Mum and dad only and family-friendly fun activities.
As the long school holidays almost draw to a close, here’s how to banish the question ‘what can we do next?’ as you try to figure out a way to stop the boredom setting in.
We know Abu Dhabi has a ton of things to do, but you’ve probably exhausted that list already
Instead, stretch the kids’ imaginations with activities that not only promise to spark their creativity but are educational too.
Of course, we’ve included a few that are just for the fun factor alone!
Oh, and mum and dad, there’s something here for you too, so you can have your own time away from the little ones.
Enjoy!
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Mini Makers
Wednesday 18 August, 3pm-5pm
Get the little ones into an entrepreneur mindset while they’re still young. The Makerspace Al Zeina is now offering Mini Makers classes for kids aged four to eight years old. Kids will get to learn the art of design when creating their very own felt pouch to take with them wherever they go! The hands-on class is a great way to get the creative cells buzzing and their confidence will be boosted when they leave class with their very own handcrafted product!
This is not a drop-off workshop and you will need to stay with their child at all times. For more classes, visit Makerspace, to book call 02 558 8624.
Paint your own plate
Runs daily
This is a great family activity and you get to take home the finished product and hang it on the wall as a keepsake. Art House Café, in the Al Bateen area, is inviting you and the kids to let your imagination run wild and paint a plate. Paint, brushes and the plate is provided; all you need to bring is your creativity. It’s also a great place to fill up on coffee and snacks too, after all, painting is thirsty work.
To book your spot, call 02 666 0175
Water and Islam expo
Every Saturday
The UAE has more than its fair share of museums in every emirate, with some thought-provoking and educational installations. This time the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, located along the Al-Majarrah Waterfront, is under the cultural spotlight.
Running from 10 June to 11 December, the Drop by Drop Life Falls from the Sky, Water, Islam and Art exhibition is being held as a first collaboration with Fondazione Torino Musei in Italy and explores the unique connection between water, life and Islam from an artistic perspective. It’s a brilliant way for the entire family to collectively learn about something new and is worth travelling to Sharjah for.
For more details, visit sharjahmuseums.ae
It’s an illusion
Daily till 4 September
Heading to Dubai? Then take in this spectacular show in the heart of Dubai at Al Habtoor City. Taking place in a tailor-made aqua theatre, La Perle by Dragone show is a fusion of immersive artistic performances, imagery and technology that is brought to life by spectacular aqua and aerial stunts and feats and special effects influenced by Dubai’s rich culture and aspirational future.
For more details and tickets, visit laperle.com
FOR THE GROWN-UPS
Hip-hop ya don’t stop..
16 August
A luminary of the 90’s rap and hip-hop scene, Swerte is stepping out in Dubai for a solo gig and it’s going to be worth crossing that border and heading to Dubai… without the kids – you could take the older teens, if you were feeling kind!
Swerte, PLG and Beatbox Ray will be playing The Fridge Dubai. Backed by a live band, Swerte will be showcasing his new material.
For more information and tickets, visit Swerte
Put your hands in the air
19 August, Coca-Cola Arena Dubai
Call the child-sitter and head to Dubai where trance legend Paul van Dyk is about to let rip when the German DJ brings his Shine Ibiza – aptly called Shine DXB – residency to fans in Dubai.
Egyptian DJs and producers Aly & Fila join the line-up have also been announced as part of the Shine DXB line-up. The duo, formed by Aly El Sayed Amr Fathalah and Fadi Wassef Naguib, witnessed international recognition with their 2003 track Eye of Horus.
All three are no strangers to international music festivals, such as Tomorrowland and the Ultra Music Festival.
To get your tickets for this bangin’ party, visit coca-cola-arena.com
