Latest news with #FamilyFriendly
News24
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
The best winter fun for kids during the July 2025 school holidays
Supplied Winter might be in full swing, but boredom doesn't stand a chance this school holiday. With the July break stretching across the country, malls, play zones and public spaces are transforming into adventure hubs filled with building blocks, glow paint, mini motor shows and even a magical Smurfs Village. Whether you're in Joburg, Cape Town, Durban or beyond, there's something near you to keep the kids busy and happy. Here's your curated guide to the top family-friendly events happening during the July 2025 school holidays. Johannesburg Sandton City – Lego F1: Build the Thrill 5 July to 6 August | Free Shift into high gear with Sandton City's Lego F1 experience where kids can build their own race cars, compete in mini challenges and even win prizes. Interactive, colourful and completely free, it's fast-paced fun for every Lego lover. Melrose Arch – Winter Playground 27 June to 20 July | R70/hour or R140 unlimited play (includes popcorn) Melrose Arch becomes a winter wonderland for little ones aged one to 10. Expect obstacle courses, face painting, toddler zones and even Clamber Club entertainment. Plus, local restaurants are offering family deals to sweeten the day out. Supplied Supplied Mall of Africa – Playtime at Le Petit Playhouse 9 to 21 July | R190 per child (includes show, DIY kit and dress-up) Kids aged two to seven can dive into a world of imagination at this interactive playhouse filled with mini role-play zones, such as a vet clinic, café and fire station, complete with props, puppets and creative workshops. Book: popup@ | 082 499 8834 Supplied Supplied Pretoria The Grove Mall – Smurfs Village and Character Visit 20 June to 27 July | Free (train ride R30) In celebration of the new Smurfs movie, The Grove Mall brings kids a magical Smurfs experience. From interactive water zones to a Smurf-themed train and a one-day-only character meet-up, it's a blue-hued adventure not to miss. Supplied Western Cape Liberty Promenade Mall – Glow Studio (Mitchells Plain) 7 to 20 July | R20 per child A glow-in-the-dark art studio? Yes please; kids can create neon masterpieces on back-lit walls, and every ticket helps support art-focused NPOs. You can enter the photo competition to win a gift card. Supplied KwaZulu-Natal Liberty Midlands Mall – ARTopia Public Art Exhibition (Pietermaritzburg) 1 to 14 July | Free Over 300 artworks created by local schoolchildren will be on display, focusing on climate and conservation. Families can vote for their favourite and win shopping vouchers through the centre's till slip competition. Cornubia Mall – Autostyle Motor Expo 2025 (Umhlanga) 19 and 20 July | R100 (Kids under 12 free) Petrolheads, rev your engines, this high-octane event showcases SA's hottest custom rides, car culture, sound-offs and product launches, all in one family-friendly motor show. Tickets: Bluey's Big Play Don't miss Bluey's Big Play in Johannesburg from Wednesday 9 to Sunday 20 July at Montecasino's Teatro. Fresh from its Cape Town debut, the hit stage show brings Bluey, Bingo, Mum and Dad to life with puppetry, music and fun. Families attending are encouraged to support Woodrock Animal Rescue by donating pet food, blankets, toys or second-hand books to help animals in need this winter. Collection bins will be available in the theatre foyer throughout the show's run. Tickets are available via or with special meet-and-greet and VIP ticket options available. This is a must-see winter treat. Bluey Meet and Greets (August 2025) While technically after the holidays, this one's worth saving in your calendar. Beloved pup Bluey will be visiting malls around SA in August for photo ops and fun. Newcastle Mall (9 Aug), Bethlehem (16 Aug), Bloem (17 Aug), Design Quarter (23 Aug), Balfour Mall (24 Aug), Zevenwacht (30 Aug) Free | Limited spaces Show Comments ()
Zawya
18-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
It takes a village: Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week to highlight childhood, community and connection
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA), the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) and its partners will host the 2nd Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025, an Emirate-wide series of community activations, taking place from 17 - 23 November 2025. Under the theme Together We Can Make Abu Dhabi a Family-friendly Emirate, the week will serve as a platform for public and private sector partners to co-create and offer enriching experiences for families and young children. The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 embodies ECA's vision where every young child can flourish, to their full potential, in a safe and family-friendly environment. The week creates space for collaboration, shared action, and joyful connection, while aligning with the UAE's Year of Community by encouraging everyone to take part. The 2024 edition saw a remarkable response: over 25,000 families participated, more than 70 activations were hosted across the Emirate, and 1,000+ global attendees contributed to a vibrant exchange of ideas, innovation, and storytelling. Building on this momentum, the 2025 edition aims to deepen impact, broaden reach, and inspire even more engagement. While the 2024 edition included a global forum, a gathering of early childhood researchers and an Early Childhood Development Fair (biannual activities), the 2025 edition aims to create targeted impact on the grassroots level by engaging the community, through activations, across the Emirate. 