Summer in the UAE means cool drinks, longer days, and the perfect time for family travel. There’s no need for long flights across the world if there’s a charming destination close by.
Sharjah has always beckoned travelers interested in Emirati culture and history. But this summer, the emirate has more than a couple of fun tricks up its sleeve to delight the whole family. For ideas, here are some summer activities on offer.
Get (fake) soaked in the Rain Room
Rain Room, credit: sharjahart.org
If you know an enthusiastic kid or two who would love to play in the rain, then they would really enjoy the Rain Room. The immersive installation employs motion sensors that detect movement and halt the falling water as you move through it. As you navigate the minimally lit chamber, you’ll be surrounded by constant downpour without getting wet. If you feel like it, you and the children can sing and dance in the rain, so long you do it slowly enough.
The concept is equally surreal and exciting; it’ll be an unforgettable experience for both kids and adults who secretly wish they could be kids again.
Opening times:
Saturday – Thursday: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday: 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Entrance fees:
Adult: 25 AED
Student: 15 AED (up to 22 years-ID required)
Teachers: 15 AED (ID required)
Children: Free (up to 5 years)
People with Disabilities and one companion: Free
Marvel at the marine wonders at Sharjah Aquarium
Sharjah Aquarium, credit: godayuse.com
Escape the scorching sun and enter the hidden world of deep sea life at Sharjah Aquarium. Located on Al Khan Old Area, the aquarium houses more than 150 native species from all around UAE. With tunnel tanks and informational touch screens, visitors get to watch up close and learn more about the inhabitants of local water like seahorses, moray eels, sea rays and reef sharks.
Opening Times:
Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Entrance Fees to Sharjah Aquarium & Sharjah Maritime Museum “Joint Ticket”:
Children (under 2 years): Free
Children (2-12 years): 15 AED
Adults (13+ years): 25 AED
Children group (2-12 years) – “6 or more”: 10 AED each
Adult group (13+ years) – “6 or more”: 15 AED each
Tourist groups Entrance Fees:
Children tourist group (under 2 years): Free
Children tourist group (2-12 years): 10 AED each
Adult tourist group (13+ years): 15 AED each
Stroll through the Butterfly House on Al Noor Island
From majestic creatures in the water to the ones in the sky; don’t forget to put the Butterfly House on your Sharjah itinerary. Once the kids are done marveling at the glittering building structure, they will be delighted to encounter over 500 winged beauties from various species fluttering about inside.
For the little creatures’ comfort, the dome is climate-controlled and filled with tropical plants and trees native to the butterflies’ homes from all over the world. When you make your way across the sunlit gallery, you’ll occasionally spot the butterflies feeding on fruits and honey water, providing cute photo ops.
The Butterfly House might be the main attraction on Al Noor, but the island is also dotted with little gems all over. Along the walkways, you’ll find pretty light installations, sculptures, gardens, and forest-themed children’s play area.
Opening times:
Sunday to Saturday: 9am to 6pm
Entrance fees:
Adults (age 13+): 50 AED
Kids (age 3-12): 30 AED
Kids below 3 years: Free
Cool down at Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park
What’s the most fun way to cool down fast in the summer? If you happen to be in Sharjah, the answer is a trip to Al Montazah Amusement and Water Park. Your kids will love a wild day out splashing around in the wave pool and swirling down the water slides, while you relax in your rented cabana. More fun can be found at the adjacent amusement park that hosts bumper cars, go-karts and a mini-train.
To wind down after the day’s excitement, arrange a little picnic at the park or relax at the restaurants and cafes.
Opening Times:
Daily: 10am to 9pm
Tuesdays: Ladies only (day/night)
Entrance fees:
Child under 80 cm: Free
Child (80cm – 100): 100 AED
Adults: 150 AED
Explore Sharjah Desert Park
Sharjah Desert Park, credit: travelex.ae
Just several kilometers east of Sharjah, you’ll find Sharjah Desert Park, great for a day trip with venues showcasing natural and historical attractions. One can’t-miss spot is the Arabian Wildlife Center that invites you to look at a range of indigenous Arabian wildlife species, from big mammals to birds to reptiles. Sharjah Botanical Museum, meanwhile, takes you way back in time and beyond with displays of meteor, dinosaur bones, as well as marine and desert ecosystem models.
For an interactive experience with local animals, there’s also a small farm where kids can pet and feed goats and cattle, ride supervised on camels, and approach the various kinds of poultry roaming free here.
Opening times:
Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs: 9am to 5:30pm
Tuesday closed
Friday: 2 to 5:30
Saturday: 11am to 5:30pm
Entrance fees:
Adults: 15 AED
Children under 12: free
Have media art fun at FUNN
Do you have young creative whiz in your family? Enroll them in the summer camp hosted by FUNN Sharjah Media Arts For Youth and Children, an organization promoting media arts knowledge. The camp will keep older children engaged with workshops on digital arts and design, games, and fun competitions.
Find out more and register here.
Have Fun While You Learn at Children’s Discovery Centre
Children Discovery Center, credit: brilliantmindsedu.org
Children’s Discovery Center is absolutely perfect for curious kids and just about anyone aged 3 to 12. The little ones will get to discover the how-tos of human bodies and the surrounding world in a fun way at this entertainment center. The center has thematic halls with activities like building houses using colorful blocks, driving along the track with battery cars while learning about traffic rules and regulations, and plenty more to keep the children entertained for hours.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday- 8am to 8pm
Friday: 4pm to 8pm
Entrance fees:
Adult: 10 AED
Children: 5 AED
