ActivitiesforKids, Cape Town

Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park is fast becoming one of the most exciting attractions in South Africa, where visitors take part in thrilling activities such as holding a baby crocodile, touching exotic snakes and getting up close and personal with a tarantula! Croc City was founded by Anton and Marietjie Lötter over a decade ago; the couple have been there for more than 16 years. The entrepreneurial duo soon discovered a huge tourist market for their industry and one of the founders and co-owner of the reptilian refuge Marietjie Lötter explained that the origin of the animals in the Park and their facilities are exclusively for the benefit of visitors. Croc City Crocodile & Reptile Park’s first Nile Crocodile Zip Line – A revolution for Africa – is turning heads as the brave of heart gear up to brave the new Croc City FlyOver! Built by Chimp and Zee, the Croc City FlyOver is an adrenaline-fuelled opportunity to fly or zip over crocodiles as they watch from below! https://www.croccity.co.za/

The Natural Museum of Zimbabwe located in the Centenary Park in Bulawayo, was built in 1962, and in 1982 all the natural science collections were moved here and it was renamed the Natural History Museum of Zimbabwe. With its stunning displays and valuable research, collections are the best museum in Southern Africa and rank fourth in size among the museums of Africa. It is an impressive circular building with nine public display galleries, a lecture hall with a seating capacity of 120 people, a cafeteria, and eight research departments with substantial study collections and ongoing research in the following disciplines: Arachnology and Invertebrates; Entomology; Ornithology; Mammology; Herpetology; Ichthyology; Geology and Paleontology; Archaeology and Monuments. https://naturalhistorymuseumzimbabwe.com/

Dar Es Salaam Zoo is a zoological park in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The zoo is located in the Kigamboni-district in the eastern part of the city, 37 kilometers from Downtown Dar es Salaam. The Dar es Salaam Zoo is best known for having many animals endemic to Tanzania, including but not limited to giraffes, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes, tortoises, gazelles, monkeys, hyenas, lions, leopards, snakes, and several species of birds. There is also a kids’ zone with slides, swings and jungle-gyms. http://www.tanzanianow.com/dar-es-salaam-zoo/

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary situated outside of picturesque Regent Village is only 30 minutes from Freetown. Located along the Regent/Bathurst mountain road, this sanctuary for orphaned and habituated chimpanzees is a refuge for human visitors as well. Offering daily scheduled visits, as well as 6 eco-huts for overnight stays, Tacugama is the perfect place for those wishing to escape the heat and hustle of Freetown and enjoy fragrant forest breezes in the company of some extraordinary creatures. The Sanctuary now offers self-catering accommodation in the form of 6 beautifully crafted lodges. Established to rescue orphaned and captured chimps, the facilities expanded to encompass two large reserves. Tacugama has been featured in various wildlife programmes and magazines. A rescued albino chimp at the sanctuary also helped to bring it to international attention. Sadly, the albino chimp is no longer alive but the sanctuary continues to grow from strength to strength. These endangered animals share 98.6 per cent of their DNA with humans and their complex social behaviours and human-like tendencies are fascinating to behold. The story behind Tacugama is just as riveting. Established in 1995, this sanctuary, which covers 100 acres of rain-forest and watershed, is home to 90 chimpanzees that have been victimized by the illegal hunting, capturing, and selling of their species. During the conflict, Tacugama staff smuggled food to the chimpanzees and pleaded with the rebels to spare their lives. Don’t miss the extraordinary experience of viewing these intelligent beings up-close in their natural habitat. https://www.visitsierraleone.org/tacugama-chimpanzee-sanctuary/

Imagine a place where you can rest, relax, live adventures, enjoy all the best attractions of a water park. All of this close to nature, and just 5km away from the paradisiacal Porto Seguro, in Bahia. Well, this is Arraial d Ajuda Eco Parque! It is worth mentioning that the place is also known as Eco Park of Arraial D'Ajuda. In reference to the famous district in which the park is located. The area is one of the largest, best and most famous ecological water parks in the world, as well as being a highlight in Latin America. Some of the highlights of the Eco Park of Arraial D'Ajuda are its slides and mind-boggling slides. Therefore, the public's favourites are called Uga-Uga and Quereimbaba. While the first is composed by the impressive junction of eight giant 26-meter long tracks, the second is a pair of Kamikaze-style slides with more than 15 meters in height that reach high speed. https://hoteisquintadosol.com/arraial-d-ajuda-eco-parque/

Are you travelling, but would like to have a totally different experience? Therefore, the 800 hectares of native forest and the hollows distributed throughout the Reserva da Jaqueira will impress you! The entire village is still built similarly to the original and colonial times. And you don't have to worry about anything! After all, this Indian village in Porto Seguro is fully committed to the goal of sustainable development. Therefore, tourists are very welcome and have the chance to admire celebrations, celebrations and Indians dressed in character. In addition, you can even take a risk in the practice of archery, buy handicrafts made in the tribe and participate in ecological trails. It does not stop there! The integration with the Pataxó Indians in Porto Seguro also includes the participation of rituals, body painting and the taste of typical gastronomy. Did you like the idea? So, this text was made entirely for you. Check out all the information to discover the Reserva da Jaqueira, try the fish baked in the leaf of the patio and even spend the night in the village. It's a very interesting program, isn't it? And all of this is at a very reasonable distance from the city! https://hoteisquintadosol.com/reserva-da-jaqueira/

