School’s out for summer and that can only mean one thing – action-packed camps for kids
Summer is officially – and for some, unfortunately – here. Not all of us will be escaping the sweltering heats of the Arabian sun and with little ones to worry about, you’ll need to keep them, and your patience, from melting over the next several weeks.
Here’s our roundup of summer camps for your kids – with something for everyone, from tots to teens.
Teddy Bear Nursery
Here’s one for the really little ones. Teddy Bear Nursery will be hosting its annual indoor summer camp for tots aged eight months to four years old.
Kids can get creative in the music makers centre, let off steam in the jungle room and gym, or splash around in the Splash play area with waterslides and toys.
From 28th June to 13th August. 33rd Street, opposite CosmeSurge, Khalifa City. AED 650 for three days, AED 750 for four days, AED 850 for five days. Daily 8am-1pm with extended day care options available.
Contact: 02 556 8566 [email protected]
Al Khawarizmi International College
This is great for the techies of the capital. This six-week summer course caters to those interested in computers, graphic design and photography, with a few English language lessons thrown in too.
Course attendees will be able to improve their English before sitting at the computer to learn about graphic design and animation. There is also a digital photography session for the shutterbugs.
Each day finishes with computer training known as the International Computer Driving License, which covers a range of skills from using Microsoft software and setting up an email account to using the internet and safely saving files. Students who complete the sessions will get a certificate.
Courses begin on 31st May, 7th June, 21st June and 5th July. Muroor Road between 11th and 13th Streets, behind Al Wahda Mall. AED 1,900 for six weeks. Sun-Thu 9am – 2pm. Children aged six to 16.
Contact: 02 408 0000 [email protected]
Al Forsan
There’s more than sports at this year’s summer camp at Al Forsan. Not only will swimming, team sports, martial arts and archery be available, but the crew at the resort will teach sportsmanship, creativity, respect for others and the value of a healthy lifestyle.
From 28th June to 27th August. Children aged four to 12. Al Forsan, Khalifa City. Sun-Thu 9am-3pm. AED 150 registration fee, AED 650 per week, AED 1,600 for one month, AED 2,750 for two months.
Contact: 02 556 8555 www.alforsan.com
Emirates Kindercare Nursery
At this nursery-based camp, little ones aged two months to six years can put their origami skills to the test before putting their green thumb into action by planting flowers. Sports such as bowling and a talent show will give your budding DiCaprio a chance to shine.
From 21st June to 3rd September. AED 500 per week, AED 2,000 per month, AED 3000 per month if you book for two kids. Villa 8, Al Karamah Street, opposite Sheikh Khalifa Medical City. Sun-Thu 8am-1pm with a daycare option until 5pm.
Contact: 02 681 9371 [email protected]
Hilton Abu Dhabi
Back for the 11th consecutive year, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Summer Camp is a firm city favourite. Children aged four to 12 will have plenty of indoor and outdoor activities.
Expect the usual team sports such as football, as well as water games like water polo, snorkelling and water-skiing to keep your kid cool. The camp will also offer yoga and martial arts for those looking to try something a little different.
If that isn’t enough, the organisers have put together a treasure hunt and quiz games to exercise young minds over the summer, as well as cooking classes for budding chefs.
28th June to 27th August. Hiltonia Beach Club, opposite Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche West. AED 875 per week per child including a snack and lunch. AED 200 for a single day entrance, including a snack and lunch. 9am-3pm.
Contact: 02 692 4205 [email protected]
Zayed Sports City
Arguably the home of all things sport, Zayed Sports City will once again welcome kids of the capital to its ZSC Kids Holiday Camp.
Join in arts and crafts, bowling and team building activities, all of which will take place indoors. There’s even a Hungry Hippos and build the tallest tower challenge. Pre registration is advised as certain weeks are expected to sell out.
Want to keep ice cold this summer? Then give the Ice Skating Fun Camp a spin. Morning and afternoon camps are open to beginners to learn techniques used by the Ice Skating Institute of Asia. There will also be off-ice games to help develop coordination, balance, strength and endurance.
ZSC Kids Holiday Camp is open to kids aged five to 12. From 5th July to 27th August. AED 900 per week including lunch and a snack. Sun-Thu 8.30am-5.30pm.
Ice Skating Fun Camp is open to kids aged five to 12. From 28th June to 16th July. AED 650 per week. Sun-Thu 9am-1pm or 1pm-5pm.
Contact: 02 403 4200 www.zsc.ae
Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz’s summer camp features five weeks of themed activities and it all starts with getting creative from 5th to 9th July. Painting, scrapbooking and other arts and crafts will bring out the best in your mini Michelangelo.
From 12th to 16th July kids can learn about the environment by making coconut mugs, playing with clay and creating a summer collage, all while learning about the natural wonders of the world.
Week three, hosted from 19th to 23rd July, will take kids on a journey around the world learning about different parts of the planet and wilderness survival skills as well as a treasure hunt across the hotel.
Wellness week from 26th to 30th July will teach campers about having a healthy lifestyle and getting active. Kids can healthy eating tips and the importance of a balanced lifestyle.
The final week on 2nd to 6th August sees all the previous weeks’ activities rolled into one, so you’ll be able to take your pick of the best.
Children aged four to 12. AED 250++ per day, AED 1,000++ per week, 20 per cent discount on group bookings of five or more. Sun-Thu 9am-2pm. Reservations are recommended due to limited space.
Contact: 02 818 8145 [email protected]
