Spring is here, and while the kids are on holiday, there is plenty going on around town to keep everyone in the family entertained
Whether you want to enjoy the beautiful weather (while it lasts) with a picnic brunch, keep the kids entertained over the school hols or enjoy a peaceful family getaway, here’s an Easter basket-load of cracking ideas.
Kids camps
Kids are naturally fond of music, and these Easter classes by Music Monkeys will stir their curiosity. They’ll be singing songs like ‘Miss Polly Had A Dolly’ with matching actions to develop their motor and sensory skills. There will also be games and the Easter bunny will be popping by. For kids aged three months to four years. AED 50 per class, ten percent sibling discount. Mosaic Nursery, 28th March-4th April 3.45pm-4.30pm or The Dome, 30th March-6th April 9.45am-10.30am. Contact: contact@musicmonkeys.ae
Jumpstart the new season with a range of activities designed for kids aged four to ten years old. My First Gym’s spring camp features games, arts and crafts, storytelling and even a bit of yoga to help develop health, self-confidence, communication and social skills. 27th March-7th April. From AED 200 per day to AED 1,700 for 10 days. My First Gym, Delma Street. 9am-2pm. Contact: 02 444 3560,
contact@myfirstgymuae.com
Whether your child is a science fan or a tech hotshot, Little World will indulge their young dreams. Budding Einsteins can do experiments and even investigate the science behind food at the Geeks in Wonderland camp. If they’re more into video games, the MinecraftEDU Tech and Engineering Camps will develop their tech and programming skills. Or if they have a dramatic flair, sign them up for the Little World’s Drama Camp, where they can learn the magic of performance art. Nation Galleria, Corniche West. AED 250 for one day, AED 1,150 one week, AED 2,100 two weeks, 15 percent siblings discount. Ages and times vary. Contact: 02 681 8824, info@littleworlduae.com
Channel kids’ energy into sports at Zayed Sports City’s holiday camp from 27th March to 3rd April. Choose from the Learn to Skate camp – great for beginners aged five to 12 – and the Kids Holiday Camp – which will feature activities from bowling and basketball to arts and crafts. Friendly and trained staff will watch over campers so parents need not worry. Skating camp AED 750, holiday camp AED 1,000. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street. Times vary. Contact: 02 403 4222,
ice@zsc.ae, kidscamp@zsc.ae
If your little ones love the water, sign them up for Advantage Sports UAE’s Easter Spring Swim Camp. They can join in various water- and land-based activities including water noodle hockey, pool dodge ball, a water treasure hunt, water bingo, a mini Olympics, arts and crafts and more. 27th March to 7th April. AED 180 per day for members, AED 210 for non-members, including lunch. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl. 9am-2pm. Contact: 02 558 8990, advantagesportsuae.com
Do your children exhibit culinary flair? If so, let them showcase it at Lana’s Partiperfect Easter Break Eggstravaganza. They can create and decorate sweet treats, and join in Easter-themed activities from paper basket making to egg decorating and games. 26th March. AED 180 per child. Villa A56, Marina Office Park, behind Marina Mall. 4.30pm-6.30pm. Contact: 02 681 0090, partiperfect@gmail.com
Family outings
Hop on over to Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort’s Bunnyville where kids can decorate eggs, have faces painted and meet furry pals at the petting zoo. A roaming life-sized Easter bunny greets guests for a holiday photo-op. At 7pm, the hotel’s lagoon will screen the classic kids film, Finding Nemo. AED 109++ per child, AED 89++ per adult. Corniche East. Advance booking required. Contact: 02 677 3333, irene.vilches@sheraton.com
Yas Marina’s Springtime Festival returns to the Marina Promenade from 25th to 26th March. Families can enjoy a range of activities – from a boat tour with Captain Tony’s, themed stalls and craft workshops, to organic produce and a petting zoo from Yas Farms. You won’t go hungry either, as each of the marina’s restaurants will be offering a themed promotion from a buffet breakfast at Café D’Alsace to egg hunting at Aquarium. Free entry. Yas Marina, Yas Island. 1pm-6pm. Contact: yasmarina.ae/springtime
Live Spring at Yas Mall celebrates the season with a string of performances and activities for the family. Watch Lebanese singer Nancy Ajram, enjoy a fashion show for kids, or let little ones enjoy the games and attractions. There’s also an outdoor cinema and live music to amp up the entertainment. 31st March-8th April, 10am-10pm. Contact: 02 414 6401, info@yasmall.ae
Holiday getaways
Enjoy an overnight stay starting from AED 599 at Danat Al Ain Resort. The special promotion includes brunch for two adults and two kids at Arabesque Restaurant and themed activities including face painting, egg decorating, egg hunting and a bouncy castle. While at the hotel, take advantage of the facilities, which include three pools, a spa and an outdoor play area. Contact: 03 704 6000, alain.danathotels.com
Tag along with the family for a three-day package at Park Rotana. For AED 649++, you can enjoy a special Easter brunch on 27th March, a 60-minute massage for two adults, and pool access for the family with juices and mocktails. Valid 27th-29th March. Eastern Ring Road, next to Khalifa Park. Noon-4pm. Contact: 02 657 3333, fb.park@rotana.com
Longing for a quick but relaxing getaway? Anantara’s Short Breaks special allows you to enjoy an Easter escape to one of the brand’s locations including the UAE, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Maldives and Qatar. This minimum two-night stay promo includes daily breakfast, and a 20 percent discount on a massage and dining. Contact: anantara.com/shortbreaks
Easter offers
If you and the family have a big appetite, then Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s Pre-Easter Monumental Friday Brunch on 25th March is right up your alley. Take your pick from signature specialities from Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill or Frankie’s Italian Restaurant and Bar as well as a barbecue and caviar station. On Easter Sunday things are equally as monumental with a Sunday brunch incorporating favourites from all the restaurants, including homemade pasta and rotisserie chicken with Yorkshire pudding. From AED 269++ for adults, AED 135 for children aged six-12, free for children under six. Contact: 02 654 3238, dining.bab@fairmont.com
Chefs – and not bunnies – will be out on parade at Emirates Palace’s West Wing lawn on 26th March. Lay out a blanket and unload your basket of gourmet treats before enjoying an egg hunt, games and entertainment. From AED 370++ per person, AED 185 for children aged six to 12, under six free. Emirates Palace. 2pm-5pm. Contact: 02 690 7999, restaurants@emiratespalace.ae
If the selection of sweet and savoury snacks in your family’s picnic basket doesn’t fill you up, you can take your pick from the barbecue and dessert stations at Yas Viceroy’s Easter picnic brunch. Later you can browse organic produce from Yas Farm, pet the animals and let the little ones join in the egg hunt. AED 140++ per adult, AED 70++ per child aged five-12. 26th March. Yas Viceroy, Yas Island. 12.30pm-4pm. Contact: 02 656 0600, dining@viceroyhotelsandresorts.com