The Dubai Comedy Festival is in full swing this week - just like traffic, sigh - and will continue through this weekend. I saw Akash Singh and Andrew Schulz, and even though the website says the Festival caters to all backgrounds and “all ages”, noooooo, their show was definitely not for kids.

Anyway, it’s popping. The best time of the year in Dubai is beginning.

What’s happening?

Everything!

Let’s go!

Global Village — Cultural Carnival Opens
When: Opens October 15 (season runs to May 10, 2026)
Where: Dubailand
Why go: Over 40,000 live shows, carnival rides, and over 3,500 boutiques and dining experiences. International pavilions and nightly performances make it Dubai’s ultimate outdoor family destination.
Tickets: 25 aed for weekdays, 30 aed for the weekend

Dubai Safari Park — The Wildlife Reopens
When: Reopens October 14
Where: Al Warqa, Hatta Road
Why go: Meet 3,000+ animals on 119 hectares, catch giraffe feedings, elephant shows, and themed zones. Eco-friendly, solar-powered, and packed with hands-on activities for kids.
Tickets: 50 aed

World’s Highest Infinity Pool — Tattu Sky Pool
When: Soft opening October 2, grand opening October 10
Where: Ciel Dubai Marina
Why go: Enjoy panoramic city views and a dazzling pool experience 310 meters high. Families can swim, lounge, or dine at the new UK-born restaurant brand.
Pool pass: From 300 AED, dining separate.

Ripe Market — Outdoor Arts, Pony Rides & Food
When: Starting October 11 - May 3, 2026 , weekends
Where: Dubai Police Academy Park
Why go: Weekend pop-up market known for crafts stalls, petting zoo, pony rides, children’s workshops, and street food.
Ticket: Free entry; activities vary)

Dubai Home Festival — Kids’ Design Sessions
When: October 3–16
Where: Malls and home stores
Why go: Kids try crafting magical homes and playful rooms, while parents hunt mega deals. In-person design workshops blend fun and color.
Tickets: Free

SB19 — Simula At Wakas World Tour (Family Concert)
When: October 11
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Why go: The celebrated Filipino pop group delivers a lively, family-friendly concert with energetic performances and crowd interaction. An adult must accompany children under the age of 16.
Tickets: 199 - 599 aed

IGNITE Pink is Punk — Charity Events (registration closes 10.10)
When: October 11
Where: Anantara, The Palm
Why go: Join fun runs, moonlit yoga or paddleboarding while supporting breast cancer awareness. Family-friendly, outdoor activities for all ages.
Tickets: 157 aed onward. Children 12+ can participate in the event.

GITEX Global — Tech & Creativity
When: October 13–17
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
Why go: See the latest innovations in robotics and technology exhibits. While primarily a business event, there are interactive zones open to public—great for tech-curious older kids.
Tickets: Student Pass is 50 aed. There are other ways you can get in as well. Check the website.

StreetManiax Mid Term Camp
When: October 13–17, 8:30am–2pm
Where: StreetManiax, Al Quoz
Why go: Trampoline fun, parkour, games, freestyle play zones, plus arts & crafts and movement challenges all week. Suited for ages 5–14.
Tickets: 170 aed for Daily, and 749 aed for Weekly. There’s a discount if you have siblings.

MINA Cup Youth Football Tournament
When: October 11–12, 2025
Where: JA Sports Centre, Dubai
Why go: The region's largest youth football tournament brings together teams from around the world to compete on brand-new pitches. Expect energetic matches, live music, special guest appearances, and interactive games for visitors. A festival atmosphere makes it ideal for families interested in football.
Tickets: Tournament registration needed; spectator tickets available

Dubai Miracle Garden — Botanical Wonderland
When: Opens October 1 for the winter season
Where: Al Barsha South
Why go: Over 150 million flowers and themed installations. Walking trails, butterfly house, and interactive zones.
Tickets: 70 aed onward

OliOli “Time Trek” Holiday Camp
When: October 13–17
Where: OliOli Children’s Museum, Al Quoz
Why go: Journey through eras from dinosaurs to robotics, with hands-on workshops in interactive galleries. Creative, historical, and tons of fun for school kids.
Tickets: 350 to 1,190 aed / week

IMG Worlds of Adventure — Indoor Theme Park
When: Daily in October
Where: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Why go: Superheroes, Cartoon Network worlds, rides, games, meet-and-greets. Special Halloween events from mid-October.
Tickets: 255aed

Oktoberfest Sunday Brunch
When: October 12-16
Where: Grand Hyatt Dubai
Why go: Live Bavarian bands, kids’ crafts, giant pretzels. Food is a party — but don’t leave without a group photo with the band.
Tickets: Buffet 125 onward

Barari Playground
When: Daily, all October
Where: Al Barari
Why go: Lush, shaded play zones, giant slides, sandpits — nature’s best kept secret. This is real outdoor play with snacks for refueling.
Tickets: 45aed onward

NOWADEUS Immersive Art Experience
When: October 2–November 7
Where: Kanvas, Al Khayat Avenue, Al Quoz
Why go: A large-scale, free-entry immersive art installation by Tim Christie and The Grid. Features dramatic, interactive icons representing tech, fitness, outrage, beauty, and more. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by its epic visuals and storytelling.
Tickets: Free

