In need of getting your kids off the sofa and away from screens? Getting out and about as a family has been a game-changer for Helen Farmer and her children
New year, new me? To eat well and live well? I took that decision a few years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. To make a serious effort to eat less and move more. The result was a big change on the scales, but more importantly in my life – to be active with and enjoy life with my kids (age 6 and 3, who have so much energy that I wonder if they steal mine while I sleep).
We’re in my favourite season; where in other parts of the world you might wake up to snow, here in Dubai it’s clear skies and the occasional need to wear a jacket. This makes it the ideal time of year for getting out and about and exploring. The last 12 months have meant that many of us haven’t travelled abroad as much as planned, but also that we’ve been rediscovering the UAE and falling in love with it all over it again. Here are some of our most-loved activities as a family…
CYCLING
Over the next few months and years you can expect to see even more bike tracks all over the city, and I can’t wait. Admittedly, cycling with a three-year-old means journeys take longer than necessary, but it’s a lovely way to spend the weekend. We go along the canal, bike to Kite Beach, and just around the neighbourhood. And yes, we have matching bikes from The Movement – a great small business here in Dubai.
DESERT
If you can handle finding sand in your car/ears for days to come, then there’s nowhere like the desert for a barbecue or camping. A short drive will take you to some beautiful spots, and from nature walks spotting insect or animal tracks (and droppings), to running up and down dunes to tire kids out, it’s the perfect antidote to YouTube. We did our first overnight camp recently and despite getting stuck – all part of the fun, apparently – we loved every second.
HIKING
Our girls wake up at stupid o’clock anyway, so we’ve accepted this cruel reality and put them in the car to see some sights. We’ve only attempted some shorter hikes with the kids because I can’t handle the whingeing but have left them at home a couple of times and tackled some tougher, longer routes around Wadi Shawka and Fossil Rock. The Wikiloc app is a great resource for tracks, or go with a group if it’s your first time and need guidance.
MAKE THE SWAP
My kids are dedicated lovers of beige food, and the lack of veggies has been a concern for a while. There’s only so much some token cucumber on a plate can do... But recently we swapped out some meat for plant protein and not only did they not even notice, they loved it. Beyond Meat has been a huge hit with burgers, but sausages have passed the fussy kid test too.
