It’s springtime and while all those flowery cliches don’t exactly apply to the desert city (daffodils blooming, birds singing, i.e. anything you can expect to find in the first five minutes of Enchanted), there’s still loads of stuff going on for the fam around this time. From spring camp for tots chock full of rabbit and egg themed crafts to things that the whole troop can get stuck into, check out our guide below for the best things to do. Oh, and just because we couldn’t resist – we put together a little gift guide of all our favourite Easter gifts in case you’re looking to hide some goodies around the house. Enjoy!
Spring Camps
apple seeds
We love this contemporary play space located right here in Dubers – if you don’t know why we’ve fallen in love with them, maybe their NYC-themed playroom and our review will help you out. They’re opening their doors for their award-winning spring camp again full of fun activities for your kiddos to wile the hours away with a grin on their faces. With flexible programmes of 2, 3, or 5 days, there’s something for every family’s spring plan.
When: 29 March – 2 April
Age Groups: 2-3 year olds (9:15-11:15am) and 3-5 year olds (9:30am-12:30pm)
How to book: Ring (+971) (0)4 380 6064 or email hello@appleseedsdubai.com to reserve a space.
Easter and Circus Camp at Inspire Children’s Nursery
Bunnies, circuses, Easter eggs, puppets – do we really need to say more? This awesome nursery is holding a spring camp that has us envious with two weeks of fun-filled activities for your tiny tots. With the first week being completely spring themed and the second circus, this one’s a little different from the usual camp fare. We’ve done a whole write-up on it actually, why not find out more here?
Psst… we’re actually giving away a scholarship for your tot to this awesome camp! Enter here.
When: 6 – 16 April, 9am–2pm
Age Groups: 3 months to 2 years old
Price: AED 945-1400 for a week, AED 1725-2590 for two weeks
How to book: Register here.
Fairmont Falcons Juniors’ Club
Fairmont The Palm is going all out this Easter and so is their kids’ club! They’re holding an Easter Camp for kiddos aged three and up, where they’ll be able to unleash their inner artist with Easter themed arts and crafts, utilise their crazy energy on a climbing wall and fun group games as well as sparkle with a bit of face paint.
When: 2-4 April, 2-5pm
Age Groups: 3+ year olds
Price: AED 150 for one day, AED 270 for two days, AED 380 for three days
How to book: Ring (+971) (0)4 457 3331 or email palm.childrensactivities@fairmont.com.
Hayley’s Comet Theatre Company
Got a little diva or divo on your hands? They’ll be able to flex their acting chops at this fab theatre camp run by Hayley’s Comet Theatre Company where they’ll be able to not only make friends with the same artistic passion, but also learn more about acting for the stage and screen. With a number of drama games, team-building exercises and a dash of singing and dancing, they’ll be working towards devising their own performance for the final day of camp.
When: Two sessions beginning on 29 March – 2 April and one on 5 April – 9 April
Age Groups: 6-14 year olds
Price: AED 750
How to book: Email info@hayleyscomet.com to register.
Pearl FM UAE
So there are many reasons why we love family-friendly radio station Pearl FM and this is just another one to add to the list. They’re going to be running a fab spring camp to introduce your mini radio personalities about the basics of radio presenting, along with a fun insight into how radio really works.
When: Two sessions beginning on 30 March – 1 April and one on 6 March – 8 April, 9am – 1pm
Age Groups: 8-12 year olds
Price: AED 1200 (book before 20 March for a discount)
How to book: Message phil@childrensmedianetwork.com or call (+971) (0)5 6 934 3305
Le Petit Palais
Mama favourite Le Petit Palais in Dubai Mall is running a series of spring camps for the tots, chock full of activities! Aside from getting access to their charming soft play area, there’s no shortage of educational fun to be had with storytelling, fantastic science experiments, games, arts and crafts and even a cheeky bit of hip hopping for your teeny tiny boppers. Did we mention that they’ve even got food and drink covered?
When: 29 March – 9 April, 10am-3pm
Age Groups: 3-10 year olds
Price: AED 130 per day for members, AED 150 per day for non-members; AED 600 per week for members, AED 700 per week for non-members
How to book: Ring (+971) (0)4 382 7333 or email info@lepetitpalaisdubai.com.
Family-Friendly Activities
Annie! Live on Stage
The world’s favourite redhead is back! From the same team that brought you The Wizard of Oz, Oliver! and The Sound of Music, this classic musical is sure to bring no shortage of sunshine to your family. With local stars and West End performersgracing the stage, this is one you won’t want to miss. The sun will come out tomorrow…
When: 2-17 April
How to get tickets: Head over to their website
Dubai Marina Mall Street Fest
It’s time to hit the streets, mama! Dubai Marina Mall is holding a ten day extravaganza full of fun activities, as well as some of the best street performers in the world. Expect acrobatics, magic and more – just don’t make eye contact with the human statues… they’ll get you!
When: 19-28 April, 4-10pm
Price: Free!
