8 Exciting things to do with kids in the UAE this weekend

DON’T MISS THE LAST DAYS OF SNOW CINEMA: It’s almost your last chance to snuggle up and watch a family-friendly movie in the sub-zero surrounds of Ski Dubai. This novel movie-going experience couldn’t be cosier, with toasty personal heaters provided in your plush sofa-style seat, along with rental clothing and big, fluffy blankets. Tickets come with an indulgently rich hot chocolate, popcorn and water, but you can also order mouthwatering additional morsels, from Raclette to pancakes. Snow Cinema has numerous screenings throughout the day and is now showing Tom & Jerry: The Movie, The Croods: A New Age and Bigfoot 2 and more. DETAILS: Dh100 for cinema ticket, hot chocolate, water and popcorn, Skidxb.com.

GO ORGANIC AT BUSINESS BAY’S FARMERS MARKET: This much-loved community market has reopened for its 12th year, and is a great place to take kids to buy fresh, organic fruit and veg direct from the farmers who grow them, as well as local honey, artisan vegan ice creams and oils and spices. Pique children’s interest in the origins of their food, and then head to the nearby Bay Avenue playground or skate park for a run around. DETAILS: Market from 8am until 2pm at Bay Avenue Park every Friday until April 9, 2021.

SPLASH, GLIDE AND SKATE AT DUBAI HILLS PARK: Dubai Hills’ impressive community park is already much in demand for its three huge playgrounds (one of which features a giant climbing dragon) and gorgeous landscaping with more than 1,800 plants and trees. But now they’ve opened a new Splash Park, amazing outdoor ice skating rink and skate park too! DETAILS: Park entry is free, tickets for each attraction are available at the park.

SWAP OLD CLOTHES FOR NEW AT RIPE MARKET: The Ariel POD Swap Shop is popping up at Ripe this weekend, and is inviting people to exchange preowned items of clothing for new (to you), preloved items from sustainable fashion brand Retold. Or, bring an empty bottle of liquid detergent to swap for a free pack of Ariel PODS! Designed to discourage the throwaway nature of fast fashion, this is a great way to raise kids’ awareness of sustainability, while getting a ‘new’ wardrobe for them (or you!) at the same time. Plus, there’s a tonne of fun to be had at Ripe Market when you’re finished. DETAILS: 19 and 20 February, Ripe Market, Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, (9am-7pm Friday, 10am-7pm Saturday).

PIKNIK AT THE WESTIN MINA SEYAHI: After nearly a year hiatus, the much- missed Westin PikNik is back in business from this Saturday 20th February from 12pm -4pm. Settle down on the Westin’s lush lawn and tuck into a PikNIk basket filled with sandwiches, cheeses, charcuterie, cold mezze, salads, warm savory bites and sweet pastries. DETAILS: Saturdays 12pm-4pm at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dh250 per basket for 2 adults and 2 kids, al la carte food and drink stations charged separately, From an extra Dh200 you can also get access to Jungle Bay waterpark, pool & beach access for 2 adults and 2 kids. Call 04 511 7373.

CATCH A MOVIE MUSIC MATINEE: Take kids to something a little bit different this weekend, with the UAE-based NSO Symphony Orchestra’s rousing concert of memorable big-screen movie soundtracks. From Star Wars and Pirates of the Caribbean, to The Pink Panther and Apollo 13, young movie and music buffs can revel in the best and most iconic Hollywood music of the past and present while enjoying the spectacular ambience of Dubai Opera. DETAILS: February 20, at 2pm and 8pm, Dubai Opera. Dubaiopera.com.

STEP ONTO A REAL LIFE FILM SET AT MOTIONGATE: Theme park Motiongate has just opened a fab new show called Into the Deadlands: Ice Storm. All the stunts, dances and behind-the-scenes fun of a real-life movie shoot are captured in the show – an action-packed adventure that follows the journey of two rogue strangers from a post-apocalyptic world. DETAILS: Entry tickets for MOTIONGATE™ Dubai can be booked at www.motiongatedubai.com, and the Into The Deadlands: Ice Storm is inclusive within the entry ticket and is not charged separately. For health and safety reasons it is advisable to do advance booking through the website.

CONQUER RAMBO AT OCR PARK: The UAE’s largest permanent obstacle course site, OCR Park in Abu Dhabi, has just added three new challenges to its existing five obstacles for kids. First up is Rambo, a super fun rope swing challenge, which will get the kids to swing across the obstacle and take a leap of faith on to surrounding cargo netting to make it to the other side. Next, The Sergeant sets kids the task of walking across swaying swings, whilst I See The Light challenges them to crawl through cargo netted tubes to make it through the other side. DETAILS: OCR Park, Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District, Abu Dhabi, from Dh50 for a weekday child pass, ocrpark.com.