The Weekender: Pop Up Market, Kids Fashion Fest and More

There’s still a couple of weeks left of summer and loads of fun August activities in Dubai for the fam! From a handicraft market to an indulgent two for one pampering deal, here’s the buzz round the city.

Markets and majlis

Looking for some fun new goodies for the tots? Little Majlis are hosting a fantastic pop-up summer market, where over 25 vendors will be selling fantastic kiddo wares from decor to jewellery to flash threads. If you’ve ever headed to their site, you’ll know that this is one you can’t miss.

When: 1-15 August, 4-10pm
Where: Festival Square, Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Festival City, Dubai

Getting crafty
We’re sure your kiddos have gotten crafty with Disney’s Art Attack before and now’s their chance to get involved in person. Host Lloyd Warbey is coming to Dubai to run five fantastic interactive workshops at Dubai Festival City Mall and Modhesh World that are sure to be a blast.

When: 12-15 August, see all times here
Where: Dubai Festival City Mall and Modhesh World

Mini models
That’s right mamas, Kids Fashion Fest is taking The Dubai Mall by storm! Aside from an exciting model search for tots aged 5-12 years old, you can expect styling sessions as well as fashion shows where children and teens can strut their stuff. (Quite possibly the cutest thing that we’ve ever heard.) And by the way, Jaden and Willow Smith will be around for a fab concert on the 15th – maybe you’ll spot Jada or Will in the crowd too!

When: 13-22 August
Where: Fashion Atrium, Dubai Mall, Dubai

No falconry involved
Fairmont Falcon Kids Club (Fairmont The Palm’s awesome kids offering) is throwing open their doors for a fun month of summer camp activities for minis aged 3+. Every Monday, they’ll be able to indulge in a bit of painting or join in ice cream parties every Tuesday at 3pm. Plus with themes like Raiders of the Lost Artifacts and Tropical Paradise, their imaginations will be going wild.

When: 2-27 August
Where: Fairmont Falcon Kids Club, Fairmont The Palm
How much: AED 180 per day, AED 60 per hour

Special Offers

Le Petit play deal
One of our favourite indoor play centres Le Petit Palais is offering half off their usual prices, which sound almost too good to be true. Located in the Dubai Mall, this French-themed kiddo sanctuary is amongst Sofia and her kids’ favourites – plus, the deal runs all August. It’ll give you a chance to shop around for an hour or two without the tots, knowing they’ll be having the time of their lives.

When: 1-31 August, valid on weekdays only 10am-2pm
Where: Le Petit Palais,2/F, Galeries Lafayette, Dubai Mall, Dubai
How much: AED 40 for one hour, AED 20 for every additional hour

Couples retreat
Need some well deserved R&R? It’s two for one through August at the fantastic Sofitel Downtown. It’s two for one on pool access, spa treatments AND meals at the delicious restaurant Les Cuisines, so grab your other half or gal pal and indulge this weekend.

When: August
Where: Sofitel Downtown, Downtown
How to book:  Head to their Facebook page.

Enjoy a Lazy Brunch
Enjoy a lazy brunch with friends and family at Armani/Deli. This stylish brunch is on 12-9pm so you can relax through the afternoon or evening. You just pick a time that suits you and enjoy a set menu of sharing plates, al la carte and buffet desserts. Can you say ‘perfect’? It’s AED445/310 with or without alcohol, AED 150 for children aged 4-12 years priced and minis under 3 eat free. (Score!)

When: Fridays 12-9pm, ongoing
Where: Armani/Deli, Armani Hotel, Downtown
How to book: Ring (+971) (0)4 888 3444 to make a reservation.

Baker’s dozen
Sassy Moms and Dads reclaim your mornings and unwind with freshly baked goodies while the kids are taken care of at a kids club, all for just AED 85! Enjoy the “Baker’s Basket”, a choice of hot beverage and one hour of child supervision with the great guys at West 14th, The Palm.

Where: West 14th, The Palm
When: Available daily 9.30-11.00am
How to book:  Ring (+971) (0)4 447 7601 to make a reservation.