Dubai: Summer is here, and with free entry for children to dozens of attractions around the UAE, there’s no better time to plan a family day out.

Popular recreational spots around the city are currently allowing kids to go free for a limited time, so you can enjoy summer events and activities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, without creating a dent in your wallet.

Plan your next outing after you take a look at our list below:

1. Culture on Wheels and Emirati Hospitality Experience, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, Dubai

What if you could take your family on a uniquely UAE experience this summer? Explore desert living, meet with Emiratis, enjoy a full-fledge Emirati meal of your choice, and tour Old Dubai’s historical landmarks in a traditional trolley. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding’s Culture on Wheels and Emirati Hospitality Experience, a coveted four-hour programme, is free of charge for children seven years and younger this summer.

Location: SMCCU, Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood, Dubai

Timings: 8am to 8pm

2. Terra and Vision, Dubai

Explore the world from a completely unique perspective – enter forest roots, and swim the ocean’s depths to discover the beauty and wonder of nature. Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo City, Dubai, will keep your kids busy for hours with its interactive exhibits, net-zero architecture, and energy trees. Next, head to Vision Pavilion, where you can immerse yourself in the cultural journey of Dubai’s transformation, from a modest settlement to an urban metropolis. Expo City’s Kids Go Free offer began on May 26 and extends till September 30. Children aged 11 and under can explore Terra and Vision completely free!

Location: Expo City, Expo Road (E77), Dubai

Timings: 10am to 6pm

3. Museum of the Future, Dubai

Venture through five floors of captivating exhibits at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, and discover diverse landscapes – from a digital Amazon rainforest to a space station orbiting Earth. This summer, as part of their ‘Future Worth Sharing’ season, each adult ticket includes one complimentary pass for a child under 12. The offer is valid between May 10 and September 30.

Location: Museum of the Future, Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Timings: Every day, 10am to 7pm

4. Dubai Crocodile Park, Dubai

Home to 250 Nile crocodiles, Dubai Crocodile Park includes a Natural History Museum, an African lake-themed aquarium and a savannah inspired landscaped area for families to explore. From July 1 to August 31, enjoy one free child ticket (age 11 and below), with every paying adult. Right now, children below three years old get free access, when accompanied by an adult above 16 years holding a valid ticket.

Location: Tripoli Street, Mushrif, Dubai

Timings: 10am to 8pm

5. The Green Planet, Dubai

The Green Planet, Dubai’s indoor rainforest, is turning up the cuteness this summer with the arrival of its newest baby lemur. To celebrate, families can enjoy a special Kids Go Free offer until Sunday, June 14. With every adult ticket purchased, one child aged 10 and below can enter for free, giving little explorers the chance to meet the rainforest’s tiniest new resident up close.

Location: City Walk, Dubai

Timings: Every day, 10am to 6pm

6. Knit-Wits Club, Magrudy’s, Dubai

If you’re looking for a fun activity to do with your pre-teen, join the Knit-Wits Club at Magrudy’s in Dubai. This knitting club meets every Saturday from 10.30am to 11.30am, and knits together to the rhythmic clacking of needles and the cosy chatter of a growing community. Whether you’re just starting out or have been knitting for years, people of all skill levels are welcome. The club is open to kids aged 12+, and is completely free.

Location: Magrudy’s Jumeirah, 62 Jumeirah Street, Dubai

Timings: Saturdays, 10.30am to 11.30am

7. Children’s Library, Abu Dhabi

This summer, the Children’s Library at Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation has a packed schedule of activities, from interactive programmes that promote literacy and learning, to activities that encourage kids to get creative. Visit the space to keep your toddlers engaged, too. The library offers daily Storytime, Baby & Me, Tinker Tots and Maker Mums sessions, among several others. Entry to the Foundation is free for children aged 14 and below.

Location: Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi

Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 8pm, Friday: 2pm to 8pm.

8. Free Family Weekends, Louvre Abu Dhabi

Every weekend until the end of June, Louvre Abu Dhabi is hosting free art making activities for families. Grounded in object-based learning, these sessions begin in the gallery, exploring works from the museum’s collection, and are followed by a hands-on, creative making activity. Choose from Picasso-inspired family portraits and memory maps, to clay bowls and travel journal or postcard making experiments, and lots more. The workshops are completely free for both kids and parents, while museum tickets are free for children under 18.

Location: Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

Timings: Every Saturday and Sunday in June, 11am to 3pm

9. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

When you book a stay at a participating world-class hotel in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, until October 31, two children under the age of 12, accompanied by two paying adults, can stay for free, and even play for free at Yas Island's record-breaking theme parks. Kids get unlimited access, and dine for free on the same hotel meal plan as their parents.

Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Timings: Timings of attractions and hotels vary; it’s best to check on relevant websites.

10. Zumba for Kids, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

At The Galleria in Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, let your kids burn off excess energy in a Zumba for Kids session on Sunday mornings. These complimentary sessions are open to all fitness levels and encourage children to stay active this summer, while making new friends and building a habit of wellness and self-care. Although free, the programme’s popularity means spots get filled up quickly. Registration is required on a first-come first-served basis, on thegalleria.ae.

Location: North Link Bridge, Level 2, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

Timings: Every Sunday, 9am to 10am

11. Rain Room, Sharjah Art Foundation

Missing rainy days? Visit Sharjah Art Foundation’s permanent installation – the Rain Room. This immersive installation allows you to walk through a downpour, without getting wet. A beautiful combination of science and art, the installation uses 2,500 litres of self-cleaning recycled water, and a network of 3D tracking cameras which help the responsive environment follow visitors around, and prevent water from falling directly on them, as they navigate the underground space. A maximum of seven people can enter the installation at one time and each viewing lasts for 10 to 15 minutes. Children five and under can experience the magic for free, this summer.

Location: Sharjah Art Foundation

Timings: Saturday to Thursday: 9am to 9pm, Friday: 4pm to 10pm

12. Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park, Sharjah

From petting farms and botanical gardens to the Breeding Centre for Endangered Arabian Wildlife, there’s plenty to see at Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park. As one of the most popular eco-tourism tourist destinations in the city, this park is home to Arabian leopards, the oryx and other rare animals that children can see up close. Entry is completely free for children under 12 years old.

Location: Sharjah Natural History Museum and Desert Park, Al Dhaid Highway (E88), Interchange 9, Sharjah

Timings: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9am to 5.30pm, Friday: 2pm to 5.30pm, Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 5.30pm. Closed on Tuesday.

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