Homeschooling in Dubai? Activities to keep kids engaged (while you work)

Kids exploring space activities in a colourful, educational play zone.

From robotics and music to sport and hands-on learning, these Dubai activities are helping families reset the school day

 

With schools temporarily online, many UAE parents are facing the same challenge: how to keep children focused, motivated and in some sort of routine, while still managing their own working day.

The good news is that across Dubai, a wide range of structured, creative, and active programmes are offering activities to complement homeschooling – and many popular kids’ camps have extended beyond spring break to support families during this period.

From music and engineering to sport, art and hands-on learning, these go beyond childcare, offering social interaction, real-world skills and a break from screen-based learning.

Even better, many offer flexible formats, drop-off options, parent-friendly spaces, or even come to you, making it easier to balance work while keeping children engaged.

For working parents, here are some great options right now.

 

Best kids’ activities while homeschooling

 

Dubai Sound Academy

Best for: Music, creativity and confidence

What’s on: Led by industry professionals, these drop-in music sessions include DJing, guitar, piano, drums, singing, GarageBand and music production in a community setting.

Why we like it: Creative, social, fun, and a strong reset after a morning of online learning. Suitable for all levels.

When: 23 March–3 April 2026, 2 pm–5 pm

Ages: Varies

Where: Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City

Parent bonus: Co-working and school study space available all day at Studio One Hotel.

For more information, visit dubaisoundacademy.com

 

OliOli Inventshop Camps (extended)

Kids making slime on a table, OliOli

Best for: Hands-on STEM and creative building

What’s on: Building ArtBots, experimenting with robotics and coding, as well as creating moving inventions through hands-on projects, alongside daily gallery time.

Why we like it: Busy, practical and highly engaging for little ones.

When: Extended until 3 April 2026

Ages: 4–10

Where: Al Quoz

Parent bonus: Morning, afternoon and full-day options, plus a great on-site café for working parents.

For more information, visit olioli.ae

 

RoboLand (extended camp)

Child enjoying a swing in an indoor play zone in Dubai.

Best for: Robotics, STEM and structured activity

What’s on: Robotics builds, engineering challenges and themed STEM weeks, including race cars and robo pets.

Why we like it: Interactive and hands-on, ideal for children who like building and experimenting.

When: Extended until 3 April 2026

Ages: 4–12

Where: Times Square Center

Parent bonus: Morning, afternoon and full-day options available.

For more information, visit robolandentertainment.com

 

Kids Hub Entertainment

Best for: Flexible drop-off with real enrichment

What’s on: Indoor play and structured activities including soft play, LEGO building, arts & crafts, sensory play, storytelling, music and dance, plus mini sports and creative sessions.

Why we like it: Combines fun, safety and meaningful engagement – more than just free play.

When: Daily from 9 am–9 pm

Ages: 0–12

Where: Dubai Marina

Parent bonus: Drop-and-go or stay with coffee and workspace nearby.

For more information, visit kidshubentertainment.com

 

Impulse Self Defence

Girl kid practicing her punches with instructor in the ring

Best for: Real-life skills and confidence

What’s on: Scenario-based self-defence training combined with fun fitness, movement and martial arts, designed for children and teens.

Why we like it: Builds awareness, resilience and confidence, skills that extend well beyond the session.

When: Flexible days and timings throughout the week

Ages: 6+

Where: Community-based sessions across Dubai (including home visits)

Parent bonus: Sessions can come to you, with 1:1 or small-group options.

For more information, visit impulseselfdefence.com

 

Wolf Kids Community Days

Best for: Active kids who enjoy movement and team games

What’s on: Kickboxing, football, parkour, gymnastics, STEM activities, arts & crafts, games, free play and team challenges.

Why we like it: Energetic sessions with continuous variety; a simple way to shake up the day.

When: 23 March – 3 April 2026. Monday–Friday

Time: 8 am–1 pm (3–5 pm optional)

Ages: 4–12

Where: Al Safa 2

Parent bonus: Flexible daily/weekly booking plus home sessions (1:1 or small group).

