Eid in Dubai: Kids’ activities in Dubai this week and long weekend

HAVE COOL THRILLS AT IMG WORLD: If you want to get your theme park thrills without getting too sweaty this summer then newly reopened IMG World of Adventure is the place to go! Featuring four separate adventure zones, all air conditioned and under cover, there are rides and attractions dedicated to dinosaurs in The Lost Valley, superheroes in Marvel land, fun kids’ shows in Cartoon Network, and more. It’s got a special promotion running just for Eid, with ticket priced at Dh225 valid 11-15 May (usual price Dh299). DETAILS: Eid offer at IMG Worlds of Adventure, Dh225 valid 11-15 May, Imgworlds.com.

DIVE INTO THE EID CARNIVAL AT SPLASH N PARTY: There is a special Eid Carnival happening at waterpark Splash N Party over the long weekend, featuring plenty of thirlls and spills in the park’s large waterslide structure, as well as Eid entertainment and even visits from a certain superhero Transformer! The Carnival offer access to the park, a zip line ride, kids’ meal and one adult free all for Dh99. DETAILS: Eid Carnival, Dh99 for entry plus zipline and kids’ mela and one adult free, valid over long weekend, Splash N Party, Al Safa 2, Splashnparty.ae.

SEE THE FIRST DISNEY PRINCESS FOUNTAIN SHOW: The Palm Fountain at The Pointe is putting on a magical Disney weekend for Eid this year from May 13 – 15, and will be debuting an all-new Princess Anthem in its spectacular fountain display. For the first time, The Palm Fountain will dance to ‘Starting Now’, an original song written specifically for Disney’s yearlong Ultimate Princess Celebration, which spotlights the courage and kindness of Disney heroines. This will join The Palm Fountain’s existing line-up of Disney hits such as Aladdin’s ‘A Whole New World’, Frozen’s ‘Let It Go’ and Mulan’s ‘Reflection’, which will play every hour from 7pm. DETAILS: Free shuttle buses will be provided from Nakheel Mall to The Pointe every 20 minutes from at 5pm until midnight from 11 to 15 May. Alternatively, visitors can reach The Pointe by car and park at The Pointe Promenade East or West, or use valet parking. As parking at The Pointe is limited capacity, it is highly advised to use the free shuttle buses or taxis, https://www.thepointe.ae/en.

TRY A WOODWORKING WORKSHOP: Design and technology centre StuDIYolab offers a wide range of kid-friendly woodworking, metal casting, and acrylic molding-based workshops for children aged 5 and above. This week from May 9-12 it is offering a carpentry workshop in which kids can try their hand at designing and making real wooden products using a Jigsaw, as well as learn sanding and finishing techniques. DETAILS: StuDIYolab in Times Square Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, week commencing May 9 – 12, 1:30pm - 3:30pm or 3:45pm-5:45pm, Dh240 plus VAT, 04 388 8530, www.studiyolab.com.

CATCH THE TRAVELLING MOON AT OLI OLI: Ever wondered what it must feel like to be an astronaut seeing the moon up close? You can experience that feeling once again at OliOli®, as the travelling Museum of the Moon gallery is making an exclusive comeback for the Eid break. In the UAE for just 5 days between 11th-15th May, the 5-metre temporary installation has been created by world-renowned artist Luke Jerram, who fused imagery from detailed NASA pictures of the lunar surface, all set to a surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning composer Dan Jones. This is a travelling exhibit that has been presented in over 30 countries and will return to OliOli® for 5 days exclusively between 11th-15th May for the Eid break. DETAILS: From 11-15 May, Museum of the Moon at Oli Oli, Dh126 kids aged 2016 years for 2 hours, Dh63 for kids age 12-23 months, one adult free, Dh42 for additional adults, OliOli.ae, 04 702 7300.

