UAE public holiday with kids: 10 family-friendly things to do in Dubai this long weekend

GET PUMPKIN’D AT DUBAI 30x30 SPOOKY FUN RUN: Kick off Dubai 30x30 in spook-tacular style with this 1KM themed race around City Centre Me’aisem mall, the perfect family-friendly way to get your 30 mins down for the day, while earning the right to some autumnal treats afterwards. Prizes will be handed out to runners who score the fastest completion times in the men’s and women’s categories as well as to the best dressed group and best-dressed kids, so get those costumes ready! DETAILS: Saturday 31 October, 7.30am-10am, book your spot by registering here: https://www.premieronline.com/event/halloween_1km_run_challenge_5375

Be A-MAZE-D IN CITYWALK’S ALICE IN WONDERLAND GARDEN: City Walk is getting a floral facelift from 29 October to 14 November, with multiple blooming picture-perfect photo walls. Plus, with every spend of Dh50 at any City Walk outlet, you’ll get the chance to explore Alice in Wonderland’s beautiful garden with the kids, reimagined with larger than life plant giants, sprawling chess boards, the grinning Cheshire cat, as well as the Queen of Hearts herself. If you’re there on the Friday 30 October, there will also be free breast cancer screenings happening from 2-10pm near Vao concept store, in front of Subway.

LISTEN AND PLAY WITH GOLDILOCKS AND THE THREE BEARS: Get kids dressed up as their favourite character for an interactive storytelling session of Goldilocks and the Three Bears at The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates, 45 minutes full of creativity, imagination, music and dance. DETAILS: Aimed at 2-5 year olds, the sessions run at 11am and 4pm on Friday October 30 2020 at The Theatre Mall of the Emirates, Dh75 per seat, see Artforall.ae.

SWIM WITH PIRANHAS: Does your child dare to snorkel with the piranhas? The Green Planet has partnered with Al Boom Dive Center to create the first of its kind experience in the region. Adults and kids from 6 years old can gear up with a wet suit and go behind the scenes to the ‘meat kitchen’ whilst receiving a full brief from the bio-dome’s expert biologist and receiving a back-of-house tour. They’ll then witness over 1,000 of the notoriously sharp-toothed fish devour full chickens and turkeys, before being lowered into the tank. (Fun fact: piranhas are scavengers, not hunters, so your little one is safe!). DETAILS: One-hour experience is Dh350 on the door or Dh330 online, including access to The Green Planet. Sessions run daily for up to four guests from 4-5pm, minimum age is 6 and children must be able to swim. Thegreenplanetdubai.com.

TAKE A CREEPY CAMEL TREK: On October 30 and 31, kids will be taken on a thrilling camelback adventure into the desert where they will be met by ghosts and ghouls, who will trick them with a surprise or treat them to yummy goodies during their trek. In addition, Sonara Camp will be hosting a scary-movie screening with popcorn, a cupcake making station and also interactive pumpkin carving in collaboration with Top Chef. Set high upon a sand dune within the Dubai Conservation Area, Sonara Camp offers unspoilt sunset views over the Arabian desert, so while the kids are busy with their spooky adventures, parents can take the opportunity to enjoy the wonder of the surroundings. DETAILS: Dubai Desert Conservation area, for details on packages and to make a reservation contact info@sonara.ae or +971 503367909.

DO A PICNIC BRUNCH: The weather is gorgeous – so take brunch outside! Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City’s hugely popular Picnic Pantry Friday brunch is back, featuring its delectable walk-in pantry, BBQ stations, live music, kid’s activities, as well as all-day pool access - Dh245 or Dh345 (house beverages) including pool access, children under 12 are free, Dubaifestivalcityhotels.com, 04 701 1111. Or take it to the desert with Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa’s whimsical available brunch every Friday and Saturday, from 1pm - 4pm, offering a mouthwatering menu, as well as magician, juggler and kids’ activities with pony and camel rides. Dh225 per person (inclusive of soft beverages), kids aged 6 to 12 years pay 50% and children below 5 years dine free, 04 809 6100.

GO SCAVENGING: There are spooky scavenger hunts happening across the city this long weekend. Guests who visit Roxy Cinemas City Walk or The Beach will be greeted by a menacing makeover of the cinema foyer, where you can grab a Halloween Hunt activity sheet and track down tricks or treats around the cinema, or answer questions for the chance to win some terror-rific prizes, including F&B upgrades, platinum Roxy tickets, gift cards, as well as passes to The Green Planet and Laguna Waterpark. Meanwhile Bluewaters will host a thrilling virtual trick-or-treat trail through its avenues for visitors celebrating Halloween from Thursday, 29 to Saturday, 31 October, where you can access a digital map by scanning a QR code displayed across the venue. There are many thrills along the trail, from an encounter with the notorious Jack the Ripper and his bride at The London Project to discovering ghoulishly good scoops of flavour at Jelly Belly and brain cakes at Scarlet’s Bakery & Patisserie.

GLOW WITH DINOS: One of the most hotly anticipated re-openings of the new season is finally here: Dubai Garden Glow, which comprises a psychedelic concoction of imaginative light displays in the Glow Park, as well as a roarsome and educational walking outdoor exhibit of life-like animatronic dinosaurs in the Dinosaur Park. Opening at 5pm every day, head to the dinos first for some prehistoric play, and then hit the Glow Park comes sunset for a sensory stroll through its luminous loveliness, a visual lullaby for little ones before they enter their own world of dreams. Dh65 for access to both parks, under 3s free, Dubaigardenglow.com.

GET TO THE POINTE: If you haven’t made it down to this new spot on The Palm Jumeirah then this is the weekend to do it. Be quick to catch the last day of the Water Swing on Thursday 29 October, which is fitted with technology that rains down water in a constant stream, but stops the second that you swing through it, so you don’t actually get wet. The swing is free and is open to the public between 1pm and 10pm. Or head to one of the many eateries for sunset and marvel at the now officially the world’s tallest fountain, which sings and dances in staggering choreographed performances every 30 minutes from 7pm.

GO GLOBAL: Family favourite and Dubai institution Global Village has now reopened for the season and is bigger and better than ever, with eclectic pavilions dedicated to different countries across the world, international food and retail stalls, sensational shows and performances, a carnival and Ripley’s Believe it or Not. This Friday evening is the celebration of its 25 year in operation, be sure to book tickets online. DETAILS: Dh15 per person, children below 3 free but must have a valid ticket booked online, located on Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, 04 362 4114. Please note: entertainment shows will be suspended until Thursday evening 29 October. Globalvillage.ae.