13 Awesome things to do with the family in the UAE this weekend

OliOli: This time around, the experimental children’s museum has a new immersive experience to showcase; it’s an indoor desert campsite with activities inspired by the childhood tales of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. DETAILS: The exhibit is on until December 4.

Dubai Miracle Garden is back with 150 million flowers arranged just so. There are stunning installations that are perfect for the ‘gram including a three-dimensional clock, a Guinness-award-winning Emirates A380 installation, an 18-metre floral structure of Mickey Mouse within the garden’s Disney Avenue and an ‘Umbrella Tunnel’. For those who like the little blue characters Smurfs, this time around there’s Smurfs Village too. DETAILS: Tickets start at Dh40 for kids; Dh55 for adults. For everything you need to know about Dubai Miracle Garden, go to https://gn24.ae/c8f6bb8e1ba9000

An indoor rainforest experience is nothing to be sneezed at. In Dubai, four-storey origami style glass bio-dome called The Green Planet, is home to more than 3,000 plants and animals and offers up a number of fun run-ins for the kids. The latest member of this family is a baby sloth. The new baby is just three weeks old and weighs about 350 grams. DETAILS: Entry starts at Dh89

Festival Bay: Is your kid full of beans? Head over to the world's first freestyle terrain park Bounce-X for a day of activity with giant airbags, trapezes, slides, and more.

Circuit X: Spend a day of action at this Abu Dhabi hot spot, where not only can you enjoy the Abu Dhabi skyline and good nosh but also activities for all ages and abilities. There are zip lines, climbing walls and an exciting Dirt Trail at BMX to choose from at the Adventure Park. If skating is more your thing, head over to the Skate Park, where you can get private lessons or space to just play. For the young ones, there’s a Splash & Climb Park with a Pirate’s Playground that has activities, relaxing pools and climbing walls. Prices start at Dh50 for one hour in the Splash Park; Dh40 for one hour in the Skate Park; Dh40 for an hour in the BMX park; and Dh60 for an hour at the ropes park.

Dukes the Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel: There are plenty of reasons to stay at this Palm Jumeirah resort, including the fact that they’ve got an infinity pool, lazy river and Dukesy Kids Club, which is sure to be a hit. The staycation offer includes an automatic credit of Dh250 per room, redeemable on food and beverages,complimentary breakfast at Great British Restaurant and a 20 per cent discount on all hair services at the Toni & Guy salon.

Rixos Bab Al Bahr: Close to Dubai, this Al Marjan Island hotel is home to a 450-metre private beach, eight pools – including an adults only and kids’ aqua park. Dive into a relaxed and fun time-out.

Dukes the Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel: There are plenty of reasons to stay at this Palm Jumeirah resort, including the fact that they’ve got an infinity pool, lazy river and Dukesy Kids Club, which is sure to be a hit. The staycation offer includes an automatic credit of Dh250 per room, redeemable on food and beverages,complimentary breakfast at Great British Restaurant and a 20 per cent discount on all hair services at the Toni & Guy salon.

Mondoux: This eatery situated in Dubai Creek Harbour offers stunning views of the skyline and delicious treats for the tummy. On Saturday, World Children’s Day, the kids get one item from the kid’s menu, a glass of fruit juice or warm milk, and a choice of ice-cream or fruit for free. What’s on the menu? There are crepes, crispy French toast and homemade muesli for breakfast, and chicken breast with veggies and potatoes, cheddar quesadillas and burgers for lunch and dinner. Bonus: a balloon bender will be on-site to entertain with custom creations. DETAILS: Breakfast from 8am-1pm; lunch from 1pm onwards. The balloon artist will be around from 11am-1pm. The offer is valid for kids below 12.

Ready Set Go: This is a massive play area complete with spiral slides, rope bridges, tube crawls and a foam canon area. There are five European-style role playrooms, a trampoline park and even a zipline! Get ready for the thrill. DETAILS: General admission for all day per child is Dh140. The offer, valid for November, comes with popcorn.

Art at the Louvre: As the Abu Dhabi museum turns four, it ups its introduction-to-art game; there are of course more serious showcases but what we suggest if you’re going with the little tots is the Children’s Museum, which helps them explore their emotions by playing, listening, drawing or acting. There’s also an outdoor area to chill out. They get to discover artworks through a serious of games. DETAILS: Kids go free; adults pay Dh63. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Expo 2020 is not called the world’s greatest show for nothing – there are 192 country pavilions showcasing futuristic tech, there’s the world’s biggest 360-degree projection dome which projects shows, virtual reality and augmented reality segments and so so much more. DETAILS: Kids under 18 and those over 65 go free; one-day tickets are Dh45 in November.

Are you a fan of Global Village? Us too! From fun rides that’ll have you screaming in delight to carnival games, 26 pavilions from various countries and food from across the world, this – mostly outdoor – space has something for everyone. DETAILS: Entry is Dh20 onsite and Dh15 online. Kids under three, people of determination, senior citizens go for free.