For more information, visit facebook.com/wolfkidsdxb

 

Ribambelle

Indoor kids' play area with colourful structures and slides in Dubai.

Best for: Flexible workshops and younger children

What’s on: Daily cooking, baking and creative workshops including mini pizzas, slime-making, jewellery design, cap decorating and themed cake sessions.

Why we like it: Short, varied sessions that keep children engaged, plus opportunities to make new friends.

When: Daily workshops (check live schedule)

Ages: 3+

Where: Bluewaters

Parent bonus: Large indoor play area and café make it ideal for coffee or catching up on emails.

For more information, visit ribambelle.ae

 

Camden Creative Arts (LoLo House)

camden art students raising their hands with enthusiasm

Best for: Art and focused creative time

What’s on: Painting, design and mixed media projects in guided 2-hour workshops to inspire creativity.

Why we like it: Longer sessions allow children to focus and complete projects.

When: Fridays & Saturdays from 20 March 2026

Ages: 4–7 and 8–12

Where: Al Quoz

Parent bonus: Small-group setting, with all materials included.

For more information, visit camdencreativearts.com

Courtyard Playhouse – Kids storytime & workshops

Best for: Creativity and confidence

What’s on: Interactive storytelling, plus improv, drama and theatre workshops where children act, create and perform together.

Why we like it: Builds confidence, communication and self-expression in a fun, social setting.

When: Selected dates and ongoing workshops throughout March–April 2026

Ages: 4–18

Where: Al Quoz

Parent bonus: Flexible sessions, with a range of workshop options (including homeschool-focused classes within the wider programme), make it easy to fit around the school day.

For more information, visit courtyardplayhouse.com

 

Wood Wizards

Best for: Hands-on STEM and practical skills

What’s on: Building real wooden projects using tools, including cars, planes and mechanical builds.

Why we like it: Practical, tactile learning such as measuring, assembling and problem-solving with real tools.

When: Flexible sessions (including home visits)

Ages: 5+

Where: Dubai Creek Harbour plus mobile

Parent bonus: Small groups and take-home projects.

For more information, visit wood-wizards.com

 

Gooder Indoor Skatepark (NEW)

kid holding a penny board or skateboard

Best for: Tweens and teens

What’s on: Indoor skatepark with ramps, rails and street-style obstacles, plus café, lounge and retail space.

Why we like it: A genuine social hub for skating, hanging out and meeting friends.

When: Daily from 11 am–8 pm

Where: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz

Parent bonus: Café and seating make it a relaxed spot for teens to log in and do schoolwork. Entry is currently free.

 

Fin & Bone Culinary Masterclasses

Kid making sausage in a masterclass

Best for: Hands-on cooking, life skills and family time

What’s on: Small-group masterclasses led by expert butchers and chefs. The family-friendly Sausage Making Masterclass lets children (and parents, if they join) create their own beef sausages from scratch, learning key techniques in a fun, practical setting.

Why we like it: Hands-on, engaging and genuinely useful, building confidence in the kitchen while learning real skills.

When: Mondays or Wednesdays through to Saturday at 1 pm or 3.30 pm

Ages: Family-friendly from 6 years +

Where: Al Barari

Parent bonus: Small groups (max 4) and a calm setting, plus children take home what they make, so you don’t need to worry about dinner.

For more information, visit finandbone.ae

 

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Jemma Nicholls

Jemma Nicholls is an editor and writer with more than 22 years’ experience in print and broadcast journalism. BBC-trained in the UK, she moved to the UAE over 20 years ago and was a founding member of Dubai Eye 103.8FM. She has held senior editorial roles at The National and other UAE publications, while also contributing to respected international titles. Jemma was part of the original communications team that launched the first Taaleem schools and has written widely on education for global groups. With two children in UAE schools, she brings firsthand insight, regional knowledge, and a passion for education, lifestyle, and storytelling.