It’s pretty toasty outside and it’s only gonna get hotter mamas! But while summer in Dubai is no walk in the park (literally, the parks and the beaches are pretty much out of bounds in this weather), there’s no need to panic about being housebound for weeks with the kids. We’ve put together a summer survival guide to the region’s best family friendly activities that are perfect for keeping the brood cool and entertained. From aquariums to indoor zoos, this is the only alphabet you’ll need to perfect over the school hols.

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Years ago when we’d trek down to Kite Beach with three kids under the age of three, I remember seeing a group of kids in matching rash vests having heaps of fun on the sand and in the water – supervised by a number of coaches and getting stuck into everything from running races to surfing. While it seemed a long way off, I vowed that if we were still in Dubai when my littles were old enough to do the same, we’d be signing them up pronto. Turns out that this cool gang of kiddos who’d inspired me that many years ago were part of the Pirates Surf Rescue Team, a club based on the South African/Australian ‘nippers’ program which introduces children to the ocean environment – whether they want to become the lifesavers of tomorrow or they just love being part of an organisation that’s all about having fun, being fit and making some really great friends along the way.
And finally the day came, my little boy Felix was old enough to become a ‘pirate’ (just after his seventh birthday) and we became a part of something very special.

Run by Candy (a South African mama of three and one of the nicest human beings I’ve ever had the privilege to meet) and a team of coaches with the most extraordinary talents (from marine biology to diving) and passion for teaching kids, Pirates Surf Rescue is a truly amazing activity. Candy is a hugely accomplished athlete and coach – she’s the team ‘mom’ – providing the perfect balance of love and nurture with training her Pirates up to be little superstars, whatever their talents.

With the main session taking place every Saturday morning from 8am – 9.30am (yes, it’s early but is there anything better than starting the day on the beach?!) and two afternoon sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays, you’re encouraged to try to come twice a week if possible. I won’t lie, the first couple of times Felix needed a lot of convincing to get involved. He was new to it all, he felt shy, he didn’t know the drill – but within just a few days he was having the time of his life. And here’s the thing. If your child isn’t hugely sporty or if he/she isn’t confident in water then it just doesn’t matter because Candy and the team are all about encouraging them to try new things and supporting them to grow and learn.

And what I love about Pirates Surf Rescue is that emphasis is placed on teamwork – on the ‘seniors’ (up to age 19) helping the ‘juniors’ (from age 6/7). There’s a zero tolerance policy for nasty or bad behavior and Candy’s pep talks about helping each other, about girls being just as good as boys and about being good responsible people are soaked up by the whole team (Felix regularly quotes Candy at home now!). Oh but there are prizes and treats galore for effort and hard work (the Saturday morning donuts/sweets/hot dogs as well as the medals and celebrations are a huge part of it all too).

After a year as a pirate, Felix’s confidence has grown as has his knowledge and skills in a beach environment. He’s tried everything from dragon boating to jet-skiing. He’s caught waves, learned self defense and  knows how to help someone in trouble in the water and his heart is set on getting to the senior level where he’ll get to join an annual surf trip to Sri Lanka. But most of all, Felix has made some great friends and wears his Pirates kit with such pride. Pirates Surf Rescue has meant that we’ve spent more time as a family on the beach, watching this awesome group of kids, meeting an equally awesome group of parents and coaches and feeling truly honored to be part of something so special and I encourage every mama with kiddos old enough to sign them up and give it a go.

To find out more about how to join the Pirates Surf Rescue Team, contact them via their Facebook Page or Instagram @pirates.surf

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Welcome to June, mamas! Well actually we’re almost halfway through the month, about to celebrate Eid Al Fitr (with three days off school for the kiddos!) and summer holidays only three weeks away (gulp!). For me, this time is about spending time with friends who we won’t see over the school hols, about keeping as cool as possible when temperatures outside are raging and about keeping the kids busy without spending an absolute fortune! And luckily there are lots of ways to do it all and have a blast before the bell rings at the end of term. From free events to super sassy discounts, here are a few of the things I’m doing and loving in June. Oh and Eid Mubarak, mamas!

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I don’t know about you but there’s only one place I like to be when it’s sooooo hot outside – and that’s in water! While the sea is still a gorgeous temperature, the sand is heating up fast so we’re heading to some of Dubai’s brand new water fun areas to cool off. From splash pads to full on water slides, lazy rivers to in-water lounges and even an indoor water play space for when you really can’t handle the outdoors, here are 4 watery spots to add to your list of must visits this summer.

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Planning a birthday party is never easy –  add it to the stress of organising something when summer’s in full swing and things can get tricky! With most outdoor spaces not possible and your child not wanting an indoor party, what to do?! Well we’ve taken the trouble to find you the PERFECT venue (an outdoor one) which is going to keep your child and their guests cool and happy – so all that’s left to do is enjoy – yay! Splash ‘N’ Party is the ideal party venue for kids between 1-12 years this summer. With a fun-filled array of water – based play activities, family friendly activities, top quality food and bespoke cakes from their in-house bakery Sprinkles and loads of all-inclusive packages to suit everyone, this place gets a massive Sassy thumbs up.

From water based activities (including bouncy castle hire with customised themed canopies and inflated water slides) to full-fledged entertainment (stilt walkers, jugglers, dancers and swimming with a live mermaid), this happening venue comes with a sizeable vibrant outdoor splash pad area (think mermaid lagoon, pirate zone and under the sea) with water slides and water guns galore. Yup, everything here is designed to give your little one a birthday of his/her dreams.

And here’s something seriously cool – we’ve heard that Splash ‘N’ Party will be opening up a brand new pool with swim-up juice bar so you’ll soon be able to book a pool party complete with inflatables – AND that there’s a new zip line coming too (a-ma-zing!)

So how much does all this cost? A Basic Birthday Party Package during the weekdays (Sunday to Wednesday) runs for 2 hours, and costs from AED 99 per child and weekends (Friday & Saturday) cost from AED 120 per child (parents get free entry). 

And how about Ramadan? Well, not only will the park be open as usual but on Weekends (Thursday – Saturday) the kids will also get to eat for free at anytime they like as there’ll be food on offer all day (9am – 9pm) plus live entertainment to enjoy too. Perfect.

Ready to enjoy a hassle-free birthday celebration with crazy slides, bucket dunking and massive amounts of water fun for our littles? We are, mamas (hooray)! To book visit Splash ‘N’ Party at Al Safa 2, Street 8a, Villa no.1, Jumeira or call 04 3883008 or visit website www.splashnparty.ae

You can also reach out them via Facebook here, Instagram here and Twitter here.

General Admission Rates:
AED100 (weekday) – all day access – with 1 adult free
AED140 (weekend) – all day access – with 1 adult free

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Mamas it’s getting hot and we don’t have to tell you, it’s only going to get hotter. Parks and beaches are rapidly becoming out of bounds, most soft plays remain one of the seven circles of hell and the summer holidays are looming. Yikes. But what if we told you there was a way to keep the kiddos busy and broaden their horizons at the same time? Check out the best of kid-friendly culture the UAE has to keep your little ones happy and entertained all summer long…

Read more: Where To Get Your Dose Of Nature in Dubai When Temperatures Soar

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