Awesome things to do with kids in Dubai and UAE this week

DROP AND DIG AT DIG-IT: From Sundays to Wednesdays, drop little ones off at fab, digger-themed indoor play area Dig-it and take advantage of their special offer of Dh125 for two hours (instead of 1.5 hours) of supervised playtime and activities while you shop or get some work done. Or buy the monthly pass for Dh299 for daily digger access throughout the whole of June – offer valid until 1 July, www.digitdubai.com.

TRY OUT A MUM AND BABY ZUMBA CLASS: Zumbini is a super fun, active way for mums or dads and babies to bond while having fun together. The group sessions for babies aged 0-4 years and their parents combine music, dance, and educational tools for 45 minutes of joyful learning, music-making and activity. As the official program from dance fitness brand Zumba, Zumbinin has been adapted for babies and their mums, dads or other caregivers to have a fun, sociable time where children are free to express themselves through music and dance in a safe and friendly environment – and adults can even get a little work out too. Based at Kids HQ in Al Barsha, 30 minutes of free soft play time is also included. DETAILS: Dh60 for a trial session, Dh120 per class or Dh760 for a package of 8 (get a Dh100 discount if you enrol same day as your trial), including take home Zumbini Songbook, Music code with all original songs and Zumbini doll, plus 30 minutes of free play at Kids HQ afterwards. Classes held at 9.30am and 11am on Sundays, Mondays at 3.45pm and Tuesdays at 9am, and Thursdays at 11am, at Kids HQ in Al Barsha, contact @zumbiniwithro on Instagram, 0558817191, mumbiniuae@gmail.com.

CELEBRATE THE FRIENDS REUNION WITH LEGO: Celebrate the ‘Friends’ TV show reunion and relive your youth with your kids by bagging the Lego Friends Apartment set. The 2,048-piece set, features both Monica and Rachel’s, and Chandler and Joey’s New York apartments, plus the adjoining hallway. Additional features of the set include; new minifigures of the whole gang, in some of their most memorable outfits; Rachel’s iconic plaid skirt; Ross’ too tight leather pants; Monica in an apron; Phoebe in a classic floral look; Chandler in a suit and loud designer tie; and Joey wearing all of Chandler’s clothes. And for the first time ever, Janice will also feature as a minifigure in a classic over-the-top gaudy outfit. DETAILS: The Lego Friends Apartment set is available in Lego stores from Tuesday 1 June 2021.

INDULGE IN FREE PASTA AND TIRAMISU AT DUBAI’S OLDEST ITALIAN: Dubai’s oldest Italian restaurant, Casa Mia, is offering diners complimentary dishes from Wednesday 26th May for a limited period of one month, to celebrate the heritage venue’s recent revamp and cosy new, authentic trattoria look. The complimentary dishes on offer are traditional spaghetti with olive oil, garlic and chilli and Casa Mia’s famous Tiramisu. DETAILS: Make a reservation at Casa Mia and get a complimentary selected main course and dessert per table, available during lunch and dinner service. Bring in more than 3 people and you can get two main courses and dessert for free. Valid until 26 June 2021, Casa Mia, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, call +971 4 702 2455 or email restaurants.lmd@lemeridien.com.

GET SUMMER READY WITH COEGA: Homegrown UAE swimwear brand Coega has just launched its new SS21 collection, which is full of adorable and practical swimwear for both kids and parents. With rash vests and waterproof cover-ups that are perfect for protecting the whole family against the harsh desert sun, there are also a whole range of gorgeous non-slip swim shoes, as well as accessories like towels and ponchos. www.coegawear.com.

TRY THE CUCKOO’S EDUTAINMENT CAMP: Indoor children’s play area Cuckoo’s - which has branches at The Beach JBR as well as City Center Al Zahia – offers an awesome edutainment camp every day from Sunday to Thursday. With a different them every week, activities range from Zumba and animal yoga to play-dough, Little Einstein, puppet shows and painting, you can choose to put your child in for one day (Dh100 from 10am-2pm), weekly (Dh400 for 5 days per week), or monthly (Dh1,500). DETAILS: See @cuckoosuae on Instagram for more details.

CHILL OUT AT THE LADIES DAY AT SPLASH N PARTY: Head to Splash N Party in Al Safa 2 on Wednesday from 9am-8pm for a relaxing splash around in the water park’s slides and pools for ladies only. DETAILS: Dh100 per child, one adult free, www.splashnparty.ae.

MUMMY & ME PLAYDATE AT X PARK JR: Get an amazing 50% off entry to wonderful play park X Park Jr at selected times throughout the week, allowing you and your child entry to its beautiful facilities for just Dh40 for two hours. Kids can climb the vast wooden jungle gym, clamber up and down boulders, paddle in rock pools, enjoy the mini splash pad, play in mud kitchens, do gardening and pet the friendly animals in its small urban farm, while mums can make the most of the coffee deal that gives you one cup of tea or coffee plus a pastry for Dh25. DETAILS: Mummy & Me playdate, Dh40 for entry (usually Dh80) for two hours of play at these times: Sunday and Monday 8-10am; Tuesday 1-3pm; Wednesday 10.30am-12.30pm, Xparkjr.com.

BOOK TICKETS TO PETER PAN THE BALLET: UAE’s award-winning dance studio Turning Pointe is back at Dubai Opera in June with its Youth Ballet. The classic tale of the young boy who never grows up will be brought to life on stage by 85 performers between ages six and 18 years, all trained in ballet by Turning Pointe. The one-hour performance with its swashbuckling pirates, spirited lost boys and mischievous fairies is designed to enchant families and children aged three years and above. DETAILS: Book tickets now to Turning Pointe’s charming interpretation of Peter Pan at Dubai Opera on June 18 at 1.30 pm and 5 pm. Tickets are priced at Dh130 (Silver), Dh170 (Gold) and Dh220 (VIP). Book your tickets via Dubai Opera, PlatinumList.net or Virgin Megastore.

WOO-HOO! SENSORY STORYTIME MESSY MASTERPIECES: Children aged 4 and under can join Woo-hoo’s interactive storytime session, followed by a finger painting workshop, creating an amazing, customised canvas using non-toxic materials for you to treasure forever. DETAILS: Tuesday 1 June, 10-11am, Dh70 per child, Best for ages 4 and under. Woo-hoo.ae.

PERFECT POOL DAY AT THE RITZ-CARLTON: Grab the kids and head down to the Ritz-Carlton JBR for a sensational pool and beach day that will have you feeling like you’ve just been on holiday. Day access to the resort’s lush pools and pristine beach is priced at Dh250 per adult with Dh150 F&B credit on weekdays, while child access is priced at Dh75 on weekdays. DETAILS: Day Pass is valid for one day only on the date of visit and on a first come, first serve basis from the retail shop adjacent to The Lobby Lounge, www.ritzcarlton.com.

KIDS GO FREE ALL SUMMER ON YAS ISLAND: Kids are set to have a summer to remember at Yas Island Abu Dhabi this year, with access to the UAE’s best playground absolutely free when booking Parks Hopper & Kids Go free Packages. Until 30 September 2021, children below the age of 12, when accompanied by a paying adult, can enjoy the island’s three world-class theme parks - Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi – for free alongside staying and eating for free at some of the island’s top hotels. Plus, all packages booked through www.yasisland.ae will also receive complimentary tickets to Abu Dhabi’s renowned art and civilization museum: the Louvre Abu Dhabi.