Summer camp Dubai: The UAE's best kids' summer camps 2021

TIME FOR DISCOVERY: The school bell has rung, the backpacks have been stowed away. Summer break is back! Don’t let your kids waste the hours whiling away time though, not when there’s so much fun to be had. Whether it’s learning how to code or make and fly a drone or taking his/her acting ability to the next level, summer camps across the emirates have a lot to offer. Here’s a short list to start you off.

OLIOLI DISCOVERER AND ADVENTURER CAMP: OliOli is launching two unique camp concepts this summer: the Discoverer’s Camp, running in the morning, and the Adventurer’s Camp, which will be running in the afternoons. The morning sessions follow a Time Travel theme, taking kids on a journey to explore key eras such as Prehistoric & Ancient Era, Modern Era, Contemporary Era and Future Era, all explored through immersive hands-on activities that address historical challenges and provide a purview into the future. The afternoon Adventurer’s Camp is focused on active play and experiments with unique themes for each day of the week, such as Science Sundays, Messy Mondays, Tech Tuesdays, Wacky Wednesdays, and Treasure Hunt Thursdays. DETAILS: Running 4 July to 26 August, two age groups from 4-6 years and 7+, AM timings 8.30am-12.30am or 9.30am-1.30pm; PM timings 1.30-4.30pm or 2-5pm. Dh1,090 for a week of morning sessions, Dh790 for the afternoons, or Dh1,650 for a week of full days. Sibling discount of Dh100 available, book on www.olioli.ae.

QIX CLUB SUMMER CAMP: The fun kids’ clubs at Address Dubai Mall and Address Boulevard are both offering great summer camp options for parents working, living or travelling to the Downtown Dubai area. Children from 4-12 years can enjoy educational games, art and crafts sessions and much more, all supervised by friendly and well-trained staff in the fun and stimulating surroundings of the Qix Clubs. DETAILS: Dh225 per child per day, including lunch and snacks, running from 1 June – 31 August, Sunday – Thursdays 10am-4pm at Address Boulevard (045 618 127, spa.adboh@addresshotels.com) or Address Dubai Mall (044 388 025, spa.dubaimall@theaddress.com).

CIRCUS CAMP AT REFORM SOCIAL & GRILL: Roll on down to Reform Social & Grill’s tent for a circus-themed summer camp to keep kits entertained this summer. Hosted by Sharm Circus School (SCS), kids will clown around, following an action-packed schedule, which includes kids’ yoga, arts & crafts, ribbon dancing and trampolining. Open to kids from the ages of 4 to 7, drop off time begins from 8.30am with the classes running until 2pm, so parents can enjoy a few hours of freedom out in the city or chose the British gastropub as their WFH spot. There are 20 slots available each week and parents can book their littles one in on a one, three or five day package. DETAILS: Running 4 July – 26 August, 8.30am-2pm, Dh300 one day, Dh435 for three days, Dh950 for 5 days (inclusive of activities and meals. Call 04 454 2638 or WhatsApp 058 647 8692, http://www.reformsocialgrill.ae/.

DIG IT SUMMER CAMP: Mini digger fans will be in their element at indoor play area Dig It’s special summer camp for kids aged 3-10 years. From creative workshops to games, dancing, accessory making, and of course playing in the Springs Souk venue’ s extensive soft play area, your kids will be digging away the summer break boredom while learning and growing in a safe and comfortable environment. There will even be the chance for kiddos to wind down in front of a movie at the Reel Cinemas Junior Screen just next door every Tuesday. DETAILS: From July 4 to August 26, for kids aged 3-10 years, 9am-1pm Sunday to Thursday, Dh169 per day (Dh139 via Groupon, Cobone, Qidz and KidzApp), Dh599 per week (Dh479 on Groupon, Cobone, KidZapp and Qidz), www.digitdubai.com.

THE DUBAI MALL SUMMER CAMP: Kids can experience all of Dubai’s most iconic attractions as part of The Dubai Mall’s Summer Camp, an engaging, educational four-day ‘camp’ concept, which takes kids on a supervised guided tour to experience all of the wonders and fun at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Dubai Ice Rink, indoor children’s city Kidzania and the world’s highest viewing platform At the Top, Burj Khalifa over the course of the four days. Participants will even gain access to VR Park for some thrills and gaming and also receive a ticket to catch a movie at Reel Cinemas. At the end of the Camp little ones can proudly go home with a certificate of completion. DETAILS: Dh599 per child for four days, running from 20 June to 25 August, register at any of the attractions in order to attend.

