Ramadan for Kids in Dubai

When supermarkets in Dubai are flooded with deals on food products, it means Ramadan is coming! But there's a lot more to the month than fasting and feasting. Ever wonder how your kid's perceive Ramadan; as a month-long party with late nights and fancy food or a time for caring and sharing? Helping kids understand what the Holy month is really all about becomes easy in a city like ours.

Take the Ramadan Sharing Fridges for example, where kind souls (a.k.a. volunteers) set up free fridges outside their homes/offices and people contribute by filling it with food and drinks. This activity is not specific to kids, but it doesn’t stop them from a doing a good deed. They can help restock the fridge or simply greet the workers who come by. If their school is participating just as many of them do, they can pitch in on packing food parcels too.

How about some crafting with the family next? The Happy Ramadan Box (AED 260) is a wonderful initiative that supports learning through play. It's an educational, activity box with a book and 8 little tasks surrounding Ramadan. Delivered right to your doorsteps across the UAE, it includes a good deeds calendar, prayer mat and people props (among other things) that children put together with the help of instructions.

Galeries Lafayette, City Walk is also hosting a series of Kids Programs this season. Every Friday through the month, little ones can pick up a skill while fasting adults get some rest close by. There's a painting session with Nora Qudah on May 18. On May 25, Emirati Olympic weightlifter and speaker, Amna Al Haddad will talk about her book 'Bedtime Stories For Rebels'. And finally, a cooking class with Chef Russell, the Culinary Director of GL himself on June 1. These classes will be held from 10 am to 12 pm and are priced at AED 120.

A fun way to engage kids is over food, and Dubai is popular for its family-friendly iftars. But if you are behind a legit cultural experience, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Bastakiya is worth taking them to. A second iftar that's trending for families is Ramadan Nights By Dish. Held in Al Quoz's Warehouse Four, this one's about food as much as ambience. Dish has added a meal option for young diners this year comprising jasmine rice with chicken tenders for mains followed by chocolate/vanilla gelato with sprinkles for dessert.

And finally, just what is a celebration without a staycation? For all your hard work and theirs, spend the last few days of Ramadan at Lapita, the Polynesian themed resort in the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts. Their Ramadan Experience Room Package promises an unforgettable stay in spacious rooms, with a choice of breakfast or iftar. Prices start from AED 735 per room per night. And if the kids are all too sad as it comes to end, there's Legoland and Motiongate at walking distance already!

Ramadan Kareem, to you and your family.