Faced with another day sitting in the apartment with my nine-year-old and six-year-old boys watching YouTubers play Fortnite on the TV, because it was simply too hot to go outside, I took a chance. I braved Dubai Mall on my own with them and headed for KidZania.
The nine-year-old is a tween of simple tastes: eat, sleep, football, repeat. So this was a risk. But he surprised me. He leaned in. He tried new things. He even took instructions.
Here’s what KidZania can give your child that YouTube/Fortnite/Roblox/Minecraft (delete as required) can’t.
1) Work = money (but not that much money)
After a shift making their own Happy Meals, delivering parcels or washing windows to earn KidZos (the KidZania currency), they learn a hard truth: a day’s graft won’t always cover the cost of the plastic toy they’ve decided they need two minutes after seeing it. Welcome to life, lads.
2) Some jobs are fun. Some aren’t. That’s fine.
They loved being Crime Scene Investigators. Bottling water? Not so much. “Try before you buy” is a nice, low-stakes way to talk about the future. What do you enjoy? What bores you? Useful chats on the drive home.
3) Licences, fees, and how fast money vanishes
You have to pay to take your driving test. Then you have to pay again to drive the car. It’s a neat way to show how quick cash goes when life admin kicks in.
4) Respect for people who cook your food
From making their own Happy Meals on a hot grill in a hot country, they got a tiny taste of kitchen life. They ate every chip after that. With thanks.
5) Work is tiring
Six hours. Dozens of roles. They were shattered. Did it make them think about mum and dad doing this daily? Let’s be honest: KidZania is good, but it isn’t a miracle worker.
What can they actually do inside?
Kidzania Dubai is a 7,000 m² mini city with over 40 role-play activities for kids aged 2–16. It’s set up like the real world with banks, shops, service roles and many more but sized for children. They earn, spend and save KidZos (their own currency available as payment by cash or card!) as they go.
Food-wise, they can prepare their own Happy Meal at McDonald’s, bake pizzas at PizzaExpress, or make healthy snacks at the Fade Fit Kids Healthy Snack Factory. It’s hands-on, structured, and supervised.
There’s loads more beyond food. Deliveries, window cleaning, pilot training, healthcare, TV/radio, and law-and-order type roles. Enough variety to keep siblings with very different tastes busy for a good chunk of the day.
Tips from a heat-dodging parent
Go early. It gets busy. Weekdays are calmer.
Set expectations on KidZos. They’ll want to spend as they earn. Talk saving vs spending first.
Bring a book / laptop. Parents can wait in comfort while the kids work their way round.
Block out hours. This is not a “quick hour” activity. Plan for most of the day.
Wear comfy shoes. For you and them.
If you’re in Dubai over the summer and the heat has beaten you, KidZania is a solid, air-conditioned answer. It’s structured enough to feel educational, playful enough to keep them hooked, and real enough to spark a few good life chats on the way home.
And yes, it beats watching someone else play Fortnite. Just. And yes, the nine-year-old did decide he needed to visit the new Manchester City store in Dubai Mall on the way home as a reward (KidZos not accepted).
From the perspective of holidaying with young children. Winter sun in Tenerife at Bahia Principle Fantasia review – January 2020.
We’ve been very keen to get our children used to travel from an early age (and whilst free under 2!). We took RLT on his first holiday abroad when he was 13 months old, so we were conscious that it was time to show Little E a little bit more of the world, as he is already 15 months old. We visited Fantasia Bahia Principle in Golf del Sur, Tenerife in January 2020 as a family of four (two adults, two children aged 1 and 3). We did a lot of research before we went and ummed and arred about booking because we found so many conflicting views, so I decided to publish my honest review which is not paid for in any way shape or form. (Can only wish given that prices have increased when looking for 2022 even with free child places)
Before booking research
There are so many Facebook groups, trip advisor reviews, google reviews and marketing from the hotel itself that you can take into account before booking this hotel. I looked at the majority of them and now writing this as I am at home, I’m honestly gobsmacked at some of the comments I have read. I can only imagine they are from rival hotel chains looking to do some damage limitation to their bookings, as this is a new hotel.
