50 Things To Do With The Family During The UAE National Day Long Weekend

Carnivals, Theme Parks & Water Parks
 

1. Experience something extraordinary

Been to Expo 2020 yet? If not, it’s time to strap on those shoes and get ready to spend most of the day with your mouths agape. Between impressive international pavilions, interactive shows and workshops plus unique roaming and stage performances, there’s enough to keep you and your kids entertained for days – if not weeks or months.

2. Travel around the world – in one spot

Culture meets food meets festivities, Global Village is your go-to for those family carnival vibes. Hop on thrilling amusement rides, dig into some crispy churros and even watch a live family-friendly show.

3. Make it a thriller of a day

We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to theme parks in the UAE. Head over to Dubai Parks and Resorts where you can get your thrill on at Legoland Dubai, Motiongate Dubai or Bollywood Parks. Or if you want to head in the other direction, there’s IMG Worlds of Adventure in Dubailand. If you’re staying in or heading to the capital, Yas Island is where excitement awaits you at Ferrari World or Warner Bros. World.

4. Slide into some fun

The long weekend combined with the awesome weather right now is also the perfect excuse to head to your favourite waterpark. The thrills are in abundance over at Aquaventure, Laguna Waterpark, Wild Wadi and Legoland Waterpark. Or Splash N Party if you want a more intimate atmosphere. For a mix of waterpark and obstacle course, you have to try out Aqua Parks Leisure.

5. Make it a two for one

Families over in Sharjah can combine their waterpark thrills with amusement park fun over at Al Montazah Parks.

Pool & Beach
 

6. Go on a daycation

You can’t let a long weekend go by without a little bit of fun under the sun. Lucky for you, we’re teamed up with SupperClub to give you access to some of their most popular daycation and pool & beach offers both in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

7. Have a beach day

Pack your flip flops and sunscreen and spend some time by our gorgeous oceans. Kite Beach is always lively while Al Sufouh Beach is a slice of peace (at least early in the morning). Soul Beach is a great choice if you’re in the capital, and Kite Beach Center is worth drive to Umm Al Quwain for.

Indoor Fun & Play
 

8. Blow off some steam

Get all that pent-up energy out of your system this holiday over at the UAE’s most exciting action parks. BOUNCE will have you and your kids freestyling on wall-to-wall trampolines while Air Maniax is your go-to for some serious fun in a world of inflatable obstacles.

9. Take the little ones out to play

Oodles of fun is to be had at popular kids play areas such as Cheeky Monkeys, Adventure Parx + Café and Kids HQ. You can also pop by new kid on the block, FiaFia Kids Play and Cafe, and if you’ve got kids who are fans of LEGO, Bricobilandia is where to go.

10. Have some friendly competition

Challenge your family to some fun arcade games at Fun City, or work your way out one of the escape rooms at Hungarian Games.
 

Museums
 

11. Go for some wholesome fun

Visit OliOli, the experiential children’s play museum with carefully curated galleries, inspiring your kids to explore.

12. Snap a selfie with your favourite stars

Head over to the newly opened Madame Tussauds and get up close and personal with over 60 global stars such as Justin Bieber, Nancy Ajram, the Queen of England and even Dubai's own Kris Fade.

13. Head out for a fun art-filled day

Check out the Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s Museum’s new exhibition: Emotion! The new art adventure.

14. Learn through fun 

Swing by woo-hoo! where you can enjoy 10 different galleries filled with over 50 interactive exhibits

15. Enjoy some quirkiness

Have a topsy turvy time over at 3D World Selfie Museum as you journey through themed zones filled with reality-defying artworks. At Museum of Illusions you can challenge your senses with its 80 exhibits of all shapes and sizes.

Culture & Sightseeing
 

16. Hop on an abra

Explore Dubai’s waters on a traditional abra (boat) and enjoy the hustle and bustle of Old Town

17. Catch breathtaking views of Dubai

Ride to the 125^th floor of arguably the most famous tower in the world and see Dubai from the top.

18. Experience a feast for your senses

And while you’re downtown, don’t forget to pop by The Dubai Fountain to catch a must-see show that’s free to the public

19. Visit a palace

At Qasr Al Watan you can explore marvelous Arabian architecture, take a stroll through the stunning gardens, and even visit an extensive library.
 

20. Take a trip to the past

Wander through one of Dubai’s oldest neighborhoods and get a glimpse of life before now among traditional wind towers and twisting alleyways.

21. Explore a Dubai icon

Go behind the scenes at Burj Al Arab and enjoy an immersive 90-minute journey of reliving history on a privately guided tour.

22. Hop on the Heritage Express

Explore beautiful Emirati history and culture through a unique trolley experience, that will transport you and your kids around the city's oldest neighborhoods.

23. Journey through time

How does a 360 degree view of Dubai sound? Experience old, present and future Dubai all under one roof as you explore Dubai Frame.

