Latest news with #Aquaventure
Time Out Dubai
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
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. If you like reading this: 31 fully redeemable pool days in Dubai for the ultimate day in the sun 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. (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, 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, (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. (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, (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, (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), (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, (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, (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. (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, (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
The Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I took my kids to the winter sun city with the world's largest waterpark – here's how we visited for free
'I NEVER want to say goodbye to Dubai,' proclaims my 11-year-old daughter. The city famous for bikini-clad celebrities, luxury shopping and exclusive nightlife appeals to kids too, it seems. 4 4 I took daughter Romy and her brother George, six, for a hit of that year-round sunshine that is only a seven-hour flight from the UK. One of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, Dubai is known for its glitzy skyscrapers, plush beaches and luxury hotels. And the ocean-themed resort Atlantis, The Palm, ticks all of those boxes. Situated at the pinnacle of the man-made Palm Jumeirah island, the resort is themed around the mythical lost city of Atlantis and is a complete destination in its own right. Romy and George didn't want to look around when we arrived, they wanted to head straight for the on-site Aquaventure World, the world's largest waterpark. I have been dragged around plenty of waterparks in my time, but this is on a different scale. Home to more than 105 slides, attractions, and experiences, Aquaventure is incredible and, better still, free for guests of the resort. Both my children were desperate to have a go on Leap Of Faith, a 60ft near-vertical drop through a shark-filled lagoon. Stunning skyline But I steered them towards the Lazy River, a 2.3km loop that takes about 45 minutes to complete. Thankfully, they both loved it. TUI resort next door to giant waterpark But it wasn't just children enjoying the rides, adults were whizzing down slides and soaring along in rubber rings faster than the kids. The fact that you don't need to leave the resort to have a great time is a huge perk. There are 1,544 rooms and suites, as well as 36 amazing restaurants, bars and lounges, including six celebrity chef restaurants and two with a Michelin star. And the service is second to none. Even the most demanding junior eaters can feast like kings and queens here. For dinner there was a steakhouse and South American and Lebanese restaurants as well as more glitzy options such as the Japanese-themed Nobu. But it was Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen that turned out to be the true winner for my kids. For £20 a head they could eat more pepperoni pizza than seemed possible, and for an extra £7 there were bottomless soft drinks. As the evening set in and the heat subsided, it was more than pleasant enough to dine in the outside area, catching a last view of those golden rays. We were there in the summer holidays and our days started early with mounds of freshly made pancakes in the Kaleidoscope restaurant. Then it was time for the on-site amusement arcade, Wavehouse, where my kids spent hours ferociously competing on the latest arcade games and at ten-pin bowling. You can also feast your eyes on a wealth of marine animals at the Ambassador Lagoon, which is part of Aquaventure World. 4 Along with The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Shark Lagoon, it is home to more than 65,000 marine animals, including baby stingrays, piranhas and zebra sharks, watched over by more than 100 staff. When the kids weren't naming the fish, or racing each other on slides, they were lounging by one of the two pools. To cool down in the sizzling heat, I was handed complimentary chilled flannels while the kids opted for lollies and ice creams. Each of the pools is watched over by teams of lifeguards, meaning parents can truly relax. Although their hearts may get racing again when the kids beg for a ride on the Dubai Balloon, which carries visitors 300 metres above the sea and high into the sky. It was worth it, though, with 360-degree views of Dubai and its stunning skyline, including the famous Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest tower. The trip does cost an additional £35 for adults and £15 each for children, but it will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Each evening, the children were so exhausted that they fell asleep within seconds of their heads hitting the crisp cotton pillows in our bedroom. But I was able to close the curtains on the bright sunshine and views of the Arabian Sea and set the mood lighting so as not to disturb them. With a stand-alone bathtub and views over the Gulf it was the perfect place to relax and read a book for the first time in months. Of course, if you do find a moment to leave the action-packed resort, it's easy to reach the main city. Romy insisted on exploring — and taking boast-worthy selfies for her friends at home — so we took the futuristic monorail across the water to the centre of the city 15 minutes away. And there you really can shop until you drop. Dubai may be glitz and glamour to some, but to me it was the perfect place for a family holiday. And it wasn't just my daughter who never wanted to leave. 4
The Irish Sun
09-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
