Things to do in Dubai to feel like a big kid
Being an adult can be fun, sure. But… Do you ever just get the urge to be a big kid again? Wouldn't it be nice to go back to those days when everything was that little bit more fun and care-free?
Back to the times of jumping into ball pits, racing down slides or heading to your best mate's house to play video games.
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Well, luckily you can have that slice of childhood whenever you like in Dubai. There are some incredible activities on offer for grown-ups that are made specifically to make you feel like a (big) kid again.
Even better, you're an adult now, no need to ask your parents' permission! Ready to embrace your inner kid? Let's go…
Activate
Canadian active gaming experience Activate is now open at City Centre Mirdif with plenty of ways to get one over your pals.
The space features nine dynamic game rooms which fuse gaming, entertainment and physical activity in a state-of-the-art facility.
With bright neon lights and easy-to-follow games, it's like being thrust into a retro games console (but irl).
From Dhs95. Open Mon-Fri 10am-10pm; Sat-Sun 10am-midnight. City Centre Mirdif Mall. playactivatemena.com (600 599905).
Active Games UAE
If this was one of your favourites as a kid, then you need to step inside the game and experience real-life Pac-Man.
Now at Active Games, the 45-minute maze will even get your heart rate up as you dodge hungry ghosts, collect power pellets and chase a high score.
Opening Wed May 7. From Dhs160. Mon-Wed 1pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. Al Quoz, feverup.com
Adventure Island
(Credit: Supplied)
This is guaranteed to give you a throwback to your mates' birthday party 20 years ago.
The attraction now has branches in JBR and Deira, offering you and the little ones hours of fun. Start off by getting into one of the Pixel rooms that are covered with sensors, and get your steps in jumping around.
If you're still not tired out, try a game or two of laser tag. Chase each other around the course as you duck and dive to avoid being hit by your opponents.
Prices vary. Jumeirah Beach Residence and City Centre Deira, adventureisland.ae (058 833 9204).
AYA Universe
Wanna jump in a giant ball pit and stare up at the stars? The interactive experiences at the Wafi City attraction are all about getting involved with galaxies far, far away, and immersing yourself in the art.
There are 12 rooms to see – after the ball pit be sure to check out the water feature and go dancing in the rain.
From Dhs135. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Wafi City, Oud Metha. aya-universe.com. (04 542 0300).
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
(Credit: Supplied)
Who doesn't love a water slide? There is no place better to be a big kid than Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm, where you can spend the entire day whizzing through tunnels and splashing around on the lazy river.
The park has 28 record-breaking waterslides, and we give you full permission to try them all.
From Dhs310 (adult), Dhs270 (child). Open daily 10am-6.30pm. Atlantis, The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, atlantis.com (04 426 2000).
Boom Battle Bar
(Credit: Boom Battle Bar)
There's plenty of games to choose from here, but we recommend you start with a round of crazy golf. If you're still feeling competitive, try your hand at shuffleboard, and why not make the loser give everyone a quick rendition of something in one of the karaoke booths. An all-rounder when it comes to having fun like a kid.
Over 21s only. Open Sun-Thu 4pm-1am; Fri-Sat 4pm-2am. DoubleTree by Hilton, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, boombattlebar.com (04 585 7357).
BOUNCE
Reach some new heights and bounce as high as you can go at one of Dubai's Bounce parks.
Visit the original venue in Al Quoz, or if you fancy trying out a bit of parkour, book a session at the Dubai Festival City branch instead, where you'll spot the free terrain park and infinity wall. Grown-ups are more than welcome, and maybe it's about time you tried practicing that front flip again.
From Dhs90 (locations vary), bounce.ae (04 304 9333).
Bullzeye
This attraction is new on the scene, and you're definitely going to want to try it out. At Dubai's first foam dart arena, get a few friends together and spend a couple of hours firing your nerf guns as you run around dodging the darts.
You can even try a bit of combat archery too, which will probably remind you of school dodgeball.
From Dhs75 (30 mins). Open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sun 10am-9pm. Al Barsha Shopping Complex, Al Quoz, bullzeyearena.com (04 288 1644).
Chaos Karts
(Credit: Supplied)
This will take you right back to the days of gripping your controller as you whizzed around Rainbow Road on Mario Kart. The go-karting experience makes you feel as if you've stepped into the game itself as you try and take out your opponents. Think you've got it in you to bag first place? Let's see.
From Dhs112. Open Mon-Thu 1pm-11pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight; Sun 11am-11pm. 6A St – Al Quoz, chaoskarts.ae (04 324 2344).
Loco Bear
When it comes to indoor entertainment, pretty much everything you can think of is under this roof.
Climbing walls? Yup. Trampolining? Of course. Roll glider? You know it. VR headsets? What do you think. Taking you back to the days where running around and gaming were the only things on the to-do list, you're guaranteed hours of fun in here.
Free entry (game prices vary). Open Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat-Sun 10am-11pm. Al Quoz 2. locobear.ae (800 56262).
Roll DXB
The 50 best indoor activities to try in Dubai (Credit: RollDXB)
Remember the day your parents first strapped on some knee and elbow pads and wheeled you off on your roller-skates?
If you think you've got the balance for it, throw on a pair of light-up skates at RollDXB and take a whizz around the rink before snapping a cool Instagram next to the neon signs. If you're really a beginner, there are newbie classes every Saturday morning, so you can practice before showing off to your friends.
From Dhs65. Open Mon-Wed 11am-11pm; Fri 11am-midnight; Sat-Sun 10am-11pm. Marina Cubes St, Dubai Maritime City, Port Rashid, rolldxb.com (04 238 6206).
Looking for things to do in Dubai?
10 creative ways to enjoy Dubai summer indoors (yes, including yoga under the sea)
Our AC-approved places to play
50 cool things to do in Dubai for less than Dhs50
Record-breaking attractions, cheap drinks and bargain days out
8 blingy things to do in Dubai if you want to show off
We get it, you've got some showing off to do
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