Fun things to do with the family this weekend

Welcome to Thursday. Get those planners out cause boy, do we have some entertainment planned for you. This weekend, plan a museum visit or a staycation, hangout with some wild animals or watch a show – one way or the other, you won’t be bored.

Lunch with leopards at Emirates Park Zoo: Get to know all about this wild cat even as you break bread with it. The tour includes a photo session, interaction with a serval, mongoose and meerkat, and a tour with a guide who will be able answer any questions about these critters. DETAILS: The one-and-a-half-hour session, from 1pm-2.30pm, costs: 0-3 get in for free; 4-12-years-old: Dh170; adults: Dh260.

Art at the Louvre: As the Abu Dhabi museum turns four, it ups its introduction-to-art game; there are of course more serious showcases but what we suggest if you’re going with the little tots is the Children’s Museum, which helps them explore their emotions by playing, listening, drawing or acting. There’s also an outdoor area to chill out. They get to discover artworks through a serious of games. DETAILS: Kids go free; adults pay Dh63. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Win a prize at Circuit X: Abu Dhabi’s adventure park on Hudayriyat Island is celebrating the cool weather with the launch of Track Rush 2.0 on Saturday. Competitors will ride through the BMX Park and the two tracks - Pump Track and Dirt Track - and compete to be the most skilled biker at the venue. Races at the Track Rush 2.0 competition are categorised by age group - juniors, seniors, and adults. DETAILS: Starts at 9.30am.

Dubai Miracle Garden is back with 150 million flowers arranged just so. There are stunning installations that are perfect for the ‘gram including a three-dimensional clock, a Guinness-award-winning Emirates A380 installation, an 18-metre floral structure of Mickey Mouse within the garden’s Disney Avenue and an ‘Umbrella Tunnel’. For those who like the little blue characters Smurfs, this time around there’s Smurfs Village too. DETAILS: Tickets start at Dh40 for kids; Dh55 for adults. For everything you need to know about Dubai Miracle Garden, go to https://gn24.ae/c8f6bb8e1ba9000

Are you a fan of Global Village? Us too! From fun rides that’ll have you screaming in delight to carnival games, 26 pavilions from various countries and food from across the world, this – mostly outdoor – space has something for everyone. DETAILS: Entry is Dh20 onsite and Dh15 online. Kids under three, people of determination, senior citizens go for free.

Expo 2020: Are you a K-Pop fan? Then perhaps it’s time to head to Expo 2020; this Friday, from 5pm-8pm, you can sing and dance along to a stellar line-up of performances by Highlight and Punch, and on-screen recordings of BTOB, La Boum and LUMINOUS! Head there early to enjoy the offerings at more than 192 pavilions that have come together for the world’s greatest show. DETAILS: Kids under 18 go free; adults, in the month of November, pay Dh45.

Walk for a good cause at Jubail Mangrove Park’s Blue Walk on November 13 between 4-7pm, dressed in blue and while. The event is to raise awareness about diabetes and on-site there will be complimentary diabetes screening for up to 200 people. At this park, there are a multitude of things to do including kayaking, yoga and sound healing sessions. DETAILS: Dh15

Stay at Centara Mirage Resort and have fun with the whole family. There’s an in-house water park, kids’ spa and family lounge. Heading there with more than one kid? No problem – bunk beds are available. DETAILS: Rates start at Dh499 per night including breakfast. Up to two children stay and dine for free when ordering from the kids’ menu.

Head to Dubai Design Week: Hone your child’s creativity when you enroll him/her in one of the many workshops at Dubai Design Week, which is on until Saturday. From creating masterpieces with paint to learning how to upcycle, there are plenty of skills up for grab at Dubai Design District’s Building 6, R05.

Ready Set Go: There’s a massive play area complete with spiral slides, rope bridges, tube crawls and a foam canon area; five European-style role playrooms, a trampoline park and a zipline! DETAILS: General admission for all day per child is Dh180.