EMIRATES PALACE KIDS CAMP: Luxe Abu Dhabi hotel Emirates Palace is bringing back its Kids Camp this year in collaboration with The Pro Kids Sport, offering activities such as swimming classes, kickboxing, wakeboarding and Zumba to kids aged 3-14 years old. With the option to sign up for single days or weekly packages, the camp will run from 4 July to 26 August, Sunday to Thursday, and will be divided by age group. For littler ones, the Little Prince and Princess program will run in collaboration with The Bright Minds Institute, offering 45-minute Whole Brain training classes, for tots aged 6 months to 5 years old, featuring activities to promote right and left-brain stimulation such as music and singing. DETAILS: One day from Dh275, one week from Dh1,255 (20% sibling discount). Whole Brain training trial class is Dh150, with packages available thereafter, www.mandarinoriental.com/abu-dhabi.

KID’S OCEAN EXPLORER COURSE: If you’re looking to staycay somewhere in the UAE this summer, why not head to Fujairah and pop the littles into Freestyle Divers’ Ocean Explorer course? For mini marine adventurers aged 6 and up, it is a fun and interactive session designed to introduce kids and their parents to the wonders of the UAE’s underwater ecosystem. The day includes an interactive marine life session in the classroom, collection of plankton and beach sand to analyse under the microscope in Freestyle Divers’ own laboratory, and the opportunity to paint a ceramic tile that will then be attached to the dive center’s artificial reef regeneration project. Snorkelling at the Dibba Rock Marine Conservation area in Fujairah is also offered for those keen to see marine life in action. DETAILS: DH350 per child without snorkelling, Dh525 per child with snorkeling, Kid’s Ocean Explorer Course runs daily throughout the summer holidays. Open Water Dive Certification, among many other courses, is also available from Dh2,100 per person, www.freestyledivers.me.

KIDS AND TEENS SUMMER PHOTOGRAPHY CAMP BY GULF PHOTO PLUS Shutterbugs are in for a treat this summer with a five-day course that will explain the basics of photography and framework. Kids between 10 and 13 and teens over 13 will be separated into two groups, each learning about mobile photography and editing apps, semi-manual and manual camera modes (aperture priority mode and shutter priority mode), natural light portraiture, studio photography and creative DIY lighting. They will need to carry a DSLR or mirrorless camera with fully-charged battery, empty memory card, a smartphone or iPad with the free 'Snapseed' app downloaded and installed and a notebook and pen. DETAILS:Dh1,000 for a five-day workshop from 9am-12pm. The camp for 10-13 year olds runs from July 11-15 and August 1-5; the camp for 13+ students runs from July 25-29 and August 15-19. Location: D36, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, UAE. Visit www.gulfphotoplus.com

FITREPUBLIK Is your child active but still discovering his/her passion? Try a multi-sport camp at one of FitRepublik’s locations in Dubai. At The Academies in Dubai Sports City, 5-14-year-old campers will take part in aquatics (includes water basketball), gymnastics, fitness games, martial arts and dance. At the branch on Sheikh Zayed Road, Eiffel Building 1, students can explore dance, drama, music, martial arts and crafts. DETAILS: One-day Dh220; One week: 975; Two weeks: 1,700. Sibling discounts are available. The camp runs 5 days a week, from 8.30am-2.30pm.

EMIRATES BRITISH NURSERY’S SUMMER CLUB Books take on new importance at Emirates British Nursery as its summer camp offers thematic weeks based off tomes. The whole point of the club, which runs from July 4 to August 26, at three centres – Mirdif, Motor City and the Villa Nursery- is to introduce EBN children to new books including ‘Rainbow Fish’, ‘Brown Bear’, ‘Dear Zoo’. Full or half-day itineraries are available, but a two-week commitment is a must. DETAILS: A five-day session from 8-3pm is Dh840. Call +971 56 504 7455, visit www.ebnnursery.com.

FLAIR SPORTS ACADEMY Tumble, jump and balance like an acrobat after a summer of gymnastics. Children from the ages of four-17, beginners and those already introduced to the sport, can learn tricks on the tumble tracks, beams and bars, trampolines and vaults between July 4-August 26. DETAILS: Dh1,196/week (Sunday-Thursday); Sibling discounts available for classes between 9am-1pm. Location: Flair Sports Academy Hanger 4, Port Rashid, Dubai. Call +971 50 359 7158

MODERN MUSIC SHOW Do you have a future star in your house? Now tap that musical aptitude with a summer camp in Dubai’s JLT that runs from July 1-30 in batches for those aged 5-7 and those who are 8-12 years old. For two slots of 45-minutes each, your child can learn the guitar, drums, basic vocal chords, piano, or violin. Details: Two 45-minute sessions per week; 8 in the month; cost Dh999. Ask for sibling discounts.

