Eid Al Adha 2024 is predicted to fall in less than a month, as astronomers expect a three-public holiday in the UAE.

Currently, it is believed that Arafat Day will fall on Sunday June 16, and the three days that follow will mark Eid Al Adha. Although only officially confirmed by relevant moon sightings closer to the time, it’s about time you started thinking about what you want to get up to.

There is going to be plenty to keep Dubai families entertained over the long-weekend, from rollercoasters to water parks.

If you like reading this: Eid al Adha 2024: Expected dates for five-day summer weekend revealed

Keeping the weather in mind, it’s likely that an indoor activity might be on the cards, so we’ve rounded up all of the best family-friendly things to do for Eid Al Adha.

Adventure Island

The attraction has now opened in JBR, offering you and the little ones hours of fun. Start off with some games of Pixel, followed up by a game or two of laser tag. Chase each other around the course as you duck and dive to avoid being hit by your opponents.

From Dhs59, open Mon-Thurs noon-10pm, Fri noon-11.30pm, Sat-Sun noon-midnight. Bahar Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Residence, adventureisland.ae (058 833 9204).

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

The iconic waterpark at Atlantis the Palm is an ideal outdoor option that you can keep cool in during Eid Al Adha.

Offering some splash areas for the tiniest tots, the older kids can see how brave they’re feeling on the 28-record breaking waterslides (if they’re tall enough).
Prices vary. Open daily 9.45am-6.30pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2000).

Boo Boo Land

Take the family to one of the city’s newest indoor playgrounds inside Dubai Mall. Due to open at the end of May, children can explore everything from the arts and crafts area, to a princess dress-up stand, a snow park, trampolines and even a super slide.

Opening soon. Monday to Thursday 10am to 12am and Friday to Sunday 10am to 1am. Boo Boo Laand, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. booboolaand.com

BOUNCE

Reach some new heights and bounce as high as you can go at one of Dubai’s Bounce parks. Visit the original venue in Al Quoz, or if you fancy trying out a bit of parkour, book a session at the Dubai Festival City branch instead where you’ll spot the free terrain park and infinity wall. Send the little ones in on their own, or get involved yourself and have some classic old fashioned fun jumping all over the place.
From Dhs55 (locations vary) bounce.ae (04 304 9333).

Chaos Karts

Newer on the scene, make sure to visit with the kids if you haven’t had the chance yet. Get them to step away from their video games and step inside one instead, as the virtual reality experience makes you feel as if you’re in a real life version of Mario Kart.

One for the bigger kids, children must be over the age of 11 to play.

From Dhs140. Open from Sun Apr 7, 10am-10pm (Sun–Thurs); 10am-midnight (Fri and Sat). 6A St – Al Quoz.@chaoskartsuae. chaoskarts.ae

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

An underwater, ocean-life-filled wonderland awaits at the Dubai Aquarium. Spend a few hours of your public holiday feeling as if you are swimming deep in the ocean, and let the little ones get up-close with some incredible creatures.

Spot a sting-ray in the 10-million-litre tank, or watch on as the sharks swim ominously above your head.
Prices start at Dhs199. Open Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am – midnight.
The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaiaquarium.com.

Green Planet

A little tropical oasis in the middle of the desert, this indoor zoo and garden is packed with over 3,000 species of plants and animals, offering the perfect summer swap for nature-lovers.

The experience will weave through a vertical rainforest, where the children can get up close with some sleepy sloths, or if they’re feeling brave, opt in for the reptile encounter. To finish off, grab a pizza or some churros in the jungle-themed Green Planet Café before heading back home.

From Dhs155. City Walk, Al Wasl, thegreenplanetdubai.com (800 7699).

IMG World of Adventures

One of the biggest indoor theme parks on the planet, IMG World of Adventures, features three zones – The Marvel Zone (for diddy superhero fans), The Lost Valley (where you can spot a dinosaur or two) and The Cartoon Network Zone (where favourite, colourful characters like the Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10 hang out).
Dhs365 (general admission), free (kids under 1.05m in height). Open Sun-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sat noon-11pm. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai, imgworlds.com (600 500 962).

Museum of Illusions

Get some hilarious family photos and take everyone down to the Musuem of Illusions during the Eid holiday.

You won’t believe your eyes as each of you adjust to the visual trickery, including floating heads and shrinking you down to size.

Got an eye for visual art? If you enjoy the light-filled spectacle of Dubai Garden Glow in the winter, for summer you can swap illuminations for optical illusions with a visit to Museum of Illusions — you won’t believe your eyes!

Take a deep breath as you trundle through the vortex tunnel — it’s sure to leave your head spinning!

From Dhs90. Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-11pm. Al Seef, Dubai Creek, museumofillusionsdubai.com (04 357 3999).

VR Park

VR Park is home to a host of virtual reality games for kids of all ages, meaning they can challenge reality and learn at the same time.

Among the 18 separate attractions (within which there can be multiple games) found inside VR Park, you’ll be taken to distant planets and visit both the far-flung future and the not-so-distant world of a fully virtualised Dubai, thanks to a series of games specially designed with some of the world’s top VR production houses.
Free entry, pay per attraction. Open Sun-Thurs 10am – 11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, vrparkdubai.com (800 382246255).

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