Easter Carnival at Reform Social Bar & Grill
Woohoo, this is exactly what we want out of an Easter celebration! This fab British resto is holding an amazing carnival in collaboration with Tickles and Giggles which has us – well – tickled. With a number of awesome Easter activities including carnival games, bouncy castles and rides, arts and crafts and of course a good old egg hunt, the whole fam gets to go home with a candy bag and a snap from the photo booth. (Did we mention you can also get tickets if you head over for their family brunch beforehand?)
Easter Egg Decorating
Ready for your Easter egg hunts, mama? There’s going to be a couple of fun arts and crafts days over at apple seeds where your tots will be able to decorate their Easter Eggs, while learning new fun techniques.
When: 26 March / 2 April
How to book: Ring (+971) (0)4 380 6064 to reserve a space.
Price: AED 125 for members, AED 150 for non-members
Shop the Night, Easter Treat
So this fab indoor market is back for another round at Tom & Serg, only it’s all for Easter! As usual, there’ll be the best local artisans selling their wares alongside great coffee and food to keep you sated as you shop.
When: 25 March, 6-9pm
Price: Free (And free parking, score!)
Where to Eat Out
Easter Sunday Brunch at Fairmont The Palm
Mmhmm, even just thinking about what’s on the menu is making us hungry, mamas. With spring staples like lamb, roast beef, parsnips and honey roasted carrots lining the buffet table, Fairmont The Palm is bringing a spot of Dubai flavor to Easter with Arabic favourites amongst other international food stations (plus a kids’ corner for your tiny eaters). And that’s not all – they’re bringing the springtime joy to your fam with a petting zoo (1-4pm) and an Easter egg hunt (12:30-2pm) where tots aged 12 and under will be able to go looking for vibrant treats and maybe even meet the bunny himself.
When: 5 April, 12-3:30pm
Price: Adults priced at AED 325 or AED 450 plus house beverages; 6-12 year olds pay AED 163 and kids under six eat free
Easter Brunch at Reform Social & Grill
Expect good old English favourites and no shortage of egginess at this family-oriented brunch! With Eggs Benedict and Full Englishes on the cards, the creative chefs have even whipped up a very special Easter dessert. And did we mention that you can snag both brunch and access to their Easter Carnival for just a tiny bit extra? Awesome.
When: 3 April
Price: AED 100 for kids’ brunch and a ticket to the Easter Carnival
Easter Tea at Mashrabiya Lounge
Bring a dash of class to your Easter with an award-winning high tea at Mashrabiya Lounge. With a special springtime menu designed just for the occasion, you’ll be able to grab traditional staples like delicate sandwiches along with chocolate nests and black forest mille feuilles.
When: Throughout April
Price: AED 125
Pik-Nik at Westin Mina Seyahi
So, you know how we feel about picnics. We’re super excited about this new picnic concept over at the Westin Mina Seyahi, especially as it seems like there’s absolutely no fuss – all you have to do is snag a food basket, find a spot on the Westin lawn and chow down. There’s always fun entertainment organised for the kiddos as well so you don’t have to worry about them getting bored.
When: Every Saturday, 11:30am-4pm
Price: AED 390 for a picnic basket for 2 adults and 2 kids
St Patrick’s Day Brunch at Movenpick Hotel Ibn Batutta Gate
Irish mamas, this one goes out to you! This family-friendly brunch is the perfect way to celebrate St. Paddy’s day – don’t forget to dig up the green from the depths of your closet as the best dressed win a Friday brunch!
When: 20 March
Spring Goodies
And you didn’t think we’d forget about all the goodies that come around this time of year, did you? With presents for the kiddos and for mama, April looks like it’s going to be a great month…
Twenty Violets Beach Basket, AED 320, available at Coochy Coo
Whether you’re packing for the beach or going for a picnic, these handcrafted baskets are gorgeous and come in two sizes – you don’t have to trade storage for style, mamas.
Italian chocolate Easter eggs, AED 35–599, available at Eataly
Mmmhmmm, you know how we feel about Eataly mamas and we’re looking forward to these scrumptious chocolate eggs. With different sizes available and all wrapped up in organza and a bow, they’re too cute to pass up.
Floral skirt, AED, available online at kate spade new york
It’s springtime and that means that flowers are blooming! Get your tot all trussed up for family brunch with this adorable skirt by kate spade new york – we’re in love with the whole line.
Hoppity Poppity bath bomb, AED 29, available at Lush
How cute is this? Simply pop it into your bathtub for a refreshing herbal soak – don’t miss out on the Easter Egg and carrot bath bombs either, mama!
Bunny Rabbit Pink Dress in Liberty Print, AED 241, available at Not on the High Street
If the chocolate eggs aren’t going to give you a sweet tooth, then this adorable kids’ dress certainly will. We’re loving the liberty print florals on the insides of the bunny ears and pockets; definitely a dress both mama and the kiddos can agree on!
Bunny Prints Vinyl Floor Decorations, AED 22, Mumz World
Who’s been leaving footprints in the house? Keep the magic of Easter going with these adorable Easter Bunny footprints – we’re hoping there’s a creme egg on the other side…
Easter Egg Shaped Paper Lantern, AED 30, available at Mumz World
Swap out the lampshades for this sweet egg paper lantern to keep in with the whole springtime theme! We love the pastels on this one, we’re excited to see what they look like all lit up as well…