UAE: Cool summer camps the kids will love
Still struggling with a structured and fun yet educational summer plan for the kids? Don't worry, we've got you covered. While school is out for the next few weeks, sign up the little ones for adventures of the creative kind. From learning about jobs in the real world to taking part in treasure hunts, these camps have something for every state of mind. Most offer daily and weekly rates and sibling discounts too, making them just a little bit more affordable.
Here's a look at your options across UAE:
Boo Boo Laand
School may be out but that doesn't mean there's a pause on adventure. Enrol your child into an eight-week voyage of discovery (you could also just pick a journey based on the week). Boo Boo Laand, the immersive play area, is hosting a summer camp that switches up themes every week. The programme is designed for kids aged four to eight but three-year-olds may be admitted (on a case-by-case basis). Week one takes the young scallywags on The Mermaid and Pirate Voyage, rife with stories and treasure hunts. Week two, Superhero and Super Girl, is all about caped crusaders, while week three will dive into the Secrets of the Seas. Week four will launch imaginations into space (the theme is The Great Space Escape). And week five will be a trip back in time as Jurassic Explorers. In the sixth week, your little adventurer will head off for the Boo Boo Safari Expedition, while the next session, Little Earth Keepers, will teach him or her about nature and sustainability. The final theme is The Great Boo Boo World Tour.
Dh350 (per day); Dh1,400 (per week); Dh5,200 (for a month). 10 per cent sibling discounts are available. June 30-August 22, 9am-1pm. Dubai Mall. booboolaand.com.
Dubai Mall Summer Camp
Have a curious kid on your hands? We've got just the thing. This camp gives kids access to six fun spots – KidZania; Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; Dubai Ice Rink; At the Top, Burj Khalifa; Reel Cinema; Play DXB over a four-day period. It's best for kids aged seven to 14 but those who are between three and six can join too, as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Dh799 (including food); Dh899 (excluding food). June 30 – August 21, 10am-10pm. Dubai Mall.
Expo City Dubai
The kids will play with a purpose at Expo City Dubai this summer. They can enrol in either Expo City Summer Camp (for ages five–12) or Lab of the Future STEM Camp (eight–12). In the former camp, held across Expo City, they will do STEM experiments, messy art sessions, sports challenges, and media workshops. The later segment is a science-packed party where young minds can interact with former NASA, ESA and ISRO scientists, build balloon-fighting robots, run AI experiments, design Mars rovers, and even fly drones. With space-themed escape rooms and hands-on missions, this is sure to tingle those little grey cells.
Expo City Summer Camp: Dh152 (per day, when booked before June 30). Dh190 (daily);Dh845 (weekly); Dh3,500 (summer pass). July 7-August 22, 9am-2pm. Early drop off and extended hours are available.
Lab of the Future STEM Camp: Dh1,500 (for two weeks). July 7-August 15, 9.30am-12.30pm. Expo City Dubai.
The Green Planet
Calling all mini zoologists in the making (or, any animal loving tot, really). Each camp day will begin with a warm-up and themed ice breaker. And then days full of science and nature. On the four-day time-table each week are animal encounters, creative workshops, games, and challenges. Each day is themed: there's Rainforest Rangers Mondays, which will explore forest ecosystems and biodiversity; Animal Adventures Tuesdays that will the kids playing zookeeper; Eco-Heroes Wednesdays will see seed planting, composting, and upcycled art. And, on Jungle Scientists Thursdays, there'll be weather experiments, STEM games, and explorer walks. It's perfect for those aged five to 12.
Dh250 (per day); Dh750 (per week). July 7- August 21, 9am-3pm. thegreenplanetdubai.com
Yas Island Summer Camp
The only issue you might face with this camp is that the kids won't want to go home. They can enjoy five experiences in the theme parks. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, for instance, they will make new friends, take on team challenges including a scavenger hunt. They can also design their own rides and push themselves with competitive gaming at the Ferrari World Esports Arena. Live action shows and performances also promise entertainment. Yas Waterworld, meanwhile, will see the young-in's splashing around. There are rides and slides, of course, but also a Splash and Match pairing game, and treasure hunts. At Warner Bros. World, the little sleuths will follow clues and discover secrets. They will also make their own masks and capes and see a live stage show featuring DC Super Hero characters. When at SeaWorld, campers will engage in activities that range from crafting ocean-themed board games to creating colorful fish using repurposed materials. There are plenty of animal encounters planned too, including feeding manta rays and sea lions, and meeting the dugong Malquot. CLYMB Abu Dhabi is all about the thrill of flying and kids can take on an Aero Adventure, fly in the world's biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber, and race up climbing walls. The pass will get kids access to one theme park a day, lunch, a bag, notebook, pen and water bottle and a camper T-shirt.
Dh1,595 (per child, aged seven-13). July 7-August 22, 9am-2pm (Mon-Fri). Sibling discounts are available. yasisland.com
OliOli
Since it's been established that you can have fun while learning, Oli Oli must become your next pitstop. It's got permanent galleries fun of scientific experiments, and a summer camp with different themes each week, including Jurassic, space, tinker, and mess. Kids, aged four to 10, who enrol will also gain access to the SlimeMania exhibition. Activities include building a terrarium and scavenger hunts.
Dh990 (per week, morning); Dh690 (per week, afternoon); Dh1,550 (per week, all day). June 30-August 2,9.30am-5pm. Al Quoz 1, Dubai. olioli.ae
Bounce
Kids will love jumping into this one. The camp at the Bounce and miniBounce venues will teach them trampolining tricks and games that can be enjoyed alone or with a group of friends.
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