If you’re not jetting off to faraway lands and you feel overwhelmed by the idea of entertaining the kids for two weeks – fear not! We’ve put together 10 ways to keep them busy and having fun over this Spring Break.

1. Pack up a picnic

The weather is perfect for getting outdoors and enjoying a little alfresco dining – and we all know that kids + food is a happy combination. Pack up a picnic and head to Al Qudra Lakes (located on the Al Qudra Road D63, less than an hour away from Dubai) – where a series of beautiful manmade lakes and desert landscape await. Or head to the beach (we love Sunset Beach – just behind Sunset Mall in Jumeirah) and let the kids splash about before tucking into their picnic treats. And what could be easier than using disposable plates? Our Boho Floral Paper Plates are eco-friendly and will elevate your picnic setup to Insta-worthy levels. Add Boho Floral Paper Napkins and Wooden Cutlery and you’ve got the perfect portable kit.

2. Join OliOli’s New Secret Service

From March 12^th – June 12^th, indoor playscape and children’s museum OliOli is inviting kids to become secret spies and defeat Cobra, the leader of VENOM (that’s Very Evil Network Of Mischief – of course). Included in the usual entry price, kids will receive an agent ID and mission kit briefcase before embarking upon challenges and obstacles around the museum. Perfect for ages 4 and up – parents can get involved or duck out for a little ‘me time’ in ‘La Petite Treehouse Café’ (the Wi-Fi is great if you need to work…).
www.olioli.ae

3. Grab A Discount At Aquaventure Waterpark

A day at one of our fave waterparks is all the better when it comes with a discount – simply download the Kidzapp app and book your slot  - with up to 15% off adult and child tickets you’ll be whizzing down the slides and floating the lazy river with smiles on your faces and a little extra cash in your wallet. (Kidzapp has other great offers and ideas too – check it out!).
www.kidzapp.com

4. Ride the new rollercoaster or play at the new adventure park at Dubai Hills Mall

A rollercoaster in a mall? Yup you heard that right – the new Dubai Hills Mall is now home to ‘the storm’, the world’s fastest indoor rollercoaster. Definitely not for the fainthearted (or for anyone under 130cm) – this is one for the older kids! And for littler people, the mall’s Adventure Park comprises 11 different areas including Jump Park for trampolining, Ninja Park for parkour style fun and The Playground where slides and ball pits await. The mall is also home to loads of cool shops and eateries if you’re after a little retail therapy and refueling after all that fun!
Check @dubaihillsmall for info 

5. Try A New Hotel Pool Every Day

Chances are you’ve heard of Privilee, the must-have membership that gives you and your family unlimited access to the UAE’s best beach resorts (plus other perks including restaurant discounts, fitness classes and complimentary kids club passes for starters…). Imagine heading off to a different hotel pool every day of the holidays – and then planning your weekends around where you’d like to lounge – sounds pretty perfect, right? Privilee offers monthly, quarterly and annual memberships that’ll get you and up to 3 kiddos into hotels that would usually cost a whole lot more if you were paying for daily passes (and get you f&b deals there too). Easily the best card to have in your wallet, you’ll soon be swimming, chilling and enjoying quality family time around the UAE – and what better time to start than with a 2 week school holiday? Oh and as the weather heats up, those chilled pools are just the thing…
www.privilee.ae

6. Visit Sharjah’s New Safari Park

Dreaming of a safari holiday? Well how about getting a little taste of Africa right here in the UAE at Sharjah’s very recently opened new safari park? The largest safari project outside of Africa, this fantastic family friendly destination is home to around 120 species including giraffes, crocodiles, lions and elephants. The park is beautifully landscaped and includes African trees, a natural lake and plenty of places to grab a bite too. We love that Sharjah Safari is committed to environmental sustainability, working to preserve biological diversity and breed endangered animals (this is definitely NOT just a zoo).
Check @shjsafari for info

7. Walk (and camp) The Wadis

Make the most of the weather before temperatures climb and get walking! Whether you’re a complete novice with little ones in tow or an adventurous bunch keen to find new spots, the UAE is full of opportunities to explore and sleep under canvas for all ages. Follow @offthebeatentrack_uae for some really inspiring ideas on where to go. For starters, we’d recommend Wadi Shawka, a family hiking trail in Ras Al Khaimah which involves a stair climb up and then a rocky trail down but is totally doable with little kids (plan for a total 2 hour walk). Go early to avoid the midday sun, take plenty of water and make it extra fun for the kids with our new range of paper ‘camping themed’  plates, cups and banner etc.  (whether you’re planning to camp or not). 

8. Catch An Outdoor Movie

Wavebreaker Beach Bar & Grill at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah on JBR is Dubai’s latest spot at which to watch a movie alfresco. With free entry, screenings are scheduled for every Monday at 5pm and 7.30pm and you can expect cosy sofa seating, blankets, great food and a chilled out setting right next to the beach. Visit @wavebreaker_jbr for more info.

9. Get Crafty With Hama Beads

It’s no secret that the kids love us to join in with their games – and they love making stuff too – so why not combine the two with a Hama Beads crafting session? These award-winning colourful beads from Denmark can be used by little ones aged three and up to make all kinds of pictures and patterns – and we guarantee you’ll have as much fun as they do (while practicing mindfulness and fine motor skills in the process – bonus!). When you have a little time to spare, bring out the beads, unleash your creativity and spend some quality time making stuff with the kids. Find inspiration on their Instagram page Hamabeads.ae or start with one of the kits such as the giant fairies box or safari box.
Available for purchase at www.boxfetti.ae 

10. Kayak The Mangroves In Ajman

Join the brilliant Quest For Adventure eco-friendly watersports team for the most magical, fun and informative tour through the spectacular Al Zorah Nature Reserve atop double sit-on kayaks. Suitable for ages 4 and up, you’ll navigate the peaceful waters, see wildlife aplenty and just enjoy a completely different side to the UAE. Sunset trips are also available and make for absolutely gorgeous photos.
www.questforadventure.net