We know that our city can get pretty expensive sometimes, but did you know that there are also lots of free things to do in Dubai? From family fun days to film screening to Dubai Food Festival, here are 7 free things to do in Dubai with kids – and they’re all happening this weekend!
1. Movie Night
Parents, don’t let your little ones miss the screening of famous 90s film Dr. Dolittle this Friday! Eddie Murphy plays the hilarious Dr. Dolittle who, after a small accident, gets back his childhood ability to understand and talk to animals!
Price: Free
When: Friday 23rd February, at 5.30pm
Where: Outdoor cinema, Dubai Marina Mall promenade
2. Enable Fair
Here’s a fair for a good cause! Round up the kids and head to Dubai Garden Centre for the Enable Fair, where 75 people of determination from 17 special needs centres come together to sell items – all lovingly made by them. There will be music, food stalls, live cooking, arts and crafts and lots of fun activities for kids!
Price: Free entry
When: Saturday 24th February, from 10am to 4pm
Where: Dubai Garden Centre, in Al Quoz
3. Dubai Food Festival
Out of all the free things to do in Dubai with kids this weekend, you cannot miss this! The Dubai Food Festival kicks off this weekend and we couldn’t be more excited. Get the whole family together and check out Etisalat Beach Canteen for some really yummy food, fun sports, activities, workshops and more!
Price: Free entry
When: From Thursday 22nd February, 10am onwards
Where: Nessnass beach, behind Sunset Mall
4. Family Fun Day
Head to Reform Dubai this weekend for a super fun family day out! You can expect to find market stalls, arts and crafts, a magic show, face painting, a bouncy castle, a big British BBQ and more!
Price: Free entry, some activities may be charged
When: Saturday 24th February, from 12pm to 6pm
Where: Reform Dubai, at The Lakes
5. Chinese New Year
Ready to celebrate the year of the dog? Even though Chinese New Year was last weekend, the celebrations in Dubai are still going strong! Get the little ones down to Riverland to witness all the action! There will be red lanterns everywhere, lion dances, live shows, Chinese food, ancient traditional arts and so much more!
Price: Free entry
When: Daily until Saturday 24th February, from 12pm to 9pm
Where: Riverland Dubai, at Dubai Parks & Resorts
6. Dubai Creek Harbour
As always, Rise at Dubai Creek Harbour is packed with fun activities in Dubai for kids! This weekend, the kids can take part in arts and crafts activities, play games, dance, try out a science workshop, and watch great movies! Don’t miss the screening of Oscar-winning children’s film Inside Out on Saturday evening!
Price: Free entry
When: Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th February, from 12pm onwards
Where: Rise at Dubai Creek Harbour, in Ras Al Khor
7. Kids Play Date
Looking for fun ways to keep the kids busy this weekend? Get them to Al Furjan Club for a fun day of games and activities! From bouncy castles and dance classes to arts and crafts and pizza making, the little ones are going to love this!
Price: Free entry (AED 30 for pizza class)
When: Saturday 24th February, from 10am to 4pm
Where: Al Furjan Club, Jebel Ali Village (near Discovery Gardens)
Still want more? Here are 5 great food and craft markets to check out this month, or check out these free beach libraries all around Dubai!