Best things to do in Dubai with kids this weekend

It might be heating up outside, but there’s still heaps of cool entertainment going on in the UAE for mums, dads and kids. Here’s our pick of the best…

WATCH MAGIC PHIL AT FESTIVAL PLAZA: The UAE’s favourite children’s entertainer, Magic Phil, is performing in a series of fabulously fun (and free!) shows at Festival Plaza in Jebel Ali this weekend. Kids adore his interactive comedy magic show, which is full of non-stop silliness, songs, audience participation and of course magic! DETAILS: The shows will take place on Thursday 17th at 6pm and 8pm and Friday 18th and Saturday 19th at 4pm and 6pm. The shows come ahead of Festival Plaza’s ‘Summer Festival’ that will be launching with Dubai Summer Surprises, featuring lots of exciting weekend events and activities for all the family. https://www.dubaifestivalplaza.com/home/.

VISIT THE LOUVRE’S NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: Give little ones an exciting dose of culture at Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Children’s Museum, which will reopen to the public this Friday 18 June with a fantastic new exhibition that will take children on an interactive adventure of art and activities that will help them identify and explore their emotions. Combining entertainment and education for children aged four to 10, Emotions!: The New Art Adventure will feature ten artworks and four interactive stations, which will familiarize mini visitors with four main emotions: joy/serenity, sadness, fear, and anger. DETAILS: The Children’s Museum is free to all children. Families need only purchase museum admission tickets for accompanying adults for the whole family to access all Louvre Abu Dhabi galleries and exhibitions. www.louvreabudhabi.ae.

BE A VET AT THE NEW ANIMAL CLINIC IN KIDZANIA: Got a little animal lover on your hands? Take them down to fantastic indoor kids’ edutainment and play area Kidzania, which has just opened its first ever veterinary clinic in collaboration with pet nutrition brand Purina. At the new attraction, children aged 2 to 16 years old can have a go at being vets for as long as they like, while also learning about about veterinary science, animal welfare, and the benefits of keeping pets healthy. Educating through entertainment at its 7,000 m2 scaled replica of a real city, KidZania also gives children the opportunity to participate in many other role-play activities designed to promote real-life skills and wider understanding of more than 70 other careers. DETAILS: Kidzania, Dubai Mall, from Dh195 per child ticket, dubai.kidzania.com.

TRY A WATERPARK ESCAPE AND STAYCATON FROM DH400: Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre is one of Dubai’s longest-standing hotels, which is now sporting newly renovated deluxe guest rooms, as well as its great facilities and ample F&B offering. Now the property has also launched an exciting new staycation that includes complimentary transfer and access to the incredible new Jungle Bay waterpark located in Mina Seyahi. What’s more they are also throwing in complimentary breakfast, early check (9am) and late check out (6pm) so that you can really make a weekend of it. DETAILS: Offer includes a night stay in renovated Deluxe guestroom, complimentary access and transfer to the Jungle Bay Waterpark at Mina Seyhai, breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, all from Dh400. Email reservations.lmdubai@lemeridien.com or call 04 511 7778.

MAKE A FATHER’S DAY KEEPSAKE AT WOO-HOO: Sign up your little one to a creative clay-print-making workshop at Al Quoz-based children’s play museum Woo-hoo, in which they can create a special personalized handprint keepsake to give Daddy, along with a lovely card for Father’s Day this 21 June 2021. DETAILS: 18 June (11am-12pm); 19 and 20 June (3-4pm both days), Dh120 per child, best for four years olds and upwards. Woo-hoo.ae.

CHECK OUT THE FATHER’S DAY SPECIAL AT FIA FIA: Spend some quality daddy-child bonding time and celebrate Father’s Day with the ‘Fun Experts’ at kids’ play area Fia Fia on 19 and 20 June. For Dh100 you get two hours of play, arts and crafts activities, kids’ meal and a coffee for dad too! DETAILS: Available at Fia Fia Al Ferdous and Fia Fia DIFC on 19 and 20 June, Dh100 for two hours of play. Whatsapp 054438833.

DADS GO FREE TO LEGOLAND DUBAI: For the whole of June dads can visit Legoland Dubai for free when accompanied by a paying child aged three to 12 years. This offer is available exclusively for UAE residents and can be redeemed online. Plus, Dads also eat free on Father’s Day weekend (between Thursday June 17 and Sunday June 20), during which time they can have a complimentary meal at Market Restaurant with a paying child. DETAILS: Free entry for Dads until June 30 at Legoland Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Jebel Ali, legoland.com/dubai/dads.

TRY THE SIGNATURE COFFEE WITH CHOCOLATE AT MONDOUX: European-inspired culinary concept Mondoux, located in the iconic Dubai Creek Harbour development, is our new favourite breakfast hotspot, which also boasts a spectacular view. From croque madame made with homemade bread, to French brioche toast with salted caramel that kids will go crazy for, parents won’t want to miss Mondoux’s signature creation: coffee with chocolate – dark, white or milk! DETAILS: Breakfast is served from 8:00am until 12:00 on weekdays and 13:00 on weekends, and, during the cooler weather, can be enjoyed on the outdoor water-facing terrace. Mondoux.ae.

SIGN UP FOR A SLIP-FREE SUMMER: When the mercury rises, UAE families flock to the many gorgeously chilled pools, water parks and splash pads at hotels and communities all over the emirates. But with poolside cool comes the hazard of little feet slipping – which is why we’re getting our order for non-slip pool shoes in now! They are homegrown swimwear brand COÉGA’s best-selling product – selling for Dh75, its non-slip and heat-resistant new collection feature designs from character favourites including Mickey Mouse, The Avengers, Spiderman and, of course, Elsa and Anna from Frozen. DETAILS: Dh75, www.COÉGAwear.com.

TREAT DAD TO A FREE MAIN COURSE AT THE BONNINGTON JLT: This Father’s Day, order a main dish and receive a complimentary one for dad to enjoy at either the hotel’s signature venue, The Cavendish Restaurant, or its modern cocktail bar, Healey’s Bar and Terrace. While The Cavendish features dishes including Grilled Lamb Chops, Pan Seared Sea Bass and Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast, Healey’s is offers a range of specialty drinks and delicious food, from hearty salads and flatbreads to burgers and grills. DETAILS: Valid from Friday 18 June to Monday 21 June, buy one get one free on main dishes for dads, at The Cavendish restaurant or Healey’s Bar & Terrace at The Bonnington JLT, call +971 4 356 0533 or visit the website at www.bonningtontower.com.