'In the first 1,000 days, a child's brain forms over a million connections every second - these are the moments that shape a lifetime. We also know that investing in the early years is an investment in our nation's future. It helps lay the foundations for healthier, more resilient societies, stronger economies, and empowered future generations who will carry the UAE's legacy forward,' said Her Excellency Sana bint Mohamed Suhail, Minister of Family and Director General of the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. 'This November, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week invites every family, caregiver, community member and organization to be part of something truly special. Through playful experiences and interactive activations across the Emirate, we will be shining a light on the importance of the early years of a child. The Week will be an excellent opportunity for organizations to actively participate, co-create and contribute. Come out, take part, and contribute to our collective mission to make Abu Dhabi family-friendly,' Suhail added. Key themes during the Week will include: Spending quality time with children Nurturing cultural identity and heritage Using Technology and AI to support, not replace, real-life connection Creating more family-friendly spaces across the Emirate Reaching communities throughout Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra region, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Week 2025 will transform public spaces into playgrounds of learning and wonder, turning everyday places into opportunities for parents and caregivers to connect with their children. The ECA invites organizations to co-create and offer enriching experiences throughout the week that are age-appropriate, child-centered, encouraging play, hands-on and interactive, culturally relevant, and encourage parent-child bonding. Organizations interested in contributing to this Week can register their interest by emailing ADECWeek@ The Week's partners as well as the schedule of community activations will be announced closer to the Week. About the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority The Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, established in 2019, promotes optimal child development and wellbeing, from the early stages of pregnancy to the age of eight. We influence policies, inform decision-making through research, incubate innovative ideas, all while enabling the Early Childhood Sector and navigating the impact it's making. We focus on Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Family Support, Education and Early Care. Our vision is that every young child can flourish to their full potential in a safe and family-friendly environment. For More Information: Musaab Abdulla, Outreach and Partnerships Department
Malay Mail
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Dorsett Wanchai and Dorsett Mongkok Promise a Fantastic Summer Vacation for Families
Enjoy up to 35% off for family rooms with complimentary breakfast and delightful amenities for the little ones Complimentary daily breakfast for the whole family Flexible check-in/out times and a full 26-hour stay (exclusive to official website bookings)^ Branded bath amenities and personalized slippers for kids Welcome gifts such as the "Little Foodies" Snack Box, Jasper Teddy and in-room surprise sweet treats Free Baby Gear Rentals, including baby dining essentials, bathing and hygiene amenities, and Jasper's Adventure Kit for a fun stay experience HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 8 May 2025 - As summer approaches, the award-winning Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong , and Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong under Dorsett Hospitality International, are thrilled to introduce the Family Stay & Play experience for family travelers. With the, guests can enjoy, and a wide range of thoughtful and delightfulFrom the moment guests step into the hotel, they are welcomed by a(available daily from 6-7 pm). Upon check-in, children receive a, providing adorable companionship throughout their stay in Hong the rooms, families will find, including kid-size slippers and branded shower products. For families traveling with babies, the hotels offer complimentary rentals of baby cots, feeding amenities, and bathing and hygiene essentials, ensuring a hassle-free stay. To keep kids entertained, Teddy Jasper's Adventure Kit, complete with board games and a music night light, is also Dorsett Wanchai, children will be delighted with an in-room piñata surprise (for selected bookings) and the Star Wars pinball machine in the hotel in ourwith our. Additional benefits include:to take advantage of these fantastic offers and enjoy a truly memorable stay! For more information and reservation, please visit:^Not applicable to Family Quad Room bookings at Dorsett Mongkok. Above offers are available from now until December 31, 2025. Please refer to the hotel website for #DorsettWanchai #DorsettMongkok The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
