Winter break in the UAE: 6 children’s activities and winter camps to try
From scavenger hunts to trampolines and more, these camps will keep children active
Dubai: With the ongoing school winter break in the UAE, many parents are looking for activities or camps to enrol children, to keep them engaged and away from screens. Here’s a list of activities and winter camps for children in Dubai.
1. Winter City at Expo City
Expo City Dubai's magical Winter City has returned with some eco-friendly festive experiences. Children can join Santa and Opti, the robot, on a quest to save the North Pole. Follow clues, conquer challenges, and mingle with Christmas characters. The Al Wasl Plaza will transform into a Winter City from December 15 to January 7 from 3 to 11pm. Check out the 52-foot Christmas tree and savour seasonal treats like hot chocolate and gingerbread cookies at the winter market.
Expo City Dubai's F&B (food and beverage) line-up for the upcoming season will feature acclaimed chefs, food trucks, and more. If you are driving there, you can park your car at the Sustainability Parking. Tickets start from Dh20.
2. OliOli Winter Camps
At OliOli’s Winter Camps, your little ones can explore circuitry and robotics, craft simple machines, embark on a thrilling museum-wide scavenger hunt, and enjoy playtime in special galleries. The camps are specially curated for children aged four to 10 years old. The winter camp is a drop-off program offering different groups depending on parents’ schedules and children’s age groups.
For the week from December 18 to 22, the morning camp is from 9.30am to 1.30pm at Dh1,090. The afternoon camp will be from 2 to 5pm at Dh790. And, a full-day camp from 9.30am to 5pm at Dh1,650 for the entire week. OliOli also offers a sibling’s discount, with a 10 per cent discount on the camp fees for every second and subsequent sibling.
OliOli’s outdoor area will turn into a ‘Messfest’ from December 25 to 30. Children can dive into sensory-rich activities with sand, water, and paint, fostering creativity, curiosity, and fine motor skills, while developing essential knowledge and skills. Secure an early spot with early bird offers starting from Dh95 for a one-hour session for one child with one adult, available until December 24. Or while stocks last. You can also opt for the all-access offer which grants access to ‘Messfest’, OliOli’s permanent galleries, and the magical winterland, a miniature winter village, all for Dh149 for one child with one adult.
3. Courtyard Playhouse
During the winter break, children can explore the imaginative world of picture books by popular children’s authors. Courtyard Playhouse will explore a new book every day, with theatre games, mime, role-play, as well as arts and crafts. Those who attend can develop their communication skills, learn to work as part of a team, and think creatively, all while having fun under the guidance of instructors. At the end of each week, children will perform a mini showcase in the Courtyard Playhouse theatre for friends and family.
The location is the Courtyard at Al Quoz in Dubai. More information is available on the official website.
4. Elite Sports Academy
Want to keep your child active during the school holidays? Multi-sports camps at the Elite Sports Camp incorporate various themes such as teamwork, competitions, action sports, adventure day, American sports, points, goals, and the Olympics. The price for the multi-sports camp (ages four to 14 years) is Dh892 per week or Dh260 per day. The intensive football camp (ages seven to 16) costs Dhs892 per week or Dhs262 per day, across various locations in Dubai. The second batch of the camp is from December 18 to 22. More information is available on Elite Sports’ official website.
5. Pirates Surf
This popular water sports program offers a morning class during the holidays for children from four and a half years and above. The fee for a one-hour session on Kite Beach is Dh500 for the whole week, from December 18 to 22. Pirate Surf is located at Gecko Cafeteria, Kite Beach, Dubai.
6. Trampo Extreme
With two locations in Dubai – Nakheel Mall and Dubai Mall, this trampoline park has special offers for the winter break. Trampoline access at Dubai Mall will cost Dh660 per week or Dh175 per day, with lunch included. And, the trampoline park at the Nakheel Mall branch is priced at Dh900 for the week, or Dh230 per day with lunch and snacks included.
Children can also enjoy the UAE’s biggest indoor cave at Nakheel Mall, from 9am to 2pm till December 29, where they can try wall climbing, soft play area, parkour, slime making, and trampoline dodgeball zone.