10 Lovely things to do in Dubai with kids this weekend

ENJOY RIPE MARKET UNDER THE STARS: Ripe Market is transforming into a culture and heritage hub for Ramadan, and shifting its timing later to be open from 4pm to midnight through the Holy Month. Expect tonnes of kid-friendly fun still, including entertainment from Cheeky Monkeys, petting zoo, outdoor cinema, free magic shows and mascot appearances. There will also be art & crafts activities, kids’ storytelling, games and competitions, beautifully curated retail stalls, and lots of delicious food options. DETAILS: Running from 16 April to 8 May, from 4pm to 10pm at Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, Dh5 for park entry, Ripeme.com.

SEE THE TWINKLING RAMADAN LIGHTS: Come sunset, Dubai will sparkle with traditional Ramadan Lighting installations across the city, including 150 palm trees swathed in twinkle lights. There will be 20 eye-catching 3D structures installed across 12 key locations, including Deira Clock Tower, City Walk, World Trade Centre Roundabout and The Beach opposite JBR, while 370 flags will fly on Al Maktoum Bridge, Al Garhoud Bridge and Business Bay Bridge. Pick your spot and take an atmospheric walk with the little ones to teach them about Ramadan in Dubai.

BE EDU-TAINED AT OSCARS LAB AT KIDS HQ: There’s a special offer happening on Fridays at children’s play area Kids HQ in Al Barsha. Get two hours of play for the price of one at Dh60, and time it so that you can also enjoy some of the awesome Friday line-up activities, which include a Dance Along Show at 11am and 6pm, and then at 4pm Oscar’s Lab will be performing fun and informative science experiments that will amaze and entertain little ones. DETAILS: Dh60 for two hours of play every Friday throughout April at Kids HQ, Al Barsha, KidsHQ.ae.

GET FESTIVE AT DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL: A huge range of Ramadan-themed events and activities are happening at Dubai Festival City Mall. As well as traditional decorations installed throughout, visitors can explore Auto Fest, which will promote driving awareness and safety programmes, take part in Ramadan-themed photo opportunities and visit an art exhibition showcasing work from the Noor Art Collection based on the 99 names of Allah. A Ramadan giveaway will see shoppers win special art books each day while live painting sessions will engage youngsters from the second week of Ramadan. Restaurants at the mall will also offer a range of deals for iftar including kids eat for free promotions, while the mall’s record-breaking IMAGINE show will come alive with an extra special performance featuring traditional Ramadan greetings and a stunning Festival Cares projection.

WIN PRIZES IN A RAMADAN SCAVENGER HUNT AT LEGOLAND DUBAI: Legoland Dubai has an amazing online offer for theme park tickets this Ramadan, with a special online price of just Dh149 per adult, while kids under the age of 12 go for free when accompanied by a paying adult! There are also lots of special activities on for Ramadan, including cookie decorating and a Ramadan quiz, in which family and friends will be provided with clues around Miniland for the chance to win some awesome prizes. DETAILS: Kids under 12 go to Legoland for free when accompanied by paying adult. Adult prices bought online are Dh149 during Ramadan (gate price will remain at Dh275 for both adults and children). Opening hours during Ramadan: Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 6pm, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11am to 7pm and Fridays from 11am to 8pm. www.legoland.com/dubai/ramadan-ticket-offer/.

ENJOY IFTAR NEXT TO THE WORLD’S BIGGEST FOUNTAIN: The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah’s record-breaking fountain and music show has a special performance designed specifically to celebrate the month of Ramadan. Take kids down to watch this marvelous spectacle while enjoying a sumptuous iftar at any of the 13 restaurants and eateries that are hosting special iftar and suhoor deals throughout Ramadan. Venues include: Beirut Bay, Chicago Meatpackers, Hook & Cook, Samakje, Al Safadi, Fnajeen, Aiza, Cairo 30, Ibn Hamido, Rue Royale, Kazoza Le Pirate and Zor. The Pam Fountain shows begin at 7pm, last 3 minutes each and are repeated every half hour.

SAVOUR THE LAST FEW DAYS OF DUBAI MALL’S KIDS EAT FREE PROMO: Children can eat for free at participating venues at Dubai Mall for the Dubai Food Festival, running from 25 March until 17 April 2021. From delicious pizza and pasta at Carluccio’s, to nutritious noodles at Wagamama, head to the world’s largest retail and entertainment destination for a good-value meal with the family, before watching the Dubai Fountains dance and taking some snaps by the Burj Khalifa. Download the Dubai Mall App to find out about the latest offers and all the participating venues. DETAILS: Kids Eat Free during Dubai Food Festival at participating venues at The Dubai Mall from 25 March to 17 April. For more information, visit www.thedubaimall.com or call 800 DUBAI MALL (800 38224 6255). (Photo for illustrative purposes),

TAKE THE KIDS TO AMAZING ENTERTAINMENT VENUES FOR FREE: There are some spectacularly good deals on kids’ entertainment happening throughout Ramadan. Kids can go to an array of Dubai’s best and most iconic children’s venues for absolutely free when accompanied by a paying adults, including indoor rainforest The Green Planet, boutique waterpark Laguna Water Park in La Mer, and Legoland Dubai – which is also offering a discount on adults entry tickets. Meanwhile head down to Motiongate with the little ones and for the price of one day’s entry, you can return an unlimited number of times throughout the month of Ramadan. For more details see: https://gulfnews.com/parenting/learning-play/dubai-ramadan-offers-incredible-deals-on-family-activities-you-cant-afford-to-miss-1.1618406486100.

SWING THROUGH THE TREES AFTER DUSK AT AVENTURA: Throughout Ramadan the Middle East’s largest aerial ropes course Aventura Parks is extending its opening hours until midnight. Until May 12, you and the kids can avoid the heat of the day and instead zip-line, climb and swing your way through the trees daily from 5pm to midnight. There will also be additional kids’ entertainment available, such as free, Ramadan-themed arts and crafts, plus a 20% discount on packages through the month. DETAILS: Apr 13-May12 5pm-midnight. Mushrif Park, Gate 1, Dubai, www.aventuraparks.com (052 178 7616).

GO TO A FAMILY FRIENDLY IFTAR: Savour the spirit of Ramadan with a delicious family-friendly iftar. There are dozens of excellent options to choose from, but the 1920’s-inspired surrounds of Café Society is offering a family-style Iftar set menu that’s priced at a wallet-friendly Dh199, designed for two adults and two children under six years (daily, sunset to 9pm, www.cafesociety.ae). Meanwhile Liwan at Swissotel Al Ghurair is offering a family-frienldy iftar with dedicated kids’ activities to keep little explorers entertained while parents enjoy a tempting choice of traditional flavours (Dh109 person, daily, sunset to 9pm, call 04 293 3000).