12 Awesome family-friendly things to do this weekend

LAST STOP FOR SUMMER BREAK: This is it folks – we are on the cusp of real life; summer break is coming to an end and it’s time to get that last fun weekend in. We’ve rounded up some cool activities to help you say goodbye to the holidays in style.

AVENTURA PARKS: Spend the day in this action-packed arena where you’ve got four categories of experiences. There are tree-top circuits, bridges, 24 lip lines, a Ghaf tree forest and even a petting zoo. DETAILS: The park is open from 5pm until midnight and entry is Dh99.

DREAMSCAPE: When you slip on a pair of virtual reality goggles at this Mall of the Emirates spot, you are committing to an adventure. You can pick from one of three original immersive journeys: ‘Alien Zoo’, ‘Curse of the Lost Pearl: A Magic Projector Adventure’ and ‘The Blu: Deep Rescue’. The experience uses the latest free-roaming VR, so be ready for out-of-the-box storytelling. DETAILS: Tickets, per experience, are Dh78.75. To book tickets, visit dreamscapemena.com.

SNOW CINEMA: Cuddle up with your little one at the world’s only cinema in an indoor ski resort and watch a movie surrounded by snow – in Dubai! Movies currently screening include ‘Space Jam: A New Legacy’, ‘Jungle Cruise’ and ‘Spirit Untamed’. DETAILS: A Dh100 ticket includes admission, rental equipment, popcorn and hot chocolate. To make a booking visit voxcinemas.com or skidxb.com.

SKI DUBAI’S SNOW DAYCATION: Spend the day chilling in a snow park. Head over to Ski Dubai and try the full access day pass which allows access to all Snow Park rides (tubing run, snow bumpers, snow plough, playground and mountain thriller), one ride on the chairlift and a choice of one of the following experiences: two hours on the slope, a 60-minute discovery lesson (skiing / snowboarding), two rides of the Snow Bullet zipline or a 40-minute penguin encounter. DETAILS: For Dh285, you also get hot chocolate, a standard locker and a pair of fleece gloves. Make a booking on skidxb.com.

CAESARS PALACE DUBAI: Staycations are lovely things – especially in a place like this, where you have a daily line-up of exciting, interactive games, workshops and challenges for children staying at the hotel. For kids aged 3-7, there’s the Empire Club which offers art and craft lessons using natural marine elements from the beach or recyclable items; light fitness such as yoga, aerobics and animal flow and Gladiator Sword Training. Those aged 7-11 can choose from art, science and music sessions, participate in role play, cookery and dance classes, learn how to perform magic tricks, explore the gardens and learn about the environment. Those who are 12 and over can learn the latest TikTok dance crazes and smartphone photography tips, or try a watersport. Besides this, sandcastle competitions run twice a week for the whole family to enjoy together. At check-in, younger children will be gifted cuddly soft toys plus beach and pool toys and a Hamleys gift voucher. The welcome bag for teens will include a multi-use pouch and a Dh 250 voucher, redeemable on select retail items. They can chose to use these vouchers at food and beverage outlets too – and they have the chance to earn more vouchers as well. DETAILS: Room rates vary and the offer is valid until September 4.

DENNY’S UAE: If you order from Denny’s today you are in for a treat because with each order using the app will come a stack of pancakes.

READY SET GO!: Check out Dubai’s latest soft play destination, which is jungle themed. There’s a massive play area complete with spiral slides, rope bridges, tube crawls and a foam canon area; five European-style role playrooms, a trampoline park and a zipline! DETAILS: General admission for all day per child is Dh180; packages are available.

LATINFIT: Dance your way to fitness with the whole family at this Times Square Center spot, where you and the kids can get their groove on in a Zumba class. It’s perfect for people of all ages and there’re group and individual classes on offer. DETAILS: Various packages are available. To book, go to https://latinfit-me.com

KIDZANIA: Here’s a fun way to teach kids about animals – there’s a live animal exhibition at the Dubai Mall until August 31 where kids can learn all about the critters while they feed them. DETAILS: Kids can visit the exhibition between 1-4pm.

THE GREEN PLANET: Dubai’s very own indoor rainforest is holding a three-day children’s interactive edutainment event called the ‘Tales of The Green Planet’. Fun activities for children aged three to 10 include a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, storytelling from authors and illustrators and a letter-writing corner where children can send notes to their favourite animals – and receive a reply back by email. All activities are free for The Green Planet ticket holders. DETAILS: The event takes place from August 19-21; tickets start at Dh89.

MODESH WORLD: Check out the rides, games and edutainment activities this weekend at Dubai World Trade Centre’s Sheikh Saeed Halls 1, 2, 3 and The Arena. Plus there are photo opportunities with DSS mascots Modesh and Dana. DETAILS: Modesh World is open Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 12am.

SWEETIES: Teach your child a new skill when you enroll him/her at Mondoux’s newly launched Culinary School for Kids at Dubai Creek Harbour, which is offering 1.5-hour workshops for the little ones thrice a week, on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. DETAILS: Dh150 for the 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. For bookings or more information, call +971 50 1420319.