Fun things to do with kids in Dubai this weekend

From magic shows and ice cream, to a full-blown kiddie festival, here's what's on the menu for families in Dubai this weekend...

GO CRAZY AT KIDS FEST: The Mall in Jumeriah is hosting Kids Fest this Friday, when the whole shopping establishment will be turned into a fun-filled market for kiddos. As well as delightful things to taste and buy, there will be kiddie-themed pop-ups offering a timetable of fun for little ones: sensory play with Neuro Doh (10-11am), Kids yoga (11-11.30am), Storytelling (11.30am), a performance by the UAE’s favourite children’s entertainer, Magic Phil (12.30pm), and Sensory play with Bloom (1.30-2.30pm). DETAILS: Friday 4 June, 10am-5pm, The Mall, Jumeirah.

SMELL THE SWEET AROMA OF HOME AT THIS KIDS’ CINAMMON ROLL WORKSHOP: Is there anything better than the deliciously homely fragrance of a freshly baked cinnamon rolls? Perhaps only the sound of your child’s laughter, as they have fun learning how to make them! Sweeties, Mondoux’s Culinary School for Kids, is hosting a hands-on cinnamon roll workshop this Saturday, where kids will learn how to knead, sugar and bake these irresistibly scrumptious buns. DETAILS: 11am Saturday 5 June, 1.5 hours, suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years old. Dh150, inclusive of 1.5 hours chef-supervised workshop, a Sweeties branded t-shirt, and a kids’ meal – one item off the kid’s menu, a glass of fruit juice or warm milk, and a choice of ice-cream or fruit. Parents receive 20 percent off their meal. To book, call +971 50 1420319.

TRY OUT THE NEW MAGIC PLANET AND VOX CINEMA HYBRID: Majid Al Futtaim has opened its first hybrid cinema and family entertainment centre in the UAE at Wafi City. This has an all-encompassing entertainment experience featuring VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet complemented by plenty of places to eat and drink too. Take the kids to check out the arcade, games and rides, grab a bite, and then wind down from all the excitement with a family-friendly film at the cinema. DETAILS: Check out the new Magic Planet and Vox hybrid at Wafi City, Dubai.

WATCH MAGIC PHIL AND EAT FREE-FLOW ICE CREAM AT REFORM: Enjoy the magical mayhem of children’s entertainer and comic Magic Phil, in the cosy, British family gastropub Reform Social & Grill. For Dh50 per child the kids get to chuckle along to Phil’s silly shenanigans, plus a kids’ meal and, best of all, unlimited ice creams! Smiles and sugar rushes guaranteed. DETAILS: Saturday June 5, 1-1.30pm, Dh50 per child inclusive of kids’ meal and free-flow ice cream. To book WhatsApp 0586478692 or call 044542638.

BAG BREKKIE, BRUNCH AND A BOAT RIDE WITH THE BLACK PEARL: Start your Friday with a delicious breakfast at the picturesque Mondoux, a European-inspired restaurant and café in Dubai Creek Harbour, before strolling down the promenade to catch the unique, pirate-themed Black Pearl for a voyage through the Dubai Canal to the Burj Al Arab waters. Beat the heat by spending a relaxing 4-hour afternoon on board, enjoying a socially distanced brunch buffet and refreshing open sea swimming. DETAILS: Available every Friday until 30 July 2021. Breakfast at Mondoux from 8am-11am, Black Pearl tour from 12-4pm. Dh199 per person (kids under 4 free), for more information WhatsApp 050 1420319, or book https://tour-dubai.com/tour/breakfast-at-mondoux-x-brunch-and-swim.

TRY THE ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST AT BOUNTY BEETS: The new Bounty Beets at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre is not only full of gorgeously fun selfie spots, but its menu is packed full of delicious yet nutritious dishes, that kids will have no idea are super healthy for them! The brand-new All You Can Eat Weekend Breakfast deal sees families noshing on unlimited breakfast dishes – think avo toast, breakfast pizza, carrot cake pancake and more – plus free-flow teas, coffees and pressed juices for Dh99 per adult, Dh49 for kids aged 6-12, and Dh29 for under 6s. Adults can also add a cheeky glass of sparkling or cocktail for the reduced price of Dh35. DETAILS: Available Friday and Saturday, 8am-noon, All you can eat breakfast at Bounty Beets Le Meridien Dubai, www.bountybeets.com.

CELEBRATE WORLD CHEESE DAY: Most little ones like cheese and it’s World Cheese Day on Friday 4th June, making it the perfect day to tickle tiny tots’ taste buds with their own mini cheese platter. Marks & Spencer’s is offering 65 mouth-watering cheeses on a special offer of three cheeses for Dh60 across selected lines from now until 19 June. From apricot-dotted white Stilton, to Cornish Cruncher and Scandinavian-style Jarlsberg, get set to brie inspired on 4th June and stock the fridge with a range of dairy delights. DETAILS: 3 cheeses for Dh60 at Marks & Spencer stores including Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Mall, Marina Walk, Springs Souk and Yas Mall.

SAVOUR A FAMILY-FRIENDLY STAYCATION AT LE ROYAL MERIDIEN: Looking for a luxurious family-friendly staycation? Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa has a special deal, offering families the chance to enjoy the gorgeous grounds, fantastic pools and beach, with F&B deals included. The “Ultimate Staycation” package offers vacationers a delicious daily breakfast spread at Brasserie 2.0, as well as 25% off on food and beverage throughout the stay, and all Marriott Bonvoy members will earn additional 2000 Bonus Points with the offer. The staycation offer gives you the option to go half board or to opt for the credit voucher option which gives you a voucher worth Dh250 daily to spend in one of the resort’s signature restaurants. Those who opt for the half board option will also be entitled to a daily dinner at Brasserie 2.0 restaurant. DETAILS: From Dh857 per night, call 04 399 5555, leroyalmeridien-dubai.com.

INDULGE IN FREE TIRAMISU AND PASTA 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.

SWING INTO AVENTURA’S SUMMER DEAL: Bored of spending your summers at the mall? Aventura Parks, Dubai’s largest zip line park, is offering a special deal for summer. With over 24 ziplines, 8 circuits, 80 obstacles – including child-friendly courses - the park is a great place to spend summer weekend nights with friends and family. The summer offer is Dh99 for a basic ticket for three hours of unlimited ziplining, rope courses, challenges and more. DETAILS: Redeem the offer by booking online, through www.aventuraparks.com, or call +971 52 178 7616 to reserve your tickets. The offer is available from May 16 – September 30, 2021.