02 November 2016
Here are some of the best theme parks to enjoy a family day out or to seek thrill with friends in UAE

By Dona Cherian, Guides Writer

We have compiled the best places to enjoy your upcoming holidays in the UAE with friends and family. 

1. Mattell Playtown

Mattell is an indoor educational play area located in City Walk. This recently open play area is a perfect place to take the kids. It's got five differently themed zones and each of these focuses on different social skills and educational elements through imaginative play. Mattel Play Town is based on super popular TV characters that children know and love, the purple dinosaur Barney, Thomas & Friends, and Bob the Builder just to name a few.

Location City Walk, Dubai Cost Dh95 per child and Dh55 for accompanying adults Timings 10am to 10pm (Sunday to Wednesday) 10am to 12am (Thursday to Saturday) Contact +971 4 317 3999

2. Kidzania

Kidzania is an ‘adult life experience’ concept designed for children. It is basically a world built just for kids complete with streets, buildings, hospitals, restaurants and a fully functioning economy. Children chose a career they are passionate about and go to work to earn money in the currency ‘Kidzos’, which they then use to pay for food and services. They also can choose and work jobs ranging from surgeons, radio hosts, pilots, chefs, firemen and doctors. The grown-up career world is scaled down in size and used as a form of ‘edutainment’.

Location Dubai Mall Cost Dh70 for children and Dh95 for adults Timings Daily from 10am to 10pm Contact +971 4 448 5222

3. Hub Zero

Hub Zero is a one of its kind gaming destination featuring a slew of sensory offerings such as rides, games and attractions, catering to fans of various genres with first person shooters (FPS), fantasy, action, and sports games recreated into thrilling and innovative gaming experiences. Some of the really exciting attractions are the virtual cave, laser tag, a 3D immersion tunnel, an indoor roller coaster, children’s go-karting track, and karaoke rooms to keep the little ones on their toes.

Location City Walk, Dubai Cost Dh160 standard full day pass; Dhs260 VIP pass; Dhs95 for children; Per hour rates LAN Gaming Arena Dhs10 per hour on weekdays and Dhs15 on weekends; Network Arena Dhs20 per hour on weekdays and Dhs30 on weekends Timings Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 10pm Thursday to Saturday 10am to 12am Contact 800637227 

4. Fabyland

The new FabyLand at Dubai Festival City offers futuristic fun for all the family with an array of amusement rides, attractions and games to play on with friends and family. Offering the latest technology across 75,000 square feet, the entertainment centre has 15 major rides, a MyTown area for kids to play and learn in, and more than a 100 game machines, making it one of the largest family entertainment centres in Dubai for children aged three and up. For teenagers, an arcade lined up with the latest video games, redemption and novelty games further enhances the experience. FabyLand also features the Dubai exclusive Disco ride to whirl and twirl guests to new heights.

Location Dubai Festival City, Dubai Cost Get cards recharged and pay as you play (promotions in place currently) Timings 10am to midnight


5. Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai is the seventh Legoland Park in the world, joining locations in Denmark, England, California, Germany, Florida and Malaysia. It covers a total area of three million square feet and  features over 40 interactive rides, shows, attractions and Lego building experiences. It has six themed lands, each unique in its experience, entertainment and educational offering.

Location Shaikh Zayed Road Cost Dh250 per person (all-day pass for all rides) Timings 10am to 6pm

6. IMG Worlds of Adventures

The indoor park, which the operators say is the biggest of its kind in the world, opened with 22 rides and attractions in four themed worlds, under one roof on Mohammad Bin Zayed Road just beyond Global Village. The ceiling of the park is covered in sound-proofing black arches to muffle the noise created by the rides and the screaming guests as they fly through the air, and it’s nearly 140,000 square metres in area.

Location Shaikh Zayed Road, just beyond Global Village Cost Dh300 per person (Dh250 for children and free for kids younger than three) Timings 11am to 9pm Contact 600 500962

7. Wonderland UAE

A combination of a theme park and a water-theme park, you can choose to take the dry route to fun in this amusement park. One of the oldest in the UAE, there are over 30 rides and other attractions. It is one of the best places to go with younger children with popular and familiar rides.

Location Next to Creek Park, Dubai Cost Dh125 per person Dh60 for kids aged 2 to 4 Free for kids younger than 2 (Includes Entrance and Rides) Timings 10am to 12am

8. Ferrari World

The planet’s fastest roller coaster is here in the UAE at the Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi. Getting on the Formula Rossa is equal to sitting in an F1 cockpit as you get catapulted 52 metres into the sky before launching on to the fastest and best ride of your life time. The ride is inspired by the Grand Prix race tracks and there is no doubt that crossing the finish line will be a brain-addling moment.

Location Yas Island, Abu Dhabi Cost Adults Dh270 to Dh525 Children (shorter than 1.3 metres) Dh230 to Dh445 (Depending on access, fast passes and unlimited passes) Timings 11am to 8pm

© Gulf News 2016