I took my kids to the winter sun city with the world's largest waterpark – here's how we visited for free
'I NEVER want to say goodbye to Dubai,' proclaims my 11-year-old daughter. The city famous for bikini-clad celebrities, luxury shopping and exclusive nightlife appeals to kids too, it seems. 4 The ocean-themed resort Atlantis, The Palm, ticks every box 4 The resort is themed around the mythical lost city of Atlantis and is a complete destination in its own right I took daughter Romy and her brother George, six, for a hit of that year-round sunshine that is only a seven-hour flight from the UK. One of the seven emirates that make up the UAE, Dubai is known for its glitzy skyscrapers, plush beaches and luxury hotels. And the ocean-themed resort Atlantis, The Palm, ticks all of those boxes. Situated at the pinnacle of the man-made Palm Jumeirah island, the resort is themed around the mythical lost city of Atlantis and is a complete destination in its own right. READ MORE ON DUBAI Romy and George didn't want to look around when we arrived, they wanted to head straight for the on-site Aquaventure World, the world's largest I have been dragged around plenty of waterparks in my time, but this is on a different scale. Home to more than 105 slides, attractions, and experiences, Aquaventure is incredible and, better still, free for guests of the resort. Both my children were desperate to have a go on Leap Of Faith, a 60ft near-vertical drop through a shark-filled lagoon. Most read in News Travel Stunning skyline But I steered them towards the Lazy River, a 2.3km loop that takes about 45 minutes to complete. Thankfully, they both loved it. TUI resort next door to giant waterpark But it wasn't just children enjoying the rides, adults were whizzing down slides and soaring along in rubber rings faster than the kids. The fact that you don't need to leave the resort to have a great time is a huge perk. There are 1,544 rooms and suites, as well as 36 amazing restaurants, bars and lounges, including six celebrity chef restaurants and two with a Michelin star. And the service is second to none. Even the most demanding junior eaters can feast like kings and queens here. For dinner there was a steakhouse and South American and Lebanese restaurants as well as more glitzy options such as the Japanese-themed Nobu. But it was Gordon Ramsay's Bread Street Kitchen that turned out to be the true winner for my kids. For £20 a head they could eat more pepperoni pizza than seemed possible, and for an extra £7 there were bottomless soft drinks. As the evening set in and the heat subsided, it was more than pleasant enough to dine in the outside area, catching a last view of those golden rays. We were there in the summer holidays and our days started early with mounds of freshly made pancakes in the Kaleidoscope restaurant. Then it was time for the on-site amusement arcade, Wavehouse, where my kids spent hours ferociously competing on the latest arcade games and at ten-pin bowling. You can also feast your eyes on a wealth of marine animals at the Ambassador Lagoon, which is part of Aquaventure World. 4 The kids wanted to head straight for the on-site Aquaventure World, the world's largest waterpark Along with The Lost Chambers Aquarium and Shark Lagoon, it is home to more than 65,000 marine animals, including baby stingrays, piranhas and zebra sharks, watched over by more than 100 staff. When the kids weren't naming the fish, or racing each other on slides, they were lounging by one of the two pools. To cool down in the sizzling heat, I was handed complimentary chilled flannels while the kids opted for lollies and ice creams. Each of the pools is watched over by teams of lifeguards, meaning parents can truly relax. Although their hearts may get racing again when the kids beg for a ride on the Dubai Balloon, which carries visitors 300 metres above the sea and high into the sky. It was worth it, though, with 360-degree views of Dubai and its stunning skyline, including the famous The trip does cost an additional £35 for adults and £15 each for children, but it will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Each evening, the children were so exhausted that they fell asleep within seconds of their heads hitting the crisp cotton pillows in our bedroom. But I was able to close the curtains on the bright sunshine and views of the Arabian Sea and set the mood lighting so as not to disturb them. With a stand-alone bathtub and views over the Gulf it was the perfect place to relax and read a book for the first time in months. Of course, if you do find a moment to leave the action-packed resort, it's easy to reach the main city. Romy insisted on exploring — and taking boast-worthy selfies for her friends at home — so we took the futuristic monorail across the water to the centre of the city 15 minutes away. And there you really can shop until you drop. Dubai may be glitz and glamour to some, but to me it was the perfect place for a family holiday. And it wasn't just my daughter who never wanted to leave. 4 There are 1,544 rooms and suites, as well as 36 amazing restaurants GO: DUBAI GETTING THERE: British Airways flies from London Heathrow to Dubai from £454 return. See STAYING THERE: An Ocean Queen Room, sleeping two adults and two children, costs from 1,160 AED (£239) per night, including complimentary access to Aquaventure World and entrance to The Lost Chambers Aquarium. See
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
May is water safety awareness month