So what I would say to you is; the Facebook group whose members are previous or upcoming guests is the best one to join for honest opinions. I’m not saying that there won’t be some ‘ringers’ in there, because some of the comments on there are insane too – either that or people have impossibly high standards for a family hotel. Trip advisor is known for rival staff comments and I can tell you from my own personal experience that the hotel has a ‘share your happiness’ event to drive up their google reviews – you get a t-shirt if you post. From a marketing point of view, I applaud this and at no point did I see staff direct anyone to say or give a particular mark, but the numbers are inflated because who doesn’t love a free t-shirt?
Hotel check-in
The hotel itself isn’t that pretty from the outside, but you can’t fail but be impressed by the light and the interiors when you walk into reception. Check-in is prompt, you get bands with NFC tags in them which become your digital passport to your dining and pass to your rooms, no having to take the key card in and out with you, which is great. They provided a map, which showed us where the pools were, which ones were heated (we thought they were still freezing cold) and advised how many shows and meals we could book in the a la carte restaurants based on how many nights we were staying. All seemed fairly straight forward and there was a little area in which the kids could play at the side of reception whilst we were checking in.
What they didn’t tell us at check-in
They didn’t really explain the map at check-in – the map is pretty rubbish. It makes no reference to the fact that the hotel is on four levels and doesn’t let you know which level anything is on. Reception/lobby bar/theatre/sports bar/shop are all on level 4, the unheated pool, 2 heated pools, towel exchange, buffet restaurant, Asian and Italian restaurants, and castle are all on level 3, the children pools, bar, and adult-only infinity pool area are all on level 2 (or s2 on the lift) and the kid’s club, outdoor football area, running track, gym, spa and exit towards the back of the resort are on level 1. This shouldn’t really matter, but we had a pushchair, so it was incredibly hard to navigate around. Why? because most of the floors are only accessible via lifts for some reason if you cannot take the stairs outside. There were no stairs visible in the hotel itself so everyone in the hotel was relying on lifts, which meant that a wrong turn could take you an age! We got there in the end, but it really was a self-learning exercise that wasn’t needed if they had a clear map (it’s on the digital displays around the hotel too).
All of the information you need in regards to what’s on at the hotel can be found on an app or on the interactive displays in the hotel reception. There is a rolling programme of daytime and nighttime events, but you need to seek out the information through these channels. I’m not sure if we just didn’t get told about a welcome meeting from Jet2, or if this is the ‘all online no hassle’ approach to this resort (great if it is) they just need to signpost people where to get the information.
Food and drink
We were happy with the selection of food and drinks at the bars and restaurants. In fact, as far as all-inclusive goes, I’d say they did these very well. We’re not massively into spirits, so I couldn’t tell spirits apart from premium versions, the cocktails tasted good to me. The beer was San Miguel Especial and the soft drinks were Coca-cola, Fanta, Fanta lemon, sprite. There were fruit juice machines around too. As we had little ones with us we took our own Robinson’s juice and used the water machines to mix as we didn’t want them having fizzy drinks nor drinking fruit juice constantly.
The a la carte restaurants were OK too. Compact menus but a good break from eating buffet every night. The staff were attentive, the wait times for food when ordered wasn’t massive and there were other parents there with children, which was a help to us as we weren’t the only ones rushing against the clock to eat a meal. Staff were nice in all bars and restaurants. I could not fault them at all. I don’t think the quality of ingredients can sometimes be the best in all-inclusive hotels because they’re mass-producing, but everything was fresh, well presented and probably the best all-inclusive food I’ve had, and I’ve been to a fair few different places on AI!
