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Time Out Dubai
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
11 best soft play areas in Dubai that the kids will love
Keeping kids entertained is one of the biggest challenges of adulting. luckily, there are plenty of cute indoor soft play areas in Dubai to make it easier. Whether you're looking for a way to burn off your toddler's endless energy or help them build balance and coordination, these spots have it all. From bounce zones and kids' museums to nature-inspired trails and mini obstacle courses (all blissfully air-conditioned), these soft play areas in Dubai serve up equal parts fun and learning for both kids and their grown-ups. So, book that play date and prepare to make some core memories. 11 indoor soft play areas in Dubai Boo Boo Laand Credit: Boo Boo Laand If you're looking for an aesthetic, picture-perfect spot to treat your kids to, this pastel-hued entertainment destination tops the list. Spanning over 25,000 square metres (a little smaller than a Carrefour), there are over 30 attractions from a snow park to a princess dress-up area, trampolines and interactive shows. Offering something for ages spanning from babies to teens, rest assured, the kiddos will have a jolly time, whether they're milking the soft-furred cows (yes, really) or playing with the snow at the snow park. From Dhs190. Ages: 0-15. Open daily 10am-11pm. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, (050 189 8140). KidZania Your kiddo loves tinkering with a cash counter and counting fake currency? This is where you should take them. Located in Dubai Mall, KidZania is packed with over 40 role-playing activities for children aged 2-16, where they'll learn all about jobs, money and the real world. KidZania has children's versions of a hospital, bank, radio station and more. Each ticket grants all-day access to most city activities. Plus, kids under two go free. From Dhs120. Ages: 2-16. Open daily 10am-11pm. Dubai Mall, (04 448 5222) You might also like: Top kids summer camps in Dubai to book now Leo&Loona There's heaps to get involved in at Leo&Loona, with more than 20 unique attractions and ten-plus creative workshops for kids aged two to ten. Think trampolines, ball pools, climbing walls, pedal go-karts and more. This soft playground also hosts kids' masterclasses in bath bombs, slime, cooking and more. What's more, if you're feeling peckish, there's a café you can grab a latte and a snack from. Dhs179 (Mon-Fri, full-day pass), Dhs229 (Sat-Sun, full-day pass), free (under twos). Ages: 0-12. Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Dubai Festival City Mall, (04 237 5454). Little Island, Adventure Island (Credit:Supplied) The can-not-stay-still kiddos will love it here. The soft play area within Adventure Island in City Centre Deira is perfect for big families. Little ones aged four to ten years can make their way through padded climbing structures, slides, ball pits, trampolines and sweat it out at interactive zones. Meanwhile, tweens and teens have plenty of brilliant activities to check out at this spot. Brought to us by the people behind one of the ultimate indoor adventure playgrounds, TEPfactor, there's everything from Prison Island to laser tag to canopy trails and laser mazes for the older kids to explore. Dhs69 (4-10 years, height restrictions apply). Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm. Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. City Centre Deira, (052 120 0061) miniBOUNCE Credit: supplied miniBOUNCE, a zone within Bounce dedicated to kids, is the ultimate indoor playground for tiny adventurers. Designed just for little ones, the miniBOUNCE zones are packed with safe, high-energy fun. They can check out the slides, ball pits, mini obstacle courses and climb, tumble on and explore lots of little nooks and crannies. It builds confidence, teaches them freestyle movement and can help them pick up new skills, all while making new friends along the way. From Dhs80 (1 hour pass). Ages: Walking age-6. Open daily 10am-10pm. Spring Souk Mall, Oktopus Park by We Play Located inside Cityland Mall beside Global Village, this is one of the cutest soft play areas in Dubai. And it's perfect for those living near Al Barari, Majan and Arabian Ranches. The soft play features ball pits, wall-sized TV screens, obstacle courses, swings and a lot more to keep your little ones thoroughly hooked throughout the day. Plus, the pastel coloured-interiors are soothing to be around. Meanwhile, you can grab an iced latte and chill in the café. One thing to note, carry grip socks or get one from the park for Dhs10. From Dhs85. Ages: 2-12. Open Mon-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm. Cityland Mall, @weplayae. Oli Oli This is a little children's museum that offers both play and learning, and a great place to nurture curiosity. The 8-plus galleries and over 40 interactive exhibits spread across two storeys are hands-on and let their imaginations run wild. Each space features artistic, innovative concepts that create a one-of-a-kind educational play experience. What's more, during summer, there's a SlimeMania section where kids can play with the fluffy, crunchy, clear, gummy or buttery slime. Get the Oli Oli Plus tickets, which start from Dhs179, for access. From Dhs139 (kids aged 2-16), Dhs69 (kids aged 12-23 months). Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz 1, (04 702 7300). Orange wheels With locations in JVC, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Dubai Mall and Nad Al Sheba, this is perfectly placed for those living in the centre and down south of Dubai. Orange wheels is perfect for toddlers and kids alike who love an active day out. They've got free rein to run, jump and explore in a safe environment. They can even get crafty at the arts and crafts area. Parents who want to keep an eye on their tots can stick around and kick back in the café with a coffee. Dhs115 (two hours). Ages: 0.6-10 years. Circle Mall, JVC, Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah and Town Centre Jumeirah, Ready, set, go The theme of this soft play area is the underwater world. This is the perfect mini Atlantis for your little mer-babies. Apart from a range of oceanic adventures to explore, there's also an arts and crafts room, a beauty salon and interactive games to check out. With giant dolphins, starfish and octopuses floating overhead, and a sea of aquatic colours all around, it's a great place to get them acquainted with sea creatures. What's more, Ready, Set, Go also has a jungle-themed soft play at Al Quoz. So if you want to get them acquainted with nature, it's one to add to your list. Dhs99 (two hours, with nuggets or pizza), Dhs150 (day pass). Ages: Up to 12 years. Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Sports Society, Mirdiff, @readysteadygouae (04 236 3305). The Green Planet Keen on getting your kiddos on the topic of conservation? This is a great place to begin. The biodome is home to over 3,000 exotic plants and animals (including two resident sloths) all living in a carefully recreated tropical rainforest environment. It's an immersive experience that lets visitors experience one of the world's most diverse and vital ecosystems, helping kids understand what it's really like to live in the wild. Want to get more hands-on? Kids can feed and interact with some of its residents. From Dhs155 (adult), Dhs135 (kids aged 2-10). Open daily 10am-6pm. City Walk, Al Safa Street, (800 2629464). woo-hoo This is a stunning mini children's museum built for kids aged up to 12. Across 10 themed galleries, your kids will learn, make discoveries and have a whole lot of fun. Each cool interactive exhibit will expand your kids imaginations and spark their curiosity, whilst meeting clear learning objectives (just don't tell the little ones). From Dhs139 (adult and child). Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, (800 966466). Looking for things to do with the family? 24 fun things to do with teenagers in Dubai (that don't just involve malls) Cool activities they'll actually enjoy 51 brilliant family days out in the UAE For you and the little ones Too hot? 70 cool indoor activities in Dubai to tick off this summer Consider this your ultimate summer bucket list
Entrepreneur
01-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
What It Takes to Build a Luxury Children's Play Concept in Dubai
Could we design something that felt more intentional — a space that supported both imaginative play for children and a sense of ease and connection for parents? Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. When I first expanded into the GCC market in 2017, I was struck by Dubai's remarkable ability to blend innovation with aspiration. This city doesn't just follow global trends — it redefines them. Whether in luxury fashion, hospitality, or retail, the appetite for exceptional, world-class experiences is insatiable. But as I immersed myself more deeply into the regional market, I noticed an unexpected gap: while adults had access to a variety of luxury experiences, children's spaces were often overlooked. There were, of course, plenty of play zones across malls and entertainment venues — each offering its own version of fun and excitement. But as I observed these spaces more closely, I started to wonder if there was an opportunity to reimagine what a play environment could offer. Could we design something that felt more intentional — a space that supported both imaginative play for children and a sense of ease and connection for parents? That question sparked the journey toward creating an experience that blended creativity, comfort, and care in a way that reflected the values of today's families. That simple question became the foundation for Boo Boo Laand — a luxury children's entertainment concept that took two years of research and planning before finally opening at Dubai Mall in October 2024. What we launched wasn't just a play area; it was a curated world of imagination, where design, education, safety, and customer experience work in harmony. We envisioned a space that children would be excited to explore — and that parents would feel good about. Today, just over six months later, we