Dubai summer activities 2026: 15 family events, kids’ camps and free workshops

Dubai: We’re nearly midway into July, but if you’re running out of ways to keep your family entertained during the summer break, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the authority and resource for arts, culture and heritage in the city, has a host of events and workshops happening this July and August. While some of these camps and workshops are paid, others are completely free. Find your next summer outing via our curated list below: Camps 1. Dubai Public Library summer camp Inspired by the UAE’s Year of Family, Dubai Culture’s Summer Camp is being hosted across several library branches across the city. This year’s camp curriculum offers children a rich programme of creative, educational and interactive experiences, while fostering family values and strengthening national identity. The camp features a blend of creative arts, crafts, technology and innovation, and helps kids build a sense of belonging in their community, as well as future-ready skills. The camp is available for participants in two age groups: five to eight, and 9 to 14. When: Camp 1: July 13 – 24, 8.45am to 1pm (all locations except Hatta Library, which hosts an afternoon camp from 4pm to 8pm). Camp 2: August 3 – 14, 8.45am to 1pm Where: Dubai Public Library branches – Al Mankhool Library, Al Twar Library, Al Safa Art & Design Library, Al Rashidiya Library, Umm Suqeim Library, Hatta Library, Hor Al Anz Library, and Al Barsha Community Centre. Cost: Fee for one camp: Dh210 for Dubai Public Library members, Dh420 for non-members Fee for both July and August camps: D420 for Dubai Public Library members, Dh840 for non-members Register: You can register your child at your selected library branch, on Dubai Culture’s website: dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/events/Summer-Camp---DPL---2026 2. Young Innovators Camp Young Innovators Camp. Picture credit: Dubai Culture This August, Etihad Museum welcomes children to a unique summer camp that combines science, history, culture, and creativity. Participants explore the UAE's rich heritage while developing curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking skills. Hosted at the museum’s Science & Innovation Lab, the programme features hands-on activities, arts-and-crafts workshops, creative storytelling sessions, and team-based games and challenges that encourage collaboration, curiosity, and innovation. Children aged 5 to 12 are welcome to attend the camp. When: August 3 to 7, 9am to 3pm August 10 to 14, 9am to 3pm Where: Etihad Museum Cost: Dh350 (early bird pricing) Register: Register for the camp here: museumtickets.dubaiculture.gov.ae/etihad/gridSale/details?sellItemCode=ETEVENT Workshops 3. Arabic calligraphy – specialised workshops Love the strokes and curves of Arabic calligraphy, and want to give it a go? Dubai Culture is presenting a range of workshops as part of its Arabic Calligraphy, Ornamentation and Gilding project, which aims to support and inspire emerging talent. Join specialised courses in Ruq’ah, Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani and Jali scripts, and discover the art of ornamentation and gilding. The workshops are taught by experts in Arabic calligraphy. Sign up for one or more workshops, they’re happening throughout the month of July. People of all ages are welcome. When: July 4 – 26, 5pm to 7pm Where: Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children Cost: Free of charge Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae 4. Kinusaiga art masterclass Join a hands-on masterclass that introduces participants to a no-sew textile technique that transforms upcycled fabric scraps into vibrant works of art, while promoting creativity, accessibility, and sustainability. The masterclass is taught by Abeer Al Edani, an award-winning Iraqi artist, based in Dubai, and is open to individuals aged 18 and above. When: July 12, 10am to 1pm Where: Al Safa Arts and Design Library Cost: Free of charge Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae 5. Early explorers – Brainy ‘n Bright As part of Dubai Culture’s School of Life initiative, children begin an exciting STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) journey through interactive storytelling, combined with movement-based games that encourage exploration and learning. Kids discover shapes and basic concepts through hands-on play using simple push-and-pull toys, then move on to creating fun block-based structures such as towers and bridges, to develop creativity and problem-solving skills. They then personalise their creations through decoration and storytelling activities, giving meaning to what they have built. The experience concludes with a simple ‘show and tell’ session, where children practice communication and confidence by sharing their creations in one sentence. The workshop is for children aged 7 and above, and is conducted in English. When: July 12, 10am to 12pm Where: Al Twar Library Cost: Free of charge Register: Register for the workshop here: dubaiculture.gov.ae 6. Code the Flame Tree – Brainpad In th