Dreams factory fast food restaurant at the poolside was a nice touch. Food was cooked to order between 10-4 and salad and snacks such as ice cream available too free of charge. Food was obviously always fresh and it was quite a fast service. There was a locked freezer of branded ice creams which was available for a charge.
Rooms
The rooms are clean, a great size and very comfortable. We were most impressed by our junior suite which consisted of a huge bed, another double in an area which could be closed off from the other bed and a travel cot for the little one. The bath was deep, the shower was good and there were two toilets, one with the shower and one close to the door of the room which had a door to keep it separate. There was an included minibar, wardrobe and kettle area which were all much appreciated due to our little one still having a night time bottle. On every floor of the hotel, there were ‘baby stations’ which were equipped with microwaves and bottle sterilisers, which were a great addition. The balcony was also fairly well secured for toddlers too. There were two chairs, a table, and a mini washing line.
Entertainment
There is pool-based entertainment during the day for adults and a kids club for 3-11 years on level 1. I was informed that children between ages 3-4 could go if accompanied by an adult, but when we went to the kids club, I was expected to leave and they could call me if my 3 year old wanted to come out, otherwise, he would stay with them until 4 pm. He wasn’t happy about staying without me and to be honest, neither was I. We were advised the children could use the kids club between 6-7 on an evening if they wished as parents and children of all ages were permitted to be there – but as this was the earliest evening meal was available, we never took them up on the offer. There was a giant chessboard by the poolside and a ‘playground’ which was actually a room with toys and TV in. It is advertised to be open between 9 am-2 pm then between 7 pm-9 pm but what we later found was these are the times that it is supervised and by that I mean that you can leave your children in there with a member of the entertainment team whilst you eat without your children. The room itself is open anytime if you’re supervising your own children.
There was a nightly mini-disco and this was hit and miss depending on the members of staff taking it, there was a man named Carlos who was fantastic and engaging with the children and they absolutely loved it when he did it. Other times it was done by some girls who were just dreadful, they couldn’t have made it any more obvious that they thought this was the short-straw so spent the majority of the 30 minutes allocated to mini-disco getting children to shout 321 music DJ in various languages. It was really quite painful at times, especially for the kids, for whom Carlos and his discos had been the highlight only days previous.
The shows were quite obviously where the hotel put its entertainment budget. They had several during the week (all bookable) all with different storylines and choreography. They were all 8.30-9pm starts, so a difficult ask for little ones to stay up and sometimes the content a little on the dark side. There was a payable show starting the evening we left, tickets were 12 euros each, apparently thanks to the fact that people who lived on the island like to book into the hotel as day guests, so they were trying to tempt them into overnight stays during the quieter winter months.
Conclusion
We had a good week. We were cautious, given the things we’d seen about wind and sewerage smells! The wind was only an issue when we had a tail-end of a storm. The sewerage could be smelt when you were outside of the works, which were close to the sea-facing swim-up rooms, so I’d be cautious if I had one of those rooms. I think that it was possibly more suited to children aged 4+ because of the necessity of the use of lifts, late shows, kids club and size of the waterslides, but this is probably a mindful decision on their behalf as children aged 2 and under are free.
Would I go back? Maybe in a few years. It was a nice week but the customer service isn’t quite as polished as our stays in Iberostar hotels. The Iberostar Malaga Playa is still my favourite hotel that we’ve stayed in as a family and I would pick that one over Bahia Principle Fantasia. If you do have any questions about the hotel, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me via email here.
With the weather supposed to be getting warmer and summer days getting longer, food experts at Tropical Sun have released a new study focusing on BBQ trends in the UK – and it is good news that we are a resilient bunch and wont let the lack of sun ruin our fun!
A study of 2,000 respondents conducted via OnePoll revealed that nearly one in ten (8%) of fun-loving Brits host regular BBQs regardless of the season. The research also revealed that one in three (29%) Brits enjoy BBQs so much that they would still attend one in rainy weather. One in five (22%) would still commit to hosting a BBQ regardless of bad weather – great news as the weather looks like it will be a factor in Euro 2024 watch parties around England.
