If you haven’t planned the weekend yet… this might help.
It’s a bit of a weird one right now. Schools are still in that “are we back / are we not?” limbo. Nurseries are quietly reopening. And suddenly… you’re responsible for snacks. I have 3 kids, and my snack budget is…sigh.
So if the kids are already getting restless — here’s what’s actually worth doing this week (April 16 → 23).
First — a couple things happening
Schools are waiting on final dates from the Ministry — so routines are still haywire :). Nurseries have started soft opening again, though. Call your nursery to confirm.
The UAE is tightening rules on junk food in schools.
Temples and churches are opening up more fully — and you can feel families slowly getting back into weekend rhythms
If you want something different (and slightly cool)
Art Run at Expo City Dubai (April 18)
This is new. It’s not a race. And it’s not a workout (well, kinda)
It’s more like moving through spaces with art built into the route.
Which means:
kids don’t feel like they’re “exercising”
you’re not dragging them through something boring
and it feels different enough to justify leaving the house
If you just need an EASY win
Used Book Fair at Gate Avenue
This one’s a low-effort outing. And bonus, if you/your kids are into books. Air-con, calm, and you can let kids wander without constantly managing them.
👉 This is a 60–90 minute plan
👉 Good fallback when you’ve got nothing else
If your kids just need space (no structure)
That green spot in Warsan 3
No tickets, and no crowds (for now)
Just trees, shade, a koi pond, farm animals, and a space to explore.
👉 Not polished — but that’s the point
👉 Works best if your kids don’t need constant stimulation
If you want something calm (and slightly different)
Evening walk + abra loop at Al Seef
Start at Al Seef, wander through, then take an abra across and back.
It’s simple, but kids usually like:
the boats
the movement
the randomness
👉 Go after sunset
👉 Costs almost nothing
If you want to plan ahead (next week gets better)
A couple of things actually worth waiting for:
Summer Splash is back at Al Wasl Plaza (from April 25)
→ This is when water + outdoor = easy winWorld Art Dubai 2026 (April 23–26)
→ Surprisingly good with kids — big, visual, low-pressure wandering
Next week feels… more alive.
So if this weekend feels a bit flat, you’re not wrong.
Small add-on (only if you’re nearby)
The Courtyard, Al Quoz
Tucked away, easy to miss. I love this place. Little art spaces, cafes, a theatre, and corners to explore.
Not a full outing — but a nice 20–30 min wander if you’re in the area.
The plan
Honestly, if this feels like a lighter week, I wouldn’t force it. Doesn’t have to be a “pack the whole weekend” situation.
It’s more like:
👉 Pick ONE thing
👉 Keep it short
👉 Don’t overcommit
If I had to choose:
Art Run → if you want something new
Warsan green spot → if you want zero structure
Gate Avenue → if you want easy and predictable. In case you missed it last week, there's another book fair
Send this to:
the parent who hasn’t planned anything yet
your school WhatsApp group
the one who always says “we’ll just go to the mall.” (although I love Dubai Mall…and I’m writing this from here)
Till next week,
Parves
