DUBAI WEEKENDS: 5 fun things to do with the family this weekend

Here are some great activities for you and the little ones if you’re thinking of heading to Dubai.

woo-hoo!

 

For more than just soft play, check out woo-hoo! Called an edutainment museum for children aged up to 12, the concept’s about having fun while learning key skills through play. Kids will love the light and bright space with 10 themed galleries and interactive exhibits for them to explore.

Children can navigate the grassy maze, scale the High-Rise Climber, discover dinosaur fossils in the life-like caves, experience sound in the Amplify Studio or make giant bubbles in the Splash Lab. All activities incorporate STEAM learning (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths).

In addition, woo-hoo! runs a carousel of creative programmes and workshops, after-school activities, camps and birthday parties. It also has a café and nursing and baby changing rooms.

TOP TIP: Though splash wear is provided for both the art and water galleries, pack a change of clothes for enthusiastic little ones. A brilliant day out for all.

For more information, visit woo-hoo.ae

 

Xstrike

 

“Xstrike is awesome fun.

It’s all about tactics, teamwork and combat skills. Just epic!” says an enthused 10-year-old.

Bridging the gap between traditional paintball and laser tag, Xstrike utilises cutting-edge, non-projectile advanced laser targeting technology.

Housed over two floors in a massive warehouse in Al Quoz, the space offers an immersive experience with live-action, simulation gameplay. Players are in teams, and after a short briefing, you gear up with body armour, headgear and sensor bands which give feedback as you play.

Your mission starts once inside the fully themed zones. These vary and include post-apocalyptic cities to abandoned subway stations – think deserted cars emitting fog and subway train carriages that players can run through. It’s exciting and great fun, but all that ducking, diving and tactical effort can be hard work. Be prepared to sweat, so gym gear and trainers are a must.

There’s also a small arcade and café to refuel in. Ideal for families (children must be eight years plus), corporate days, and birthday parties looking for something different.

For more information, visit xstrike.com

 

My Little Pony Breakfast

 

Park, paddocks, and ponies.

Start the weekend with breakfast at Sellar restaurant at Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club. Children can tuck into the My Little Pony Breakfast and then enjoy a trot around the fields on a pony ride.

Costing AED 60 for children aged four to 12 and free for those under four (pony rides are charged extra at AED 20). There’s also a large play area with swings and slides. Dogs welcome.

For more information, visit poloclubdubai.com

 

Neon Art Attack

 

Unleash your inner artist at the Neon Art Room, where you get creative and literally paint the walls.

This immersive art activity at Meraki Design & Art Studios is an outside-the-box art experience for all those over three years.

After you don your protective overalls, you can paint your masterpiece on canvas before using the brushes to flick, throw and splash the paint on the room’s walls. You can even use the paint balloons to throw and splatter.

A riot of colour and fun, connect your music to the speaker and get inspired while listening to your favourite tunes. The studio runs various art activities and workshops and has a café and shop where you can purchase their in-house work.

For more information, visit merakiartstudio.ae

 

The Roxy Xtreme Cinema

 

Big. Bigger. Biggest!

The Roxy Xtreme at Dubai Hills Mall hosts the next big thing in cinema – 423 square metres of movie-watching space (larger than two tennis courts combined).

Holding the crown for the MENA’s biggest screen, with crystal-clear laser projection and heart-pounding surround sound too, there are also 14 other luxurious Platinum and Silver screen options providing blankets and bites that you can order from your comfy reclining seats.

For more information, visit theroxycinemas.comExperience/xtreme  

 

Image source Xstrike, woo-hoo! Children’s Museum 

Derek Issacs

A Brit in the Middle East for 25 years and counting, Derek loves scouring the streets for those under-the-radar cultural gems. And when he’s not putting Yalla – Abu Dhabi magazine to bed, you’ll find him working out at the gym.