Dubai: 12 Free things to do with kids this Long Weekend

WANDER IN A MAZE: Stay out of the summer heat with BurJuman's DSS activation - a life-size, 18-metre-long maze filled with picture-perfect opportunities as you find your way to the mystical treehouse at the centre (open until 26 August). Maze open 2pm to 10pm daily.

POSE IN FUN PHOTO-BOOTHS: The DSS adventure continues at Burjuman at a series of Insta-worthy photo-op stations spread across the mall (open until August 29). If you fancy a spot of shopping while you’re at it be sure to save your receipts; between 9 July and 29 August 2020, you can enter a digital raffle for a chance to win a luxury car for every spend of Dh200 and above.

STEP INSIDE A HELIX: Little ones will love scooting through the perspective-altering length of the architectural wonder that is the Twisted Bridge over Dubai Water Canal. Head there first thing in the morning or pre-sunset for some jaw-dropping views, and follow up with a bridge-hop over to Tolerance Bridge and then a pleasant walk along the Dubai Canal, where you can also catch a magical, purple-lit waterfall gushing beneath Sheikh Zayed Road come sundown.

ART, MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT AND FITNESS AT IBN BATTUTA MALL: As part of the weekly Flashfit events on Thursday and Friday, Ibn Battuta Mall will stage a series of sporty challenges in partnership with Fitness First. Shoppers who spend Dh50 can play on a giant Snakes and Ladders boardgame or the Hang Challenge. Meanwhile in the mall’s Egypt court visitors can watch ZeeArts creating a huge graffiti mural, while cello players will be playing from 20 to 23 August.

VISIT DUBAI’S RESIDENT DINO: Dinosaur-loving kiddos will love being transported back in time to the Jurassic period at Dubai Mall’s Souk Dome. Measuring over seven meters high and 24 meters long, this towering exhibit is a genuine fossil of a Diplodocus longus, which roamed the earth more than 150 million years ago.

JOIN THE GAMING CHALLENGE AT MOE: Mall of the Emirates will host the ultimate football match for online and real-life players with the OPPO Gaming Challenge, presented by DSS as part of the mall’s back to school promotions. Until 29 August, gamers who register via MAF Share app or who spend Dh200 in the mall can first test their virtual football skills on four PS4 consoles loaded with FIFA 20. The winners of each gameplay match takes part in a physical one-on-one game of soccer on a specially built football cage pitch. The first player to score three goals will be named the victor and have their name entered into a draw to take on a famous international gamer in a virtual game of FIFA 20. Players in the OPPO Gaming Challenge can also win one of four OPPO mobile phones plus 10,000 MAF Share points.

GET A WATERSIDE LULLABY: Wind down little ones’ evenings with live music at the DSS Sounds at The Pointe Palm Jumeirah every evening from 9 July to 29 August, with musicians in the restaurants and along the promenade from 4 pm to 10 pm.

WEAVE THROUGH MARKET STALLS: Each Friday and Saturday throughout DSS, the family-friendly Ripe Retail Pop Up will take over Nakheel Mall with a selection of locally made products. The Ripe Retail Pop Up will be open from 10am to 7pm every weekend, with items from 15 to 20 home-grown businesses selling fashion, art, jewellery, homeware, food and more.

FREE FAMILY SHOWS AT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY: Fans of live entertainment can flock to Dubai Festival City Mall for the Clockwork Dolls from 20 to 23 August and the Sequins LED Robots show from 27 until 29 August.

CATCH CRABS AT JUMEIRAH FISHING HARBOUR: A hidden gem along Beach Road, this fishing harbour surrounded by cafés and restaurants is a serene snapshot of Dubai’s marine past. Kids will love watching crabs scuttle up and down the steps along the quay side, and there is a small play area to occupy toddlers. Take buckets, string and bait to ensure a good crab catch (before throwing them back in the water), and follow up with breakfast at one of the many cafes.

WATCH WATER DANCE: The spectacular, choreographed water and light show of the Dubai Fountains can be viewed at various points throughout the day, but the 6pm showing is perfect for little ones, with the sun setting, and the temperatures cooling. Saturday to Thursday 1pm, 1.30pm, and 2pm; Friday afternoon 1.30pm, 2pm, and 2:30pm; Evening shows every 30 mins 6-11pm

GO BIRD WATCHING: Pack a breakfast picnic and trundle the kids in the car as soon as they wake up for a breathtaking dawn with the stunning waterside views and desert wildlife at Al Qudra Lakes.