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)– May is Water Safety Awareness Month and whether you're heading to the beach or just taking a dip in the neighborhood pool, it is important to make sure you're being aware and safe in the water. 'Water is an environment that we don't spend a lot of time in every single day of our lives. So, it's very foreign to a lot of people, and we are in such a water rich area that we have a lot of opportunities to interact with it. So, safety has to be paramount,' Director of Aquaventure in Greenville Mike Godwin.' 'Drowning with children is the number one cause of accidental death for children under the age of 5 and we are so passionate here at Goldfish at turning that statistic around,' Regional Manager of Goldfish Swim School in Greenville South Carolina Tiffany Keyser said. For all the training that children and adults do in the water, it is crucial for them to learn how to get out safely. For some, swim lessons can start as early as four months old, the same age that babies can start holding their head up on their own. 'Very important for children to understand that they need to learn how to safely climb out of a pool or a body of water if they were to fall in,' Keyser said. 'They need to practice how to efficiently do back floats so that they can breathe oxygen. That's the number one thing that we always want to teach is how to do a really great back float.' Experts said even if you are a trained swimmer, you need to be aware of what body of water you are swimming in and know your limits. 'We have to understand what our skill limits are. As adults, that's a little bit easier, but for kids, that's on the parents. The parents really have to understand what the limits of their child's swimming ability is,' Godwin said. 'I would say that, if you're taking your child to any kind of swim lesson program, make sure it's an established program that understands what they're doing.' Local swim lessons are available at Aquaventure in Winterville or for young children, you can check out the Goldfish Swim School with multiple locations across the country and one regional location in Greenville, S.C. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Muscat Daily
05-05-2025
- Muscat Daily
Aquaventure offers immersive experiences for tourists in Oman
An Omani youth turns his passion for the sea into a thriving tourism venture, enabling tourists to explore the underwater wonders of the sultanate Fuelled by a deep love for the sea and a spirit of adventure, 29-year-old Muhab Mohammed al Shabli, a resident of Muscat, has launched Aquaventure, a marine tourism initiative that aims to transform how tourists experience Oman's pristine coastline. Fluent in English and currently studying Spanish and French, Muhab is expanding his linguistic skills to cater to a wider range of international visitors. Bubbling with enthusiasm to showcase the underwater wonders along the coast of Oman, he feels his show has only begun. 'I founded Aquaventure in 2023 to give tourists the opportunity to explore Oman's stunning marine life and coastal beauty,' Muhab said in an interview with Muscat Daily. What began with a single boat, offering tours to view coral reefs, turtles, and vibrant marine ecosystems has since grown into a promising business. Today, Muhab owns two boats, each accommodating 12 passengers. His tours include diving excursions to the famed Daymaniyat Islands, as well as quick getaways to closer destinations like Bandar Al Khiran and Qantab. 'Aquaventure is more than just a boat trip,' Muhab said. 'It's your gateway to a world of marine adventures in the heart of Oman's coast. We started with a passion and turned it into an unforgettable experience.' Eco-friendly tourism Operating from Marina Bandar Al Rowdha, Aquaventure offers private sea tours, island explorations, fishing trips, snorkeling, and diving experiences. Key destinations include the Daymaniyat Islands, Al Fahal Island, and Bandar Al Khiran. 'Our trips uncover hidden gems – secluded beaches, sea caves, and crystal-clear waters that are only accessible by boat,' he disclosed. Aquaventure has also introduced environmentally conscious practices, such as educating tourists on marine conservation and encouraging reef-safe sunscreen use. Muhab ensures that his team – mostly young Omanis – are trained in eco-friendly tourism and customer service, helping to create local jobs and foster a culture of environmental stewardship. Muhab highlighted the importance of storytelling in tourism. 'We showcase each location not just with visits, but by creating lasting memories through photography and immersive experiences.' The journey to success, however, wasn't smooth. 'From boat preparations to navigating complex permit processes, the beginning was full of challenges. But with persistence and a focus on quality, we built a loyal customer base, many of whom now promote us through word of mouth,' he said. Untapped potential Muhab initially self-financed the project through savings and support from family, later applying for a small business grant through Oman's SME Development Authority. His success reflects the growing trend of youth-led ventures in the country, supported by national entrepreneurship programmes like Riyada and Intilaaqah. He emphasised the untapped potential of marine tourism in Oman. 'It's a national treasure that needs strategic support – from better promotion and simplified licensing to smart infrastructure that serves both, tourists and investors.' According to the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman welcomed over 3.5 million visitors in 2023, with coastal and marine tourism forming a key growth sector under Oman Vision 2040. Muhab believes that with more visibility and collaboration between the private sector and government entities, marine tourism could become a major contributor to the national economy. Looking ahead, Muhab envisions Aquaventure becoming the leading name in marine tourism in Oman, with branches in new regions and a globally recognised brand that retains its authentic Omani character. To aspiring entrepreneurs, he offered heartfelt advice, 'Believe in your potential and start, even if it's a small gesture. Develop your project until it becomes your dream. Smart risk-taking creates success stories. Don't wait for opportunities – create them. And let the sea teach you how to rise, no matter how high the waves.'
