Dubai’s family and kids’ activities are bursting this month, and — let’s be honest — nobody needs another weekend stuck in a mall. Whether you crave explosive art, outdoor magic, or toe-tapping music, here’s what’s happening October 2–9. All picks are handpicked for kids, teens, and fun-loving grown-ups.

Let’s go!

Dubai Fountain — Relaunch Spectacular
When: October 1 onward (shows every 30 minutes, 6pm–11pm; extra afternoon shows)
Where: Plaza outside Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Why go: Dubai’s iconic fountain returns, newly upgraded for 2025 with dazzling blue tiles and improved water features. Shows are free and ideal for all ages, with city lights and music providing a magical backdrop to dinner or dessert.
Tickets: Free, dining optional, 42 restaurants nearby for prime viewing

Dubai Comedy Festival — Laughs for the Whole Family
When: October 2–12 (multiple daily shows)
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai Opera, New Covent Garden Theatre
Why go: More than 50 comedians perform stand-up sets across major venues. Headliners include Mo Amer, Joanne McNally, Tom Segura, Omid Djalili. Mix of kid-friendly matinees and multilingual acts.
Tickets: From 115aed, varied by show

Disney on Ice: Into the Magic
When: Sept 18–28 (multiple shows; family-friendly times this weekend)
Where: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Why go: Full-scale production with favourite characters (Anna, Elsa, Moana, Miguel). It’s crowd-pleasing, reliably calm for littles who love story + music, and makes a “special night out” without being a late theatre run.
Tickets: 125-1000 aed

Gabby’s Dollhouse — The Movie
When: Ongoing, Released Sept 25
Where: Movies near you!
Why go: A DreamWorks Animation creation, Gabby sets off on an adventure through the real world to get the Gabby Cats back together and save the dollhouse before it’s too late. Sounds exciting, for the appropriate kids, of course :)
Vox Cinema Tickets

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: 70aed onward

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

NBA Abu Dhabi Games
When: Oct 2 & 4
Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
Why go: Knicks vs. 76ers, dazzling pre-game entertainment, and interactive courtside fun. This is basketball’s biggest moment outside the US — just a short drive from Dubai.
Tickets: 150aed 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

Carbone Dubai — Italian-American Family Feasts
When: From Oct 6
Where: Atlantis The Royal
Why go: The world’s most Instagrammed Spicy Rigatoni. Red sauces, cheeky servers, and buzzy family energy.
Reservation recommended

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

Some indoor leisure, learning, and active fun — perfect for escaping the heat or mixing up your weekend routine.

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.

OliOli — Hands-On Play and Learning
Why go: Dubai’s award-winning children’s museum features eight interactive galleries where little ones create, build, climb, and explore. October includes “STEM Lab” days and art workshops suited for all ages.
October programs.

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.

October is just warming up — look for the opening of Dubai Safari Park (Oct 14), Global Village (Oct 15), and Halloween thrills at IMG Worlds of Adventure (mid-October). More food festivals, Diwali celebrations, and winter markets are coming, too.

UAE Schools Issue Early Winter Break Notice
Several UAE schools have already issued early announcements for the winter break this year, allowing families to plan ahead for the holidays and travel. This extended lead time is welcomed by parents juggling work schedules and children’s activities.
Read more

Families Thrive in the UAE’s Top Communities for Kids
Moving to the UAE with children? A recent deep dive highlights the best family-friendly neighborhoods in Dubai for 2025. Areas like Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai Creek Harbour, and Jumeirah Lake Towers are renowned for their lush parks, high-quality schools, accessible healthcare, and vibrant family-friendly amenities. These communities offer not just housing but a lifestyle tuned to the needs of parents and kids, with safe outdoor spaces, educational hubs, and entertainment options that foster wellbeing and growth.
Read more

Dubai unveils plan to cut education costs for parents
The KHDA has introduced a new strategy to make private school fees more affordable in Dubai. It includes incentives for socially driven investors, financial support from government schemes, and reforms aimed at easing the cost burden on families while maintaining academic standards.
Read more

Playdate — Action-Comedy for Dads & Kids
Coming Nov 12 on Prime Video — Kevin James and Alan Ritchson star as suburban dads who host a playdate that spirals into chaos when mercenaries show up. Expect laughs, a little suspense, and a lot of parenting vs survival. Good pick if you want something fun to stream with older kids.
Read more

Here’s what’s bubbling up in forums and local blogs:

“Weekend trips within 2 hours of Dubai?”
Suggestions leaned toward Hatta (kayaking, hiking trails, Honeybee Garden), Ajman Corniche (quieter than JBR), and Sharjah’s Rain Room & Science Museum. A parent tip: “Pack snacks — food options at Hatta can be limited.”

“Affordable eats with kids in tow?”
Community picks included Al Mallah (shawarma), Ravi’s (Pakistani classics), and Zaroob (street-style Levantine food). One mom shared: “We do Ravi’s after Safa Park — cheap, cheerful, and kids eat well.”

“Keeping toddlers busy at home without screens?”
Popular ideas: DIY sensory bins, indoor scavenger hunts, simple baking (cupcakes and cookies), and balcony gardening. One parent noted: “Planting cherry tomatoes became a daily ritual — my 3-year-old checks them before breakfast.”

Curious about any headline act, food fest, or ticket? Drop a note, share photos, or send feedback. I read everything.

This newsletter’s here to help everybody — it’s hard to know what’s happening in Dubai for kids and family, and if you know anything that could help others, please share.

Till next week,

Parves