from the rings of Saturn to circle giant Jupiter like one of its moons. DETAILS: Sharjah Center for Astronomy and Spaces Sciences (SCASS), Sun-Wed 9am-3pm, Sat 4pm-8pm, Thu-Fri closed. Dh22 for adults, Dh11 kids (4-12), under 4s free (under 4s are not allowed in the planetarium).

AL THURAYA ASTRONOMY CENTRE: Expand children’s minds with this family-friendly Astronomy Centre within Mushrif Park, Dubai, which houses a planetarium where families can view the wonders of the universe during an impressive space show. Alternatively you can visit the Astro Cinema which screens documentaries and sci-fi movies. Or visit post-sunset and let little ones marvel at the moon and planets through the centre’s telescopes. DETAILS: Dh20/ ticket, location Mushrif Park (there is a Dh10 fee for car entry to Mushrif park, take a Nol card), 04 2216603.

SHARJAH SCIENCE MUSEUM: First opened in 1996, this is still a top destination for science fans of all ages, and hosts 50 edu-taining, interactive exhibits that will in engage kids in hands-on experiments as they learn about the laws of nature, thermal physics, physiology and aerodynamics. It also houses its own planetarium, where children can discover more about the mysteries of space and the galaxies beyond our own solar system. DETAILS: Sat-Thu 8am-8pm, Fri from 4pm, Children (2-12 yrs) Dh5, Adults Dh12, under 2s free. 06 566 8777.

CHILDREN’S CITY: Tucked in Dubai Creek Park, this excellent edutainment venue has an entire floor dedicated to space exploration, with interactive exhibits where children can experiment with aerodynamics and sit in a rocket ship and feel like a real astronaut, as well as a planetarium showing regular films on astronomy and outer space. There are also a whole host of other exhibits to explore: from the Forsherwelt galleries, which are designed to introduce children up to the age of 10 to the fascinating world of science and laboratory, to the interactive galleries dedicated to Earth sciences, nature, the human body, international cultures, and even a toddler play area. DETAILS: Dh10 per child 2-10 years, and Dh15 for adults, or Dh40 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). There is an additional fee of Dh5 for park entry, Nol card required. Open 9am-7pm weekdays and 2-8pm Friday and Saturdays. Childrencity.dm.gov.ae, 04 334 0808.

AL SADEEM ASTRONOMY OBSERVATORY, ABU DHABI: This privately owned observatory in the Abu Dhabi desert was started up by two passionate astronomy fans whose ambition is to inspire the next generation to enjoy and study space. It also houses a pop-up planetarium, and groups of up to 8 people may now book in advance to visit. DETAILS: Find a slot online and book your visit in advance by emailing info@alsadeemastronomy.ae, only cash is accepted.

KIDZANIA DUBAI: This indoor theme park recreates a life-sized city for children, where they can role-play a range of jobs from firefighter and doctor to factory worker, chef and radio broadcaster and earn Kidzania money to purchase toys. Mini space fans will adore the UAE Space Agency exhibit, where they can dress up as astronauts, sit in a super-realistic replica of a real rocket ship, and experience blast off and plantary exploration through a virtual reality headset. DETAILS: From Dh179 economy tickets for kids (4-16), Dh89 for toddlers (2-3), under 2s free, Adults Dh69. https://dubai.kidzania.com/en-ae/.