Another term has come to an end (sob, they are growing up too soon) and the kids are on a two month long summer break (help and yay), but lucky for you, mama, there’s no chance for anyone to get bored over the hols! From awesome summer camps to water parks, outdoor and indoor fun to indoor birthday parties and even some fabulous holiday and staycation deals for family bonding (some of them don’t even require flights!), check out all the fun things you and your littles could indulge in this summer. There’s literally something for everyone.

Camps:

Whether you’re staying in town this summer or just looking for ways to entertain the kiddos for a week or two then look no further Mamas, as we’ve got the low-down on some of the best summer camps in the city. From getting stuck into arts and crafts to playing football all day on air conditioned pitches, learning to dive to water play with a difference – camps these days are so amazing that we wish we could join!

Things to do to keep sporty and active little people busy:

Got energetic kids, mama? We’ve you covered when the great outdoors is out of bounds. Save your home and your sanity (the sofa won’t handle anymore bouncing about and frankly neither will you) by checking out our list of 12 places to keep sporty and active little people busy when the usual beach/park/pool routine is on hold.

Non Soft-Play fun indoor:

When the sun is too hot and the good old boardgames won’t cut it anymore, you need some full proof entertainment ideas to burn those bottomless energy reserves. These fun Indoor (Non Soft-Play) Fun In The UAE, a Sassy Mama’s Guide require zero screen time and sure to see through those ‘stay indoor’ kind of days.

A Fun Indoor Art Activity To Keep Your Kids Busy & Having Fun:

Many of us don’t have the time to plan these activities or don’t have the expertise, knowledge or imagination for what’s most suited for the kids – and this is where Victoria can help. IDK Little Miracles is a new monthly service set up and you’ll be guided on how to have fun with your little ones and how to create time for the most important part of your life, your family. Four planned activities at just AED 90. Read all about it here.

Fun out of the Sun:

Listen here, mama. There’s absolutely no need to panic – or to suddenly promote hours of screen time every day. Yes schools are out and yes it’s very hot and yes it will continue to be very hot for a good few months now BUT the good news is that there are absolutely loads of fun things for kids to do in Dubai even when parks and beaches and outdoor play is limited. And they don’t all cost a fortune either (honestly!). For full run down on summer fun check out – 21 of Our Favourite Things To Do With Kids in Dubai Over The Summer or A-Z Guide To Surviving Summer With Kids In Dubai – the only alphabet you will need to perfect over school holidays. Missing outdoors? then you might find a thing or three here – Where To Get Your Dose Of Nature in Dubai When Temperatures Soar.

Splash, Slide and Swim:

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. Also check out our guide guide to best places for the fam to get all washed up together whether you’re skidding down a waterslide or catching some waves at a water sports lesson. Even better, a few hours or a day-cation at one of Dubai’s fabulous hotels, mamas? From pools with slides to pools with views, we’ve found 14 of the best for cooling off and having a swimmingly good time, mamas.

Psst… heard of Privilee? This membership not only gives you unlimited access to some of the UAE’s best beach clubs and lush pools but also kids clubs, spa deals and loads more – all for a very reasonable price – and there’s no catch (honestly), just sign up, pay your subscription and start flexing that card! And here are our top 5 family friendly Privilee pools. 

Lets Talk Screen Time:

Whether you’re trying to fill up those hours (in between camps and indoor play fun), you’re facing a mammoth journey and need to keep the kids distracted and entertained or you’ll need to rely on the iPad as an occasional babysitter this summer just to get some peace and quiet – these new apps are not only fun but also a good way to keep the brain cells engaged when school’s out! And here our Singapore Editor explains how she’s achieved near-sainthood in her house with Daniel Tiger. 

psssst… mama, in need of some serious down time with Netflix?! (we hear you), here are some of the ‘Best Binge-Worthy Netflix Shows‘ to watch this summer. Plus, a mandatory mama viewing: ‘The Letdown’ on Netflix (if there is one show you watch this summer, let it be this). And a cheeky little guide for the littles too – top 10 Netflix picks for kids.

Taking the party indoors:

Got a birthday party to plan mamas? Check out our pick of the best places to book up a summer birthday party indoors and you can guarantee your birthday boy or girl the best day ever. And if you want to stay on trend then check out tips by Aisha Leitner, founder of fabulous party concert store Party Camel where she shares with us themes and accessories that are trending for kids birthday party planners this year. Oh, how could we forget the cake – here are the best places to have your cake (and eat it) in Dubai. Lastly if you’re looking to earn maximum mama points from the birthday boy/girl, who can’t stop saying – it was the best party ever, then plan A Game Van Party For Kids. Or if you simply want to host the party from comfort of your home, then here are some simple party food ideas for kids you may want to refer to. Have a good one, mamas!

Summer travel:

Looking at getting away to somewhere cooler and perhaps even somewhere exotic. Well, mamas look no further…here are our recommendations on where to go this summer as a family. Also, check out tips on what and how to pack smart for summer holidays.

Staying back? then you may want to break up the summer months with a staycation (or two) then you may want to check out  some of these fabulous travel offers in the UAE to make the most of, mamas! And a little guide on what to pack for your weekend vaycay, mamas!

Travel is the best time to catch up on reading – Novelist Lisa Beazley’s take on the best beach books to pack in your bag this summer… wherever your travels may take you!

Adventures and Once-in-a-lifetime Experiences:

Whether you’re new to Dubai, you know you won’t be in the desert for much longer, you want to buy someone the ULTIMATE gift or you want to get out there and have some fun, here are some of our favourites to add to your bucket list and ‘must-do’ things in Dubai, mamas!

Thank us later, happy summer hols, mama…Stay Sassy!

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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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Whether you’re staying in town this summer or just looking for ways to entertain the kiddos for a week or two then look no further Mamas, as we’ve got the low-down on some of the best summer camps in the city. From getting stuck into arts and crafts to playing football all day on air conditioned pitches, learning to dive to water play with a difference – camps these days are so amazing that we wish we could join!

The post Some Of Our Favourite Summer Camps in Dubai (Pssst Get Discount Codes Too!) appeared first on Sassy Mama.

The novelty of Dubai’s heat wore off five minutes ago, and coming up with fun things to do with your littles is proving a challenge. The outdoors is just no fun when you’re lathered in sweat so why not take them indoors to let loose, burn off some energy and even learn a thing or three? You can thank us later, mamas…

The post Indoor (Non Soft-Play) Fun In The UAE: Sassy Mama’s Guide appeared first on Sassy Mama.

Yasmine is an Lebanese sassy mama of 3 kids, plus an awesome baker (check out petites choses) whose brilliant combinations of classic flavours and ingredients mixed with whimsical florals and a wide array of beautiful bits and bobs (think lots of gold foil and galaxy swirls)  ensure that every cake is its own piece of art! Describing herself as a ‘passionate kind human’, Yasmine is a baker, self proclaimed hummus queen and food blessed ambassador and this, mama believes in doing her bit to put smile on everyone’s face. This is her little black book.

Describe your perfect Friday in Dubai

Most beautiful spot in/around the city

Something on your bucket list that you haven’t got round to doing yet.

Best cup of coffee

Favorite restaurants

Hidden gems

Favorite play spot with the kids

If you need a party outfit you’ll go to…

Where do you go to kit out your kids?

Where do you go to get fit and get pampered?

Best thing you’ve done in Dubai to date?

Dubai summed up in 3 words

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