WATER PARKS BECKON
Don’t let the heat dampen your zest for life. We bring you plenty of cool places in the UAE where you can dive into endless fun this summer
AQUAVENTURE
As many UAE residents know, this spot at Atlantis, The Palm is a must-see, and the crowds are a testament to that. From rides that plunge, slide and swirl to getting up close and personal with both dolphins and sharks, there’s never going to be a boring moment here. Details 10am-7pm. From Dh289.
JUNGLE BAY
Located right on the bay of Mina Seyahi, this beachside attraction is one of the latest waterparks in the UAE. Designed with the architecture of the Cycladic in mind, the water park exudes a clean, minimalist charm. Aegean vibes reign supreme at Jungle Bay with blue and white colour tones incorporated throughout. If Santorini were a water park, it would be this one! There is an abundance of lush greenery enveloping the park. Jungle Bay features multiple attractions for all ages including The Lighthouse, Whizzard, Body Slides and Gentle Kids’ Slides. Aquaplay is specially designed to engage children of all ages. Family Waves is a sixmeter pneumatic wave pool offering hours of splashing. Check into the hotel to get access to Jungle Bay. A day pass to the Mina Club also gives access to the water park. Prices start from Dh100 for a pass.
LEGOLAND WATER PARK
At this spot in Dubai Parks and Resorts, children get to build their own boats with Lego and test their designs against water currents, or customise their rafts with the bricks and then float down the lazy river in it, or just zoom down scarylooking but exhilarating rides. The attraction helps take fun to new, ridiculously cool levels. Details 10am-6pm. Dh195.
SPLASH N PARTY
From Splash slides, splash pads and a Bunjee Trampoline, the Splash n Party is a great destination for kids. Details 9am to 8pm. Prices start from Dh150 per child with a free adult.
LAGUNA, LA MER
This spot has been providing the adventures that make for a great family fun day out. There’re raft rides, a lazy river and a competitive doublelane mat slide race, which mean you get to be both laid-back and adventurous all at the same destination. Details: 10am to 8pm. A day pass online starts at Dh125 for residents.
YAS WATERWORLD, ABU DHABI
With fun categorised from low (child’s play) to extreme, Yas’ thrills range from suspended water cannons, roller coasters and free falls to a straight drop down in a high-intensity looping water slide. A must-try in our books is the water cinema — the theatre floods with knee-high water. Details 10am to 8pm. From Dh270.
SHARJAH’S AL MONTAZAH
Pirates, treasures, magic carpets and palaces — what more do you want? The themed attraction, Pearls Kingdom features wave pools, slide towers, forts and palaces. Children get to race up and zoom down a castle or hop on a carpet for an exhilarating ride. In all, there are 35 attractions, so you can make a day of it. Details 10am-10pm. Dh100 for children; Dh120 for adults.
DREAMLAND AQUA PARK
Hours of endless fun can be had at this UAE institution. Raging rivers, water volleyball and basketball, a Dead Sea experience with a high-salinity pool, and a large open jacuzzi — here parents are as well catered for as the kids. It also offers a two-day camp — complete with sleeping bags, BBQ stove and bonfires with marshmallows. Details 10am to 6pm, until 8pm on weekends. Dh99.