School's out, fun's in

INTO THE WILD

Sand Sherpa has launched an all-new way to experience the desert with its Nomad Camp. Nestled deep in the heart of Dubai Desert Conservancy, think big tents with double beds, bathroom and shower facilities, BBQ dinner and desert breakfast, dune climbing, fire making, late night scorpion walks and early morning falcon flying sessions, campfires and s’mores and loads more. Don’t forget the marshmallows! Plus, on your drive into camp through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, kids can spot some of the UAE’s most iconic animals, from Arabian oryx to desert gazelles. The perfect iPad antidote.

A HIKE WITH HEART

Join a hike with Ride to Rescue in Ras Al Khaimah and help raise awareness for rescued donkeys and horses. Most of the hikes are easy-going and suitable for kids, weaving through wadis and mountain passes for a feel-good outdoor adventure. Plus, you’ll be rewarded with a gorgeous home-cooked dinner at the end, dogs are welcome and kids get to ride while the adults walk, which will no doubt earn parents some brownie points, too!

COOK UP A STORM

Why not let kids be the masters of their own festive feast with a cooking lesson at Mamalu Kitchen? There are loads of Mini Chef classes to choose from – with themes like cookie lab, cosy Christmas brunch, gingerbread house party and sleigh ride snacks – teaching kids how to cook from scratch. So not only will it keep little hands (and minds) occupied over the holidays, but they’ll also pick up a new skill, too.

ADRENALINE-FUELLED FUN

As winter weather kicks in, head to Hatta Outdoor, the biggest adventure park in the UAE! It has tons to offer kids with a thirst for fun, from wall climbing, zip lines and archery to bungee trampolines, high ropes courses, mountain biking and hikes to the Hatta sign. The perfect way to banish boredom this holiday.

MAKE A SPLASH

Dubai’s newest waterpark has opened at Grand Hyatt Dubai. Spread over 20,000 square metres, there’s ample to keep kids both active and entertained, with 16 different attractions, from a wave pool and private beach to a lazy river, the region’s first FlowRider triple surf simulator, and two slide towers featuring the iconic Boomerango slide – great for little kids and big kids at heart.

PLAY NATURE DETECTIVES

Few places offer as immersive a nature experience as Natura Tribe. Designed to reconnect children with the natural world, it has different activities, from nature camps and night safaris to beekeeping camps and nature playdates. Depending on what you choose, kids will learn, explore and connect with nature through storytelling, planting, bug scavenger hunts, cooking, bushcraft skills, crafts, songs and more. Truly wholesome fun.

HIT THE SLOPES

Wrap the kids up in their winter woollies for some on-piste action at Ski Dubai. Its Winter Camp is the perfect intro for kids wanting to learn about snow sports, with discovery ski lessons, access to snow park rides, cooking lessons, various workshops on sand art, slime making and clay modelling, face painting, magic shows, visits to VOX Cinemas and, most importantly, hot chocolate! Skidubai.com

A HIKE WITH HEART

Strap on your sneakers and join Gulf For Good’s Christmas Edition Hike. Taking place on December 14 in Ras Al Khaimah (with plenty more hikes throughout 2026), this five-kilometre trail will take you through mountain ridges, rocky staircases and the ruins of Haqeel Village, whilst connecting with like-minded people who enjoy nature, the outdoors and purposeful adventure. As it’s a Beginner-level hike, it makes it the perfect family-friendly day trip that gives back.

HANG TOUGH

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and let your kids play at being a monkey for the day, then take them to Aventura Parks in Mushrif Park. It has oodles of different experiences, from swinging through the branches of a Ghaf tree forest with an aerial rope course, to 24 ziplines, circuit-style obstacles and an outdoor escape game, too. Harness up, helmet on, and watch them go.