Dubai indoors (kids)

Here's a list for entertaining kids indoors in Dubai. I really recommend however, to resort to these in summer months. In winters, please soak up the outdoors.

Ski Dubai: There's something ironic about frolicking in the snow in the middle of the desert, no? Ski Dubai has a couple of rides, and you can see penguins. For a handsome price, you can have a close encounter with the penguins as well. For me, the best part is warming up with a hot chocolate afterwards.

Aquarium at Atlantis: Pretty big, lots of fish. Easily kills 2-3 hours time. If you want to make a day of it, combine it with the Aquaventure water park and dolphin experience.

Aquarium at Dubai mall: Do either the one above or this.

Kidzania at Dubai mall: For 4 years and above. You can easily spend half a day here.

Ice skating at Dubai mall: There is a rink and you can hire skates, or even a lesson.

Hysteria Haunted house at Dubai Mall: I haven't been here but it sounds interesting for older kids.

Orbi: It's just more screen time really but in a high-tech educational way. Kids will see 5 D short films on nature and wild life. Some good special effects.

Flip Out: If your kids need to burn off some energy, this trampoline park may be fun.

Green planet: it's a kind of tropical jungle indoors with some animals. I guess it is educational in a way.

Dubai Creek park children's centre: This is one of the few inexpensive things to do with kids in Dubai. It has a science centre and a planetarium. Good for few hours of entertainment.

Dolphinarium: This is also at Creek park so can be combined with above. You can see dolphins and seals put up a show for you. You can also get up close to the dolphins, for a price.

IMG: Dubai has many amusement parks but this one is touted to be the biggest in the world. You could probably spend the entire day here.

Ferrari world: another amusement park, it's in Abu dhabi. Has a few good rides.  If going to Abu Dhabi for this, you might want to visit Zayed mosque.

Louvre: Also in Abu dhabi, this museum, a branch of the Paris one, has opened recently. It's very pretty, some of the photographs I have seen are astoundingly beautiful. There is a section for children.

Hub Zero: Rides and games. Many games involve screen, so not my favourite.

Adventure HQ: A climbing wall and high ropes course. Good for an hour or so, for getting kids some exercise and keeping away from screen.

Al Fahadi museum: Near the Bastakiya district, this museum gives a glimpse of Dubai's past and chronicles the story of its development from a fishing and pearling village to its present avatar. Kids may not find it very interesting.

Breakfast/lunch at SMCCU: Sheikh Mohammed centre for cultural understanding is an institution that attempts to demystify Arab culture and customs for the curious. You can buy a ticket to a group traditional breakfast experience, following which, the locals will answer any questions you have about Emirati/Aran society, culture and customs. Haven't been but heard good reviews. Good for older kids and adults.

Jam jar: if your little ones insists on painting, you can take them to Jam jar in Al quoz. For a price, they will get three canvases and there is a supply of painting paraphernalia. Good for a couple of hours.

Various Fun city/Chuck E Cheese outlets around the city: For mindless, predominantly screen based gaming, kids can be taken here.

I-fly: This is something most kids enjoy. The chance to fly in a powerful wind tunnel is thrilling to most kids except the very young ones. It is quite expensive though.

New things added since last year:

Qasr-al-watan: More for adults really. Fancy palace. Gives an insight into the lives of the royal family.

Dubai Frame: When travelling north on Sheikh Zayed Road, somewhere near Zabeel Park you notice a structure that looks like a really tall picture farme. This is the Dubai Frame. You go up by an elevator to enjoy a panoramic view of Dubai and on one side you see old Dubai and on the other, the new Dubai. There's a museum on top which has photographs of the evolution of Dubai.

Oli Oli: A children's play area/zone which is said to be interesting.

Warner Brothers amusement park: This is in Abu Dhabi. Requires a full day trip.

Rain Room: Located at Sharjah Arts Foundation, this is a different experience, where the rain doesn't hit you because of the sensors. Prior booking of tickets is a must, many people have rued being turned away otherwise.

Museum of Illusions: Located at Al Seef, a new waterfront area which has been developed in the local architectural style, this is small but has received good reviews.

Jameel Art Centre: Only for kids seriously inclined towards arts.

Tashkeel Art Centre: They do a kids art camp in summer, worth checking out.