Education on your mind? 

How to entertain and educate the kids at the same time? The UAE is known for its swanky malls and state-of-the-art theme parks, besides the biggest, tallest and largest of everything. But what if, you and your kids are on a quest to broaden your understanding of different cultures and nationalities; to combine education and learning with fun and entertainment? Fear not, as right here are some of your options in one of the most modern countries of the world.

• The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU): For the greatest history lesson of all times, head to the Al Fahidi District in Bur Dubai for a peek at The SMCCU. For starters, it is located in a traditional Wind Tower House which is fascinating in itself.  Secondly, the objective behind the place is to familiarize us expatriates with traditions and customs in the UAE. Its award-winning programs are known for bridging the gap between the many nationalities that exist here while their cultural meals, in the form of an Emirati breakfast or lunch-whatever you prefer, is such a massive hit among children.
• Children’s City: There is so much more to Children’s City than the dolphin, seal and bird show. An academic wonderland with opportunities for science-based learning, a planetarium, theatre, nature centre and fantastic soft play area ensures that there is enough (and more) here for anyone between 2 & 15 years of age. Located at Creekside Park which has a meager entry fee of AED 5, Children’s City is highly recommended during good weather.   
• Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: What’s not to like about one of the most magnificent buildings in the world? Architecturally brilliant, serene, clean and gorgeous views, both during the day and night. The Grand Mosque is located at the start of UAE’s capital city, Abu Dhabi and is a must-visit for residents and visitors. There is nothing particularly entertaining for little children here, besides the absolute thrill of being clad in Emirati clothing while touring the place. Older ones will enjoy the free guided tours where Emirati volunteers explain the important architectural features of the building while answering any queries they might have.
• Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park: If flora and fauna is your family’s idea of happiness, there is Sharjah Desert Park approximately 25 km east of the city. The place houses several museums for that trip down memory lane, with references to dinosaurs, fossils, flora and fauna. Right next to it is the Arabian Wildlife Centre, an indoor zoo exhibiting animals that belong to the Arabian soil naturally. The Children’s Farm is another popular little enclosure within the park where kids can feed live animals, and who doesn’t like doing that?
• Al Ain Zoo: Year 2016 saw a proud moment in the history of the UAE when the world’s largest, man-made safari park opened in Al Ain. This is where everyone, right from toddlers to the elderly can sight and interact with over 250 animals, all under one roof. Depending on the size of your family, you will be driven around in smaller vehicles or big trucks while you look out the window seeing Arabian and African animals like the oryx, springbok, eland, giraffe, zebra and lion.

  Truly speaking, UAE is such a mixed-bag when it comes to recreation. When the kids aren’t playing, they are learning; which leaves no scope to get bored in county like this.