DS2DIO PERFORMING ARTS SCHOOL will give budding actors the platform they need to perfect their art with their Drama & Musical Theatre programme, from July 4-29, providing professionally structured training that focuses on voice, acting and dancing. While voice acting, the focus will be on enhancing listening skills, building body awareness, boosting self-confidence and improving verbal expression. In acting classes, scenes are broken down into beats and modules undertake where one must play a role opposite live and virtual scene partners. Dance is another avenue that’s explored here. DETAILS: Classes, from 9.30am-1.30pm at Lake level, Lake Plaza Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai, cost Dh850/week. Visit www.ds2diodubai.com, call 971-55-8496193

STEM FOR SUMMER KIDS SUMMER CAMPS For those who love math, science, logic and learning, there are three programmes curated according to age. Little Explorers, for those aged 4-5, teaches science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a fun way. How does sound travel? How do stories work? How to build a strong house? At the Junior STEM Camps for 6-9-year-olds, each day there will be a combination of three hands-on science, engineering and robotics. At the Advanced STEM Camp, there will be advanced science, engineering and robotics activities designed to challenge. Dates: July 4-August 26 (Little Explorers and Junior Stem Camps); July 4 –August 12 (Advanced STEM camp). Cost: Dh825/week. 10% discount for second child onwards. Location: Rove Hotel, Downtown Dubai and Studio One Hotel (Near Arabian Ranches). 9.30am-1.30pm. Visit www.stemforkids.ae

FUN ROBOTICS SUMMER CAMP The future is calling all young bright sparks. At this summer camp, two sets of themed courses are held each week; one for those aged 7-9 and another for those over the age of 10. Themes include programming, drone assembly, coding and learning to use Arduino micro-controllers. Online courses are also available. DETAILS: July 4 –September 26 Cost: Dh1,050 (one course); Dh1,600 (two courses); Dh2,100 (three courses) Timings: From Sunday to Thursday 9am-1.30pm (ages7-9); 9am-5pm (ages 10 +). Location: 194 Sheikh Zayed Rd - Al Wasl – Dubai (in the Safest Way supermarket). Call +971 4 3388354, visit www.fun-robotics.com.

SUMMER CAMP AT WOO-HOO! Edutainment comes in the form of activities that include bubble painting, elephant toothpaste demo, condensation cloud jar, volcano experiment, trumpet craft, sound waves. Campers, aged 4 to 9, get to take on their own art projects, examine while observing and conducting science experiments, explore new ideas while using their critical thinking skills, use their imagination with different engineering-based activities, and move and connect while taking part in physical activities that encourage teamwork and focus on using their problem-solving skills as a group. DETAILS July 4-August 26. Cost: Dh890/week (sibling discounts and multi-week booking discounts available). Timings: 9am-2pm. Location: Al Quoz 1.Call 800 WOOHOO, www.woo-hoo.ae

ELITE SPORTS SPORT CAMPS The Football camp is an intensive regime devised to offer different aspects of play to improve both technical and tactical skills each day. The multi-sports camp meanwhile deals with different sporting and sports-specific activities that leans on different themes each day such as teamwork, competition, American Sports, goals and Olympics. Six different activities are undertaken each day. DETAILS: Dates: July 11-August 26 Cost:Dh882/week. Timings: 8.30am-3.30pm at JESS Arabian Ranches (Football Camp); JESS Arabian Ranches, Regent International School, Victory Heights Primary School (Multi-Sport Camp). Call +97145545916, www.elitesports.ae

ECOVENTURE SUMMER PROGRAMME This program is split into two themes, 50 per cent dedicated to multi-activities and half dedicated to engineering projects and challenges. The engineering side of the programme introduces students to different engineering fields. Along with daily engineering challenges students will work on one main project where they will take an engineering journey from understanding and designing their projects to building and testing them. Suitable for ages 3 to 12 years. In the multi-activity programme, there are options such as climbing, archery, pool games, kayaking, science experiments, performing arts, arts and crafts, team-building challenges, sensory trails, baking, STEM challenges, mixed sports and games, martial arts and more. Sibling discounts and multi-week discounts available. DETAILS Dates: July 11-August 19 Cost: Dh945/week (Al Barsha); Dh845/week (Nad Al Sheba) Timings: 9am-2pm. Location: Kings' School Al Barsha. Call +971 4 455 8777, www.ecoventureme.com

ENACT DRAMA CAMP This workshop designed for kids aged 6-12 focuses on writing, acting and performing. Your child will learn not only to write her own script but also how to play it out. Dates: July 4-8. Cost: Dh1,350. Timings: 11am-1pm. Location: The Impact Studio, The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates.

DUBAI DESIGN ACADEMY Necklaces and bracelets and earrings, oh my! If your kid has a penchant for designing his/her own jewelry, this is a perfect way to spend camp time. At the academy, from July 25 for two weeks, children can learn how to design accessories, take part in experiments, go on a treasure hunt and finally, how to sell their products. Don’t worry though, while there’s fun, there’s also learning in the form of storytelling and daily edutaining activities. DETAILS: Dh650/week or Dh1,200 for two weeks at Almas Tower, Cluster J, JLT. dubaidesignacademy. Call 04 568 4565