School’s out for summer, but there’s plenty of ways to keep your little ones entertained. There are summer camps and classes, but we’ve rounded up twelve more days of summer fun
Written by Laura Fulton
Sunday: Golf Sure it’s hot, but kids can play golf for free at the Abu Dhabi Golf Course during the week when they accompany a fee-paying adult. Until 30th September, take your kids along and bond over your short game. Aim to book early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the worst of the heat. Call 02 558 8990 for details and booking.
Monday: Playgroup with Abu Dhabi Mums Anyone with children under six should get to know the fantastic gals at Abu Dhabi Mums. Their website alone is a wealth of information for anyone raising little ones in the capital, and they organize a huge variety of playgroups at different locations both on and off the island for kids of different age groups and languages. Yearly membership is only AED 100, and with it you’re entitled to massive discounts at outlets all over town, including many nurseries. Check out their calendar at www.abudhabimums.ae
Tuesday: Play centre/arcade Just about every shopping mall in town has a play centre with tons of fun for both little kids and bigger ones. Wanasa Land at Al Wahda Mall, for example, is home to a huge padded climbing structure that runs AED 25 for three hours – bring socks because shoes are not allowed. Many of these play centres also offer discounts on the swipe cards that operate the rides if you buy a lot, but little kids may be content to sit on the rides without spending any money.
Wednesday: Movies Since the advent of DVD’s and external hard drives, fewer people are going out to the cinema these days, but going to the movies is still a great way to kill a sultry afternoon. Matinee showings often start midmorning, and popular movies sometimes run on more than one screen – you can find comprehensive listings on our website abudhabiweek.ae
Thursday: Bowling Forty wide lanes stand mostly empty during most of the day at Khalifa Bowling Centre near Zayed Sports City. With arctic air conditioning, bumpers to keep little ones out of the gutter, a snack bar with everything from chicken nuggets to paninis, an arcade and a bevy of [whoops!] from super light to heavy duty, everyone can spend a fun afternoon at this world class facility. Don’t forget to bring socks to go with those oh-so-stylish bowling shoes. Call 02 403 4648.
Friday: Brunch There’s no better way to enjoy a long hot Friday afternoon than by indulging in one of the many brunches around town. Most offer discounts during the summer, and the massive spread at the Beach Rotana (02 697 9000) devotes an entire corner to food and fun for kids, including face painting, kid-friendly eats, TV, video games and a dextrous clown twisting balloon creations.
Saturday: Hotel kids’ club Don’t have the time or cash for a weekend away? Never fear – you’re already living in a holiday destination. Book a mini stay-cation at one of the many area hotels with a kids’ club and let the staff look after the kids while you lounge on the beach or unwind at the spa – Al Raha Beach Hotel (02 449 9999) is just one of many with a brilliant kids’ club. And you can take advantage of the kids’ club even if you haven’t booked a room at the hotel. Keep your eyes open because summer discounts will kick in across town soon.
Sunday: Karaoke A great way to entertain both big kids and little ones, Bowling City offers private karaoke cabins with a huge selection of English and Arabic songs. You can even record your little rock stars and take home a CD to share their talent with everyone, and when you run out of vocal puff, there’s always the bowling. Check out Bowling City locations throughout the Emirate in Al Ain Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Khalidiya Mall and Al Mariah Mall, or call 02 676 0444.
Monday: The beach If you haven’t been to the public beach on the Corniche, it’s worth a visit. Sure the heat is deadly, but an early morning or late afternoon excursion will avoid the highest temperatures. Just be sure to where plenty of sunscreen and drink tons of water. Don’t think you can hack the public beach? Most beachfront hotels in town offer day rates. The swimming pool at the Crowne Plaza on Yas Island is a favourite among those living on the mainland at AED 80 for weekday visit, AED 90 for a weekend or AED 210 for family of four. Call 02 656 3000 for more information.
Tuesday: Ice skating When it’s hot outside, you can’t get any cooler than ice – ice skating, that is, at Abu Dhabi Ice Rink near Zayed Sport City. This massive Olympic-sized rink is the home of the Abu Dhabi Falcons hockey team, a French cafe, an arcade, shops and a children’s area. Don’t know how to ice skate? Sign up for lessons or use the handy-dandy aluminium “chair” frames which you can hold on to while you scoot around the ice. Call 02 444 8458 for timings and ladies’ days.
Wednesday: Pottery class An excellent way to spend a day (or twelve) is browsing the cool creations of talented artist Homa Farley at Abu Dhabi Pottery in Khalidiya. A supplier of every type of pottery supply and equipment, Farley is an amazing sculptor in her own right and passes on her skills in a variety of classes for both children and adults. For a full schedule of options, go to www.abudhabipottery.com.
Thursday: Gallery crawl While we’re waiting for the Louvre and Guggenheim to set up shop on Saadiyat Island, there’s still plenty of art on offer around town. Ghaf Gallery (02 665 5332) on 30th/Khaleej al Arabi Street is currently showing the hugely popular Express Yourself in 30”X30” exhibition. Check out the work of up and coming Iraqi artists at Al Qibab Gallery (02 665 2350), or browse the extensive collection at Emirates Palace (02 690 9000).
