8 Amazing things for kids to do in Dubai this week

GO SMURF SPOTTING: Lapita Hotel is challenging kids and their parents to find the smurfs in Dubai this week, for the chance to be one of six winners of a staycation at the gorgeous Polynesian resort. From March 1, blue-hued buddies Smurfette and Brainy can be spotted at iconic locations within the city, starting at The Beach Opposite JBR on Monday March 1 and ending it at La Mer on Friday 5 March. They will only be at each location for one hour, so if you’re lucky enough to spot them, post a picture of it using the #SmurfInLAPITA on social media for the chance to win a getaway at Lapita, including access to the Dubai Parks and Resorts parks, as well as a personal meet and greet with The Smurfs themselves.

‘STEAM’ AHEAD WITH OLIOLI’S NEW AFTERNOON DROP-OFF SERVICE: With so many after-school clubs and activities on hiatus due to the pandemic, kids’ afternoons are a lot emptier than they used to be. Enter OliOli, which has just launched the ‘Afternoons are for creativity’ initiative, a drop-off service for parents in search of something constructive to fill the gap in their child’s development agenda, all in a strictly monitored and COVID-safe environment. Offering a new STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Maths) based activity each weekday, parents can book a one-off session or multiple sessions at a great discount and the program will run until 1 July 2021. DETAILS: Drop off workshop, 3-5pm Sunday-Thursday, for age groups: 5 - 6 & 7 – 9. One session Dh160; three sessions Dh430 (10% off); five sessions Dh680 (15% off); 10 sessions Dh1,280 (20% off), Olioli.ae.

CELEBRATE PEANUT BUTTER LOVER’S DAY: It is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day on March 1, and from 1-4 March 2021 you can enjoy a Buy One Get One offer on their delicious Peanut Butter cup pancakes, featuring chocolate chips and white chocolate chips inside two fluffy buttermilk pancakes, topped with hot fudge and drizzled with peanut butter sauce - all for Dh30. DETAILS: Buy one get one free on Peanut Butter Cup pancakes, Dh30, 1-4 March 2021, available at Denny’s restaurants at Al Ghurair Center, Deira City Center, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Festival Plaza, and Abu Dhabi Mall.

ENJOY AN AMAZING CREATURE COMBINATIONS ART WORKSHOP: Art gallery Tashkeel is running a wonderful Afterschool Arts Club for ages 8-12 years every Tuesday from 4-6pm until 9 March, and this week’s fun session is all about crazy creature combinations. Each participant will learn about bookbinding and practice drawing, avoiding strict rules on techniques and allowing for surprises. DETAILS: Tuesday 2 March 2021, 4-6pm, Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba, Dh95, Tashkeel.org.

GET FREESTYLING AT STREET MANIAX AFTERNOON DROP-OFFS: Kids climbing the walls for something to do weekday afternoons? Let them channel that energy and burn it off at Parkour and freestyle trampoline park Street Maniax’s brand new Afternoon Drop-off initiative, where they can bounce, jump, climb and crawl through the many fun obstacle courses and activities on offer. Arts, crafts, fitness and dance classes will be on offer, alongside free play at the park and a study area will also be available. DETAILS: Sunday-Wednesdays weekdays, 3pm-6pm, Dh399 for the week (4 days) or Dh129 per day. Streetmaniax.com.

GO GREEN AND BE INSPIRED AT THE TOGETHER & NOW FESTIVAL: Alliance Française Dubai, alongside francofilm, is offering its first festival for eco-citizens, kicking off this Thursday 4 March. There are a huge array of fun, free workshops and films running for children as well as adults, covering topics such as beekeeping, climate issues, upcycling, composting and even Landart (pictured, left), where you ‘paint’ with plants. Happening 4-7 March, there will also be a flea market and Green Bazaar featuring eco-conscious products, storytelling sessions, film screenings, art exhibits and much more. DETAILS: Find out more and book your pass at https://www.afdubai.org/festival.

GET FREE CINEMA TICKETS WITH WATERPARK ACCESS: From now until 25 March, visit boutique waterpark in La Mer for some splashtastic fun and receive a complimentary ticket to the equally boutique Roxy Cinemas, for a chilled out movie. This offer is running until 25 March, and has a validity until 30 April 2021. Book tickets online or at the gate to receive your ticket. Lagunawaterpark.com.

MAKE SAVINGS ON SOFT PLAY AT CITYWALK: From 7 February 2021, Sundays are the day to head down to City Walk to make the most of a range of great deals. From Mitts & Trays to Farsi Café and Green Planet Café, restaurants across the complex are offering 25% off food and drinks; retailers such as Ted Baker, Maje and Sandro are offering 15% off fashion; there’s a 20% discount on the Silver tickets and a 30% discount on Gold and Platinum tickets at Roxy Cinema; while kids get 25% off playtime at soft play area La La Land (where you can also drop kids off while you shop or work at one of the discounted cafes).