When it comes to frequency, the majority of the population (42%) have on average 2-3 BBQs per year. Nearly one in three (28%) have 5-6 BBQs per year while one in ten (11%) have 6-10 BBQs. It was also revealed that Gen Z are hosting BBQs more often than any other age group, with 22% having on average 6-10 BBQs a year.
The study also revealed that nearly one in five (17%) Brits prefer hosting a BBQ, while half of Brits (47%) prefer attending a BBQ. Surprisingly, men (20%) are more likely to prefer hosting a BBQ, compared to only 14% of women. Millennials (19%) were revealed as the age group who are the most likely to prefer hosting.
A surprising finding that may give singletons hope this summer is that 5% of couples (1 in 20) met their partner at a BBQ, proving there’s still potential for making connections organically and away from the dating apps.
According to the study results, the majority of Brits spend under £100 on BBQ food. 31% of Brits manage to host a budget BBQ gathering paying £21-50, while 13% of Brits are comfortable with splashing out £101-150 on a single BBQ.
Sausages were crowned as the nation’s favourite BBQ staple with 62% people choosing it as their preferred grilling food. Meat burgers (59%) and chicken pieces (29%) rounded out the top choice BBQ foods in the UK.
When it comes to the main reasons for hosting a BBQ, sunny weather (73%) came out as the top motivator. Birthday celebrations (58%), bank holidays (49%), watching a sporting event (26%) and showing off a new home or renovation (10%) rounded out the top five most popular reasons for hosting a BBQ. 6% of Brits admitted they host BBQs so they can share photos on social media.
Other key findings from the survey:
– Over one in ten Brits (13%) have made new friends at BBQs
– Men (17%) are more likely to make friends at the BBQ that women (10%)
– 1 in 5 (20%) single people have made friends at a BBQ
– Nearly one in ten men (8%) met their partner at a BBQ compared to 2% of women
– Men are more likely to host a BBQ to show off home renovations than women, with 12% of men claiming to do so compared to 8% of women
– Men (8%) are more likely to host a BBQ so they can put pictures on social media than women (4%)
– 17% of men won’t invite someone to their BBQ if that person previously failed to extend an invite to them. Only 11% of women feel the same way
– 32% of men host BBQs to watch sporting events
– 16% of 25-34 year olds host BBQs to share photos on social media
– Nearly half (44%) of Brits expect guests to bring their own drinks to a BBQ while 25% expect guests to bring food
– One in five (19%) believe a BBQ should be done by men
– Nearly one in ten (8%) expect their guests to contribute money toward the BBQ they are hosting
– 12% of men think guests should contribute toward the BBQ costs compared to 5% of women
– 15% of Brits expect guests to help clean up after the BBQ
– 20% of men expect guests to clean up after the BBQ compared to 12% of women
– Gen Z and Millennials are the age groups least likely to invite neighbours to their BBQ compared to Gen X and Boomers
– Nearly 1 in 5 (18%) 25-34 year olds don’t want kids at their BBQs
– 25-34 year olds (9%) are more likely to favour vegan burgers than any other age group. They are followed by 6% of 18-24 year olds
– Coleslaw is the nation’s favourite BBQ side, followed by leafy salad and potato salad
– Tomato ketchup (84%), mayonnaise (75%), BBQ sauce (69%), mustard (55%) and burger sauce (43%) are the top must-have sauces at a British BBQ
– BBQ (28%), Honey Mustard (12%), Piri Piri (12%), Cajun (7%) and Teriyaki (5%) are the UK’s favourite BBQ seasonings
– The most recreated international cuisines at a BBQ are Greek, Caribbean and Indian
Sinan Jefferies, Brand Manager at Tropical Sun said: ‘’ With BBQ season upon us, we’ve taken a deep dive into British BBQ habits, not only the foods but the cultures and expectations around hosting a cookout. Every Brit will tell you that weather is a big factor, but likely less of us will be as aware of all the other secret ingredients that go towards putting on a successful BBQ. Hopefully our study can shed a little firelight on the subject – and help our fellow Brits make the most out of our unpredictable, often short-lived summer!’’
