Escaping the summer heat: Dubai's hot spots for kids and family

As summer gets underway the heat rises in Dubai and parents are on the lookout for activities to keep the whole family entertained.

The Museum of Illusions in Dubai’s Al Seef is a 3D exhibition filled with optical trickery and bizarre sensory experiences from anti-gravity rooms to an infinity tunnel and a clone table where you take a seat and multiply in the mirrors.

It is one of the many attractions in the city available to parents to keep their children cool throughout the summer.

Across the city is another popular year-round activity OliOli. This interactive adventure centre has more than 40 exhibits inspired by the work of artists, educators and psychologists.

We went along with The Moussalem's who are a family of seven, with five children aged between eight months and nine years old.

Rosie Moussalem said she enjoyed the different rooms. “I like everything so far. There's a lot of stuff you can do, you can play with water, you can play with air. I like to have fun and I'm having fun right now.”

Her mother, Willeke Moussalem said there is a multitude of soft play areas in Dubai and she also has a few other favourite places for older children.

“I go to Dubai Mall. You have the ice rink. They love to skate or go to the Dubai Aquarium or Kidzania. It's amazing. And what I really like is there you can just go for a stroll. Just walk a bit around, have lunch and just have some fun.”

The city has thousands of activities throughout the summer, from waterparks to farm trips, indoor play centres and museums. 

As the holidays stretch ahead, the challenge for parents is to find activities at an affordable price. Kidzapp is a multi-platform app that helps parents find those activities and enjoy discounts.

CEO and Co-founder of Kidzapp