Indoor Activities to Beat the Heat this Summer

Yes, there are the usual suspects: cinema, soft play, kids play centres, trawling the malls - but how about some fun activities for an afternoon with the girls? To get your teens to ditch the screens for a while, or let the little ones create their next big masterpiece (with no clean up at home)?

Check out our round up of fun outings you might have missed, and let us know of any favourites you think deserve a spot on the list!

THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

AL QANA

20% off general admission, beyond the glass, bu tina dhow, all-access ticket and all access + fish feeding

Not much provides such a refreshing escape from the heat as a visit to The National Aquarium: surrounded by cool water, shaded rooms and colourful sea life, it feels a world away from the summer temperatures outside.

We love the exotic jungle room (mind the free range birds!) - complete with capybaras - and the puffins are beyond adorable. Perfect for the whole family, this also makes for a cute date idea if you’re looking for something a little different. With 20% off general admission as well as a whole host of other fun experiences, this is a BB+ discount we’re sure you’ll find yourself going back to again and again!

Open: daily | 10AM - 10PM

Price: various | 20% off general admission, beyond the glass, bu tina dhow, all-access ticket and all access + fish feeding with BB+

Contact: 02 418 6666

ART HOUSE CAFE

AL BATEEN | AL BANDAR

Paint a plate and enjoy some tasty food while you get creative! Did I once spend 5 hours here? Yes. Am I sorry about it? Definitely not! This one feels like a proper little adventure - the space is quirky and set back from the street, with plenty of corners to tuck yourself away in and busy yourself painting a plate - or to linger over a coffee with a good book.

It wouldn’t be out of place as a little oasis in Bali or an artist’s passion project in California - perfect if you’re craving a summer reprieve without the airfares. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, you can take the little ones along or head in with a group of mates and let the creative juices flow! Take your work of art home with you, or donate it to join the hundreds of others that line the walls - then see if you can spot it on your next visit.

Open: daily | 9AM - 11PM

Price: plate painting | from AED25

Bookings: 02 666 0175

THE LOUVRE & ARTE CAFE

SAADIYAT ISLAND

Already a year-round staple for their fantastic art collection, changing exhibitions - currently, it’s a fabulous exploration of the history of fables - and excellent climate control, we’ve just found another reason to love the Louvre: the addition of Arte Fine Art Cakes.

Making the leap from Dubai, this cafe serves up miniature works of art of the edible variety. Cakes that are almost too pretty to eat replicate real-life pieces on display in the galleries - make sure you snap a picture before you dig in. The best part? BB+ members can enjoy up to 30% off!

Open: The Louvre | daily from 10AM | closed Mondays

Price: Arte Cafe discounts | 20% off main menu items with BB+ | 30% off main menu items from 5:30PM with BB+ | 15% off customised cakes with BB+ | please note - entry tickets to the Louvre are needed to visit Arte

Bookings: 600 565566

MANARAT AL SAADIYAT

SAADIYAT ISLAND

A self-described haven for inspiration, artistic expression and culture in Abu Dhabi, there is never a shortage of upcoming workshops and events at Manarat Al Saadiyat cultural centre - in addition to crafty happenings, keep an eye out for film festivals, markets and exhibitions.

Want to get your hands dirty? Join one of their clay classes - learn some hand-building techniques, or try your hand at the wheel. Want to flex your creative muscles? They offer unguided free-creation sessions as well if you prefer to be left to your own devices. Great sessions for kids are available - especially over the summer holidays - and clay isn’t the only medium on offer - delve into art, photography, embroidery and plenty more.

Open: daily | 10AM - 8PM

Price: various | dependent on workshop/activity

Bookings: 02 657 5800

ADRENARK

AL QANA

Parenting isn’t a popularity contest - but a trip to Adrenark would help you win if it was! The region’s largest indoor park isn’t just for kids though - there’s fun to be had for all ages, and it’s an easy way to spend a day (or a few) this summer when everyone is figuratively climbing up the walls - why not go and climb some literal ones instead? As well as a rappelling wall, look out for the inflatable park, multiplex karting, rides, a toddler playground, ropes courses, cave explorer, bungee and plenty more - there are over 20 activities at last count!

Test your skills, challenge your friends to some healthy competition, let the kids burn off some energy – then recover at the food court before round two. BB+ members score 20% off all activities - what are you waiting for?

Timing: daily | 10AM - Midnight

Price: various | 20% off all activities with BB+

Contact: 02 418 6620

GAME OVER ESCAPE ROOMS

THE GALLERIA

Escape the heat - literally - at Game Over this summer. Room themes vary from family-friendly to adventure, horror or mystery: think Alice in Wonderland, Lost City of Atlantis and Nightmare Hotel, amongst others.

Rooms are suitable for groups up to 7, and you can choose your difficulty - perfect for first time escapees right through to expert boffins wanting to show off. The puzzles will help keep you sharp if the heat is threatening to melt your brain, and teamwork makes the dream work: perfect for team building, birthday parties or a family afternoon out.

Open: daily | 10AM - 11PM | Friday & Saturday | until midnight

Price: from AED140 - AED175 per person | dependent on group size

Bookings: 02 635 8743

RITUAL CAFE & STUDIO

REEM ISLAND

A favourite on Reem in the winter months - active islanders love to nab a table outside with mangrove views after a walk or paddle - Ritual is a go-to summer retreat as well. Serving up excellent food (and some properly delicious baked goods, like their creme brulee cinnamon scroll), it’s a perfect retreat if you want to get some work done on weekdays. Weekends are busier, but indoor tables are in shorter supply.

What we really love for summer? Workshops! A great way to get out and flex that left-brain creativity, and perhaps learn a new skill while you’re at it, previous classes have included art therapy, watercolour workshops, cooking classes and embroidery to name a few. You can check out their upcoming workshops via their Instagram page, or by reaching out to the staff over WhatsApp.

Open: Sunday - Thursday 8AM - 11PM | Friday - Saturday 9AM - 12AM

Price: various | dependent on workshop

Bookings: workshops | +971 50 263 7100

LOVING THESE OPTIONS?

We have plenty of other great recommendations here:

• THE MOST INSTAGRAMMABLE CAFES IN ABU DHABI
• FABULOUS ABU DHABI LADIES NIGHTS TO TRY
• 6 GREAT INDOOR BRUNCHES IN ABU DHABI
• BEST DISCOUNTS & DEALS FOR BB+ MEMBERS

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