Zabeel Park
As well as being one of Dubai’s largest parks, Zabeel Park is also one of the region’s first technology-themed parks with its lush green lawns home to interactive displays and free WiFi. The sprawling space also packs in plenty of recreational and leisure facilities. Whether you’re hoping to visit the ice rink, amphitheatre, mini-cricket pitch or even just popping along to one of the park’s many children’s play areas, there’s plenty for the whole family to enjoy. Getting around the park is all part of the fun. Aside from the picturesque pathways and footbridges, you can cycle around on a rental bike, cruise along the lake in a pedal boat or hop onboard the miniature train tour with your kids. Visitors can also grab a bite to eat at several cute cafés and restaurants, or make the most of the weather by gathering a few friends and taking advantage of the park’s lovely barbecue areas.
Creek Park
Located near the bustling banks of Dubai Creek, this green oasis is the ideal urban retreat. For those seeking a quiet place to reflect, why not take a picnic basket and find a spot under a tree or a pull up a seat at a café and watch the world go by. The park’s cable car ride, which runs the length of the grounds, is fantastic for taking in the neighbourhood sights. If a more active afternoon is on the agenda, your little ones will love exploring Children’s City. The first of its kind in the UAE, this mini ‘city’ offers several educational aspects including a planetarium and nature centre, as well as interactive workshops and live demonstrations of scientific concepts. Afterwards pay a visit to the Dubai Dolphinarium where you can watch regular dolphin shows or enjoy a special dolphin swim encounter to observe these majestic creatures up close.
Al Barsha Pond Park
Particularly popular with neighbouring residents, the Al Barsha Pond Park caters perfectly to families and nearby communities. Encircling a large man-made lake, the picturesque park is dotted with quaint benches shaded under pretty floral canopies and lovely green banks that are ideal for hosting family get-togethers. There’s plenty of choice for sporty types as the park features a basketball court, tennis courts, mini football pitch and outdoor gym equipment. Not to mention three kids play areas to keep the little ones entertained. Whether on foot or by bicycle, the 2.5 kilometre padded jogging track and parallel cycle track is a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh spring breeze.
Jumeirah Lakes Towers Park
Nestled between Jumeirah Lakes Towers’ soaring apartment buildings and sleek office blocks, this plush green space has been a welcome addition to the populated area. There’s nothing quite like exercising outdoors and visitors are encouraged to get to grips with the open-air gym equipment, hit the jogging track or even enjoy a bit of on-court basketball action. The amphitheatre regularly hosts pop-up events and arts and crafts markets where the charming stalls are a great place to pick up quirky one-off finds. During the cooler months, visitors can also catch a free weekend film screening under the stars at the open-air cinema.