10 Alternatives to Summer Camp in Dubai
From heading to your local park, to feeding some fishes...
6 July 2016
Editor
Summer is upon us, and so your children and teenagers will be geared up for the next couple of months of lazing around, watching TV, browsing YouTube and playing computer games.
Unless of course, your child is going to the yearly ritual of summer camp.
But unfortunately, not every parent can afford the traditional summer camp... Even with the large choices available, sometimes as a parent, you just can't justify spending around 2000 Dirhams per child for camp over summer. And that's fine, folks.
There's good news as fortunately, there are plenty of lower-cost activities for kids and teens available across Dubai for summer.
So we've gathered all the best alternatives for your children to enjoy that don't include the TV, computer games or YouTube... We assure you, they won't feel like they're missing out on camp at all!
1. Activity deals at the largest mall in the world
Our friends at Cobone have got five brilliant and family-friendly packages that have been chosen to offer you the greatest entertainment, value for money and the best experiences at this iconic mall.
From KidZania, to Dubai Icerink, to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to SEGA Republic, we have no doubt you'll find great excitement that is suitable for all ages.
2. Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai
With great offers like student night every Monday, this is a perfect, chilled location for all teenagers to hang out with their friends and enjoy some snow! Not only is there great opportunity to brush up on your skiing and snowboarding skills, there's also bobsledding, tobogganing, chairlifts and penguins!
3. Cool down in the water
With calm waters surrounding us, Dubai is a great spot to enjoy paddle boarding and kayaking. Strap the kids into their life jackets and head out to the water together.
4. Head to the library
The Old Library in Mall of the Emirates is Dubai's leading English lending library. It's the perfect spot to visit with the kiddy winks or on your own to enjoy a good read of your favourite books, or find a new one to devour! It's easy to find as its connected to MOE, too... Where there's parking aplenty!
5. Enjoy a cultural lunch and tour at SMCCU
Enjoy a traditional Emirari breakfast or lunch at the wonderful Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding that is designed to educate expatriates on the traditions and customs of the UAE. We have no doubt the kids will be fascinated by the huge platters of delicious local foods, sitting cross-legged and eating with their hands. It's a great atmosphere for all, and plus, you'll all have the opportunity to learn something new about the place in which you live.
6. Watch the flamingos at Ras Al Khor
Get up early enough, pack breakfast and head to the flamingo hotspot in Ras Al Khor. It's free of charge so the whole family can enjoy the views together. There's lots of little viewing spots that the kids will love to use and spy on our pink feathered friends.
7. Fish, shark and croc feeding up close
Head to one of the fantastically huge aquariums that Dubai homes to witness nature up, close and personal. At Atlantis' Lost Chambers, you can watch the fishes be fed every day around 8.30am and 3.20pm, and over at Dubai Aquarium, the rays get fed at 10am, the sharks at 2pm and their resident King Croc at 4pm!
8. Enjoy a jump around
With places popping up all over the city with huge trampolines inside, it's no wonder that bouncing off the walls is rapidly becoming a fitness favourite for all living in Dubai. Head to locations in Al Quoz and/or Mirdiff to visit the indoor trampoline parks... They're great fun for all ages.
9. Treat your lungs to some fresh air
A favourite for any resident living in Dubai, is the Dubai Garden Centre... It's a huge space filled with greenery, flowers, home furnishings and plants of every kind that you can quite easily wander around for an hour or two. The kids will no doubt love the colletion of animal statues and realistic looking creatures, including the crocodile pond, monkeys in the trees and a dinosaur!
10. Mushrif Park has plenty to do for all ages
As the biggest park in the emirate, Mushrif Park is so big you can actually drive through it. It's the perfct spot for famil picnics and strolls under all of the shady trees. Grab a football, frisbee and the picnic blanket to enjoy a wonderful afternoon in this oasis in the middle of the desert. Plus, Mushrif Park has an international village, that has 13 models of Arabic and English houses built in it so the kids won't be at a loss for entertainment. Other services include electronic games, barbecue areas, pool services, child game areas, splort playgrounds, bicycle tracks, prayer rooms, restaurants, train ride services, camel and horse riding and a park theatre.
