Smashing days out, Freej fun, two-for-one brunches and a Moon landing for Eid
Eid Al Fitr will commence tomorrow and is expected to last up to five days. For those not travelling, there are plenty of family-friendly activities across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from a Moon museum visit to a smash room, to enjoy.
Here, The National rounds up some of the venues – including amusement parks, restaurants and hotels – with child-friendly activities planned for the long weekend.
Abu Dhabi The Ripe Market, Al Maryah Island
The alfresco market is hosting Eid celebrations on Friday and Saturday.
Visitors can expect live entertainment and food trucks, including burger chain joint Pickl, as well as activities, an obstacle course, a magic show and a puppet performance. ▶ Friday and Saturday; 4pm-11pm; free entry; Al Maryah Island; 04 315 7000
Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental
Guests staying at the hotel on Saturday can enjoy a complimentary Eid brunch for two adults at Vendome, as well as complimentary meals for up to two children when staying in a suite.
Children under four eat free at the allday dining restaurant, while those aged four to 12 dine for 50 per cent off. ▶ Saturday; from Dh1,872 per night; West Corniche Road; 02 690 8888
The Galleria Al Maryah Island
The children’s zone at the mall will host storytelling sessions and have board games, arts and crafts activities and video games.
Between 2pm and 6pm, Um Khammas and Abood – two characters from Emirati hit show Freej – will roam about for an interactive session with little ones. ▶ Saturday and Sunday; 3pm-6pm and 8pm11pm; Al Maryah Island; 02 493 7400
Dubai Dubai Parks and Resorts
The group of theme parks has created a line-up of events, from a light and dinosaur show to children’s programmes with freebies galore.
On Friday, Motiongate is launching
Illuminate, a show featuring glowing lights and sounds at the Hollywood Theatre. It tells the story of a dancer who discovers the power of hope through a magical light. Dinosaur parade Dino Mania will also return to the venue on Friday.
At Lapita Hotel Dubai, little ones can enjoy meet-and-greets with cartoon characters from the shows Shaabiat
Al Cartoon and The Smurfs. Children will also receive a badge, free ice cream and other Eid-themed treats. The offer extends to discounted room rates.
▶ Until Sunday; www.dubaiparksandresorts.com
OliOli
Parents can take the little ones to the Moon at OliOli, which will have a five-metre replica of a satellite by British installation artist Luke Jerram.
There are a range of discounted packages for families, starting at two adults and two children for Dh269. Regular passes are also available.
▶ Until April 30; 9am-6pm on weekdays, 9am7pm on weekends; from Dh149; Al Quoz;
04 702 7300
IMG Worlds of Adventure
The indoor theme park will be adorned with lights and special decorations, while superheroes and cartoon characters roam around.
The Cartoon Network zone will host activities such as henna and face painting, as well as Khaleeji and Bollywood-inspired musical performances.
The park is also extending its operations for two hours until midnight during the celebrations.
▶ Until Sunday; noon-midnight; from Dh345 per ticket, children under 1.05 metres go free; Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road; 04 403 8888
The Smash Room
Destroy appliances and other household items to your heart’s content at The Smash Room, which is running a special package during Eid.
The bundle typically costs Dh920, but is priced at Dh594 as part of the weekend celebrations, giving three people the chance to obliterate a washing machine, a TV and 20 glasses. Smashing.
▶ Until Sunday; 1pm-11pm on weekdays, 1pmmidnight on weekends; Dh594 for three; Al Quoz; 04 339 7810
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah
Hilton Dubai Jumeirah has buy one, get one free Saturday brunches at two of its child-friendly restaurants.
Asian food is on offer at Mango Tree Thai Bistro, with a buffet that features soups, spicy salads and live cooking stations inspired by Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene.
Italian food and live entertainment will be on offer at Vero. The restaurant serves dishes frequently found along the country’s coastline, so expect fresh seafood such as prawns, squid and oysters, as well as pizza and pasta.
▶ Saturday; 1pm-4pm; from Dh249 at Mango Tree, from Dh299 at Vero; Jumeirah Beach Road; 04 318 2999