As the warmer weather starts to approach, and the recovery of the tourism industry is progressing with the restart of activities and events in the city, all with stringent precautionary measures in place, now is the time tokeep cool and head to a host of unique indoor attractions and destinations across the emirate.With a wealth of sub-zero attractions andcool experiences from indoor skislopes and icerinkstounderwater adventures, alongside relaxed artsy and heritage centres, there are plenty of ways for families with children of all ages tochill out and enjoy an inspiring summer in the emirate.

Beat the heat and stay cool

Not only is TheDubai Mall the world’s largest shopping mall, it is also home to a wide number of family friendly activities, offering an immersive experience to visitors of all ages and interests. With a plethora of international cafes and restaurants offering delicious cuisines from all over the globe, the largest indoor aquarium in the world and anOlympic-sized ice rink, a day at The Dubai Mall is packed with attractions suitable for the whole family. Whether you want to head to a magical underwater world, or hone your ice skating skills by taking a class in the skating academy at Dubai Ice Rink, families will find a variety of indoor experiences to enjoy this summer.

Ski Dubaihas been named the world’s best indoor ski resort on several occasions, and for good reason. The slopes offer five different tracks, each of varying lengths and difficulty, which can be enjoyedindependently, or by joining a session withthe in-house Ski School, with coaching covering all levels and ages. In addition, the 4,500 sqm Snow Park offers sledding, tobogganing, zorb balling as well as rides including the Mountain Thriller, an adrenaline pumping adventure, carrying riders 150m at speeds of up to 40kph. Away from the slopes, there’s an Alpine-inspired lodge to enjoy hot chocolate before the little ones change into winter gear to meet the resident penguins for a memorable encounter.

Pay a visit to The Green Planet, an incredible bio-dome that is home to a tropical rainforest housing more than 3,000 plants, birds and animals. Young minds will be enthralled with an up-close and personal sloth encounter as the sleepy mammal roams free amongst the flora. Kids of all ages can meet friendly lemurs or explore the Australia Walkabout and if they are lucky they might even catch a glimpse of wallabies or the Australian Carpet Python. Other unusual experiences at The Green Planet include camping overnight in the rainforest, snorkeling with piranhas or even being a zookeeper for the day!

Engage in enriching cultural experiences

Visitors of all ages can take in panoramic views of Dubai from insidethe world’s largest frame-shaped building, which stands a huge 150m tall and is more than 95m wide. Inside this incredible structure, the Dubai Frame offers an immersive journey through the city’s history, where families can learn about Dubai’s evolution from a small trading port to an iconicglobal cosmopolitan city. The Dubai Frame offers uninterrupted views from the indoor Sky Deck where visitors can view ‘Old Dubai’ to the north, including Dubai Creek and the historical Al Fahidi Neighbourhood,as well as‘New Dubai’, lying in the south, including the iconic skyline featuring Burj Khalifa.

Attending a performance in the stunning Dubai Opera, designed to resemble the iconic Dhow (traditional fishing vessel), is a must-visit for cultural families. Shows range from comedy performances to rock, pop and jazz shows, and of course, some of the best theatrical performances in the world. Or why not go behind the scenes and take tweens and teens on the architecture tour and experience the backstage secrets of the theater houseand learn about the specially created sculptures and artworks within and around the venue?

A one-of-a-kind experience awaits to takebig kids and little kids on an unforgettable journey into the fascinating world of illusions at the Museum of Illusions at Al Seef. An educational and sensory experience, the museum is also home to an Anti-Gravity room, an Infinity Room and even a Rotated Room, all guaranteed to trick the senses. Families can also head into the Vortex Tunnel, the first of its kind in the region, and navigate their way through a ‘rotating’ cylinder, a head spinning adventure!

Challenge yourself with fun family activities

The newly openedRoll DXB brings roller disco to Dubai for the ultimate old-school activity with retro vibes. Located in Mina Rashid, the space welcomes rollerskatersof all ages and levels and guests can rent retro skatesonsite and even take lessons where they can develop all the fundamental skills and learn some iconic dance moves on wheels!

Ideal for competitive families,Jumble is an interactive puzzle game taking place within an indoor urban maze. The course is challenging, and tests brain power, cognitive abilities, problem solving skills, endurance and strength. There are more than 20 challenges, so guests can visit time and time again to test their resolve with these physical and mental puzzles.

For families passionate about sports and looking to engage in fun indoor physical activities, Dubai Sports World is the perfect destination for this summer. This safe and secure indoor venue boasts an array of sports and academic coaching for all ages as well as a range of activities such as football, basketball, cricket, badminton and a lot more.

All visitors to Dubai can confidently tour the city with peace of mind knowing that stringent measures have been put in place to ensure their health and safety, underpinned by the DUBAI ASSURED stamp, a compliance protocol that recognises and certifies all establishments within the tourism ecosystem that are adhering to the health and safety guidelines. Dubai was also awarded the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) in 2020, giving travellers more confidence to visit the destination in 2021.

Families also have the opportunity to engage in more events and activitiesacross the city.Information onevents and key happenings in Dubai can be viewed through Dubai Calendar’s website and mobile application.