10 Family activities to celebrate Children's Day weekend

Dubai: Children's Day is today and the weekend is here, if you're wondering how to keep the little ones entertained (without them glued to screens), we've got you sorted.

From ziplining through treetops to getting up close with exotic animals, here are the best family-friendly spots across the UAE to make this weekend one to remember.

The ultimate family day out with country pavilions, rides and trendy food at budget-friendly prices. Perfect for all ages, this cultural wonderland offers entertainment from around the world in one spot.

Nature-loving kids can become zookeepers for a day, shadowing biologists and getting hands-on with biodome creatures. The Jungle Quest adventure offers close animal encounters and activities. From Dh155. Open daily 10am-6pm, at City Walk.

Now in its sixth season, the park houses over 3,000 animals including 78 mammal species, 50 reptile types and 111 bird varieties. Educational wildlife encounters make it unforgettable for kids.

Children role-play over 40 professions – from doctor to firefighter – earning KidZania money to spend in the on-site shop. This make-believe world never gets old. Tickets start from Dh90.

Let little ones loose on outdoor ziplines and adventure activities for hours of fun. Prices start from Dh35. Located at Mushrif Park.

This indoor-outdoor adventure hub features a Smash Room and paintballing arena. There's even a converted London bus serving refreshments. Starting from Dh25. Find it at The Last Exit, Sheikh Zayed Road.

Giant luminous cat sculptures and neon vibes create a magical photo playground under the stars. Running October 23-December 10 at Festival Land and just for Dh10 per person (Dh5 entry, Dh5 garden access) this will be a fuzzy time spent well with cat encounters.

Explore Atlantis-themed chambers housing 65,000 marine animals including jellyfish, stingrays and sharks. Guided tours or self-paced wandering tours are available with tickets starting from Dh105 (adults), Dhs85 (kids).

Teens can de-stress across 3,000 square metres of interconnected trampolines, adventure features and airbags. Bounce Café serves pizza, pasta and more afterwards and prices for the tickets start from Dh80.

Dress in fluorescent colours and play 18 holes surrounded by glowing 3D artwork at JBR. Refreshments are available throughout your time there and the tickets start from Dh110.

The writer is a trainee at Gulf News.