24. Dine on a floating restaurant

Cruise the banks of Dubai Water Canal while feasting on a scrumptious international buffet dinner.

25. Get on the bridge

Talking about Dubai Water Canal, pop by the Instagrammable Twisted Bridge at sunset or the Tolerance Bridge at night when it lights up.

26. Sprinkle in the old with some new

Head to Al Seef where you can explore a bit of Dubai's culture and heritage as well as shop and dine.

27. Take to the seas

Marvel at the city skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi from a speedboat. Fun for the whole family and even your guests coming to town for the holidays.

28. Soar to the skies

Ones for the bucket list, the Flying Cup at The Beach, The View at The Palm and the newly opened giant ferris wheel, Ain Dubai, on Bluewaters Island promises you and your family mindblowing views.

29. Explore hidden gems

The long weekend calls for a little road trip adventure! Take a trip to Al Madam Ghost Village for some post-Halloween chills, get snap-ready at the Half Desert Road and see an abandoned plane in Umm Al Quwain.
 

For The Whole Family
 

30. Escape to floral bliss

If you haven’t checked out Dubai Miracle Garden yet, you’re missing out. Giant teddy bears, castles and even an Emirates Airbus 380 – all made out of flowers!

31. Explore the animal world

Everyone loves a day at the zoo. Take a trip to Dubai Safari Park or if you’re down south, there’s Emirates Park Zoo and Al Ain Zoo. Feeling an indoor adventure instead? The Green Planet or Dubai Aquarium will be right down your alley, or head to the newly opened National Aquarium in Abu Dhabi.

32. Get into the game

The Emirates Dubai 7s are running right in the middle of the long weekend and is promising a nail-biting three days of thrilling sporting games and bucket loads of family fun. Head out on the Thursday for free entry for everyone in the family.

33. Go out for a meal

The holiday won’t be complete without a little treat at the table. Swissotel Al Ghurair has you covered with a kid-friendly brunch inspired by Expo 2020, and Alpys in Jumeirah is for you tex mex fans.

34. Light up your night

If you’re up for a little bit of magic, head to Dubai Garden Glow after the sun sets. You’ll be engulfed in a world of illuminating lights in all kinds of colours and whimsical designs. 

35. Catch a movie on the lawn

Make your way to the lush green grounds of Umm Al Emarat Park to catch your favourite, family-friendly movies.

36. Get your hearts racing

Helmets on, ready, set and GO! Feel the thrill of drifting your trike alongside your boys and girls in a Tokyo Drift Style.

37. Head to the market

The Ripe Market over at Police Academy Park is ready to fill your day with pony rides, arts & crafts workshops, a local farmer’s market, live music, yummy F&B outlets and much more.

38. Catch a free show

A feast for your senses, this immersive light & water show combines 30 fountains, lights and surround sound. 
 

Outdoor Fun

39. Swing by the lake

A must-see spot is Dubai’s very own Love Lake. Adorned with cute and quirky nature props, this place is perfect for a long stroll with the occasional stop for a snapshot.

40. Play outside

There are many amazing playgrounds and parks to take the kids to whether you’re in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. We’re especially fond of the awesome grounds at Al Barari Playground.

41. Explore the mangrove

Walk along a meandering boardwalk at this mangrove sanctuary to witness some stunning and exciting views of nature. You can even go on a guided kayak tour.

42. Head to the mountains

Take a trip to Ras Al Khaimah and marvel at some breathtaking mountain views from Jebel Jais. You can drive up to the viewing deck or even go hiking – either way, it’s free!

43. Level up your camping

Gone are the days of flimsy tents and canned food. Camping in the UAE takes it up quite a few notches.

44. Explore nature

It’s not all about glitz and glam. The UAE offers up some gorgeous nature spots that are worth exploring.

45. Take in some sights

Make your way toward Khorfakkan and stop by the revamped Al Rafisah Dam. You’re in for some magnificent lake views as well as some fun for the kids at the outdoor play area.

46. Go on a picnic

Take your next family outing to the lawn and make it a fun day under the sun 

47. Go for a stroll

Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi are dowsed in fantastic spots where you can take the kids for a leisurely walk

Something Different
 

48. Get mesmerized

Engulf yourselves in an immersive digital journey of some of the most famous paintings created by the world's most famous artists.

49. Reach sub-zero temperatures

The perfect way to beat the desert heat, the Chillout Ice Lounge is where you and the kids can plop down for a hot chocolate in a sub-zero atmosphere. 

Last but not least
 

50. Celebrate with Kidzapp

That’s right - we’re turning 4 this year! And we’ve got some fantastic offers lined up for you and your family to celebrate. Stay tuned on our Instagram for all the details.

---
Don’t have Kidzapp yet? Get it now and stay updated on the best things to do with your kids around the UAE.

Images: Facebook / Stock / Website