HANG WITH THE PAW PATROL GANG AT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY: From Thursday 6 May until May 15 legendary PAW Patrol pups, Chase, and Marshall will be visiting Dubai Festival City Mall, where they will invite kids to challenge themselves in PUP-TACULAR games in the Adventure Bay activities area. Children can help the pups in rescue missions, while learning the importance of teamwork, recycling, and they can also meet and have their photo taken with PAW Patrol’s Chase and Marshall. DETAILS: Enjoy the PAW Patrol experience by spending Dh250 at Dubai Festival City Mall, where parents will also have the chance to win a brand-new Dodge Charger when they enter the raffle draw. Dubai Festival City Mall from May 6 to 15 2021 from 12:00pm to 9:00pm daily, www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com.

CHILL OUT AT SNOW CINEMA: From this Monday May 10 Snow Cinema is back at Ski Dubai for the summer season, so you and the brood can enjoy the magic of movies surrounded by real snow on the slopes of the World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort. Hosting several screenings a day, including family films such as Raya and the Last Dragon, Tom & Jerry, Maya the Bee, kids will love snuggling down on the lounge-style seating while watching their favourite movies on the big screen. There’s no need to worry about getting too cold as each seat has an individual heater, plus all guests receive rental clothing (jacket and pants), fleece gloves, socks, boots, beanie hat, blanket, stereo wireless headphones and a dedicated locker. DETAILS: Ticket prices for Snow Cinema start at Dh100 per person and include admission as well as an F&B package consisting of a signature hot chocolate and popcorn. There’s also the option to upgrade your ticket to: Snow Cinema & Penguin Encounter (Dh280), Snow Cinema & Snow Park (Dh235) and Snow Cinema & Chairlift (Dh130 and available from September 1), book at voxcinemas.com or skidxb.com.

GO WACKY AT WILD WADI: This weekend is the perfect opportunity to buy Wild Wadi waterpark’s Summer Pass for UAE residents, which offers super spills and thrills for Eid Al Fitr and beyond. Priced at just Dh249, passes are valid until 31 August. Waldwadi.com.

JUMP AROUND AT THE STREET MANIAX EID CAMP: Keep kids occupied, active and healthy over the long weekend with the Eid camp at indoor parkour and freestyle-trampolining park Street Maniax. With supervised activities for children from 10am-2pm, it’s a great way to keep them energised and engaged. DETAILS: Tuesday 11-Thursday 13 May, Dh150 per day, lunch and juice included, Streetmaniax.com.

MEET THE DOLPHINS: Families celebrating Eid Al Fitr at Dubai Dolphinarium can enjoy 25 per cent off admission to the Live Dolphin & Seal show by using the promo code EID25 from 12 to 15 May. Dubaidolphinarium.ae.

DESIGN ARABIC-INSPIRED TILES: There are two Eid-related workshops running at children’s indoor play museum Woo-hoo over the long weekend. On 13 May kids from 3 years upwards can make their own money holder and and scratch-art henna design – fun, hands-on crafts that also instill a sense of tradition. Then on the 14 May kids from the age of 4 can create their own beautiful geometric tile, inspired by traditional Arabic patterns. DETAILS: 13 May, 2pm-3pm, Dh100 per child; 14 May, 2pm-3pm, Dh100 perchild, https://woo-hoo.ae/programs-events/.

ROVE THROUGH ALL OF DUBAI'S BEST THEME PARKS: Treat the family to a staycation at Rove At The Park, between 12th and 22nd May, starting from just Dh499, and get unlimited access to all four theme parks at Dubai Parks & Resorts. Whether you are looking for adrenaline-pumping rollercoaster rides at Motiongate or Bollywood Parks, or hoping to make a splash at Legoland Waterpark, this package has it all! DETAILS: Rove At The Park Eid Staycation Offer, valid 12-22 May 2021, from Dh499 including unlimited access to all four theme parks at Dubai Parks & Resorts, www.rovehotels.com.

