Amazing family-friendly things to do this weekend

SUMMER ADVENTURE: It’s time to play. We are in the middle of the mid-summer break and the kids are getting antsy. Rescue them – and yourself- from boredom with an activity-laden fun weekend plan. From going bowling to watching a horror-comedy play out, here’s look at some options to start you planning.

AVENTURA SUMMER NIGHTS: Want to get that adrenaline pumping? Get ready for your little ones to squeal in pleasure too when you head to the Aventura Parks where you have 24 ziplines and six different circuit levels you can try out. There are also more than 80 exciting challenges across different ages and difficulty levels. Choose from the kid-friendly Discovery and Ranger circuits, family-friendly Explorador circuit, or the more challenging Aventura, Thriller and Xtreme circuits. DETAILS: The Aventura Summers Nights tickets start at Dh99.

WARNER BROS WORLD ABU DHABI FREE FOR KIDS: Join in the Green Lantern: Galactic Odyssey, a theatrical experience in 4D, or head to the Joker Funhouse where you’ll pit wits against Batman’s old nemeses when you head to Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. With 29 exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions, and live entertainment, you are sure to stay entertained. DETAILS; Buy one adult ticket and get one free child entry. Tickets start at Dh295.

THE GALLERIA AL MARYAH ISLAND’S ‘EAT & PLAY’: Head over to this Abu Dhabi location and you’ll find that when you eat at any of the participating dining outlets you get enjoy a complimentary gift from Toys ‘R’ Us or a free experience – one hour bowling or billiards - at Xtreme Zone. And when you go playing at these stores and spend Dh50, you get discounts at the participating eateries. DETAILS: Participating outlets include Kababji & Grill, Royal Orchid, Lemongrass, Sushi Art, Bombay Canteen, Tortilla, Biryani Pot, Koshabi, Al Areesh and Charley’s.

LOVE BEYOND THE SEA: Introduce your young-in’s to the classics when you go see this love story on The Theatre by QE2, located on the legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 cruise liner in Port Rashid, on August 6. In the play, cruise ship singer Oliver Allen (Wim Hoste) falls in love and tries to serenade Chloe (played on screen by Suzie Demetri Robertson), a cover girl. Songs sung include ‘Beyond the Sea Bobby Darin, ‘New York New York’ by Frank Sinatra and ‘Shallow’ by Lady Gaga. DETAILS: Tickets start at Dh99. Doors open at 7pm.

SCARY BAD: This horror comedy proposes to take a stab at some of the tropes of the horror genre. The play is inspired by cult slasher and monster films and runs between August 5 and 7. Tickets start at Dh100.

PEDALO GELATO: Suffer from dairy or gluten intolerance? Worry not. Homegrown Italian brand Pedalo Gelato has announced a new vegan range now available across Dubai via all major delivery platforms. Check out flavours Peaches and Dream, which is a peach and melon gelato combined with fresh fruit purees rippled through for a double dose of fruity sweetness, and Mojito Magic that packs sweet and sour punch. DETAILS: Regular size is Dh40.

DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO: Have an ocean lover in your midst? Give your child the experience of riding on the surface of the world’s largest suspended tank containing 10 million liters of water and 33,000 aquatic animals including sharks and rays. All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your guided tour. DETAILS: For Glass-Bottom Boat Rides, make your way to Underwater Zoo on Level 2. Rides depart every 10 to 20 minutes. Tickets start at Dh169.

LEGOLAND DUBAI: Take notes on how to be a ninja when you head here. A new Augmented Reality digital experience allows your child to complete challenges alongside their favourite Ninjago characters. But even if you aren’t a fan of Ninjago, there are many themed activities on offer, from playing cops and robbers to jumping aboard the dragon roller coaster. DETAILS: Tickets start at Dh275.

GO BOULDERING WITH CLYMB ABU DHABI: Learn how to scale walls like Spiderman here. (Don’t worry parents, safety harnesses are provided.) Kids over the age of four can begin by learning to climb three walls (bouldering wall, beginner wall and intermediate wall). Beginners will have instructor supervision and will also be provided with climbing gear rental including a helmet, harness and climbing shoes. For those with a little more practice – and over age 13 – there’s a course that runs for 4 hours-30 minutes where you are taught how to boulder and auto-belay without supervision. DETAILS: Bouldering and Auto-Belaying Group Courses run on Saturday from 1pm-5.30pm

MODESH WORLD: This year’s Modesh World has five ‘villages’, which offer 64 rides for kids of all ages. Teens can explore the Battle Park Zone while kids aged three and older can head to the Neeveplaste Slide. For those a bit older, there are zip lines and slides, a trampoline part and a Diggers Lab with mini machines. DETAILS: Modesh World, at Dubai World Trade Centre’s Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2 & 3 and The Arena, is open from Sunday to Wednesday 2pm to 10pm and Thursday to Saturday 10am to 12am until August 28.