Tally up the kids and head out to The Desert Palm Riding School, next to the luxurious Desert Palm Hotel, for a lovely afternoon visit to the stables. Hand-led 10 and 20 minute horse rides for all ages are available every day (except Fridays) at a cost of AED 10-30 depending on how long your little one wants to trot around.
Not only does this feel like a bit of an oasis, compared to soft plays and theme parks, but it is a place where your kids can get down and dirty and enjoy the outdoors in a natural setting. It is a bit of schlepp so you would want to make sure you have at least 2-3 hours on hand to properly enjoy it. When we go we usually bring a picnic and feed the kids on the lovely big lawn just next to the hotel. Anything to make dinnertime easier, right mamas?