SWIM AND SING WITH THE LITTLE MERMAID: Catch this unique adaption of Hans Christian Anderson’s classic fairytale ‘The Little Mermaid’ brought to life on stage at Theatre by QE2.With help from a comedic crab, a silly seagull, a cute guppy and a whole shoal of fishy friends, this fun-filled family musical will delight the little ones and is a great way to celebrate the Eid break. DETAILS: From Dh120, 1hr 30mins + Interval, 3+ yrs require a ticket. 13-22 May, Theatre by QE2, TheatrebyQE2.com.

BOUNCE YOUR WAY TO SAVINGS: Kids jumping to the Bounce trampoline park in Dubai Festival City Mall and Al Quoz during the Eid Al Fitr break can enjoy two hours of leaping and tumbling fun for the reduced price of Dh99. Bounce.ae.

JOIN THE EID CELEBRATIONS AT AL BARARI PLAYGROUND: One of the newest residential playgrounds on the block, Al Barari playground has a huge pirate ship, zip line, sand areas and climbing frames, and a water play area where kids can cool down and have a paddle. It is offering a range of wonderful family-friendly activities for the Eid break, from a petting zoo and African drums, to henna, face painting, outdoor movie, bubbles, arts and crafts and more. DETAILS: Open to residents from 10am to 8pm. It is Dh11 for non-residents on weekdays and Dh16 for entry on weekends, free for residents, Albarari.com/play.

SEE THE EID LIGHTS AT AL HAI: This Eid Al Fitr sees the return of Al Hai, an immersive light-installation experience that takes visitors on a journey through a series of illuminated displays inspired by the layout and landmarks of Emirati neighbourhoods. Located at Last Exit in Al Khawaneej from 13 to 15 May, kids will be amazed by the stunning collection of light displays, which will be switched on at 7pm each evening.

CHECK OUT LEGOLAND’S SPECIAL EID ACTIVITIES: Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark are offering a 20% online discount over the Eid weekend (Water Park ticket holders can also enjoy an awesome limited time bonus of free access to LEGOLAND® Dubai theme park after 5pm). There are also some special activities just for Eid, including the MINILAND Quiz – which gives you the chance to win awesome Lego hampers filled with goodies galore – as well as building a Lego lantern and cookie decoration (for a small extra fee). Plus, Market Restaurant is offering an Eid family buffet, priced at Dh75 per adult and Dh45 per child for unlimited food and drink, Legoland.ae.

HAVE DISCO AT THE ICE RINK: It’s time to get your dance skates on! Every night of Eid the Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall is hosting two live DJ sessions on the ice, so kids, tweens and teens can skate away to uplifting tunes in a festive disco atmosphere. DETAILS: Live DJ sessions every night at 6.15pm and 8.15pm over the Eid public holiday at Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Mall, Dh85 per person, Dubaiicerink.com.

ENJOY FAMILY FUN AT THE WALK JBR: The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is offering a range of deals for the Eid break, including fun for the entire family at indoor team-adventure park TEPFactor Dubai (suitable for ages 8 upwards), a 21-challenge experience that focuses on fitness, patience, logic and skill. Residents can get a buy three, get one free offer during the long Eid weekend for a minimum two-hour game. Meanwhile waffle food concept WOFL is offering all diners 25 percent off the total bill when dining in – the perfect way to round off an afternoon of fun and challenges together. DETAILS: Call TEPFactor Dubai on 971 4 398 8438 to make a reservation/ Call WOFL on 052 508 4367 to make a reservation.

CATCH THE BURJ KHALIFA’S NEW EID FOUNTAIN SHOW: At 8pm every night throughout the Eid holiday the Burj Khalifa will be displaying an all-new light show spectacular, as well as a new Dubai Fountain show - perfectly choreographed to LED again a special track called Esmaha Dubai, a song written by Emirati music composer and director Mohamed Al Ahmed. Let the kids stay up past their bedtime for one special night as you soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy the long weekend.