Why you need to take the kids to Dubai's indoor rainforest, The Green Planet

An indoor rainforest experience is nothing to be sneezed at. In Dubai, four-storey origami style glass bio-dome called The Green Planet, is home to more than 3,000 plants and animals and offers up a number of fun run-ins for the kids. Here’s what you can do there:

Meet the birds. An unfortunate side-effect of civiliasation is the felling of trees, resulting in the loss of habitat and the endangering of species; one such bird that’s on the list is the Toucan. Get a glimpse of this species, Caiques or other small parrots once per day at 11.30am. Here, not only can you watch the birds but also you’ll have photo opportunities and an experienced biologist your little one can engage with. Note: A maximum of six people can visit at a time.

See the nocturnal animals including the cute Slow Loris family, the Lace Monitor, Burmese Pythons pair, the Tokay gecko, Marine toads, Parma Wallabies, The Laughing Kookaburra and Carpet pythons here.

Does your child love animals? Gift him/her a chance to be a zookeeper for the day. The experience, available from 3pm-6pm through the week with an additional slot from 8.30am-11.30am over the weekend, is one that’s sure to delight. It’s priced at Dh390 and is recommended for all over eight.

Talk about swimming with the fishes. You can actually see those flesh loving piranhas devouring chickens and turkeys when you dive into this experience. All guests will be provided a wet suit and briefed by an expert biologist before getting into the expansive Piranha River Tank for a special feeding session. When you opt for this adventure – which is only for four people on any given day who must be over six years of age - you also get full-day access to the rest of the biodome.

Have a reptile fan on hand? Check out the sleek snakes at the rainforest. Big constrictors, such as the Anaconda and the reticulated python are lying in wait for a visit. At Green Planet guests (maximum five participants per session) can have a 20-minute reptile encounter with lizards, geckos and snakes thrice per day at 12.30pm, 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Be prepared for cool pictures and to learn all about the snakes during this encounter.

Check out the baby sloth. The new baby is just three weeks old and weighs about 350 grams. Did you know? A sloth’s gestation period is ten months – and at the end of it, the mammal is born complete with teeth nails and fur. And while they’ll hand on to their mums throughout their lives – the nurse only for about 10 days, then, they get into eating solids such as flowers and fruits.

Camp out in the rainforest. We’ll admit this one is a bit expensive, but if you want a truly magical evening, this option is perfect for your family. Check in at 7pm and stay on until 8am and sleep in a comfortable tent. During your adventure you’ll have a scavenger hunt, learn about the little critters in the forest, dine at the café, watch a nature-themed movie and even roast marshmallows. The stay comes with an exclusive animal encounter too – you can pick from any of those listed above. Dh800 for a party of two and Dh1,600 for a party of four. This choice is only valid on Thursdays and Fridays.