12 Family-friendly things to do this week in UAE

THE NATIONAL BALLET STUDIO: Enjoying music while making new friends is a beautiful way to spend a week, and starting August 15, your child can do just that. The studio’s summer workshops consist of daily classes of ballet and contemporary dance choreography and culminate in an end-of-week performance for friends and family. Divided into junior and senior groups, the 45-minute performance will be unique to the dancers each week. DETAILS: Workshops run at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, and are great for those aged six-18. They will run until August 26 from 9am-12.30pm. Cost: Dh850/week.

LALIGA ACADEMY : UEFA Pro-certified coaches offer guidance to their wards during the summer programme geared to help kids improve their football skills, stamina and strength all while building their focus and leadership skills on Abu Dhabi's top indoor football pitch in Al Mariyah Island. DETAILS: Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday 1-4pm. Monday and Wednesday 3-6pm. Cost: Dh195 per day, Dh780 per week or Dh1,250 for two weeks. Write to info@thenationalballetstudio.com to sign up. | Photo for illustrative purposes only.

FOOTLAB: Play better with a little help from some tech support; try Footlab, which allows you to measure your performance and improve it with special activities aimed at bettering your game. DETAILS: Sunday-Thursday from 9am-12pm. Cost: Dh225/day; Dh845/week.

SAPORI RESTAURANT: What’s better than freshly made pizza? One made by your own little baby. At this Italian joint, kids can make their own pizzas complete with toppings of their choice. DETAILS: The Junior Pizza Master plan costs Dh55.

MAMALU KITCHEN: This spot at the Nakheel Mall, The Palm offers kids the chance to learn a number of fun dishes such as turtle-shaped bread from scratch, turkey-shaped cinnamon rolls, sushi, mocha ice-cream from scratch and even sloppy joes. DETAILS: Visit www.mamalukitchen.com for a detailed list of classes your mini-chef can take, or call +971527479512. Cost: Starts at Dh275 per person.

CINDERELLA: Introduce your little one to ballet with a bite-sized fairytale with a difference. The Moscow City Ballet will be bringing the dance performance to Dubai, complete with a score by Soviet composer Sergei Prokofiev and all-new choreography by Victor Smirnov-Golovanov. DETAILS: Tickets to see ‘Cinderella: Bite Size Ballet’ at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, on August 19 and 20, start at Dh100.

MODESH AND DANA MAZE WONDERLAND: Looking for a picture opportunity with Modesh and Dana? Head over to Al Khawaneej Walk this weekend and look for the Modesh and Dana Maze Wonderland. The labyrinthine structure will entertain with games and obstacles – and the friendly mascots will be waiting for you at the centre of the maze. DETAILS: Open daily until 18 August. Entry is free.

IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE: There’s a great summer fest on until August 28 at this theme park complete with an LED Display Dance Extravaganza, an Indoor Beach plus a stunning Character Parade with 30 plus cartoon stars including Modesh and Dana, Johnny Bravo, Gumball, Darwin, Finn and Jake as well as Marvel heroes Hulk and Captain America. DETAILS: 12pm-9pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 12pm to 10pm (Thursday to Saturday). Tickets start at Dh325.

CARLUCCIO’S: Treat your child to a fancy dining experience with this offer – when you order a main, kids get a three-course dining experience for FREE. Each meal will include veggie crudites, a main course - Mac and Cheese, breaded Chicken Milanese served with rosemary potatoes, pizza or a hearty Lasagna - a dessert and a drink. Dessert choices include a chocolate brownie topped with ice cream or a scoop of gelato in flavours including strawberry, vanilla, and pistachio. There’s even a make your own pizza or pasta option! DETAILS: Offer runs until August 31.

SNOW CINEMA: What could be cooler than checking out a movie surrounded by snow and perhaps sipping on some oh-so-good hot chocolate? Try the Snow Cinema at Ski Dubai this summer for movies such as ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’, ‘Jungle Cruise’ and ‘Spirit Untamed’. DETAILS: Tickets, which cost Dh100, include admission, rental equipment, hot chocolate and popcorn. For movie schedules and to make a booking visit voxcinemas.com or skidxb.com.

DREAMSCAPE: Put on that virtual reality headset and get ready to fly into adventure. Three original and immersive experiences await you: ‘Alien Zoo’, ‘Curse of the Lost Pearl: A Magic Projector Adventure’ and ‘The Blu: Deep Rescue’. DETAILS: Tickets for experience cost Dh78.75. Dreamscape is located at Mall of the Emirates (Level 2). Book your tickets at dreamscapemena.com.

TOP GOLF: Calling all teens with a penchant for golf – head over to Top golf for a two-hour game this summer season. DETAILS: Until September 1, for teens aged 14-18, the Teen Zone offers a two-hour game along with one soft beverage for Dh100. Walk-ins only.