11 Amazing things to do in Dubai this weekend with the family

From lavish UK Mother’s Day lunches, to flower planting fun and magical shows, there’s so much to do with the family this weekend…

SAVOUR A 3-COURSE SEAFOOD MOTHER'S DAY MENU AT GEALES: It's UK Mother's Day on Sunday 14 March and what better way to celebrate your mother than to treat her to a 3-course meal of the freshest seafood in Dubai? With an al fresco setting and modern design, Geales is inviting you to celebrate your mother this Mother’s Day for 3 whole days from 12-14 March, with a 3-course set menu and a bottle of rose grape for Dh200. And mums will really get the special treatment, with a gift of petit fours and bouquet of flowers upon arrival. DETAILS: Dh200 for 3-course set menu plus a bottle of pink grape, 12-14 March at Geales, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai, call 04 316 5550, www.geales-dubai.com.

PLANT A FLOWER AT AVENTURA FOR NATIONAL PLANT A FLOWER DAY: This Friday March 12 , to commemorate National Plant a Flower Day, Aventura is inviting visitors to bring their green thumbs and plant a flower for free. A great family activity to educate kids on the importance of plants in the environment, and relish quality time outdoors to welcome the spring season. With one flower per person, the Aventura garden is set to be bursting with colour, making for a picturesque view for visitors. DETAILS: All day, Friday 12 March, plant a flower for free at Aventura, www.aventuraparks.com, +971 52 178 7616.

GET MUM A FREE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT LUNCH AT SLOANE’S: Celebrate the UK Mother’s Day (14 March) this Friday 12 March at Sloane’s, Grosvenor House Dubai, with a slap-up gourmet meal. Gather the family round for a sumptuous seafood buffet, succulent roasts, juicy tandoor meats, freshly made pizza and puds galore. Get together a group of three or more and Mothers will dine for free! DETAILS Dh350 for unlimited food and soft drinks, UK Mother’s Day Lunch, Friday 12 March, Sloane’s Grosvenor House Dubai, call 04 317 6000 or visit https://www.sloanes-dubai.com/.

PAINT AN ANDY WARHOL TOGETHER: This Friday 12 March you and your little one can go to a Paint & Grow session with Kidz Love Art where your child (and you) will be painting 'Ice Cream' by Andy Warhol at the stunning Couqley, JLT. These sociable sessions are led by professional artists and will teach children new artistic techniques all within a vibrant environment. DETAILS: Friday 12 March, 12-2pm, Dh225 including all art materials, pre-sketched canvas and a glass of juice and one pain perdu. For children aged 5-6 a parent must also join and paint with their child (mandatory), for children aged 7 and above parents may either join or sit in another part of the cafe for a meal while the kids create. Dh225 for parents including one glass of house grape or two soft drinks. www.kidzloveart.com.

PARENTS GET FREE TICKETS TO KIDZANIA: Until 25 March at KidZania Dubai and Abu Dhabi parents can get free tickets to join their kids at the exciting indoor ‘edutainment’ theme park, where children get to dress up and roleplay a mind-boggling number of real-life jobs, from fireman and paramedic to chef, factory worker, engineer and radio host. Until March 25th, parents can accompany their kids on a playdate at KidZania Dubai and Abu Dhabi for free (usual adult price Dh69), by using the promocode ‘PARENTSATKZ’ when booking online. Dubai.kidzania.com.

CATCH A SPECTACULAR MAGIC SHOW AT AIR MANIAX: Abracadabra! Air Maniax now has magic shows on Fridays – and you can catch this half hour of dazzling magic during a Friday morning bounce session from 10.30pm on Friday 12 March. DETAILS: Dh100 for two hours general magic access from 10am to 12pm, including half hour magic show at 10.30am and general park access including Warrior assault Course. www.airmaniax.com. CAMP OVERNIGHT IN A WATERPARK:

BE PART OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL CLEAN UP DRIVE: Do you want to teach your child about saving the plane and community spirit? Residents are being invited to join teams from Nakheel, Hayi and Bee’ah to help collect waste from outdoor common areas at Discovery Gardens and Jumeirah Village Circle. Bags and gloves will be provided, with strict health and safety measures in place. It will be a great way to meet the neighbours and to raise awareness of the opportunities for recycling. DETAILS: For registration and more information, download the Hayi app. Numbers are limited in line with health and safety regulations.

TREAT MAMA TO A SATURDAY RHOAST FIT FOR A QUEEN: Rhodes W1 at the Grosvenor House Dubai is offering up a special edition of the famous Saturday Rhoast for UK Mother’s Day this Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March. Featuring Roast Beef, Leg of Lamb, Chicken, and a choice of scrumptious sides including the classic Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables topped with lashings of gravy, there is also a complimentary glass of sparkling awaiting all Mums! DETAILS: Free sparkling for mums at the Saturday Rhoast, Rhodes W1, Grosvenor House Dubai, 13th & 14th March, call 04 317 6000 or visit https://www.rhodesw1-dubai.com/.

HAVE THE PERFECT FAMILY DAYCATION: Sofitel The Palm Dubai has just launched a Family Daycation deal, which boasts a wonderful day of pool and beach access, plus plenty to keep kids busy, including the kids club, pools with slides, and watersports along with Waiora Aqua Bounce. Located just off the east end of the resort, this inflatable obstacle course features an assortment of slides, towers, bridges, cliffs, monkey bars and even a trampoline. DETAILS: Dh100 per adult on weekends, or Dh65 for children 4 – 12 years old (add on Dh50 for access to Waiora Aqua Bounce). All Pool & Beach Day pass holders get 30% discount at all restaurants & bars daily, advance booking required, 044 55 66 77 or email recreation.palmdubai@sofitel.com.

CAMP OVERNIGHT IN A WATERPARK: Glamp under the stars at the epic Laguna Waterpark, as The Camp returns across this weekend of the 11th March 2021. Picture cosy campfires, marshmallow toasting and delicious BBQ’s whilst the kids splash, and surf around one of Dubai’s coolest waterparks! With an exclusive 10 tents available, which comfortably sleep two or four people, prices start at Dh700 for two, including water park access from 5.30pm, an unlimited BBQ, board games, campfire and marshmallows, outdoor movie, breakfast the following day – along with waterpark access and unlimited food and drink after check-out! Book your tent at https://www.lagunawaterpark.com/en/the-camp.

FEED THE KIDS DELICIOUS CURRY FOR FREE AT CLAY POT: Kids eat free every day of the week at City Max Bur Dubai, where families dining at the signature Indian restaurant Claypot or at the popular Pan-Asian eatery, Sizzling Wok, can enjoy a free kid’s meal with every main course purchased from the a la carte menu from 12pm – 3pm and 7pm – midnight daily. From steamed dumplings to fish popcorn served with tossed noodles, the kid’s menu at Sizzling Wok (@sizzlingwokae) features a fun twist on some of the restaurant’s best dishes. While at Claypot, they can opt for child-friendly versions of adult favourites including dal palak ki khichdi, the chicken tikka naanwich, Amritsari fish fingers and stuffed parathas. DETAILS: Kids eat free at City Max Bur Dubai every day, to make a reservation at either restaurant call 050 1007065.