10 Ways to Keep Kids Active During School Closures in Dubai
Schools have been closed since March 2026. Screen time is through the roof. Here are 10 tested, practical ways to get your children moving – from free options to structured programmes.
KHDA guidance: Balance screen time with offline activities. Include movement, rest, and breaks in the daily routine. For younger children, encourage play-based learning.
1. Swimming at Your Home Pool
If you have a pool, use it. Swimming is the single best full-body exercise for children – it burns energy, builds coordination, and teaches a life-saving skill. Even 30 minutes of structured pool time makes a difference.
Pro tip: Book a professional swimming lesson to give sessions structure and track progress. First lesson AED 99. Learn more →
2. Morning Cycling or Skating
Before the heat sets in (7-9 AM), take kids cycling at Dubai Canal, Al Qudra, or your community path. Rollerblading and skateboarding at JBR or Kite Beach are also great options.
Pro tip: An Active Mentor can take your child cycling or skating as part of a structured daily programme.
3. Park Visits and Nature Walks
Al Barsha Pond Park, Safa Park, Creek Park, Mushrif Park – all have shaded areas for morning visits. Children need green space and unstructured play.
Pro tip: Combine with a picnic breakfast. Pack water, fruit, and sunscreen.
4. Dance and Movement Videos
YouTube has thousands of kids' workout and dance videos. GoNoodle, Cosmic Kids Yoga, and Just Dance are popular choices. No equipment needed, works in any living room.
Pro tip: Limit total screen time – use movement videos as an active break between online school sessions.
5. Indoor Obstacle Course
Use cushions, chairs, blankets, and tape to create an obstacle course at home. Time each attempt. Children will repeat it dozens of times trying to beat their record.
Pro tip: Works especially well for ages 4-8. Add a 'lava floor' game for extra excitement.
6. Water Play (Even Without a Pool)
Sprinklers, water balloons, washing the car together, or simply running through a garden hose. Water play is physical, sensory, and burns massive energy.
Pro tip: If you have a pool but no structure, consider booking a trial swimming lesson to build real skills.
7. Sports in the Park
Football, badminton, frisbee, or catch. Invite other families from your community. Group sports teach teamwork and provide social interaction children are missing from school.
Pro tip: Early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 5 PM) to avoid peak heat.
8. Museum and Indoor Attraction Visits
Dubai Museum, OliOli, Dubai Frame, Kidzania – many offer educational experiences that count as both learning and active time. Check for free entry days.
Pro tip: Schedule these for midday when it's too hot for outdoor activities.
9. Cooking and Baking Together
It's physical (mixing, kneading, stirring), educational (measuring, reading recipes), and produces something tangible. Children love eating what they've made.
Pro tip: Simple recipes: pancakes, pizza dough, smoothies, fruit salad.
10. Hire an Active Mentor
If you can't be there all day, an Active Mentor from ProFit Swimming provides a full structured day: swimming, homework help, outdoor sports, park visits, and creative play. Certified STA coaches, daily WhatsApp reports.
Pro tip: From 51 AED/hr on monthly packages – less than a babysitter. Trial single session: 400 AED for 4 hours. Learn more →
Sample Active Day Schedule
Can't Do It All Yourself?
Our Active Mentors handle all 10 of these activities – in a single day. Certified coach, structured plan, daily reports. From 55 AED/hr.