A breezy week ahead.

Between Diwali lights, Global Village opening, and new concerts lighting up the skyline, Dubai’s finally stepping into its full outdoor season. This week mixes culture, play, and creativity — from glittering nights along Al Seef to cozy indoor workshops for younger imaginations. Here’s what to bookmark for October 16–23 (and beyond).

Diwali: The Festival of Lights
When: October 17–26
Where: Al Seef, Global Village, and venues across Dubai
Why go: Dubai glows at its brightest for Diwali — fireworks, classical dance performances, light shows, and family workshops celebrating the season of joy. This year’s “Noor: Festival of Lights” at Al Seef combines storytelling, culture, and illumination in one picturesque riverside setting.
Tickets: Free entry at public sites, events vary

Paper Roll Superheroes (Painting and Printing Classes)
When: October 19, 10am - 12pm
Where: Al Safa Art and Design Library
Why go: A fun-filled workshop, where kids will transform simple paper rolls into their own superhero characters. Using colorful papers, markers, fabrics, and plenty of imagination, young artists will design their miniature heroes. This playful session encourages storytelling, design skills, and hands-on crafting, with each child taking home their very own paper roll superhero creation!
Tickets: 125 AED

Apple has tons of free learning sessions:
When: Make a Theme Song: Oct 17–26
- Code Your First App: Oct 17–27 (ages 6+, 10+)
- Direct Your Own Friendship Film: Oct 14–27
- Draw with Stillwater: Oct 17–25
- Make Your Own Emoji: Oct 17–26 (ages 8+)
Where: Multiple stores, check the schedule and location
Why go: Apple’s sessions blend coding, creativity, and digital art in free, hands-on workshops for kids and families.
More info

Calligraphy and Artificial Intelligence
When: October 19
Where: Al Mankhool Library, 5pm - 7pm
Why go: A workshop that blends the aesthetics of calligraphy with modern techniques, where participants learn how AI applications can generate artistic calligraphic designs and how visual art can be integrated with meaning. (Each participant needs their iPad)
Tickets: Free event

Taste of Giving — Dine for a Cause
When: October 16–November 16
Where: Participating restaurants citywide
Why go: A feel-good dining month: every meal purchased at selected eateries supports global school meal programs. Family dining that doubles as kindness in action, with special kids’ menus and treats.
No booking needed

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

Museum of the Future — Yoga/Stretch Wellness Weekends
When: October weekends
Where: Museum of the Future
Why go: Yoga/stretch sessions for ages 13+, perfect for families and teens seeking wellness time in a futuristic backdrop.
Tickets: 149 AED

Baby Bazaar
When: October 19
Where: Times Square Center. 9am - 2pm
Why go: Buy and sell pre-loved items. Find all your baby essentials including toys, books, clothes, strollers, cribs and so much more.
Tickets: Free

Improvised Kids’ Storytime — Courtyard Playhouse
When: Saturday mornings, see schedule
Where: Courtyard Playhouse
Why go: Kids are invited to shape on-the-spot stories and act them out — ideal for creative children and ages 4–10.
Tickets: 75 AED

Dubai Safari Park — The Wildlife Reopens
When: Reopened 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

Ripe Market — Outdoor Arts, Pony Rides & Food
When: Started 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

Al Barari Playground
When: Daily
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

Dubai Miracle Garden — Botanical Wonderland
When: Opened 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

Legoland Splash Park
When: Daily
Where: Dubai Parks & Resorts
Why go: Play with water rides, slides, and creative Lego fun; great for younger kids and families.
Tickets and more

Dubai Muscle Show — Fitness, Fun & Family
When: October 24–26
Where: Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo City Dubai
Why go: The Middle East’s biggest health and fitness expo returns with three days of action for all ages. Watch live bodybuilding competitions, join interactive fitness challenges, meet global sports stars, and explore 400+ nutrition and wellness brands. Free samples, workout tips, and family-friendly demo zones mean there’s much more than muscles — it’s fitness inspiration for everyone, from keen athletes to curious kids.
Book here Tickets from 99 AED

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

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

Spot's Birthday Party
When: November 2
Where: Zabeel Theater at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
Why go: Everyone’s favorite puppy returns to Dubai for a delightful family adventure! Expect party hats, music, dancing, and plenty of interactive games that will have little ones giggling and grown-ups smiling. Alongside Spot, kids can meet Steve the Monkey, Tom the Crocodile, and Helen the Hippo, all coming together to celebrate in style. 
Tickets: 135 AED

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

Dubai Fitness Challenge (30x30) — citywide wellness month, great for family-friendly free events and kids’ activities
When: November 1–30
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. Now, experience it!
Tickets: 100aed

If you’re hot like me, here are a few options:

Boo Boo Laand
Why go: You’re at Dubai Mall, and you want to drop off the kids (to shop, ofcourse!). What do you do? Soft play meets showtime — kids can join costume parades, karaoke corners, and character meet-and-greets. Parents can alse enjoy full views and coffee corners.
Book here from 150 AED onward

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
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.
Details

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.

Dubai Dolphinarium — Craft, Play & Meet Dolphins
When: Weekdays after school
Where: Dubai Dolphinarium
Why go: Mirror maze, craft activities, and dolphin meet & greet; discounts when you book online
Tickets: 49 AED onward

Slime Mania – OliOli
When: Daily
Where: OliOli, Al Quoz
Why go: Sensory science fun as kids create their own slime — a hit for all curious hands.
Tickets: 189 AED, for 2-16 year olds + Extra adult

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

Best Technology Movies for Kids — Parents’ 2025 Watchlist
A new roundup shares the top films blending entertainment with STEM themes for ages 6 to 16, from The Incredibles and Big Hero 6 to Meet the Robinsons and Spy Kids. These picks are designed to spark family curiosity about coding, robots, and innovation while keeping movie night fun and safe.
Read more

UAE launches Nebras cyber safety video contest for kids
The UAE Cybersecurity Council has launched Nebras, a contest inviting children and youth under 16 to create short (≤ 45 seconds) videos about online safety, responsible internet use, and cyber threats. Prize pool: Dh30,000. Good way to promote digital awareness among kids.
Read more

Indian curriculum schools in UAE declare extended Diwali holiday
For Diwali 2025, many Indian curriculum schools across UAE have announced 3–5 day holiday breaks, from Oct 18 to 22. Families can use this for mini-trips, cultural celebrations, or just extra downtime.
Read more

BBC greenlights new kids’ series for 2025 animation slate
The BBC has approved several new children’s animated shows (e.g. MaeBee, Luna in Dreamland, The Underglow) to its upcoming slate. These new series will expand kids’ options globally on public broadcasting/streaming.
Read more

Here’s what parents and locals are buzzing about online this week:

“Where do you go when it’s still too hot for parks?”
The most-liked tips:

“Weekend playdate ideas under AED 100?”
Popular mentions:

One parent summed it up:

Got a family find, a weekend tip, or a new spot your children loved? Drop a reply — every shared discovery helps others plan better. With cooler air and lights filling the evenings, Dubai feels alive — and every week brings something worth exploring.

Reply to me, I read everything!

Till next week,

Parves