Dubai: It's the weekend again and the weather is just right for an outdoor family picnic. Dubai has some great budget-friendly outdoor play areas and parks, where you can enjoy with your family without burning a hole in your pocket. Last week, we shared a list of 6 things under Dh30 or free to enjoy with children at Expo City Dubai and this week, we are back with a list of outdoor spaces you can take your child to, over the coming weekends. While these parks or play areas can be accessed for free, but may require you to buy tickets for rides and other facilities.
If you are not in Dubai, perhaps you would like to check these 6 places to visit for free in the UAE or these 7 places to visit under Dh15.
1. Dubai Marina play area
Starting with a personal favourite, this small play area is a hidden gem located on the Dubai Marina Promenade. It's also the perfect excuse to take the Dubai Tram with your kids, they will love it. Get off at the Jumeirah Beach Residence 1 Tram stop and the play area is a five-minute walk away. The play area has swings, slides, monkey bars and even gym equipment for fitness-focused parents.
Pack some sandwiches and drinks for an outdoor snack by the Marina or stop at one of the cafes on the promenade for a quick weekend brunch.
2. Town Square Park, Dubailand
Get ready for a fun-packed day out at this multi-activity community park which comes complete with its own 70-seater carousel, a splash park, kids' fountain, family train track, playground, outdoor stage and expansive green areas for a cosy family picnic.
The park is open from early morning but the attractions open from 11am to 9pm Saturday to Wed nesday and 12 noon to 10om Thursday to Friday.
While non residents can enter the park for free, they can enjoy the train ride for Dh10, carousel for Dh10, and splash pad for Dh25
3. Al Ittihad Park or the Palm park
With small play areas dotted throughout, children seem to instantly fall in love with this park spread out under the Palm Monorail. They can enjoy the slide, wooden play houses and seesaws. The play area has water fountains that come on periodically throughout the day and are great to splash in. Children also enjoy spotting the Monorail passing overhead every now and then.
Restaurants and coffee shops have outside seating facing into the park, so parents can grab a meal or a hot drink, or pick up a few essentials in the nearby supermarket while letting the children play at the park.
The parking and entrance to the park are free.
4. The Pointe, Palm
Take your family out to The Pointe, set at the tip of Palm Jumeirah. Home to a 1.5km promenade, the Pointe has plenty of kids' play areas. There are also many restaurants, cafes and ice cream shops where you can enjoy a meal with your family.
You can also enjoy the open-air facilities, views, and a beach that closes at sunset. Entrance to The Pointe is free.
5. The Greens park
At the heart of The Greens, is this fully-shaded park perfect for children of all ages. The park has slides, swings and a giant spider’s web climbing frame – plus plenty of sand to dig for hidden treasure. Grab a scooter or walk the 1km shaded pathway next to the ponds in the Greens. Head to The Greens Village for some neighbourhood cafés and a supermarket. Weekend grocery shopping, sorted.
The area can be accessed for free.
6. Al Sufouh Park
Located in a quiet area near the intersection of Hessa Street and Al Sufouh Road, this park has the two shaded play areas. With small slides, swings and roundabouts, this cosy park is more geared towards toddlers and younger children. The park has a cushioned running track, football, basketball and sand volleyball courts as well as a small window coffee shop, serving snacks and ice-cream.
The park can be accessed free of cost. Opening times: 8am - 10pm Sunday to Wednesday; 8am - 11pm Thursday – Saturday.
7. Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) park
Hidden behind JLT’s skyscrapers, this community park is divided into three zones, one for babies and toddlers with a great set of swings. Another is for children from four onwards. The third zone is for older children and has a huge spider-web climbing frame and zip line. Pack a picnic rug and snacks to relax at the park that has plenty of grassy areas. Hats and sun-cream are advisable in the mornings. Note that the area has paid roadside parking but only via text – there are no ticket machines. Entrance is free.
