It’s that time of the year when parents have to figure out how to keep their kids entertained during the winter break. With many schools coming to the end of term, as parents we have to figure out how to keep our children busy while still juggling work and preparing for the holidays. Especially if you aren’t travelling for the holidays, this time of the year can become quite hectic. However we at Souqalmal.com have put together a list of some fun filled activities promising to keep your kids amused this winter.

Having fun with mini golf

Mini golf in general spells fun for kids but to add to the excitement, Tee & Putt in Wafi Mall has come up with the concept of playing glow in the dark mini golf. This black lit area decorated with neon colors, aliens, large rocks and rockets is meant to represent another planet and is bound to be an adventurous experience for your children. What’s great is that even you can play along with your kids and make it a fun filled evening for the whole family.

Besides mini golf, there are other activities at Tee & Putt such as face painting, sand art and arts and crafts. Therefore the fun doesn’t have to end at mini golf, with other attractions your kids can be kept busy for a few hours. As for how much you will be spending, Individual admission will cost you AED 75 and if you are a group of three or more, tickets will be priced at AED 65 per person. If you are looking to host a birthday party for your child or just a large gathering along with other parents and kids, Tee & Putt also have themed party packages with adds on such as magicians, clowns and much more.

Visit Barney and his friends

If your child is obsessed with the world’s friendliest purple dinosaur, then take them to Dubai Marina Mall between 19th and 21st of December. There will be three daily shows during which you kids will get to enjoy live performances by Barney and his friends celebrating the ongoing festive season. They will also get a chance to meet and greet them, so be prepared for some evening filled with song, dance and music. However, make sure you get there well before the show to buy tickets as seats are limited and allotted on first come first serve basis.

Take them to watch a play

There are few shows and plays happening during the last two weeks of December. It is a good way to spend an evening with your kids especially during the weekend. At the same time your kids can enjoy some of the eternal stories in a different manner. One of your options is watching Beauty and the Beast on the 20th and 30th December in Madinat Theatre with tickets priced at AED 150 and AED 170. Other options include watching Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs between from the 20th to 31st of December at Centre Point Theatre with tickets priced at AED 130. So do a bit of research and a plan a magical, storytelling evening for you and your family.

Meet Santa this winter

With the Christmas spirit surrounding the UAE in the form of trees, decorations and great weather, another activity your kids will always enjoy is meeting Santa. Many of venues in the UAE are making the most out of the festive season and you have plenty of choices to pick from. For example, Ski Dubai has Santa visiting to read stories and hand out gifts to the kids between 5pm to 6pm till the 24th of December with only AED 50 for entry. Other places where your kids can meet Santa and his helpers is at Wafi Mall. Inside his grotto your kids will be able to take pictures with Santa and get a toy. This event will last till the 24th of December, from 10 am to 10 pm with tickets priced at AED 60.

Another magical place you and your kids both will love is the Winter Wonderland in Madinat Jumeirah, Mina A’Salam. Winter Wonderland is a 2,200 square meters market inclusive of delicious refreshments, ice rink, North Pole train, reindeer rodeo and many other activities. What’s great is that it’s free entrance for all and is open till midnight on weekdays all the way up to 27th of December.

For the artsy kids

If your child has a little bit of Charlie Chaplin or Katharine Hepburn in them, then harvest this talent and consider sending them to a winter camp. Kids Theatre Works has a winter drama camps for various age groups starting from 21st of December to the 24th of December. During this time your kids will get a chance to work with performance instructors who will teach them skills such as acting, singing and even arts. The camp will end with a stage performance boosting their confidence and keeping your little ones entertained for a couple of days. However, make sure you register in time to ensure your child gets a spot.

Another option worth looking into is Kidzart where they teach kids different art techniques with new mediums. Their programs are also based on age groups and this educational activity is perfect to draw out your child’s inner Picasso. These classes will also increase your kid’s creativity, imagination and focusing skills and are available in multiple locations.

With plenty of options in UAE during this time of the year and wonderful weather even a day out in the park will be enjoyable for your kids. So make a small to-do list and fully experience the festive season this winter with your family.