welcome around 1,800 customers a day — a number that validates not only the concept but the growing demand for premium, family-first experiences. Building a luxury concept from the ground up requires more than vision. It demands a layered investment of resources, strategy, and heart. So, what does it really take? Research Before Design Long before any drawings were made or layouts proposed, the journey started with research. I dove into global trends in early childhood development, sensory play, and emotional wellness. I studied how colors and textures influence mood, how children navigate spaces, and what kinds of interactions hold their attention. Most importantly, I spoke to parents — not in passing, but in depth — about what they wished existed for their families. The conclusion was clear: families weren't looking for more noise or overstimulation. They wanted calm. They wanted purpose. They wanted experiences that nurtured their children's curiosity and imagination without overwhelming them. Designing with Dual Audiences in Mind One of the most important things I learned was that you're never designing solely for children. You're designing for parents too. Children might run toward play structures — but it's the parents who decide whether to return. Every element of the space needed to resonate with both: to excite the child, while reassuring the adult. That meant carefully balancing energy and serenity. From the color palette to lighting and layout, we aimed to create an environment that inspired creativity, without causing chaos. Designing in this way became a matter of creating moments of shared joy — experiences that brought families together, rather than separating adults and children into different zones of engagement. A Hospitality Mindset Coming from a background in fashion and customer experience, I approached the concept not as a traditional play space, but more like a boutique hospitality offering. That meant putting operational discipline front and center. Everything — from staff training and cleanliness to guest flow and programming — needed to reflect a premium standard. Customer service, in this context, wasn't limited to transactions. It was about building trust with parents, creating emotional safety for children, and ensuring that every visit felt intentional and cared for. We weren't just welcoming guests — we were welcoming families into a space that needed to feel like an extension of their own values. Innovation with Purpose Dubai is a city that embraces big ideas. But innovation for its own sake can quickly become superficial. Instead, we focused on purposeful innovation — elements that added value to the child's experience, not just to the marketing narrative. That meant incorporating multi-sensory elements, tactile environments, and spaces that inspired imaginative play. It also meant drawing inspiration from nature and real-life experiences that children could see, touch, and understand. The goal wasn't to entertain passively, but to engage meaningfully. We weren't building distractions — we were building opportunities for learning, connection, and wonder. Building the Right Team Behind any successful concept is a team that understands the mission. And in a space designed for children, the human element is even more critical. We invested in a team that wasn't just trained in logistics or safety, but in empathy and emotional intelligence. Every team member needed to understand that they were playing a role in shaping a child's memory — and a parent's trust. Great design can create beautiful spaces. But great people create lasting experiences. Emotional Connection as a Metric Six months after opening, the measure of success I return to most isn't daily footfall or revenue — though both are important. It's the look on a child's face when they don't want to leave. It's the parent who tells us that they finally found a space where they could relax while their child played independently. It's the families who return week after week, because they feel seen, understood, and valued. In a world where everything moves fast, emotional connection is the most powerful form of currency — and the hardest to earn. But once you have it, it becomes the foundation for community, loyalty, and long-term growth. A Note to Fellow Entrepreneurs For any entrepreneur looking to build something meaningful in Dubai — especially something that serves families — my advice is simple: listen deeply before you build. Don't be tempted by spectacle or size. Instead, focus on purpose. Let empathy guide your design, let hospitality guide your operations, and let emotional connection guide your strategy. This city rewards original thinking, but only when it's backed by intention, insight, and care. There's always room in the market for ideas that meet real emotional needs. Ultimately, the luxury of childhood isn't found in themed rides or oversized screens. It's found in the quiet moments — in time, in attention, in wonder. If we can protect that through the spaces we create, then we're not just building businesses. We're building something that truly matters.
