Cool things to do with the kids over the weekend in UAE

Looking for a cool adventure on a hot summer’s day? We have good news – there are plenty of activities for you to consider that will be engaging and at the same time budget friendly. Here are some ideas:

Arabian Wildlife Centre, Sharjah: Discover the diversity of the Arabian Peninsula when you visit this centre, which is home to wild cats, gazelles, Nubian ibex, flamingos, baboons and Arabian Leopards. Children under 12 get in free. It’s located on Al Dhaid Road, close to Sharjah. Saturday and Sunday 11am to 5.30pm

Teach through play: The Sharjah Science Museum offers interactive lessons; experiments that teach kids about the science behind illusions, astrophysics, aerodynamics and more. Timings: Saturday to Thursday from 8am to 8pm; Fridays 4pm to 8pm

Instil a love of reading: Head to The Old Library and you’ll find a hush in the air. There are rows upon rows of books both old and new, and people can spend time in cute reading corners exploring new books. Become a member by showing up with a photo identity card, pay the annual fees and fill out a registration form. Ten minutes later you’ll find yourself with a card and you are all set to borrow. Monday to Saturday: 10am to 6pm; First Friday of the Month: 10am to 8pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Walk through an ancient site: Head to the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Bur Dubai where you can walk through a district with splashes of art seen across the buildings. Head to the Museum of Coins for a free and interesting lesson on currency. The building, which has two floors, is built using coral, stone, plaster, sandal wood, leaves and trunks of palm trees and teakwood. Timings for the Museum of Coins: Monday to Thursday: 8am to 3pm; Friday 8.30am to 11am (Entry is free on Fridays). Saturday and Sunday closed

Head on a sensory adventure at Jameel Arts Centre: This one is for toddlers aged between three and five -and an accompanying adult. The sensory-stimulating workshop and tour offers fun art and craft opportunities for children. It’s been created, says the centre’s website, “…to begin with a library tour and story session, followed by art activities inspired by the storybook characters, places and events.” The session at Jameel Library, Project Space on Sunday, is taught by Learning Coordinator Hadeel Al Heeti and is free to attend. Timings: 2pm to 3.30pm.