As the mercury creeps up and summer inches ever closer, I always feel like I’m on borrowed time to cram in my To-do list before the heat hits – especially my daughter’s favourite outdoor activities with more of a seasonal shelf-life.
There’s nothing quite like the prospect of a long, hot, sticky summer spent indoors to catapult us into gear, and the next few weeks are prime time for ticking off activities that make the most of the UAE’s beautiful weather. Plus, with Easter just around the corner, they double up as excellent days out that bring the whole family together – win/win!
So, grab your sense of adventure and throw yourself into these seven fantastic al fresco experiences, taking you from organic farms and flamingos to zip lines and camping under the stars.
GET UP CLOSE TO THE ANIMALS
One of our favourite animal-friendly activities is a visit to Emirates Bio Farm. Located in Al Ain, kids can learn about organic farming, pick seasonal veggies, feed goats, and ride around on tractors. Plus, every week, it hosts a gorgeous Farm to Table Sunday Brunch, which makes for a perfect family Easter day out. Don’t miss the swings right by the vegetable patches – always a hit with the kids!
URBAN NATURE TALES
Al Noor Island in Sharjah has to be one of the UAE’s best-kept secrets but in the spirit of sharing… We’ve spent many hours here enjoying this wild inner-city enclave just moments from the Corniche – a true hidden gem filled with shaded woods, wild meadows, contemporary art installations, a butterfly house, café, workshops for green-fingered families, stargazing, sunrise yoga, playgrounds and loads more. Perfect for mini-explorers, nature lovers and anyone wanting to escape for a while.
A NIGHT UNDER THE STARS
There’s still time to squeeze in one last camping session, and Sand Sherpa is one of the best experiences we’ve had in Dubai – perfect for those who want the thrill of camping without all the stress. Taking you deep into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the team will set up your private camping trailer in a unique spot amidst the dunes, letting you kick back to enjoy an exhilarating wildlife drive, BBQ and bush dinner, an evening nature walk to spot scorpions, night-sky stargazing, morning hawk walk through ancient Ghaf tree forests and so much more. But book quickly, as the camp closes for summer on 31 May.
QUEST FOR ADVENTURE
If a morning or afternoon spent making friends with flamingos sounds like something your family would enjoy, head to Ajman for a kayaking session with Quest for Adventure. One of our favourite pre-summer activities, you can paddle your way through the mangroves of Al Zorah Nature Reserve, letting your mini explorers connect with nature whilst keeping an eye out for the 58 different species of birds and the resident flamingos.
THRILL-SEEKERS STEP UP!
Head to Hatta to bag some serious brownie points before summer. Start with a sunrise hike to the iconic Hatta sign, then let loose for a day of adventure at Hatta Outdoor in Wadi Hub. It has 18 different activities, such as archery, ziplines, bungee trampolines, rope courses, net walkways, wall climbing, the Hatta Giant Swing and loads more. Your kids will thank you for a day spent here, as will your inner child!
TRAVEL WITHOUT TRAVELLING
Whisk your kids off on a journey around the world without the stress of packing a suitcase at Global Village. A cultural melting pot with 90 different cultures coming together to share food, activities, rides, stalls and shows, it has ‘best day out’ written all over it. Plus, it opens at 4 pm daily, which it’s great for beating the heat. It shuts for summer on 11 May, so the countdown is on!
RIPE MARKET
A true Dubai family-favourite, Ripe Market brings all the best energy, so make the most of its al fresco location at Academy Park before it moves indoors in May. It’s jam-packed with things to do, from pony rides and slime labs to Air Maniax inflatable fun, adventure zones, football, padel, skate parks, shopping, food stalls and tons more. Bring a picnic blanket and make an afternoon of it!
