11 Fun things to do with kids in Dubai this weekend

From taking a mission to Mars to the ultimate milkshake competition and a modernised game of cat and mouse, there's so much to do with little ones in the UAE this weekend...

HAVE A FAMILY-FRIENDLY VALENTINES GARDEN LUNCH: Give a nod to Valentine’s Day while also spending the weekend with the family at Bab Al Shams’ Garden Lunch, which features an array of mouthwatering culinary favourites, as well as a fabulous kids’ play area to keep your little ones entertained. DETAILS: Friday 12 Feb, 1pm-4pm, Dh300 buffet and soft package including fresh juices, Dh150 for add-on house beverages package, under 5s free, 6-12 year olds 50% off, Al Forsan Garden, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, 04 809 6194.

TAKE A TRIP TO MARS: Interactive child’s play museum OliOli is celebrating the UAE’s Mars mission 2021 this half-term break with a spectacular space theme activation focusing on the Red Planet – Mars, with 8 fun and interactive activities inspired by the UAE’s Hope probe. The event will be running from 11th to the 27th February 2021. DETAILS: Mission Mars 2021 is free with your general admission ticket (AED 126 - 1 Child + 1 Adult) when booked online @ olioli.ae; AED 30 at the door. OliOli.ae.

CATCH THE NEW TOM & JERRY MOVIE: The brand new Tom & Jerry movie hits UAE cinemas on February 11 and is a hilarious hybrid of film and cartoon starring Chloe Grace Moretz that kids and adults will both love. This modern revamp of the classic animated duo is the perfect family film to watch all together, for a socially distanced, cosy and comedic weekend treat. Plus! from February 14th to March 3rd, weekday filmgoers will receive complimentary passes to an Emaar entertainment venue, from At The Top Burj Khalifa, to the Dubai Aquariums & Underwater Zoo and many more. DETAILS: Catch the new Tom & Jerry at any Reel Cinema in the UAE. To avail the Emaar Entertainment offer from Feb 14, show the code and Reel Cinemas booking confirmation at any of the Emaar Entertainment counters to obtain access to the attraction. The complimentary passes are available to redeem between Sundays and Wednesdays. See reelcinemas.ae and Reel Cinemas’ Instagram Page @reelcinemas.

TRY THE LIMITED EDITION TIKTOK BLACK TAP CRAZYSHAKE: Social media site TikTok has partnered with burger and shake specialists Black Tap to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a limited-edition CrazyShake, available from February 12 until the end of the month. Blending strawberry ice cream with a vanilla frosted rim covered in sprinkles, the shake also features crushed pink meringue, mini donuts, whipped cream, a customized TikTok cookie and a cherry on top. TikTok is also launching a competition for people to share their TikTok Love CrazyShake® milkshake experience on the platform under the #LoveinBlackTap challenge. Users who post their journey on TikTok and use the hashtag will get the chance to win a Dh500 Black Tap voucher and ‘His and Hers’ TikTok hoodies. DETAILS: Try the limited edition shake at Black Tap branches in the Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall, Rixos Premium JBR and Jumeirah Al Naseem from February 12th until the end of the month.

BAG FREE THEME PARK TICKETS WITH A JBR STAYCATION: Book a deluxe room at Ramada Hotel & Suites JBR from Dh749 per night for two adults and two kids under 6 years, inclusive of breakfast, and get two free entry tickets to a theme park of your choice. Take your pick from any of the four attractions at Dubai Parks & Resorts namely: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park, OR opt for IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world’s largest indoor theme park. DETAILS: From Dh749 for two adults and two kids under 6, including breakfast and theme park tickets, valid until 31st March 2021. The free tickets can be used within 30 days from the check-in date. Email reservations@ramadajbr.com, call +971 4 399 9979, or send a WhatsApp message to +971 52 605 5225. You can also book directly at ramadajbr.com.

HAVE A MOVIE DATE WHILE THE KIDS PLAY AT KIDZANIA: KidZania and Reel Cinemas have teamed up to form an incredible offer which will make both parents and kids happy this Valentine’s Day Weekend. From February 11 – 14, guests who book their Valentine’s date at Reel Cinemas Platinum Suites will enjoy a special set menu, while the kids play next door at KidZania for the special admission price of only Dh60. DETAILS: To redeem this offer, show your Reel Cinemas’ Platinum Suites booking confirmation at the KidZania counter. For more info visit reelcinemas.ae and Reel Cinemas’ Instagram Page @reelcinemas.

GET 2 FOR 1 ON VALENTINES BREAKFAST AT M&S CAFÉ: Marks & Spencer is launching a 2-for-1 breakfast offer from Friday 12th February to Sunday 14th February, so you and the family can Indulge in some scrumptious crushed avocado with poached eggs or fluffy buttermilk pancakes from as little as Dh19 for two. DETAILS: Available 12-14 February at M&S café in Dubai Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Marina Walk, Springs Souk and Yas Mall.

ENJOY 35% OFF KID-FRIENDLY STAYS AT ATLANTIS: Atlantis, The Palm resort’s February staycation offer gives UAE residents up to 35 per cent off rooms and suites for all rate plans. All bookings receive complimentary access to Aquaventure Waterpark for every room night booked as well as the opportunity to visit the mesmerising Lost Chambers Aquarium. Bookings can be made from 1st February to the 28th February for stays throughout the month of February. DETAILS:Rates from Dh922++ per night. Bookings for 1st -11th February and 21st-28th February receive 15 per cent off one night and 25 per cent off 2 nights or more on all rate plans. Bookings for 12th-20th February receive 25 per cent off one night and 35 per cent off two nights or more on all rate plans. See www.atlantis.com/dubai/uae-resident.

CELEBRATE PANCAKE MONTH AT DENNY’S: Treat the kids to an upgrade on regular weekend pancakes with American diner Denny’s Pancake Month promotion. From 7-28 February 2021, Denny’s is offering its best pancake flavours including Peanut Butter Cup, Salted Caramel and Banana Cream, Cinnamon Roll, Blueberry and Double Berry Banana for just Dh25. Plus, place a delivery order between 14-18 February on the Denny’s UAE mobile app and you’ll get a stack of Denny’s classic buttermilk pancakes for free. DETAILS: Available until end of Feb at all Denny’s locations across the UAE (Al Ghurair Center, Deira City Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Festival Plaza, Abu Dhabi Mall).

GET UNLIMITED SOFT PLAY AT DUBAI MALL VR PARK: Kids under the age of 12 can get cut-price membership to the exciting soft play area located within the popular virtual reality indoor theme park, VR Park, at The Dubai Mall. Featuring tunnels, ball pit, balance beam and climbing area, the soft play has lots of obstacles and adventures to keep kids busy, and memberships cost just Dh79 per child for one month and Dh139 for three months! DETAILS: For more info see VR Park’s official Instagram page @VRParkDubai.

ENJOY A DELIGHTFUL VALENTINES PICNIC: Take your lunch alfresco with this Saturday Picnic Lunch, including a range of appetisers, BBQ treats, gourmet pasta and outdoor live cooking stations pre-Valentine’s Day. DETAILS: Saturday 13 Feb, 1pm-4pm, Dh250 pp including soft beverages, Dh150 for house beverage add-on, under-5s free, 6-12 year olds 50% off, Al Forsan, Bab Al Shams Desert Resort, 04 809 6194.