Looking to bond with your more active children? We searched out five fun things for dads – or mums – to do with their little athletes, both boys and girls
Sky diving
Don’t have the gumption to jump out of an actual airplane? Never fear – you can still give skydiving a try with SkyVenture’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel at the Abu Dhabi Country Club. Show your kids (even the little ones) how confident you are as you experience the sensation of freefalling through the 12 foot, 875 horsepower open flow and toss in your brave ones, as well.
Ages: three years old and above
Cost: starting at AED 180 for two minutes
Contact: 02 657 7777
Driving
At the driving range, that is. Members and visitors alike can check out the all new two-tiered driving range at Abu Dhabi City Golf Club. Bond with your budding golfers as you polish your swing in the shaded practice facility, or try out the high tech swing room located in the new practice structure. A great way for kids – both big and little – to work on their game before hitting the greens.
Ages: four years old and above
Cost: non-members AED 30 for a bucket of 50 balls, or two buckets for AED 40
Contact: 02 445 9600
Deep sea fishing
Spend a day steeped in the beauty of the gorgeous coastline along the Arabian Peninsula on the boat with Arabian Divers and Sportfishing Charters. Bring home some fish stories with the big catch, or try scuba diving, snorkeling or simple sightseeing. Even better, the Al Bateen Marina Resort has all the amenities you need to make planning easy.
Ages: no set age but kids must be able to swim
Cost: half day on a smaller boat starting at AED 3,100
Contact: www.fishabudhabi.com
Paint balling
Get out your aggression the fun way with a session of paint balling at the Armed Forces Officers Club. Suit up with your youngsters to sort out issues of sibling rivalry, kids versus parents or pit your family against the neighbours on one of AFOC’s two themed battlegrounds. Not quite sure what to do? Get a quick tutorial before you start.
Ages: 12 years old and above
Cost: basic rental fee AED 150 per person for one hour, which includes outfit, gun and 100 paintballs
Contact: 02 441 5900
Go karting
You may never get the chance to drive on the track, but kids and grown-ups alike will love the thrill of flying around Yas Marina Circuit’s Kartzone at speeds of up to 70km/hr. Suit up in full race gear, receive a mandatory briefing on kart controls and circuit rules and then climb into your go kart and race it out.
Ages: cadets age eight to 12, seniors age thirteen and older (drivers under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult during the briefing who must sign a waiver on the child's behalf)
Cost: AED 80 for cadets, AED 100 for seniors for a ten-minute session
Contact: 800 YAS(927)
Laura Fulton
Funday Sunday
Got a child with special needs or in a special situation? Funday Sunday is an organised and scheduled calendar of fun events that any child, with either a special need or who finds themselves is a special predicament is welcome to come along to, free of charge. This Sunday, 20th March, kids can enjoy a movie morning at Cinestar. For more information, visit www.fundaysunday.ae.
Are you a compassionate parent?
Don’t miss this dynamic workshop for parents conducted by certified life coach Naima Laraki-Croft in conjunction with Nahtam Social Responsibility happening 9.30am to 5pm, 1st and 2nd April at Al Maha Arjaan Rotana. Learn how to:
- stop expecting perfection from your children
- work on your relationship with your kids
- turn your anger into positive emotion
- resolve conflicts with your children without a power struggle
- become the parent you want to be
The two-day workshop costs AED 2,000 per person or AED 2,900 for couples and includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and refreshments – book before 20th March and attend at Early Bird rates for only AED 1,500 per person or AED 2,500 per couple. To book your spot, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
