Dubai: 9 Fun things to do with the kids this weekend

CATCH A MOVIE AT KIDZANIA’S NEW CINEMA: A new movie theatre has opened up inside the incredible children’s theme park Kidzania at Dubai Mall. Parents and children can watch a current film release like the new Tom & Jerry movie, interspersed between playtime in the mini-me-style children’s city, where kids can get hired in ‘jobs’ at anything from a real Macdonald’s or Pizza Express, to the UAE Space Agency, Emirates airlines, Al Jalila Hospital, Nafco Fire Department, Waitrose and much more, in order to earn ‘money’ to spend on toys in the Kidzania shop. DETAILS: Tickets can be purchased at KidZania’s ticket counter and at Reel Cafe inside the venue, https://dubai.kidzania.com/en-ae.

ENTER THE WORLD OF MR MEN AND LITTLE MISS: World Book Day is coming up, and what better (or easier) way to celebrate than with a tee, hoodie or dress dedicated to your child’s favourite Mr Men or Little Miss character? The new range has just been unveiled at M&S to celebrate the Mr Men boks’ 50th anniversary, and features daywear, sleepwear, accessories and more for children aged between 0-7. DETAILS: The Mr Men & Little Miss collection is available in store and online at www.marksandspencerme.com.

LAST CHANCE TO VISIT MARS WITH OLIOLI: Interactive child’s play museum OliOli is celebrating the UAE’s Mars mission 2021 this February with a spectacular space theme activation focusing on the Red Planet – Mars, with 8 fun and interactive activities inspired by the UAE’s Hope probe. The event will be wrapping up this Saturday 27 February 2021, so don’t miss your chance to check it out. DETAILS: Mission Mars 2021 is free with your general admission ticket (Dh126 - 1 Child + 1 Adult) when booked online at Olioli.ae; Dh30 at the door. OliOli.ae.

INDULGE IN A SLICE OF SWEET NOSTALGIA: Treat little ones to a taste of your own childhood memories with a cake version of some of the world’s most renowned chocolate treats, newly unveiled by Mister Baker. The cake shop has released cake versions of Snickers and Nutella to add to a range that already includes Kit Kat, Oreo, Ferrero Rocher and Raffaello, available to order at any of its 19 locations across the UAE. Just try to resist the crunchy peanut butter layers of the Snickers cake topped with salted caramel, or the layers of moist chocolate sponge filled with generous amounts of the beloved hazelnut cocoa spread. DETAILS: Dh137 for a 1KG cake, or Dh16 for a mini version, call +971 54 321 5785.

SEE A SENSORY SCREENING AT VOX: For children with sensory sensitivities, VOX Cinemas in partnership with Dubai Autism Center has introduced Sensory Friendly Screenings, which have been designed to make movie-going more inclusive and accessible. To reduce overstimulation, these feature reduced audio volume, dimmed lighting for the duration of the film, the removal of trailers and a smaller number of guests in the auditorium. Families can also bring their own snacks to accommodate for any special dietary requirements. DETAILS: The weekly screenings will take place on Saturdays at 12pm in KIDS, a dedicated auditorium for children, and will show a wide variety of family-friendly films and animated movies. Find them at VOX Cinemas in Mall of the Emirates, Yas Mall, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, and Al Jimi Mall and City Centre Ajman. Voxcinemas.com.

BE TRÈS CHIC AT THE PANPAN CUCU SALE: This preloved quality kids’ clothes concept was created in Dubai by two French mums, from whom you can buy gorgeous preloved kids’ clothing and accessories at sales they organise every two months. They have partnered with well-known thrift store Retold, located on Umm Suqeim Road, for their upcoming sale this weekend on 26 and 27 February 2021, 10am to 6am at Retold. Follow @Panpancucudubai to find out about their sales, and see @ShopRetold for details on the weekend sale.

DON’T MISS THE LAST WEEKEND OF SNOW CINEMA: It’s officially your last chance to snuggle up and watch a family-friendly movie in the sub-zero surrounds of Ski Dubai this season. 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.

FINAL WEEKEND TO TRY THE TIKTOK BLACK TAP CRAZYSHAKE: Social media site TikTok has partnered with burger and shake specialists Black Tap to create a limited-edition CrazyShake, and this weekend is your last chance to taste it. Blending strawberry ice cream with a vanilla frosted rim covered in sprinkles, the shake also features crushed pink meringue, mini donuts, whipped cream, a customized TikTok cookie and a cherry on top. TikTok is also launching a competition for people to share their TikTok Love CrazyShake® milkshake experience on the platform under the #LoveinBlackTap challenge. Users who post their journey on TikTok and use the hashtag will get the chance to win a Dh500 Black Tap voucher and ‘His and Hers’ TikTok hoodies. DETAILS: Try the limited edition shake at Black Tap branches in the Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall, Rixos Premium JBR and Jumeirah Al Naseem from February until the end of the month.

BAG A BARGAIN AT BABY BAZAAR: Snap up some cut-priced toys and togs for the kids at Baby Bazaar at Times Square Center on Sheikh Zayed Road, which is the perfect place to find pre-loved kids’ clothes, toys and accessories, from strollers and car seats to Jumperoos, baby walkers, weaning machines, books and much more. DETAILS: The Baby Bazaar is held at Times Square Center on Sheikh Zayed Road on the last Saturday and first Friday of every month, with the next one being this Saturday 27 February, 9am-2pm, www.Babybazaar.org.