Dubai mums see much variety for kids’ activities

Dubai mums see much variety for kids’ activities

‘Physical activities are essential because he is such an active little boy’

Sarah Al Shammari, American-Kuwaiti, stay-at-home mum with a 23-month-old son, Yousef

“My son Yousef is not in school or nursery yet, but I look for activities that stimulate him, both physically and mentally.

“I got my son enrolled in swimming classes when he was nine months old, but I could have easily started that sooner. There are a lot of activities available for babies in Dubai.

“When it comes to activities, I’ve taken my son to a lot of different play areas. His favourite is ‘Extreme Fun’, on the top floor of the Union Co-op in Satwa, because he loves the trampolines.

“We’ve also tried different classes. We went to ‘Toddler Sense’ at Sunset Mall for a few months, and swim classes at Baby Splash.

“There are a few baby classes available in Dubai, but it was difficult to find one that ticked all the boxes for us.

“I wanted to find something that was both physically and mentally stimulating for my son but the good ones allowed so many children into the class that it became chaotic, and I felt like my son wasn’t getting any attention. That’s why it’s so frustrating to end up there and find out that it’s not what you expected or not satisfactory.

“We try to meet up with his friends at least once a week for a playdate. Until my son starts nursery, this is the only interaction he gets with other children his age. The physical activities are essential because he’s such an active little boy with a lot of energy, and I can’t just keep him cooped up at home all day.”

If there’s one thing I wish Dubai had: “It would be better weather, so I could take him to a park more often.”

I get my information from: “Following a few mummy bloggers in Dubai on social media. I find out about a lot of activities, classes and deals that way. If it’s something I particularly want to know, I’ll google it.”

Expensive or affordable? “The classes are sometimes quite expensive.”

Plenty of options available for her twins

Lecia Manfredi, British mum of twin boys, 21 months old. They attend nursery a couple of mornings a week.

As a full-time mother, British expat Lecia Manfredi likes to cover all activities for her twin boys.

She believes the right age to get kids to expand their creativity and fun learning is “as soon as possible.”

Manfredi is part of a twin/multiples network in Dubai. She has joined their Facebook and WhatsApp groups to know about activities and programmes for children, especially for the multiple ones.

“I have also joined the British mums and The Real mums FB groups. I learn about what’s available through those and also friends who can recommend certain classes or parks.”

As they are still quite young, Manfredi’s boys are limited in terms of what classes they can attend.

“They did a term of toddler sensory classes at Sunset Mall. They loved the music and being able to dance and clap.

“I take them to indoor play centres during the warmer months. This includes Fun City in various locations, Kids Palooza at Times Square and Extreme Fun in Jumeirah 1,” she says.

During the winter months, she also takes them to local parks where they can ride their trikes and use the toddler playgrounds.

Manfredi believes there are adequate avenues for child development in Dubai.

“There seems to be enough to cover what I’d like the boys to do.”

The nursery they go to twice a week covers music, language, arts and crafts, outside play time, yoga, etc.

“They also enjoy the centres with the toddler kitchens, building blocks, dress up costumes, puzzles and toy cars, etc. We have a couple of play dates a week with friends and their children.”

The various activities have helped her kids become more social with other children, she says. “Their speech has increased tenfold.”

I get my information from: “Social media groups, mum blogs and friends who recommend.”

What’s missing: “Public swimming pools in most neighbourhoods. The boys have swimming lessons once a week but they don’t get to practise in between. We don’t live in a compound, neither are we members of a club at a hotel. So we do not have access to pools.”

Expensive or affordable? “[Some of the facilities and activities] come with a price tag and for [me] it is more expensive, especially when paying for two children.”

‘Edutainment should be reasonably priced’

Sushma Vinod, Indian, has two daughters. Pavitra Vinod, 9, Vismaya Vinod, 4

Sushma Vinod believes today’s children are spoilt for choice for fun and learning programmes. “There is a plethora of options in Dubai — be it art, music, literature, science, math or social relations. With outdoor trampolines and play areas for little ones at Kite Beach and JBR, it makes a perfect weekend getaway.”

She believes any child after the age of two is already at their development stage. As a working woman, time remains a huge challenge for Vinod. “I try to be involved in group activities for kids. I am also a silent member of some amazing groups like UAE kids and Mommie Club, Love Parenting UAE Support Group and MUMO — Mumbai MOMs.”

The great thing about Dubai, however, she says is that it is coming up with interesting things to do as a family. From bike riding to kayaking, crabbing to sailing and a whole lot of eating, the options never cease. “Recently, we explored the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Science.”

I get my information from: “Mainstream and social media. But the primary source is through word of mouth from friends or family.”

Expensive or affordable? “Most options are expensive. It’s typically difficult to enjoy good activities without having to spend a few hundred dirhams at least. Edutainment should be priced more reasonably to benefit families across all income groups.”—Sajila Saseendran, Senior Reporter

‘An early start to activities is the best approach’

Anias Jacotin, French, works at a nursery and has a two-year-old daughter, Leina

“Leina has started nursery and is following the Montessori programme. I like activities that make a child responsible, and teach them how to do things by themselves. Some of these activities include cooking, cleaning, folding the laundry, while others develop their creativity, such as painting, drawing, reading, and building Lego. I make sure Leina has a minimum of one activity outside per week, and a minimum of one physical activity and another creative activity a week.

“I think parents should get their kids to interact and get creative early — as young as one-year-old. I like to take Leina to the park, observe nature, watch the birds, look at ants, and play with other kids. In the kitchen, she watches me cook and sometimes helps me with fruits and vegetables, and at home, she helps me clean, and listens to music, dances, and reads books. I think the nursery is also a very good place for creative learning and entertainment.

“Regarding adequate avenues for child development in Dubai, I feel many are indoors and take place during the summer.”

I get my information from: “I am not a part of any groups on social media. I hear about kid’s facilities through friends with kids.”

What’s missing: “Having [more opportunities] for children to discover nature and enjoy the outdoors.”

Expensive or affordable? “I have taken Leina a few times only to avenues specialised for children’s activities so I am not aware of the prices differences.”