There Could Be Only 8 School Days In Dubai This December – Here’s How To Keep The Kids Engaged

With December around the corner, parents in Dubai and Abu Dhabi are staring down a calendar that gives school kids just eight school days before winter break kicks in. That’s right, thanks to Union Day falling on the first two days of December, students are in for a long holiday stretch before the year is out. If you’re wondering how to keep the kids entertained during this extended downtime, we’ve got you covered with some creative and fun ideas—both at home and around the city.

1. Build a Fort with Puzzles and Games

Let’s start with something simple but captivating: puzzles. Engaging kids with puzzles not only keeps them busy but also boosts their cognitive skills. For younger kids, options like Melissa & Doug’s Wooden Jigsaw Puzzles with vibrant, familiar images can spark their interest, while older children can challenge themselves with more intricate ones like the Ravensburger 3D Puzzles, which include world landmarks or fun shapes like sneakers and unicorns.

Better yet, why not create a "puzzle fort"? Grab some sheets and chairs, build a cozy den, and set up a puzzle station inside. Combine this with games like Monopoly Junior, Guess Who?, or even a few rounds of UNO, and you’ve got a recipe for hours of screen-free entertainment.

2. Beach Day Fun

Dubai is blessed with stunning beaches, and what better way to make the most of a sunny winter break than by heading outdoors? A day at the beach is a chance for kids to splash in the water, build sandcastles, or even try their hand at collecting seashells.

If you’re near Kite Beach, the beachside vibe is perfect for families, with plenty of food trucks and ice cream stands to keep everyone happy. For an added layer of excitement, bring along a kite and let your kids enjoy the art of flying it high. Simple and inexpensive, yet endlessly fun.

For more structured activities, many beaches offer paddleboarding or beginner surf lessons. If your children are a bit older and itching for something new, this is the perfect time to introduce them to water sports.

3. Explore Global Village

When you’re ready to venture beyond the beach, Global Village is a fantastic option for both kids and adults. A multicultural extravaganza, this Dubai attraction is open for its winter season and features pavilions from over 90 countries, bringing the world’s cultures together in one place.

Kids can explore global markets, try international cuisine, and even take part in interactive workshops or watch street performances. If your children are into rides, the funfair area has a host of family-friendly amusements that cater to all ages. It’s a great way to combine fun with learning, as they’ll leave with a better understanding of different cultures, foods, and traditions.

4. Dubai Safari Park

Want to add an educational twist to the holiday fun? Head to Dubai Safari Park, where kids can get up close with over 3,000 animals. From the African savannah to the Asian jungle, the park is home to lions, giraffes, elephants, and more. The kids will love the safari journey, which takes you through different habitats and teaches them about wildlife conservation.

For younger children, there’s the Children’s Farm, where they can pet and feed animals, or the Kids' Zone, which features activities and animal encounters specially designed for little explorers. It’s a perfect day out that balances fun and education in equal measure.

5. DIY Arts and Crafts Corner at Home

If you’re looking to keep things low-key but still creative at home, why not set up an arts and crafts station? Gather supplies like colored paper, glue, glitter, and markers, and let your kids' imaginations run wild. They can create holiday-themed decorations or even make homemade gifts for family members.

You can also engage them in fun DIY projects like creating their own slime or putting together a scrapbook of their favorite moments from the year. For something a little more hands-on, try kits like Crayola’s Washable Paint Set or Play-Doh’s Kitchen Creations—perfect for younger children to stay engaged while making their own "masterpieces."

6. Outdoor Adventure at Mushrif Park

For families who love nature, a trip to Mushrif Park could be just the ticket. This vast, 5.25 square kilometer park offers everything from cycling paths to playgrounds, picnic areas, and even a dedicated Adventure Park. The park is full of shaded areas, making it a perfect spot to bring along some packed snacks and spend a day under the trees, while the kids run off their energy.

Mushrif Park also features a Tree-Top Adventure Course, offering obstacle challenges set high above the ground. It’s an exciting option for slightly older kids, and a great way to introduce them to physical activity in a fun and adventurous setting.

7. Host a Movie Marathon

Sometimes, the best way to engage the kids is through a good old-fashioned movie day. Turn your living room into a cozy home theater by dimming the lights, popping some popcorn, and queuing up a series of family-friendly films. Whether it’s a Pixar binge or a marathon of Harry Potter, there’s nothing quite like lounging together with blankets and snacks.

For younger kids, movies like Finding Nemo or Toy Story will capture their attention, while older children might enjoy classics like The Goonies or adventure-packed flicks like The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. You can even theme the snacks around the movies to make it more fun!

8. Winter Wonderland at Home

With all that time at home, why not bring a bit of winter wonder indoors? Create a DIY Winter Wonderland with fake snow (easily made from baking soda and water), holiday lights, and a playlist of festive music. Have the kids help craft paper snowflakes or gingerbread houses. You can even set up a "hot chocolate bar" with marshmallows, whipped cream, and sprinkles to give it that extra cosy touch.

With only eight school days in December, this month offers a rare chance to spend extra time with the family. Whether it’s a trip to Global Village, a day at the beach, or a puzzle-filled afternoon at home, these ideas will keep the kids entertained—and you sane—through the holiday season.