In these warm weather days you might not be too keen on the great outdoors, but if the kiddos won't settle for at-home fun either, you know you can turn to us! As always, we've put our parenting thinking caps on, and we've searched far and wide, in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for the coolest (literally) indoor experiences the whole family can enjoy. From art exhibitions and museums to indoor forests and gaming experiences, we've got something for everyone!
Looking for a new, cool, and fascinating experience for you and the kids? The Theatre of Digital Arts is where you'll want to go. It combines all three formats of digital art including multimedia exhibitions, contemporary immersive installations, and art in virtual reality making it a cool educational and entertainment hub. The art space spans 1,800 meters and will display digital shows that combine high-end technology with classical art. And for a truly multi-sensory experience, it will be accompanied by stunning visual effects, classical music, and surround sound. You will literally be stepping into some of the most famous paintings created by the world's most famous artists. ToDA will also feature several sections including an area for children with interactive exhibits, a virtual reality area, and more.
Go on a tour around Dubai Opera and discover fascinating stories from every culture unfold through the wonders of the performing arts, and the building itself with its own compelling stories that have shaped the people and culture of Dubai since its inauguration in 2016. You can choose between the ARCHITECTURE TOUR or the BACKSTAGE TOUR. Tours lasts approximately 45 minutes and are conducted in English or Arabic. Other languages are available on advance request.
Head to The Green Planet to explore a tropical forest filled with exotic flora and fauna. You and your kids will have a chance to witness nature's wonders up close. And for a more exciting experience, you can venture behind the scenes or confront your fears with close encounters with exotic birds, reptiles, bugs, sloths, or sugar gliders. Don't miss the Meet & Greet experiences, where brave visitors can hold and snap pictures with The Green Planet's snakes and lizards!
Remember to also look out for their regular events and their incredible Zookeeper program. If your child loves his furry friends and dreams of being a zookeeper, here is the ticket to making his dreams come true. Young animal lovers aged between 9 and 16 years can become "Zookeepers" for a day and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
Be sure to check out their regular events and their amazing Zookeeper program. If your child is a animal lover, this is the perfect opportunity to make their dreams a reality. Young animal enthusiasts between 9 and 16 years old can become "Zookeepers" for a day and experience the adventure of a lifetime!
If you're looking for something to wow the kiddos and that's truly mind-boggling, then the Museum of Illusions is a must visit! Challenge your senses at their 80 exhibits of all shapes and sizes. You and your family will love the endless attractions including the Vortex Tunnel, a rotating cylinder that tricks the brain into thinking the ground under your feet is shifting, as well as the Ames Room, where you shrink or grow depending on your position in the exhibit!
Thinking about escaping the warm weather? We've got a suggestion that's out of the box! Or is it inside the icebox (pun intended)?
Take the kiddos and head over to the Middle East's first sub zero lounge where you can finally beat the desert heat and enjoy some tasty refreshments. The entry fee includes a complimentary welcome drink such as tea, coffee and their signature hot chocolate; just like you find in the Alps! A unique time out, you and your kiddos will be spellbound with the gorgeous ice sculptures, carved out seating arrangements, illuminated interiors - all at a temperature of minus six degrees!
And if you're in the capital, this one experience you won't want to miss! Abu Dhabi is now home to the region’s only owl café. Boomah Café is home to nine owls that you can learn about and hold when buying a ticket, under the supervision of trainers that care for the birds of prey. These birds aren't kept for entertainment; many of them wouldn't survive in the wild due to injury or disability, so the Café is the perfect place for kids and adults alike to learn about these magnificent birds. And a delicious meal on the side won't do any harm!
Calling all engineers! Diggers Lab is now in Abu Dhabi! Head down to the Galleria and put on a construction hat for the day and join a one-of-a-kind edutainment activity for the whole family where you get to experience operating small-scale construction machinery - building small blocks and operating a construction digger. These digger rides will help your children develop skills such as hand-eye coordination, which forms the basic foundation for writing, crafts and other fine motor activities.
If your kiddos are obsessed with all things auto, then head down to the Emirates National Auto Museum in Abu Dhabi. You'll have a blast too! You'll see 200 of Sheikh Hamad Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan's cars in addition to off-road cars, trucks and other vehicles that are cool enough that they had to be featured on Top Gear. It's a fun way to spend your day so take your kids and any car lovers you know and head there.
If you're in the mood for a meal with a view in Abu Dhabi, then it doesn't get any better than the Observation Deck at Etihad Towers. Marvel at dramatic views as you enjoy light bites and pastries at the city’s highest restaurant. Your little ones will be absolutely mesmerized by the height and scenery. You can also catch up with loved ones over Afternoon Tea available from Thursday to Saturday.
If you and the kids are big on fun and games, then ALT Gaming Lounge is a must visit! It's your family's ultimate destination for all things PS4, PC gaming, and board game fun. Whether it's Super Mario, Monopoly, or even Chess- ALT Gaming Lounge has it on hand. Your teens and younger kiddos are guaranteed a blast with friends and family with the Lounge's awesome collection of digital and offline games. Need to refuel for all that playing? Their cafe has a delicious selection of food, drinks, and dessert to help you keep your energy up for hours of gaming fun.