We’re so excited to embark on a brand new adventure as Ninja Warrior Teesside is set to open its doors at Teesside Park on 14th July! I noticed the Ninja Warrior Coming Soon signs next door to Showcase Cinema when I attended the Jackdaw premiere in January 2024. Great news for families like mine who are already big fans of the one in Leeds, which we recently visited so images in this post are from Leeds.
Teesside Park: The Ultimate Family Destination
Teesside Park, situated on the outskirts of Middlesbrough/Stockton has long been a popular destination for families seeking shopping, entertainment, and dining experiences. But now, it’s about to become even more exciting with the arrival of Ninja Warrior Teesside.
Ninja Warrior: A Test of Strength and Agility
For those of you who aren’t familiar with Ninja Warrior, it’s a high-energy obstacle course that tests your physical strength, agility, and mental determination. Inspired by the popular TV show, this course promises an unforgettable experience for kids and adults alike.
What to Expect at Ninja Warrior Teesside
Here’s a sneak peek into what you can expect when you visit Teesside Park’s Ninja Warrior Assault Course:
1. Variety of Obstacles
Get ready to tackle a wide range of obstacles, including rope swings, cargo nets, balance beams, and the iconic warped wall. The course is designed to challenge participants of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers.
2. Family-Friendly Fun
Ninja Warrior isn’t just for adults; it’s a fantastic activity for the whole family. Children as young as five can participate, making it the perfect outing for those looking to bond over shared challenges.
3. Safety First
Rest assured, safety is a top priority at the Ninja Warrior Assault Course. Trained staff members will be on hand to provide guidance and ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.
4. Competitive Edge
For those who love a bit of friendly competition, you can time yourself as you tackle the obstacles, competing with family and friends to see who conquers the course the fastest.
Looking for a unique way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion? The Ninja Warrior Assault Course at Teesside Park is likely to offer party packages that include access to the course, just like the other parks around the country.
Plan Your Trip
Before you head out to Ninja Warrior Teesside, make sure to plan your visit accordingly. Check for any age or height restrictions, dress comfortably, and be prepared for an action-packed day. Our youngest child was 5 at the time of visiting and where he loved the inflatable section, he really struggled with many of the obstacles. Age 4 plus is advised on the website.
We can’t contain our excitement about the upcoming opening of the Ninja Warrior Assault Course at Teesside Park. It’s set to become one of the must-visit family attractions for Teessiders, county durham-ers and those from North Yorkshire , providing hours of fun and challenges for everyone. Stay tuned for more updates, and be ready to unleash your inner ninja at Teesside Park’s newest adventure destination!
To celebrate balletLORENT’s 30th year, they present their new heartwarming show The Velveteen Rabbit, premiering November 2023 at their home in The John Marley Centre.
Inspired by Margery Williams’ tale, toys come to life through the magic of storytelling, music, and dance, creating a captivating show for the whole family.
In this entertaining dance theatre performance, a toy rabbit and a boy embark on an adventure, discovering the essence of growing up and the meaning of love.
‘When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real’
Limited tickets are available for the premiere at the John Marley Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Fri 17 Nov
4.30pm – suitable for ages 4-10 years and their families.
Sat 18 Nov
11am – suitable for ages 0-3 years and their families.
2pm – suitable for ages 4-10 years and their families.
4pm – suitable for ages 4-10 years and their families.
– Unreserved seating and relaxed performances in wheelchair friendly venue.
– Neurodiverse audiences welcome.
– Ample free parking at the venue
– Please contact the organisation directly for any special requirements for access.
– Performance includes a meet and greet with the performers.
– Running time 30 minutes for the 0-3 years and 45 minutes for ages 4-10 years.
