How to keep children entertained during Ramadan in Dubai

Ever wondered how to turn Ramadan’s serene evenings into magical moments for your little ones? Dubai transforms during the holy month, blending spirituality with family-friendly flair. But keeping kids entertained between Iftar cravings and bedtime prayers can feel like herding cats in a sandstorm. Fear not—this guide unveils Dubai’s best-kept secrets for joyful, culturally rich Ramadan activities that even the pickiest mini-critics will adore.

DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS

Theme Park Thrills After Sunset

While daytime fasting can be tough, Dubai Parks and Resorts shifts its schedule post-Iftar, offering extended hours (8 PM–1 AM) during Ramadan. Motiongate’s Smurfs Village and Legoland’s water rides stay open late, with tickets 30% cheaper after 7 PM. Pro tip: Pack electrolyte pouches in their fanoos-shaped lunchboxes to keep energy up.

ADDRESS

KIDZANIA DUBAI MALL

Where Play Meets Purpose

KidZania’s Ramadan program lets kids “fast” in a fun way—they earn “KidZos” currency by completing tasks like crafting lanterns or baking maamoul. The catch? No spending earnings until sunset! It’s a clever intro to Ramadan values. Entry costs 120 AED, but Dubai Mall’s Huawei sponsors free VR Hilal sighting games.

ADDRESS

AL FAHIDI HISTORICAL NEIGHBOURHOOD

Time Travel for Tiny Historians

Swap screens for sandalwood-scented alleyways. Al Fahidi’s Ramadan Nights offers henna art, oud instrument workshops, and Emirati storytelling under star-lit barasti roofs. Kids get free garangao bags (traditional candy pouches) for solving heritage quizzes. Arrive before 9 PM—the 170-year-old district caps visitors to preserve tranquility.

ADDRESS

THE GREEN PLANET

Jungle Adventures in Air-Conditioned Comfort

Dubai’s indoor rainforest stays open until midnight, with special Iftar for Animals feedings. Kids can hand-feed sugar gliders dates (approved by Dubai Municipality) or join Bio Dome scavenger hunts. Bonus: The café serves knafeh popsicles—parent win! Tickets: 150 AED (under 5s free).

ADDRESS

DUBAI PUBLIC LIBRARIES

Free Cultural Crafting Havens

Dubai’s libraries run free Ramadan workshops (10 AM–3 PM) teaching fanoos making with recycled materials and Arabic calligraphy basics. The Al Twar branch even has a “Mini Imam” program where kids lead mock Taraweeh prayers. Registration via the Dubai Culture app fills up faster than luqaimat at Iftar!
ADDRESS: Multiple locations; flagship at Al Mankhool

GARANGAO FESTIVALS

Candy, Costumes, and Community

On the 14th night of Ramadan, kids don kanduras or jalabiyas and sing for sweets—Dubai’s answer to Halloween. Top spots:

• Mirdif City Centre: Robotic camel distributions
• Global Village: Cultural pavilions offering 50+ international candies
• Hatta Heritage Village: Bonfire storytelling with Bedouin elders
  As www.few.ae editors note, “Bring reusable bags—kids collect 2+ kg of treats nightly!”

SKI DUBAI

Frosty Fun to Beat the Heat

Who says Ramadan can’t have snowball fights? Ski Dubai extends sessions until 11 PM, with iftar-themed igloo dinners (think cheese sambuska snowmen). The Penguin Encounter now includes a “Fasting Friends” talk about animal hibernation. Bundle deals: 240 AED for 2 hours + meal.
ADDRESS: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha

DUBAI BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Fluttering Lessons in Patience

This hidden gem in Al Barsha South releases 500 extra butterflies during Ramadan, each tagged with facts about patience—a subtle nod to fasting. Kids get “Migration Journals” to track species, earning badges like “Steward of Silence.” Admission: 55 AED (free if dressed as pollinators!).

RASHID CENTRE FOR PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION

Inclusive Iftar Activities

This pioneering center hosts daily sensory-friendly workshops (9 AM–12 PM) with adjustable lighting and noise-canceling zones. Activities include tactile masjid model-building and sign-language dua sessions. Open to all kids, it’s a beautiful way to nurture empathy. Donations encouraged.

ADDRESS

DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN

Blooms, Lights, and Laughter

The garden’s Ramadan edition features a 12-meter fanoos maze and AI-powered light shows synced to Adhan times. Kids can join “Moon Sighting” telescope workshops (35 AED) led by Dubai Astronomy Group experts. Pro tip: Post-Iftar visits (8–10 PM) avoid crowds and bloom-scent overwhelm.

ADDRESS

CULTURAL ETIQUETTE TIPS

Navigating Ramadan with Little Ones

• Dress Codes: Pack pashminas—play centers require covered shoulders post-Iftar.
• Quiet Hours: Most residential areas enforce noise restrictions 10 PM–8 AM.
• Public Eating: Use designated family tents at malls; fines for open eating reach 2,000 AED.
  The www.few.ae team advises, “Practice ‘dry fasting’ with water games—it builds empathy sans dehydration.”

COMMUNITY IFTAR INITIATIVES

Feasting with Purpose

Teach generosity through Dubai’s Fridge of Unity projects:

1. Jumeirah Beach Residence: Kids decorate community fridges (10 AM–12 PM daily).
2. Al Quoz Industrial Area: Assist in packing 500+ Iftar meals for laborers.
3. Karama Central Market: Trade toys for grocery vouchers—a hit with tiny philanthropists.

VIRTUAL OPTIONS

Screen Time with Soul

Dubai’s Smart Government app offers free e-courses:

• Arabic Folktales: Animated stories with AR puppets (AED 0)
• Quranic Cartoons: 5-minute episodes approved by Al Azhar scholars
• Cooking with Chef Fey: Vegan Harees made silly (AED 50/session)

RAMADAN NIGHT MARKET

Souk Adventures minus the Crowds

Held at Dubai Festival City, this market has a dedicated Kids’ Bazaar where little ones sell handmade crafts (profits go to Dubai Cares). Highlights include henna stencils by 8-year-old prodigy Aisha (book early!) and camel milk ice cream stalls. Open 7 PM–2 AM; free entry.

FUTURE TRENDS

Tomorrow’s Ramadan Fun

By 2025, Dubai plans AR Eidya hunts using blockchain tokens and AI Hussad (generosity) games. For now, stick to RTA’s free Ramadan buses (routes 8 and 12) for stress-free commutes. Remember: Joy lies in simplicity—a starlit picnic at Al Qudra Lake beats any screen.

Things to do in Dubai / Things to do in Abu Dhabi