10 Fun Things To Do in Dubai with Kids This Weekend
Making plans with your family this weekend? As always, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 top things to do in Dubai with kids, all of which are taking place this weekend!
1. Cirque De Cuisine
Missed out on the last one? Don’t worry, the huge Atlantis night brunch is back this Thursday – with a Christmas twist! Bring your teens along for a festive gourmet dining experience, with street performers, Santa, and more. You will be hopping from one restaurant to the next, savouring traditional Christmas dishes from each, followed by an after-party!
When: Thursday 7th December, 7pm to 11pm
Cost: AED 335 for kids (aged 12-20); AED 535 for adults (including house drinks and bubbly). Book your tickets via Platinum List.
Location: Atlantis The Palm
2. Dubai Winter Festival
Dubai Winter Festival is basically everything you love about Christmas in one place! Get your friends and family together and head there for an entire weekend of festive fun! From live music and traditional food to snowball fights and Santa’s grotto, there’s fun for all ages!
When: Wednesday 6th December to Saturday 9th December, 4pm onwards
Cost: From AED 55 for kids, AED 90 for adults (online on Platinumlist)
Where: Dubai Media City Amphitheatre
3. Harry Potter
Calling all Harry Potter fans! This weekend, you can relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone at the Dubai Opera! Get your tickets to experience a symphony orchestra performing music to the entire Harry Potter film, in high-definition on a 40-foot screen!
When: Thursday 7th December to Saturday 9th December, at 8pm
Cost: From AED 175
Where: Dubai Opera
4. Winter WondeRave
Here’s another fun way to celebrate the Christmas season, especially if you love to party! The family-friendly rave is back this weekend, for a festive-themed Winter WondeRave at Backyard Dubai! You can expect arcade games, balloon animals, magicians, a photography zone, a baby-friendly dance floor, rave kits and soooo much more!
When: Saturday 9th December, 12pm to 6pm
Cost: AED 35 for kids, AED 70 for adults (online from Platinumlist)
Where: Backyard Dubai
5. Kids Storytime
The Courtyard Playhouse has a brand new improvised show for your little ones (ages 4-11) this weekend! Head there this Friday for The Mystery of the Toilet Monster – an interactive play with fun for the whole family! There will be games, toilet roll, dancing and a lot of imaginative fun.
When: Friday 8th December, 11.30am
Cost: AED 75 per person (other membership options available)
Where: The Courtyard Playhouse
6. Christmas Market
Gather your family and make your way to Courtyard by Marriott this Saturday to get into the festive spirit! There will be a Santa’s grotto for the kiddies, a choir competition (register by Thursday to take part), a big festive bake-off, Christmas market stalls, games, BBQ, kids activities and so much more!
When: Saturday 9th December, 3pm to 7pm
Cost: Free entry, see the FB event here
Where: Courtyard by Marriott, Green Community
7. Family Day at The Farm
Bouncy castles, face painting, games and a whole lot of entertainment – your kids are going to love this fun family day out! Head to The Farm, in Al Barari this Saturday to enjoy delicious food, while your little ones are busy having too much fun.
When: Saturday 9th December, from 10am to 4pm
Cost: A-la-carte, booking is essential
Where: The Farm
8. Paint & Giggle
Parents, sign up for this fun Paint & Giggle workshop with your little ones, and become and artist in just one day! In this workshop, you and your child will paint together to recreate the famous Snow Village by Jim Mitchell, and take home a masterpiece. See the FB event for more info.
When: Saturday 9th December, 10.30am to 12pm
Cost: AED 289 per parent and kid, including refreshments
Where: Wooden Cellar Greek Deli, Sports City
9. Tree lighting
Fancy watching Dubai’s top hotels light up their gigantic Christmas trees? You totally can, and it’s completely free! Head to Sheraton Mall of the Emirates this Thursday for an evening filled with Christmas magic. You’ll be able to sip on hot mulled drinks, enjoy holiday treats, meet Santa, pick up some Christmas gifts at the market and more. Check out these alternative tree lighting ceremonies in Dubai.
When: Thursday 7th December, at 6.30pm
Cost: Free
Where: Sheraton Hotel, Mall of the Emirates
10. Winter Wonderland
Christmas celebrations are in full swing all around Dubai, and this is one market you cannot miss. The lush garden at St. Regis has transformed in to a Winter Wonderland for the festive season, with a great line-up of themed children’s entertainment, live festive carols, traditional food and so much more!
When: Daily until 26th December, 3pm-11pm weekends & 5pm-11pm weekdays
Cost: Free entry (…but food is charged), see the Facebook event here
Where: St. Regis Hotel, Al Habtoor City
Still want more? Check out these fun family activities to try around town, or if you’re on a budget, here are 5 Dubai restaurants where kids dine for free. Enjoy, and have an awesome weekend!
