Things to do at Expo 2020 with family over half-term

From immersive art workshops, to spellbinding performances, sport academies and scientific discoveries – not to mention countless food-and-beverage outlets offering plentiful pit stops for refreshments – Expo 2020 promises to provide half-term fun in spades.

Visitors to Expo 2020 who pass by Hammour House, an experiential art installation and community project raising awareness about endangered coral ecosystems, will discover a beautiful tapestry made by school students depicting marine life. On October 22, it will host art sessions, performances, story-telling and special screenings, inviting families and youngsters to help create a community art project.

Panda robots promise a wild ride in Panda’s Home at the China Pavilion to follow a real-life panda through China’s rich culture and history – it will capture children’s attention with swaying bamboo forests, traditional Chinese lanterns and fireworks. The engaging journey is available daily at the pavilion, which was designed to symbolise hope, light and gathering.

Budding astronauts can join storytellers and experts working with space agencies as they share Stories of Great Ambition and Hope, encouraging future generations to reach for the stars and achieve their dreams – no matter how lofty – through education, hard work and persistence. The event runs from 3-4pm on October 18 at the Terra Auditorium at Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion.

Matryoshka, a folk performance from Russia, celebrating the countries crafts and music, takes place at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre from 1800-2000 GST on 18 October. Named after the traditional matryoshka (or babushka) dolls (pictured) – a representation of the mother carrying a child – audiences can look forward to bright costumes and plenty of pizazz from the dance ensemble.

Bringing Caribbean vibes to Expo, Steel Drum shows, which promise to put a spring in your step, take place at various intervals in the Mobility District (pictured) on October 18.

On October 15 and 16, Manchester City will be hosting Turn Up & Play sessions for ages 12 and above at the Aussie Park in Expo’s Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub. Hourly matches take place from 12pm onwards. Football fanatics aged 5-16 will be coached by the same teachers who help to hone the skills of the likes of Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne can sign up to the Man City Kids Camp, with daily sessions at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm, from October 17-20.

AC Milan Academy will also be offering skills, drills and miniature games for 6-14-year-olds from 16-23 October.

If your child thinks they have what it takes to be an Indian Premier League player, they can test their skills at the Rajasthan Royals Batting Challenge taking place at hourly intervals on 15-16 October from 5pm. Open to ages 8 and above, participants have the chance to win Royals merchandise.

All sporting activities can be booked in advance on the Glofox app. Download from App Store or Google Play, then search for "Expo 2020: Sports, Fitness and Wellbeing Hub" within the app.