School Holidays and Things to Do With Kids in the UAE

School holidays in the UAE are the perfect opportunity for families to explore, relax, and make lasting memories. Whether you are an expat or a local family, the UAE offers a wide variety of activities that cater to children of all ages. From thrilling theme parks and outdoor adventures to cultural experiences and educational activities, there’s something for every family. This guide will help you plan fun and safe school holiday experiences for your kids in the UAE.

Understanding School Holidays in the UAE

The UAE follows a unique school calendar that may differ between public, private, and international schools. Generally, school holidays include:

• Summer Holidays: Usually June to early September (10–12 weeks)
  
   
• Winter Break: Around two weeks in December–January
  
   
• Spring Break: Typically one week in March or April
  
   
• Public Holidays: Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, UAE National Day, and others
  
   

Planning ahead is key, as popular attractions, theme parks, and resorts get crowded during these breaks. Booking in advance often ensures better deals and availability.

Outdoor Adventures for Kids

The UAE is famous for its sunny weather and stunning landscapes, providing numerous outdoor activities for children.

1. Beaches and Waterparks

• Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: Safe and family-friendly with soft sand and calm waters.
  
   
• Al Mamzar Beach Park, Dubai: Offers BBQ areas, playgrounds, and swimming pools.
  
   
• Yas Waterworld, Abu Dhabi: An enormous waterpark with rides and attractions suitable for all ages.
  
   
• Aquaventure Waterpark, Atlantis The Palm: Thrilling slides and splash zones for both kids and adults.
  
   

Safety tips: Always ensure kids wear life jackets in deep waters and apply sunscreen liberally to protect from strong UV rays.

2. Desert Safaris

• Family-Friendly Safaris: Many tour operators offer desert trips with camel rides, sandboarding, and cultural performances.
  
   
• Overnight Desert Camping: Older kids will enjoy stargazing and traditional Bedouin meals.
  
   

Tip: Choose operators with good safety records and always follow instructions during dune bashing or adventure activities.

3. Parks and Outdoor Playgrounds

• Zabeel Park, Dubai: Offers playgrounds, boating, and cycling tracks.
  
   
• Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi: Ideal for picnic days with kids and has a small train ride.
  
   
• Mushrif Park, Dubai: Nature trails and family-friendly facilities for outdoor fun.
   

Theme Parks and Entertainment

The UAE is home to some of the world’s most famous theme parks, perfect for thrilling school holiday experiences.

1. Motiongate Dubai

A Hollywood-inspired theme park featuring rides and attractions based on movies like Shrek, Madagascar, and The Hunger Games. It’s suitable for children of all ages and offers live shows that the whole family can enjoy.

2. Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark

Perfect for younger children (2–12 years), Legoland offers interactive rides, building workshops, and themed zones. The waterpark adds an extra element of fun during the hot summer months.

3. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

For older kids and teens, Ferrari World combines high-speed roller coasters with family-friendly rides, interactive shows, and racing experiences.

4. IMG Worlds of Adventure

A massive indoor theme park in Dubai, featuring Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaur-themed zones. The indoor environment is ideal for hot summer days.

Cultural and Educational Experiences

School holidays are also a great time to combine fun with learning.

1. Museums and Heritage Sites

• Dubai Museum: Offers interactive exhibits on the UAE’s history and culture.
  
   
• Louvre Abu Dhabi: Introduces children to world-class art in an engaging way.
  
   
• Sharjah Children’s Museum: Hands-on exhibits designed for kids to learn through play.
  
   

2. Science and Discovery Centers

• OliOli, Dubai: Interactive discovery museum where children can explore science, art, and creativity.
  
   
• Kidzania, Dubai: A mini city where children role-play real-world jobs and learn responsibility.
  
   
• Abu Dhabi Science Centre: Engaging science exhibitions and workshops for curious minds.
  
   

3. Animal Encounters

• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Explore marine life and participate in interactive experiences.
  
   
• Sharjah Aquarium: Educational exhibits about local marine biodiversity.
  
   
• Al Ain Zoo: A great spot to learn about wildlife conservation while enjoying a day outdoors.
   

Indoor Activities for Hot or Rainy Days

During the peak summer months, outdoor activities may not always be feasible. Luckily, the UAE offers plenty of indoor options:

1. Indoor Play Zones

• Fun City and Magic Planet: Soft play areas, arcade games, and family entertainment centers.
  
   
• Bounce, Dubai: Trampoline parks perfect for energy-filled afternoons.
  
   

2. Arts and Crafts Workshops

• The Jamjar Dubai: Offers creative art workshops for children during school breaks.
  
   
• XVA Art Hotel, Dubai: Cultural and art activities suitable for older kids and teens.
  
   

3. Indoor Sports and Activities

• Skating at Dubai Ice Rink: Ice skating lessons and free skate sessions.
  
   
• Indoor Karting: Adventure tracks for older children and teens in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
   

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Holiday

1. Plan Ahead: Popular attractions often get fully booked during school holidays, so reserve tickets in advance.
   
    
2. Stay Hydrated: The UAE heat can be intense; ensure kids drink plenty of water.
   
    
3. Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
   
    
4. Pack Snacks and Essentials: Carry light snacks, hats, and comfortable clothing for outdoor trips.
   
    
5. Follow Safety Instructions: Especially for desert activities, theme park rides, and water-based adventures.
   
    
6. Check Age and Height Restrictions: For rides and activities, to avoid disappointments.
    

Family-Friendly Restaurants and Cafes

Eating out is part of the holiday experience. Many family-friendly restaurants cater to children with special menus, play areas, or themed settings:

• Rainforest Cafe, Dubai: Jungle-themed dining with animatronic animals.
  
   
• Cheesecake Factory, Dubai and Abu Dhabi: Kid-friendly menu and large portions.
  
   
• The Cheesecake Factory and Pizza Express: Offer kids’ menus and play areas.
  
   
• The Farm, Al Barari, Dubai: Outdoor dining surrounded by greenery, perfect for family picnics.
   

Making the Most of School Holidays

1. Mix Activities: Balance thrill rides, cultural learning, and relaxation for a rounded experience.
   
    
2. Set a Budget: School holidays can be expensive—plan in advance to avoid overspending.
   
    
3. Include Educational Experiences: Museums, workshops, and zoos combine fun with learning.
   
    
4. Create a Routine: Especially for younger children, keeping some daily structure helps everyone enjoy the break more.
   
    
5. Capture Memories: Take lots of photos or start a holiday scrapbook with your kids.
   
    

Conclusion

School holidays in the UAE are a fantastic opportunity for families to bond, explore, and create unforgettable memories. With a combination of outdoor adventures, theme parks, cultural experiences, and educational activities, children of all ages can enjoy their break to the fullest. Planning ahead, staying safe, and mixing fun with learning will ensure that your UAE school holidays are both exciting and enriching.

Whether it’s splashing in waterparks, exploring museums, riding roller coasters, or enjoying a quiet beach day, the UAE offers endless opportunities for family fun during school breaks. Make the most of it and create memories that will last a lifetime.