Diwali Festival of Lights
When: Mid-to-late October, dates vary
Where: Dubai Mall, Bluewaters, citywide
Why go: Music, dance shows, light displays, fireworks, and Indian street food. Ideal for kids to experience multicultural festivities.
Tickets: Free public events, food, and shopping options

What The Food — Pop-up Food Workshops
When: October 25–26
Where: Alserkal Avenue
Why go: Talks, masterclasses, pop-ups, film screenings, and interactive culinary sessions for all ages. Special focus on UAE street food and chef demos.
Ticket: Access free; some masterclasses may require booking

Grease The Musical — All-Ages Musical Spectacle
When: October 24–November 2
Where: Dubai Opera
Why go: Toe-tapping, singalong musical suitable for older kids and parents. 'Summer Nights' and 'Greased Lightning' bring nostalgia and energy to the stage.
Tickets: From 280 aed

Battle Cancer Challenge — Fitness for Good
When: October 25, 2025
Where: The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road
Why go: Families and kids can join this charity fitness day featuring mass team challenges. The community event combines fitness with fundraising, welcoming supporters of all ages for workouts, games, and family-friendly races.
Tickets: 235 - 1400 aed

Dubai Fitness Challenge (30x30) — citywide wellness month.
When: 1–30 Nov 2025 — great for family-friendly free events and kids’ activities
Where: Everywhere!
Why go: The whole city gets behind fitness. Tons of family friendly activities, challenges and prizes to be won
Tickets: Free

Cinderella — The Magical Pantomime
When: December 17–29
Where: Jumeirah Beach Hotel (book early)
Why go: You know the story, happily-ever-after and all. Now, experience it!
Tickets: 100aed

If you’re still feeling the heat, here are a few options:

Dubai Dolphinarium — Weekend Splash Shows
Why go: The Dolphinarium’s high-energy performances keep kids wide-eyed, with dolphins and seals showing off well-timed tricks. Rotating lineups means each visit feels brand new. Look out for their flash deals and “Friend & Family” ticket packs this weekend.
Book here — fast selling out.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Explorer’s Combo Pass
Why go: It’s never too soon for a trip under the sea, especially as combo tickets bundle VR ‘shark dives’ and behind-the-scenes tours for visiting families. Fun fact: October packages now include discounts for midweek visits.
Combo details — worth grabbing before school holidays.

Dubai Ice Rink — Skate Into Autumn
Why go: The whole family can cool off with daily ‘chill and skate’ sessions, including Friday glow-in-the-dark themed nights. New autumn pass offers up to 35% savings, and each session comes with kids’ learn-to-skate slots.
Offers here — limited quantities.

Adventure HQ — Indoor Climbing & Obstacle Zones
Why go: Challenge families to climbing walls, rope courses, and ninja obstacle tracks for all ages. October “Family Adventure” package encourages teamwork and healthy competition.
Plan a visit.

Abu Dhabi Expands Early Childhood Drive to Strengthen Family Bonds
Authorities are ramping up programs to nurture children’s formative years with more than 200 parent-child workshops, play-based learning events, and wellness activities across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. “Early Childhood Week” (Nov 17–23) returns, emphasizing collaborative family experiences as the emirate reinforces its “family-friendly” status and invests in long-term child development.
Read more

Global Village Season 30 Returns with Exciting New Additions
Dubai’s iconic Global Village opens its 30th season on October 15, with a host of new attractions, upgraded pavilions, and expanded entertainment offerings. As the ultimate outdoor family destination, it promises over 40,000 live shows, the world’s largest theme park street food selection, and more ways for families to discover international culture together.
Read more

WHO & UNICEF Release New Report: 'Clean Air, Healthy Children'
A joint global report releasing soon highlights that 930 million children worldwide—40% of all kids—are exposed daily to toxic air. The findings call for accelerated action on clean-air policies, as air pollution continues to drive childhood respiratory illnesses, developmental delays, and missed school days. UAE and Dubai’s investment in green zones and clean air initiatives are spotlighted as regional best practices.
Read more

Here’s a fresh roundup for this week, reflecting the buzz from forums, WhatsApp groups, and Dubai parenting blogs:

“Where to find Halloween costumes that aren’t overpriced?”
Parents shared tips on scoring deals at Dragon Mart, local Carrefour branches, and Dubai Outlet Mall, with one mom noting: “Dragon Mart has endless choices and you can bargain, but arrive early to avoid the crowds.”

“Best playgrounds now that the weather is cooler?”
Al Barari Playground topped the list for its shaded slides and snack café, while The Greens Park is praised for fenced play areas and safe cycling paths. A dad chimed in: “Al Khazzan Park behind City Walk is perfect for younger kids - cleaner since reopening.”

“Fun ways to get kids moving indoors?”
Recommendations focused on trampoline parks (Bounce, StreetManiax), indoor climbing at Adventure HQ, and cheap open swim at Hamdan Sports Complex. One parent offered: “If you go to Bounce, try weekday mornings or reserve for birthday groups — less chaotic, more space for little ones.”

Dubai’s parent communities are abuzz with savvy advice, whether it’s saving on seasonal essentials, finding the best outdoor play spots, or getting creative with active family time!

I’m sure this is not aaaall of it. I try to make these updates to help families keep up, discover something new, and create lasting memories in Dubai. If you spot a hidden gem or a family-friendly tip, let’s share it and make city life easier for everyone.

Reply to me, I read everything!

Till next week,

Parves