15 Fun Father and Son activities in the UAE

Posted on May 07, 2013 by Samantha Lancaster (G+)  | Filed Under: Father and son activities in the UAE, activities for boys in the UAE, dubai, ski dubai, sports, zoo, games, fun

Looking for ways to spend quality father and son time in the UAE? Read on for 15 great bonding activity ideas.

Although the UAE has gradually carved something of a niche for itself as a playground for all ages, it’s probably fair to say that the boys have it especially good, with a host of world-class sporting and leisure activities to keep them entertained. No surprises that this makes for a perfect environment for some quality father and son bonding opportunities. Here’s our pick of 15 great activities to help dads and sons make the most of their time together:

Ferrari World

Fulfill every little boy’s dream (and big ones too) at this theme park which caters to all things Ferrari – from the miniature Ferrari driving school to the world’s fastest roller coaster, this place is fun, fast and offers something for all ages. Tickets start from AED195 for kids under 1.3 meters tall. (www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com)

Fun in the Snow at Ski Dubai

Situated at the Emirates Mall, this is the region’s only indoor ski resort, with five runs, including a black run and a 90-meter long quarter pipe. It’s a well-organized affair and makes for a great environment to enjoy some fun father and son time on the slopes. You can even learn to ski or snowboard, and with hour-long introductory lessons at only AED150 including all equipment, it’s well priced too. (www.skidubai.com)

Wild Wadi Waterpark

One of Dubai’s favorite places to escape the heat. With 30 rides and attractions it remains a perennial favorite with locals and tourists alike. From AED175 for children. (www.jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/wild-wadi/)

Emirates Park Zoo

This is a fairly small, but very reasonably priced family oriented zoo situated in Abu Dhabi, and is particularly fun for little ones. There’s a reptile house, bird and ocean parks, primate and predator sections as well as snakes, flamingos and giraffes. But the big draw is the domestic section where kids get to touch and feed a wallaby, camel, capybara and Dextor the cow. The sea lion show is also well worth catching. (www.emiratesparkzoo.com)

Soccer Circus Dubai

Football fans will love this brainchild of former England player and manager Kevin Keegan; it is an attraction for players from the age of five and up which tests their skills in a series of challenges in the Skill Zone and Power Play arena. Pitches are available separately for rent. Skill Zone from AED70 per round and Power Play Challenge AED20. (www.theplaymania.com/soccercircus)

Swim with Dolphins at Aquaventure Waterpark

This experience makes for a great birthday treat and you’ll get the chance to interact with playful dolphins in shallow water at Dolphin Bay, part of the new Atlantis Palm Hotel complex in Dubai. Tickets cost around AED470 per person but this includes entry to the new Aquaventure waterpark with various river rides, water slides and a children’s play area. (www.atlantisthepalm.com/marineandwaterpark.aspx)

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Opt for the Diamond Aquarium Package at AED90 and you’ll not only get access to the glass aquarium tunnel and underwater zoo, but a behind the scenes tour and a chance to feed fish too. The Underwater Zoo leads you through three ecological zones; Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean, and you’ll get the chance to see otters, piranha, penguins, crocodiles, sharks, giant spider crabs and even water rats, plus hundreds of other fish and aquatic animals.(www.thedubaiaquarium.com)

Desert Safari

Considered almost a rite of passage, taking to the desert in a 4x4 to experience an evening of dune bashing, sand skiing and camel rides and finishing up with a BBQ buffet under the stars makes for a fun father and son bonding experience. Not suitable for kids under the age of three. (www.desertsafaridubai.com/desert-safari-dubai.html)

Driving for Teenagers Experience

If the thought of putting your teenage son behind the wheel sounds alarming, there’s no need to worry, with the professional instructors of the Dubai Autodrome on hand to show them the ropes. Aimed at giving kids aged 12-18 their first taste of life behind the wheel, the experience lasts three hours and includes instructor briefing and a 45 minute drive time in a Chevrolet 5-Speed 1.6L. AED400 per person. (www.dubaiautodrome.com/first-drive-2/)

Indoor Mini Golf

Enjoy a round at this mini golf with a difference at this fun, neon and marine themed nine-hole indoor course. There’s a café and craft room, with various craft related activities on offer for an additional fee, and a special ‘toddlers area’ for little ones. (www.playaround.ae)

Sega Republic Indoor Theme Park

You don’t have to be a video game fanatic to enjoy this 76,000sq foot theme park, but it helps. With five themed zones containing nine different attractions (not all of which are suitable for young kids) and hundreds of video games, it’s sure to drain you of money before you run out of energy, but a worthwhile distraction for kids and dads; the elder of which will find plenty of ways to entertain himself, too. (www.segarepublic.com)

Wonderland and Splashland

Wonderland is the UAE’s largest theme park and though it’s been around for ages, it’s still a fun choice for parents and kids of all ages. Best of all, Splashland offers a welcome respite from the heat. (www.wonderlanduae.com)

Bowling at Dubai Bowling Center

Enjoy a classic father and son day of bonding over bowling, pool and arcade games at this huge 24-lane bowling alley. (www.bowlingdubai.com)

iFLY Dubai Wind Tunnel Experience

A fun ‘flying’ experience, located in Mirdif City Center for kids aged three years old and above. Learn the basics in a 35 minute iFLY lesson, then fly in a fully controllable wind tunnel under the guidance of an experienced professional instructor for two minutes. Approx USD$59 per person.(www.skidubai.com/tour/ifly-dubai/)

Go Karting at Yaz KartZone

For kids aged eight and above - you don’t need to be a pro to enjoy a thrilling afternoon at this race track and beginners are very welcome to just turn up and have a go. Daily 2pm to 10pm, Yas Island Marina Circuit. Kids Karting from AED55 for 10 minutes, adults AED110. (www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/Activities_and_Experiences.aspx?gid=1)