From easy days out to fun things for all ages, here are 12 family-friendly things to do in Dubai this weekend
Weekends in Dubai don’t follow one mood. Some are busy and social, others more low-key – and families often want a bit of both. Whether it’s a relaxed day out, a market to wander through, or a fun activity to keep the kids entertained, there’s always something going on. From easy outings to fun group plans, here are 12 family-friendly things to do in Dubai this weekend.
Take the kids to a mini hotel bootcamp
For something a little different, head to Rove Expo City where little ones can try their hand at running a hotel for the day. The Future Hoteliers Bootcamp is a fun, hands-on session where kids take on roles like welcoming guests, prepping rooms and setting up coffee breaks. It’s playful, interactive and a great way to keep them engaged. Bonus: adults can make the most of it too, with the entry fee fully redeemable on food and drinks.
Where: Rove Expo City
When: Sunday April 26, 10am to 1pm
Cost: Dhs49 per child (fully redeemable on F&B)
Contact: @rovehotels
Note: Session is for ages 6 to 9. A second session for ages 9 to 12 takes place on May 17.
Sign the kids up for a cooking class
Turn brunch into something more hands-on at Le Majlis, where kids can join cooking classes while you sit down and enjoy your meal. It’s a great way to keep them engaged, with a mix of fun and learning built into the experience.
Where: Le Majlis, Palm Jumeirah Mall
When: Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 2pm
Cost: Dhs150 per adult (kids’ class included)
Contact: @lemajlisdubai
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Browse a new community market
For an easy Sunday plan, head to Jones the Grocer Al Manara, which is now hosting its own weekend market series. Expect a rotating mix of homegrown brands across fashion, homeware, wellness and more, alongside coffee and a laid-back café setting.
Where: Jones the Grocer Al Manara, Sheikh Zayed Road
When: Sundays, 26 April, 3 May, 10 May, 9am to 3pm
Cost: Free entry (food and shopping pay-as-you-go); all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8am to 11.30am for Dhs89
Contact: @jonesthegrocer
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Spend the day at Global Village Dubai
Everyone’s favourite outdoor attraction, Global Village Dubai, is back after a few weeks of being closed. If it isn’t in your plans yet, be sure to find time to slot it in, because the attraction has also confirmed that Season 30 will officially wrap up on May 10, 2026, giving visitors just a month to soak up everything before it closes for the summer. Inside, you will find endless food options, shopping opportunities, games and rides for the whole family, and cultural performances.
Where: Dubailand, Dubai
When: Daily until May 10, 4pm to 1am
Cost: Dhs25 per person
Contact: (04) 362 4114, globalvillage.ae
Enjoy a laid-back Sunday with kids eat free
Make Sundays easier at Maxzi in Circle Mall, where kids eat free all day. It’s a simple, no-planning-needed option that turns a regular family meal into an easy weekend outing, whether you go early or closer to lunch.
Where: Maxzi, Circle Mall
When: Sundays, 9am to 5pm
Cost: Kids eat free (with paying adults)
Contact: @maxzithegoodfoodshop
Spend an active day outdoors at a new city park
Head to Central Park, Dubai’s newest green space with something for everyone. From cycling and jogging tracks to volleyball courts, skating areas and kids’ play zones – perfect for easy active days in the sun.
Where: Central Park Wasl Gate, Wasl Gate, Jebel Ali
When: Open daily
Cost: Free entry
Play with illusions as a family
For a day out that’s a little different, head to Museum of Illusions Dubai. With over 60 interactive exhibits, immersive rooms and mind-bending installations, it’s the kind of place that keeps both kids and adults entertained. Expect plenty of hands-on fun, optical tricks and photo-worthy moments along the way.
Where: Museum of Illusions Dubai, Al Seef
When: Daily, offer valid until May 15
Cost: From Dhs99 (adult + child), Dhs119 (two adults)
Contact: @museumofillusions_dubai
Bonus: The first 20 guests arriving in UAE flag colours get free entry.
Book a fully redeemable staycation
Check into Fairmont The Palm for a summer escape where your stay comes back as resort credit to spend across dining and spa experiences. Think beachside downtime, good food, and a bit of pampering, all rolled into one easy break.
Where: Fairmont The Palm
When: Summer offer, subject to availability
Cost: From Dhs595 per night, fully redeemable in resort credit
Contact: @fairmontthepalm
Eat your way through a weekend food festival
If you’re in the mood to eat your way around, head to Reform Social & Grill as it turns its garden into a pop-up food festival for the weekend. Expect live cooking stations from favourites like Papafuku and Bistro Des Arts, plus everything from burgers and crêpes to noodles and coffee. There are also market stalls and free activities to keep kids busy.
Where: Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes
When: April 25 to 27, from 12pm
Cost: Free entry, pay as you go
Contact: @reformdubai
Book a family-friendly brunch
Saturdays are all about easy, family-friendly dining at Boulvar, where a greenhouse-inspired brunch brings together good food and a relaxed setting. There are live cooking stations, plenty to try, and a dedicated kids’ zone with games and activities to keep little ones entertained while you settle in.
Where: Boulvar, Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek
When: Saturdays, 1pm to 4pm
Cost: Dhs199 (soft drinks), Dhs345 (with house beverages)
Contact: @radisonbluedxb
Browse The Ripe Market
Ripe Market
One of Dubai’s best-loved outdoor markets is back. The Ripe Market returns to Dubai Police Academy Park with more days, longer hours and plenty to see. Expect homegrown brands, street food, wellness pop-ups and kids’ activities, all set in a relaxed, open-air space. Even better, entry is free this time round.
Where: Dubai Police Academy Park, Al Sufouh
When: Friday to Sunday, 3pm to 10pm, until 17 May
Cost: Free entry
Contact: @ripemarket
Get hands-on with a pottery workshop
Spend a few hours getting hands-on at Bedia Pottery, a studio offering relaxed workshops from wheel throwing to hand-building. It’s an easy, screen-free way to switch off and do something creative, whether you’re a beginner or have tried it before.
Where: Bedia Pottery, Al Quoz
When: Monday to Saturday, 10.30am to 7.30pm
Cost: From Dhs165
Contact: @bediapottery
