Welcome to all new members of the gang!
Sigh. The world outside is back at it again. Hoping it stays a skirmish and nothing more. We move forward with stoic resilience — and find what's good for the family this week.
Summer in Dubai is a sport. You either master the indoor-outdoor dance, or you spend the next six weeks on the couch. This week's mix: a show, a new play space that's been quietly getting rave reviews, and — because it's July and the bills are real — a few things that won't cost you a dirham.
HERO EVENT
➤ Professor Boom and the Golden Secret — TODA, Souk Madinat Jumeirah. July 19th. Ages 3+. Book here
An interactive science theatre show where kids don't just watch — they participate in experiments, follow a storyline, and become part of a live performance. What makes this one stand out is the age range it genuinely holds: a 3-year-old and a 9-year-old will both be locked in. That's rare. Souk Madinat is also one of the nicer spots to make an outing of — grab food before or after, and it becomes a proper afternoon rather than just a show. Worth planning around. Price from AED 150 onward.
A VARIETY OF PICKS
➤ Glow Full Moon Mangrove Kayaking — Mangrove Adventures. This one’s a bit further out, but if you’re interested, call now. July 29 & 30, 7:30–9:30pm. AED 99 adults / AED 69 kids (3–13). Ages 3+. Guided mangrove tour at night, followed by a picnic under the full moon with juice, water, and luqaimat included. This one sold out last time. If it fits the dates, don't sleep on it. [Book here or call 050 440 7008]
➤ Explorers MENA — New immersive play and exploration space generating strong early word on socials. Haven't personally been yet, but the buzz is consistent. Worth checking out this week if you're in the mood to pioneer. Check it out.
➤ Cinemini at Cinema Akil — Running until August 29. Sundays, 12pm. Ages: families and young audiences. This Sunday, July 18: Flow, the Best Animated Feature Oscar winner. Proper cinema for kids who prefer their movies to whatever's in the multiplex. Know more.
➤ Gymboree Exclusive Petting Zoo — Galleria Mall, Al Barsha. July 26, 4:30–6:30pm. A petting zoo event inside Gymboree — animals, enclosed space, kids lose their minds. They say it’s perfect for ages 0-14, but I think this one’s going to appeal more to the 2-10 crowd. Not free(AED 150/child), parents get in free, though.
➤ Daughter & Dad Coffee — This one's for the dads. A cafe concept built around that specific relationship. No age range listed, but the whole premise is self-explanatory. Worth a visit just to say you did.
➤ MUMU Cafe Free Activities — Thursday, July 16: DIY Mask-making. Friday July 17: Shape Reveal Painting. Drop-in, free, good for the younger ones who need something structured indoors. Instagram.
WHAT ELSE
Cinépolis Cinemas Oasis Mall, Sharjah — Kids' auditorium with slides and ball pit inside the theatre. Yes, really. For toddlers who can't sit still anyway, this is the move. Free parking.
Masar Cafe, Al Qudra Road — Hidden farm cafe. Parrots, horses, other animals, coffee. One for the parents who want a reason to leave the house that isn't a mall.
Hive Board Game Cafe — Been there. Fun and chaotic. Good for all ages, including adults who need to remember that these are just games.
Free this week: Free calligraphy classes at Al Jalila Cultural Center. Free classic car collection at Al Serkal Building, Deira. Free Japanese art exhibition at Al Safa Art and Design Center. All free, good for all ages.
Godji Game, Souk Warsan — 5 hours for AED 50 (new clients). eSports gaming club, 24/7, PlayStation 5, high-performance PCs. For the 12+ crowd and the dads pretending it's for the kids. [Call 050 200 9619]
TRY THIS
Ready Set Go is worth a try. Soft play, but jungle-themed. It’s in Al Quoz, and it’s more for the younger kids…it’s a soft play, of course ;)
OTHER FREE THINGS
Not everyone has a budget every week. Here are a few free options that work in July:
Splash pads over soft play — It’s hot, so it makes sense. Burj Park, JBR Beach, Creek Park. Free entry. Pack snacks and a towel. Kids run for hours. Zero dirhams.
Al Mamzar Beach Park sunrise — Ok, I lied; this one’s not free - well, free for those under 2; otherwise, AED 5 entry if you’re walking in. If you’re entering with your car, it’s AED 30 per car. It’s newly renovated and can get busy in the evenings. Otherwise, it’s a calm beach.
Community centre sessions — Al Barsha Pond Park and Al Safa Park run free toddler craft and music sessions most mornings. Please call and double-check these ones.
That's the week. If your kids went somewhere great recently and you want me to include it next week, just reply. These emails work best when they come from all of us.
See you next week,
Parves
