As temperatures soar and schools shut for the holidays, families across the UAE are on the lookout for fun, safe, and engaging activities to fill the long summer days. While international travel and summer camps remain popular options, a growing number of families are choosing to explore local entertainment spaces—and the region’s evolving play and creativity scene doesn’t disappoint.
From immersive workshops to wellness-inspired activity books and sweet new treat spots, here’s a curated guide to some of the most exciting child-friendly experiences this summer.
New & Noteworthy Experiences Across the UAE
1. Super Duper Studio, Dubai
Dubai’s latest creative hotspot brings dress-up and performance together under one glitter-filled roof. At Super Duper Studio, children enjoy a 75-minute guided experience where they design outfits using sparkly embellishments, get a fun makeover, and end with a mini stage performance complete with props and costumes.
📍 Location: Goshi Warehouse City, Al Quoz
🕙 Timings: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–8pm
💰 Price: From AED 200
2. Mint’s Dine and Play, City Walk, Dubai
This stylish restaurant caters to families with a dedicated Dine and Play area featuring netted climbing zones, craft stations, books, and a pizza-making counter for little chefs. Kids don aprons and chef hats to roll their dough, while the menu serves up wholesome delights like grilled chicken, oat porridge, and fruity sorbets.
📍 Location: City Walk, Dubai
🕘 Timings: Daily, 9am–midnight
📞 Contact: 050 344 1109
3. Leo & Loona, Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi
Following its success in Dubai and Yas Mall, Leo & Loona has launched a fresh outpost in Dalma Mall. Designed for immersive pretend play, children can explore themed zones such as Loona’s bakery or Leo’s fire station. The space also features trampolines, mazes, racing tracks, and a 192-seat family café.
📍 Location: Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi Industrial City
🕙 Timings: Sunday–Thursday, 10am–10pm; Friday–Saturday, 10am–midnight
📞 Contact: 04 237 5454
4. ArtLab Workshop at Louvre Abu Dhabi
For teens aged 13–17, the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ArtLab returns with Babbling, Bumbling, Building, a four-day workshop inspired by the Tower of Babel. Participants will explore ancient scripts, create visual art, and dive into cultural storytelling. A refreshing blend of art and intellect.
📍 Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island
🗓️ Dates: July 15–18, July 22–25, August 5–8
🕚 Timings: 11am–2pm
💰 Price: AED 400
5. Happy Feet Little Yogis – Activity Book
Not every summer day needs to be packed with outings. Happy Feet Little Yogis, a wellness-themed activity book, introduces children aged 3+ to yoga through colouring pages, breathing exercises, creative tasks, and affirmations. A QR code also offers guided video demos via YouTube.
📚 Publisher: Rupa Publications
🛒 Available at: Amazon UAE & Jashanmal stores
Bonus Treat: Blueprint Cookies, Dubai
Dubai welcomes the first international branch of Florida-based Blueprint Cookies, known for its monthly rotating flavours like s’mores pop tart, peach cobbler, and cinnamon bun. The brand’s UAE debut includes a limited-edition Dubai Chocolate cookie featuring pistachios, with vegan and gluten-free variants launching soon.
📍 Location: Mall of the Emirates
🗓️ Opening Date: June 16
Tried-and-True Summer Ideas That Still Work
Beyond these fresh arrivals, classic summer fun still holds its charm. Here are seven budget-friendly ideas that bring creativity home or to your local community:
✅ 1. Outdoor Adventure Zones
Think obstacle courses, scavenger hunts, and sensory trails in shaded park areas—great for active play and physical development.
✅ 2. DIY Backyard Camps
Set up tents, water games, and a garden art wall right at home. It’s simple, low-cost, and encourages bonding.
✅ 3. Art Corners & Craft Shacks
Designate an outdoor or indoor art corner with rotating themes—underwater worlds, space adventures, or jungle vibes.
✅ 4. STEM Clubs & Mobile Labs
Across the UAE, summer science clubs are helping kids build robots, explore chemistry, and dive into coding basics.
✅ 5. Edutainment Centres
Museums and play zones now offer roleplay stations—think mini supermarkets, hospitals, or post offices—combining fun with skill-building.
✅ 6. Creative Dance & Movement Spaces
Enroll kids in summer Zumba, yoga, or freestyle dance classes at local gyms and studios to help them express and unwind.
✅ 7. Storytelling & Puppet Theatres
Transform corners of your home or library into storytelling hubs with audio books, puppet shows, or drama skits.
In Conclusion: A Summer Full of Possibility
Whether you’re exploring a chic new venue in the city or creating magic in your own backyard, this summer promises plenty of options to inspire and entertain. With the right mix of play, creativity, and rest, children across the UAE can enjoy a truly memorable break—while parents get a chance to catch their breath too.