Khaleej Times
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Cool summer camps the kids will love
Still struggling with a structured and fun yet educational summer plan for the kids? Don't worry, we've got you covered. While school is out for the next few weeks, sign up the little ones for adventures of the creative kind. From learning about jobs in the real world to taking part in treasure hunts, these camps have something for every state of mind. Most offer daily and weekly rates and sibling discounts too, making them just a little bit more affordable. Here's a look at your options across UAE: Boo Boo Laand School may be out but that doesn't mean there's a pause on adventure. Enrol your child into an eight-week voyage of discovery (you could also just pick a journey based on the week). Boo Boo Laand, the immersive play area, is hosting a summer camp that switches up themes every week. The programme is designed for kids aged four to eight but three-year-olds may be admitted (on a case-by-case basis). Week one takes the young scallywags on The Mermaid and Pirate Voyage, rife with stories and treasure hunts. Week two, Superhero and Super Girl, is all about caped crusaders, while week three will dive into the Secrets of the Seas. Week four will launch imaginations into space (the theme is The Great Space Escape). And week five will be a trip back in time as Jurassic Explorers. In the sixth week, your little adventurer will head off for the Boo Boo Safari Expedition, while the next session, Little Earth Keepers, will teach him or her about nature and sustainability. The final theme is The Great Boo Boo World Tour. Dh350 (per day); Dh1,400 (per week); Dh5,200 (for a month). 10 per cent sibling discounts are available. June 30-August 22, 9am-1pm. Dubai Mall. Dubai Mall Summer Camp Have a curious kid on your hands? We've got just the thing. This camp gives kids access to six fun spots – KidZania; Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo; Dubai Ice Rink; At the Top, Burj Khalifa; Reel Cinema; Play DXB over a four-day period. It's best for kids aged seven to 14 but those who are between three and six can join too, as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Dh799 (including food); Dh899 (excluding food). June 30 – August 21, 10am-10pm. Dubai Mall. Expo City Dubai The kids will play with a purpose at Expo City Dubai this summer. They can enrol in either Expo City Summer Camp (for ages five–12) or Lab of the Future STEM Camp (eight–12). In the former camp, held across Expo City, they will do STEM experiments, messy art sessions, sports challenges, and media workshops. The later segment is a science-packed party where young minds can interact with former NASA, ESA and ISRO scientists, build balloon-fighting robots, run AI experiments, design Mars rovers, and even fly drones. With space-themed escape rooms and hands-on missions, this is sure to tingle those little grey cells. Expo City Summer Camp: Dh152 (per day, when booked before June 30). Dh190 (daily);Dh845 (weekly); Dh3,500 (summer pass). July 7-August 22, 9am-2pm. Early drop off and extended hours are available. Lab of the Future STEM Camp: Dh1,500 (for two weeks). July 7-August 15, 9.30am-12.30pm. Expo City Dubai. The Green Planet Calling all mini zoologists in the making (or, any animal loving tot, really). Each camp day will begin with a warm-up and themed ice breaker. And then days full of science and nature. On the four-day time-table each week are animal encounters, creative workshops, games, and challenges. Each day is themed: there's Rainforest Rangers Mondays, which will explore forest ecosystems and biodiversity; Animal Adventures Tuesdays that will the kids playing zookeeper; Eco-Heroes Wednesdays will see seed planting, composting, and upcycled art. And, on Jungle Scientists Thursdays, there'll be weather experiments, STEM games, and explorer walks. It's perfect for those aged five to 12. Dh250 (per day); Dh750 (per week). July 7- August 21, 9am-3pm. Yas Island Summer Camp The only issue you might face with this camp is that the kids won't want to go home. They can enjoy five experiences in the theme parks. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, for instance, they will make new friends, take on team challenges including a scavenger hunt. They can also design their own rides and push themselves with competitive gaming at the Ferrari World Esports Arena. Live action shows and performances also promise entertainment. Yas Waterworld, meanwhile, will see the young-in's splashing around. There are rides and slides, of course, but also a Splash and Match pairing game, and treasure hunts. At Warner Bros. World, the little sleuths will follow clues and discover secrets. They will also make their own masks and capes and see a live stage show featuring DC Super Hero characters. When at SeaWorld, campers will engage in activities that range from crafting ocean-themed board games to creating colorful fish using repurposed materials. There are plenty of animal encounters planned too, including feeding manta rays and sea lions, and meeting the dugong Malquot. CLYMB Abu Dhabi is all about the thrill of flying and kids can take on an Aero Adventure, fly in the world's biggest indoor skydiving flight chamber, and race up climbing walls. The pass will get kids access to one theme park a day, lunch, a bag, notebook, pen and water bottle and a camper T-shirt. Dh1,595 (per child, aged seven-13). July 7-August 22, 9am-2pm (Mon-Fri). Sibling discounts are available. OliOli Since it's been established that you can have fun while learning, Oli Oli must become your next pitstop. It's got permanent galleries fun of scientific experiments, and a summer camp with different themes each week, including Jurassic, space, tinker, and mess. Kids, aged four to 10, who enrol will also gain access to the SlimeMania exhibition. Activities include building a terrarium and scavenger hunts. Dh990 (per week, morning); Dh690 (per week, afternoon); Dh1,550 (per week, all day). June 30-August 2,9.30am-5pm. Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Bounce Kids will love jumping into this one. The camp at the Bounce and miniBounce venues will teach them trampolining tricks and games that can be enjoyed alone or with a group of friends.
