The young explorer’s guide to the UAE

Dear Young Explorers,Welcome to the UAE! We’ve got a lot of places to visit, loads of fun to be had and lots to learn. So pack your backpack with plenty of water and snacks and gather up the whole family… we’ve got a world of fun and adventures for you to discover in this handy little guide.

Discovery & Adventure Travel through time, learn about the world and explore the sea! Discover how learning can be loads of fun in the UAE.

Ajman MuseumGo 2,000 years back in time and see how pots, pans and other tools looked like. Don’t forget to check out the fun cultural Arabian rifle dances that happen throughout the day.

Opening Hours:Saturday to Thursday from 9 am until 1 pm and from 4 until 9 pmClosed on Friday

Sharjah History & Botanical MuseumCome face to face with a wonderful world of animals, plants and trees. With so many great exhibits on display, you’ll meet some of nature’s most exciting creations and get to learn all about them.

Opening Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 am until 6:30 pmFriday from 2 until 6:30 pmSaturday from 11 until 6:30 pmClosed on Tuesday

Sharjah Science MuseumScience has never been this fun! Get ready to enjoy and play with tonnes of science experiments and gadgets. And if you love space, the Planetarium shows you the universe and how it works. Don’t forget to check out the magic show too.

Opening Hours:Sunday to Thursday from 8 am until 8 pmFriday and Saturday from 4 until 8 pm

Sharjah Discovery CentreLearn about everything! From huge cars and machines to the human body and the sea, the Sharjah Discovery Centre lets you run around and explore everything first-hand… knowing so many things is quite a workout.

Opening Hours:Daily from 9 am until 2 pmWednesday to Friday from 3:30 until 8:30 pm

Sharjah Desert ParkJourney to the heart of the desert and uncover its secrets. See the plants, the animals and the stories that shaped the magical Arabian Desert in a bunch of fun exhibitions and activities – you’ll even get to pet a few of the animals at the farm!

Opening Hours:Sunday to Thursday: 9 am until 5:30 pm Friday: 2 until 5:30 pmSaturday: 11 am until 5:30 pmClosed on Tuesday

Global VillageTravel the whole world at Dubai’s biggest outdoor cultural park. Watch cultural dances from every country, taste 1,000 flavours from around the world and of course you have to try all the crazy rides and games – the world is yours.

Opening Hours:Saturday from 4 pm until 12 am Sunday from 4 pm until 12 am Monday from 4 pm until 12 am (Families Only)Tuesday from 4 pm until 12 amWednesday from 4 pm until 12 am Thursday from 4 pm until 1 am Friday from 4 pm until 1 am

Sharjah AquariumWith over 250 species of fish and marine life, you’ll get to come up close and personal with everything from tiny seahorses to huge reef sharks! You’ll love the colourful reefs and the playful clown fish.

Opening Hours:Monday to Thursday from 8 am until 8 pmFriday from 4 until 9 pmSaturday from 8 am until 9 pmClosed on Sunday

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater ZooSee the sea like never before! This wonderful underwater zoo is one of the biggest in the world and brings you thousands of species of fish, sharks, rays, penguins and seals. You can walk through rainforests and rocky shores as you enjoy their exciting ‘lunar’ light show.

Opening Hours:Daily from 10 am until 12 pm

Dubai ZooIf you’re in Jumeirah, be sure to stop by this charming zoo and introduce yourself to the world’s rarest animals. Check out the hawks, wolves, big cats and so much more… are you ready for a grrrrrowling good time?

Opening Hours:Summer daily from 10 am until 6 pmWinter daily from 10 am until 5:30 pm

Fun & Games

Ajman Equestrian ClubRide your very own horse into the desert or learn how to jump over barriers just like a real show. The Ajman Equestrian Club is where you become a knight, a cowboy and desert warrior all at once!

Opening Hours:Daily from 7 am until 1 pm and 2 until 8 pm

Al Jazeera ParkOne of Sharjah’s most popular fun zones. Al Jazeera Park has lots of exciting rides and activities to enjoy, and a whole bunch of animals to meet and greet at the mini zoo.

Opening Hours:Saturday to Thursday from 3:30 until 10:30 pmFriday from 9:30 until 10:30 pmTuesday exclusive to women and children

Dubai Creek ParkFresh air, lots of games and… dolphins! Yes, the Dolphinarium at Dubai Creek Park is taking you swimming with them or you can just sit back and catch the funny acrobatic show. Make sure you don’t leave without taking a photo with your favourite dolphin.

Show Timings: Monday to Thursday: 11 am and 6 pm Friday and Saturday: 11 am, 3 and 6 pm closed on Sunday

Dubai MallThe world’s largest mall is waiting! Have tonnes of fun at Sega Republic, see the giant aquarium and skate like a pro at the super-cool musical ice rink... this is one mall you’re not going to forget.

Wild WadiNo trip to the UAE is complete without stopping by Wild Wadi. Get ready to surf, slide and dive face first into a world of watery fun! With so many rides, slides and places to hang out, Wild Wadi is non-stop fun for the whole family.

Opening Hours:Daily from 11 am until 6, 7 or 8 pm (seasonal)Thursday exclusive to women and children from 8 pm until 12 am

Dreamland Water ParkUmm Al Quwain’s most popular attraction. Dreamland is known for its ‘Kamikaze’ rides and super-fast twister slides. Don’t forget to check out the roaring volcano, the lazy river and the Space Bowling Centre!

Opening Hours:Daily from 10 until 6, 7, 8 pm (seasonal)