How to find the best kids’ camps in the UAE?

As school holidays approach in the United Arab Emirates, are you wondering how to keep your little ones engaged, entertained, and learning outside of the classroom environment, perhaps fostering new hobbies and friendships? Finding the perfect kids’ camp in the UAE is an exciting endeavor, with a vast array of options designed to cater to every child’s interest, from thrilling adventures to creative arts and academic enrichment.

Understanding the UAE School Holiday Calendar

The first step in finding the ideal kids’ camp is aligning it with the school holidays. In the UAE, schools generally follow a three-term academic year, with significant breaks during winter, spring, and summer. Knowing these dates well in advance is crucial for securing a spot at popular camps, as they often fill up quickly.

For the 2025-2026 academic year, the approximate key holiday periods are:

• Winter Break: Around December 15, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (approximately 3 weeks).
• Spring Break: Roughly March 23, 2026, to April 12, 2026 (approximately 3 weeks).
• Summer Break: Typically starting in early July 2026 and lasting until late August or early September (around 8-9 weeks), with schools usually reopening in late August or early September for the new academic year.

These breaks provide ample opportunity for children to participate in various camps, ranging from half-day sessions to full-day or even weekly programs. Always confirm the exact dates with the Ministry of Education’s official academic calendar or your child’s specific school for precise planning.

Diverse World of Kids’ Camps in the UAE

The UAE’s kids’ camp landscape is incredibly diverse, reflecting the multicultural fabric of the nation and its commitment to holistic child development. You’ll find camps categorized by interest, age group, and duration, ensuring there’s something for every child.

Sports Camps: These are immensely popular, focusing on specific sports like football (soccer), basketball, swimming, tennis, gymnastics, or multi-sport activities. Many reputable sports academies, like ESM Holiday Camps (esm.ae) or All Stars Academy UAE (allstarsuae.com), offer structured programs led by professional coaches. These camps not only develop athletic skills but also emphasize teamwork, discipline, and healthy living. For example, ESM, an award-winning multi-activity camp, is known for its accredited programs focusing on child development and safety.

Creative Arts Camps: For the budding artists, musicians, or performers, there are numerous options. Camps centered around drawing, painting, sculpture, drama, music, dance, or even digital arts encourage self-expression and foster creativity. The Courtyard Playhouse in Dubai, for instance, offers summer theatre camps that are a haven for young creatives interested in improvisation and storytelling. Many art centers across the UAE also host seasonal workshops.

STEM and Educational Camps: These camps are designed to ignite curiosity in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. They often feature robotics, coding, science experiments, and interactive discovery zones. OliOli®, an interactive play museum in Dubai, frequently runs STEAM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) camps with fresh themes each week, from flight and aerodynamics to ocean discovery. Similarly, Pure Minds Academy focuses on STEM programs that foster imagination and critical thinking. Expo City Dubai also offers summer camps with a futuristic twist, incorporating robot building and coding adventures.

Adventure and Nature Camps: For the more adventurous spirits, camps offering outdoor activities, nature exploration, or even indoor adventure zones are a hit. Adventure Zone provides a safe and structured environment for kids to enjoy wall climbing, rope courses, skateboarding, and indoor ziplining. The Green Planet offers Rainforest Summer Camps, perfect for young explorers who love wildlife and the natural world, right in the heart of Dubai. Some equestrian clubs even offer horse riding camps, blending animal interaction with outdoor activity.

Theme Park Camps: A unique offering in the UAE, some of the world-class theme parks transform into exciting camp venues during holidays. SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, hosts camps themed around marine life, offering educational experiences and access to rides. Yas Island also combines five world-class theme parks over five days for an unforgettable adventure for kids aged 7 to 13, diving into science at Ferrari World or marine heritage at Yas Waterworld.

Where to Start Your Search for Kids’ Camps

Navigating the multitude of options can feel overwhelming, but several reliable avenues can simplify your search:

• Online Platforms and Directories: Websites like Kidzapp (kidzapp.com), https://www.google.com/search?q=Sarfraz.com, and Time Out Dubai/Abu Dhabi (timeoutdubai.com, timeoutabudhabi.com) are excellent resources. They compile comprehensive lists of camps, often categorized by age, interest, and location, with details on dates, activities, and pricing. These platforms frequently feature reviews from other parents, which can be invaluable.
• School Announcements and Bulletins: Your child’s school will often circulate information about recommended camps or even host their own holiday programs. Keep an eye on school newsletters, parent portals, and notice boards.
• Social Media Groups: Joining local parenting groups on platforms like Facebook can provide real-time recommendations and insights from other parents in your community. Many camp providers also advertise their programs directly through social media.
• Direct Contact with Venues: If you have a specific venue in mind, such as a sports club, art center, or museum, check their official websites or contact them directly. Many major attractions like Ski Dubai, KidZania, or Museum of the Future host their own holiday camps. For example, Ski Dubai offers a “coolest summer camp” for kids aged 4-12, allowing them to beat the heat with snow park fun.

Key Factors When Choosing a Camp

Once you have a list of potential camps, consider these crucial factors to make an informed decision:

• Age Appropriateness: Ensure the camp’s activities and environment are suitable for your child’s age group and developmental stage. Some camps cater specifically to toddlers (e.g., Kids Spot Nursery), while others are designed for older children (e.g., teenagers might prefer adventure sports camps).
• Interests and Personality: Does your child love art, sports, science, or performing? Choosing a camp aligned with their passions will enhance their enjoyment and engagement. For introverted children, a smaller, more focused camp might be better, while extroverted kids might thrive in multi-activity environments.
• Location and Logistics: Consider the camp’s proximity to your home or work. Factor in daily commute times and whether transportation is provided. Some camps offer pick-up and drop-off services, which can be a significant convenience for busy parents.
• Duration and Flexibility: Do you need a full-day camp, or would a half-day session suffice? Many camps offer flexible booking options, allowing you to sign up for a single day, a week, or the entire holiday period. This flexibility helps accommodate family travel plans.
• Safety and Staff Qualifications: This is paramount. Inquire about staff-to-child ratios, first-aid certifications, and the background checks conducted on camp personnel. Reputable camps prioritize a safe and secure environment. Ask about their safety protocols, especially for outdoor or adventure-based activities.
• Cost and Inclusions: Camp costs in the UAE can vary significantly. While we are not providing specific prices, it’s worth noting that some camps start at around AED 300 per week, with more specialized or premium camps costing significantly more, sometimes exceeding AED 770 per week or even AED 3,000 per month. Always clarify what is included in the price (e.g., meals, snacks, materials, excursions, transportation) to avoid hidden fees. Some camps offer early bird discounts or sibling discounts.

The www.few.ae team understands that finding the right kids’ camp in the UAE can be a transformative experience for your child, offering them the chance to learn new skills, make new friends, and create cherished memories during their school breaks.