10 Amazing things to do in Dubai this weekend with kids

From cut-price offers to iconic kids' venues, to splash-tastic pool days and record-breaking light shows, here's what's going on for families in Dubai this weekend...

SUMMER RATES AT RIVA: With the scorching weather now here, the best way to spend these sultry days is chilling in a beautiful, cooled, family-friendly pool like the one at Riva Beach Club. With panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and jaw-dropping sunsets, the beach club is offering reduced-priced access for the summer, with Weekend Day Access Passes available for Dh210 for a couple (Dh115 for an individual), plus Dh45 for kids aged 5-12 years). Contact +971 4 430 9466 or reservations@riva-beach.com

BAG THE BIG TICKET: When the going gets hot, the hot get going to any one of the multitude of amazing indoor entertainment options that Dubai has to offer. Do it right by getting up to 50% off access to a whole host of Dubai’s most exciting and iconic family destinations with The Dubai Mall BIG Ticket, a consolidated pass that gives access to six of the city’s top destinations: At the Top Burj Khalifa, Reel Cinemas, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink, KidZania and VR Park. Cost-wise, the pass works based on how many attractions you want to visit- the more you buy, the bigger the discount. DETAILS: Purchase The Dubai Mall BIG Ticket at the dedicated POS areas at The Dubai Mall (there’s one at the cinema entrance level 7, near Reel Cinemas and there is another located on the ground floor opposite Costa Coffee.) The offer is valid until July 30th.

TRY FABBRICA’S NEW PICCOLO KIDS’ MENU: La Fabbrica Italiana is an artisan foccaceria that serves only three things: creamy burrata, crisp and airy fresh-baked focaccia, and indulgent tiramisu. Using a family recipe that can be traced back to Speranza Bon, the original inventor of the tiramisu back in 1958, this authentic Italian hotspot has also just become the perfect place for the family since the launch of their Piccolo Kids Menu. For Dh40, kids can enjoy a slice of their favourite airy focaccia (there are heaps of flavours to choose from), a tiramisu dessert cup, and a cold pressed juice to fill them up and keep them going throughout the day. Have piccolo taste of this cult new café in Wasl 51 with the kids menu, available all day for customers under the age of 12, for dine-in only.

CELEBRATE PHILLIPINES AND RUSSIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Dubai Festival City Mall’s record-breaking IMAGINE light, laser and fountain show is going all patriotic to mark both the Philippines’ and Russia’s Independence Days this weekend. The festivities will take place on Saturday 12th June at 7:30pm and 8:30pm where visitors will be able to enjoy a special Philippines Independence Day show following IMAGINE, whilst the Russian flag will be projected at 9:30pm. Visit one of the mall’s 15 waterfront restaurants along Festival Bay, then catch the visual and sensory extravaganza to round off your evening’s entertainment. DETAILS: Free access, Saturday 12 June at 7.30pm and 8.30pm for the Philippines, and at 9.30pm for Russia.

HAVE A WHOLE DAY AT THE PARX: With the weather too sticky to have a day outside at the park, take it indoors to the Parx instead. Adventure Parx and Café - the exciting and Instagrammable indoor kids’ softplay/ aerial ropes course/ toddler area/ café hybrid in Al Safa - is offering full day admission for Dh120 per day. Parents can sit and have a relaxed lunch in the café or catch up with work and emails, while kids have a ball jumping, crawling, bouncing and weaving their way through the many activities. DETAILS: Summer all-day Parx access offer for Dh120, Adventure Parx & Café, Al Ferdous Building, Al Safa, call 043335657.

GET CREATIVE AT THE JAM JAR: Super cool art studio venue The Jam Jar in Alserkal has got a ‘Fields of imagination’ workshop on for little ones this Saturday. You’ll be amazed how your little ones can already depict landscapes when they walk out of this fun, hands-on session this month, as their imaginations wander through fields of tall grass and sunflowers. DETAILS: Saturday 12 June, 3.30-4.30pm, for ages 3-6 years, Dh115, www, thejamjardubai.com.

HAVE A SWISS FAMILY PLAYCATION: Swissotel Al Ghurair is all set to make a splash with their newly relaunched staycation offer. Starting from Dh250, the Laguna Staycation package offers families a night’s stay for the whole family, water park access for two adults and two kids, buffet breakfast, a discounted room rate and a complimentary shuttle to La Mer Beach to an enjoyably tiring day. Not a water park fan? The tickets can be used at either Laguna Waterpark or the Green Planet (Dubai’s very own tropical indoor rain forest) at City Walk. DETAILS: Accommodation, water park or Green Planet tickets, breakfast and transport all starting from Dh250, offer valid till September 2021, https://www.swissotel-dubai-alghurair.com..

LEARN ABOUT SAFE SLEEP FOR BABIES AT EGG & SOLDIERS: This Saturday 12 June at 9.30 Sofi Chabowski, owner of Egg & Soldiers sustainable kids’ concept store, is hosting a free community workshop on safe sleep. From SIDS prevention, to swaddles, mattresses and sleep-inducing nightlighs, Sofi will share her expert advice to lull your family into a safe, soothing slumber. Register for free at www.eggsnsoldiers.com.

COOKIES BAKED BY YOUR COOKIE: Who can resist a freshly baked chocolate chip cookie? Not us! And not many littles ones either. Make their dreams come true with Sweeties, Mondoux’s Culinary School for Kids, which is hosting a hands-on cookies baking workshop this Saturday, where kids will learn how to mix and bake these irresistible sweet treats. DETAILS: 11am Saturday 12 June, 1.5 hours, suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years old. Dh150, inclusive of 1.5 hours chef-supervised workshop, a Sweeties branded t-shirt, and a kids’ meal – one item off the kid’s menu, a glass of fruit juice or warm milk, and a choice of ice-cream or fruit. Parents receive 20 percent off their meal. To book, call +971 50 1420319.

TRY OUT THE NEW MAGIC PLANET AND VOX CINEMA HYBRID: Majid Al Futtaim has opened its first hybrid cinema and family entertainment centre in the UAE at Wafi City. This has an all-encompassing entertainment experience featuring VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet complemented by plenty of places to eat and drink too. Take the kids to check out the arcade, games and rides, grab a bite, and then wind down from all the excitement with a family-friendly film at the cinema. DETAILS: Check out the new Magic Planet and Vox hybrid at Wafi City, Dubai.