We have all gone through meals with crying kids and more often than not, it’s because kids don’t have the tolerance to sit at a table and chat for hours – having a meal for a child is not a social event but rather a must do. After finishing their meal, kids get impatient, bored and end up in tears after a scolding from their parents. It’s not a fun experience for the parents, child or anyone sitting at the surrounding tables.
Dubai is known for its famous “Friday Brunches” – but can parents with accompanying kids enjoy it too?
Yes, there are over 100 brunches available in Dubai and we found out that approximately 25% of them are kid friendly. This means parents can enjoy the famous “Dubai Friday Brunch” without worrying about babysitters. With entertainment for the kids, parents can enjoy their meals with friends and family. Brunches are a fantastic way to spend the afternoon with your kids without the screams, the tantrums, or the boredom. Picky eaters are also looked after as brunch buffets have enough variety such as pasta, chicken nuggets, vegetables, and not to forget a range of deserts.
What do kid friendly brunches mean?
The kids have their own buffet in many of the restaurant with mini buffet tables, mini dining tables, mini chairs and even plastic colorful cutlery. Besides food, the entertainment for the kids vary and include clowns, movies, magic shows, face-painting and even pony rides – we zeroed in on brunches with good activities. To top it all off, in the typical Dubai style, restaurants go out of their way to bring in bouncy castles in an air-conditioned dining area during the summer months.
Sameena a mother of two living in Dubai , adds: “Previously the idea of bringing my children to a brunch was daunting. But, recently we went to a brunch in Marina and for four hours we didn’t even hear from our kids. They were having a great time on the bouncy castle, and enjoyed the special kiddie food available. I would definitely go back to a brunch, and this time more relaxed knowing my kids will be entertained.”
We have selected a few of the top brunches your kids are bound to enjoy. Don’t forget to check if your credit card gives any discounts so you can save a few dirhams too.
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Top family brunches
| Location | Max cost for adults | Cost for kids | Day | Description | City |
| Farriers – Meydan Racecourse Hotel | AED 295 – 495 | AED 195 | Friday | A special buffet for kids, including hot dogs, popcorn and ice cream. Kids under the age of 13 eat for free. Activities include face and t-shirt painting, movies, indoor bouncy castles and crafts. | Dubai |
| Fairways – The Westin Abu Dhabi Gold Resort & Spa | AED 290 -325 | AED 145 | Friday | While you enjoy a wide selection of food during your brunch, kids will be entertained by clowns, magicians and face-painting activities. | Abu Dhabi |
| Mazina, The Address Dubai Marina | AED 195 | AED 100 | Friday/Saturday | Mazina pays attention to the little details as they serve kids brunch in little dishes and with child-sized cutlery. Kids can also play on the indoor bouncy castle, get their face painted and watch movies. Kids under the age of six play and eat for free. | Dubai |
| Cucina – Courtyard by Marriott | AED 165 | AED 65 | Friday | The brunch has a sundae station where kids can decorate their ice-creams. For entertainment, there is a clown, animal balloons and a large screen showing movies. Parents and kids also get access to the hotel pool after brunch. Kids below the age of six go for free. | Dubai |
| Chef’s House – Radisson Blu | AED 135 | AED 67.50 * | Saturday | It’s an intimate brunch with live cooking stations and dedicated kids area. Food options for kids include sandwiches and pasta. Kids below the age of five eat and play for free. | Dubai |
| Spice Island – The Crowne Plaza Deira | AED 159 – 279 | AED 69 | Friday | Spice Island has a large selection of food your kids can enjoy. Entertainment includes a juggling magician and a station where kids can decorate their own cake. Kids under the age six eat and play for free. | Dubai |
| The Village – One to One Hotel | AED 121 | AED 60.50 * | Friday | To keep the little one entertained during brunch there is a kids’ clubs with many activities. Also there are pony rides your kids will love. | Abu Dhabi |
* Half the adult price
