Kids Activities During School Closure in Dubai: A Complete Guide for Parents (2026)
Schools have been on distance learning since March 2026. If you're wondering what to do with your children at home all day, you're not alone – this hits hardest in family villa districts like DAMAC Hills and The Springs, where kids are used to school sport filling their week – though in a villa community the pool outside your door does half the job for you. Here's everything Dubai parents need to know – from free activities to structured mentorship programmes.
Schools closed until at least April 17, 2026
KHDA confirms remote learning is extended. Parents are not expected to be teachers – but children need structured activity. See our Active Mentor programme →
In this guide:
1. What's Happening With Dubai Schools
Following confirmed missile interceptions over UAE territory in early March 2026, all UAE schools moved to distance learning. The closure, initially planned for a few days, has been extended multiple times:
- March 2-4: Initial closure due to airspace restrictions
- Extended to April 3: KHDA required MOE approval to reopen
- Extended to April 17: Remote learning for all nurseries, schools, and universities
For many families, this means 6+ weeks of children at home – the longest period of remote learning since the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. What KHDA Recommends for Parents
Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) released a parent guide with clear advice:
The key message: schools handle the teaching – you handle the support. But that support still takes time, energy, and planning that working parents don't always have.
3. Free and Low-Cost Activities in Dubai
Here are activities that cost little or nothing:
Parks & Playgrounds
Kite Beach, Al Barsha Pond Park, Safa Park, Creek Park, Mushrif Park – all have shaded areas for morning visits. Children need green space and unstructured play.
Tip: Combine with a picnic breakfast: pack water, fruit, and sunscreen.
Swimming at Home
If you have a pool – structured swim sessions are the best exercise. Swimming burns energy, builds coordination, and teaches a life-saving skill; even 30 minutes of structured pool time makes a difference.
Tip: A professional lesson gives sessions structure and tracks progress. First lesson AED 99. Private swimming lessons →
Cycling & Skating
Dubai Canal path, Al Qudra cycling track, JBR promenade – best at 7-9 AM, before the heat sets in. Rollerblading and skateboarding at JBR or Kite Beach work too.
Museums & Indoor Attractions
Dubai Museum, Coffee Museum, Women's Museum (many free entry days), plus OliOli, Dubai Frame, and KidZania – educational experiences that count as both learning and active time.
Tip: Schedule these for midday, when it's too hot for outdoor activities.
Creative at Home
Drawing, LEGO, science experiments, and cooking together – it's physical (mixing, kneading, stirring), educational (measuring, reading recipes), and children love eating what they've made.
Tip: Simple recipes: pancakes, pizza dough, smoothies, fruit salad.
Library Visits
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, Al Safa Library – free entry
Dance & 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.
Tip: Use movement videos as an active break between online school sessions, and keep total screen time limited.
Indoor Obstacle Course
Use cushions, chairs, blankets, and tape to build a course at home. Time each attempt – children repeat it dozens of times trying to beat their record.
Tip: Works especially well for ages 4-8. Add a 'lava floor' game for extra excitement.
Water Play (Even Without a Pool)
Sprinklers, water balloons, washing the car together, or running through a garden hose – physical, sensory, and burns massive energy.
Tip: If you have a pool but no structure, a trial swimming lesson builds real skills.
Sports in the Park
Football, badminton, frisbee, or catch. Invite other families from your community – group sports teach teamwork and provide the social interaction children are missing from school.
Tip: Early morning (before 9 AM) or evening (after 5 PM) to avoid peak heat.
Have a pool but no structure? Our coaches run swimming lessons at your home pool – the first lesson is AED 99. Parents doing this every day usually want the fuller version: swimming lessons for kids while school is closed.
4. Structured Childcare Options
For parents who work and can't supervise activities all day, here are the main options. For a seasonal comparison of formats, schedules, and typical inclusions, see our guide to winter camps in Dubai or our summer swim programmes for kids:
| Option | Cost | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Babysitter | 55-70 AED/hr | Supervision only, no activities |
| Full-time nanny | 2,500-4,500 AED/mo | Daily care, varies by person |
| Private tutor | 150-300 AED/hr | Academic only, no sports/play |
| Active Mentor | From AED 55/hour on monthly packages; 4-hour session AED 400; availability limited | Swimming + homework + sports + adventures + daily reports |
Weighing the first two rows against the last? We wrote an honest babysitter vs Active Mentor comparison with the full pricing of both.
Need Help Right Now?
Our Active Mentor programme gives your child a structured, active day – while you work or rest. From AED 55/hour on monthly packages; a standalone 4-hour session is AED 400; availability is limited and must be checked.
5. The Active Mentor Solution
ProFit Swimming created the Active Mentor programme specifically for this situation. Here's how it works:
- A ProFit swimming coach (qualifications listed in their profile) comes to your home for 4-7 hours
- They lead a structured day: swimming, homework help, outdoor sports, park visits, creative play
- You receive a daily WhatsApp report with photos and videos
- Monthly packages start from AED 55/hour; a standalone 4-hour session is AED 400; availability is limited
- Trial single session: 400 AED for 4 hours
- Available for children aged 4-14 across all Dubai communities
6. Sample Daily Schedule for Kids at Home
Whether you use a mentor or manage at home, here's a proven structure:
Frequently Asked Questions
What should kids do when schools are closed in Dubai?+
Keep children active with a mix of physical activity (swimming, cycling, sports), educational support (homework help, online school), creative play, and outdoor adventures. KHDA recommends limiting screen time and maintaining a daily routine. An Active Mentor can provide all of this in a structured daily programme.
How long will schools be closed in Dubai 2026?+
As of April 2026, UAE schools moved to distance learning from March 2 and the closure has been extended through April 17. The Ministry of Education will announce further updates. Parents should plan for continued remote learning and keep children engaged with activities.
What is an Active Mentor for kids in Dubai?+
An Active Mentor is a ProFit Swimming coach (qualifications listed in their profile) who spends 4-7 hours per day with your child. They provide swimming lessons, homework help, outdoor sports, park visits, and creative activities. Available for children aged 4-14, at your home in Dubai.
How much does childcare cost during school closures in Dubai?+
Regular babysitters charge 55-70 AED per hour. ProFit Active Mentors start from 55 AED per hour on monthly packages – less than a babysitter, but with a coach whose qualifications are listed in their profile who provides structured activities, sports, homework help, and daily photo/video reports.
Related Articles
Swimming Lessons When Schools Are Closed
How to keep kids active in the pool during closures.
Read moreBabysitter vs Active Mentor
Honest comparison with pricing.
Read moreWater Safety for Kids in Dubai
Essential pool safety tips every parent should know.
Read moreBest Age to Start Swimming Lessons
When should your child start learning to swim?
Read more