Since its inauguration in 1958, Sao Paulo Zoo has already attracted more than 70 million visitors. Located at the heart of more than 900,000 m of original Atlantic forest, the grounds are home to 3,000 different animal species, each evolving in a dedicated biotope which closely reflects its natural surroundings. This institution is the ideal tool for increase awareness among the general public of the problems related to protecting the species to which the Amazonian forest is home. http://www.worldeventlistings.com/en/sao-paulo/events/the-sao-paulo-zoo-visit-e-502138

Experience sea life underwater without getting wet at the Underwater Observatory Marine Park in Eilat. With the vast coral reef that runs along the Red Sea in Eilat, it is no wonder this is such a popular site. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the park every year, excited to observe and learn about the marine life just below the surface. Students and researchers also use this park as an informational center and a location to conduct research. There are a variety of different displays within the Underwater Observatory Marine Park to explore during your visit. Watch turtles and stingrays glide by in their pools or stop by the Rare Fish Aquarium to see an interesting collection of fish and corals. There is also a photography station there called Photo Aquarium. For an additional fee, visitors can ride Coral 2000, a glass-bottomed boat that sails out of the park and back over the coral reef. https://www.touristisrael.com/underwater-observatory-marine-park/16625/

The Dolphin Reef in Eilat, on the shores of the Red Sea offers a magical and unique opportunity to observe and swim alongside some of nature’s most magnificent sea creatures. The Reef is home to a colorful array of tropical fish, beautiful coral and, most significantly, a school of bottle-nosed dolphins including babies born on the site. It was established over twenty years ago with the vision of bringing humans closer to animals in a sensitive and respectful way. The dolphins are not kept captive. They live in their natural habitat and have free access to the open sea should they choose to leave. Human intervention in their lifestyle is minimized solely to the prevention of endangerment to their existence. The Reef’s floating piers and observation points allow visitors to watch the dolphins as they maintain their daily routine – play, hunt for food, mate and care for their younger ones. Alternatively, for a more intimate encounter with these friendly and playful creatures, there is the option of guided scuba diving and snorkelling. Scuba diving is available to any confident swimmer aged between 8 – 88 years old. Previous experience is not required. A session lasts for one hour: Half of this time is devoted to fitting the scuba diving gear, signing the medical statement, and listening to a briefing; the other half is spent in the water with a personal instructor whereby divers will descend to a maximum depth of 6 meters. https://www.touristisrael.com/dolphin-reef-eilat/13499/

The Botanical Garden in Eilat is a gem of serenity and peace in Southern Israel. Located at the northern border of Eilat, the garden was created on the site of a former military outpost and built on stone terraces in Israel’s first organic farm. Inside there are plants from all over the world, streams and waterfalls, bird sanctuaries, and even a rain forest. It is difficult to believe this is located in a desert, a place that barely gets any rain. There are more than 1,000 different types of trees, bushes and plants in Eilat’s Botanical Garden. This oasis is maintained by a man-made watering system. As visitors walk through the garden, they can check out the three viewpoints where they can peer out over the Red Sea and the surrounding mountains. Choose to wander the pathways with a map or schedule a private or group guided tour. The garden is very family-friendly. https://www.touristisrael.com/botanical-garden-in-eilat/16637/

Timna Park is located about 25 km (about 17 miles) north of Eilat in Israel’s Negev Desert. One of the largest attractions in the south of Israel, the park, set in a beautifully majestic desert setting, has amazing history and geology, and a number of unexpected activities including those on the lake (yes, a lake in the desert!). Timna Park covers about 15,000 acres in a horseshoe-shaped valley surrounded by steep cliffs, with Mount Timna, the world’s first ever copper mine, standing tall in the center. Daily tours to Timna Park are available from Eilat. Solomon’s Pillars are towering sandstone columns. Perfectly formed, in fact, so perfectly formed that you might not believe that they are the work of nature. But they, as with the rest of the amazing geology and landscape of Timna Park, are the work of nature alone, the result of strips of volcanic magma frozen into the cliffs. This scenery truly is the thing dreams are made of. Snaking across Timna Park are hiking trails short and long, for all levels of experience. From these, visitors can witness the amazing works of nature, and ancient man in the mines, as well as the amazing wildlife, plants and trees, which makes the desert their home, surviving in the harsh arid conditions. Within the park, rather uniquely for the desert, is a small lake, and pedal boats are included in the ticket price. For kids, there are also activities such as sand bottling (the region has a unique colored sand), and other craft activities. https://www.touristisrael.com/timna-park/2984/

On Sir Bani Yas Island, the Arabian Wildlife Park is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals and takes up more than half of the island. Visitors can now get up close and personal, at eye-level, with the island’s giraffes from a purpose-built viewing platform made completely from recycled materials. Or you can take 4x4 Nature & Wildlife Drives of the park in specially made vehicles accompanied by expert staff. Alternatively, you can book a three-hour tour - there are many Arabian Oryx, gazelles and giraffes, along with hyenas and cheetahs. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/family.attractions/arabian.wildlife.park.aspx

With pristine white sands stretching along its shore, Saadiyat Beach has maintained a reputation as one of the most desirable beach locations in the UAE. From beach yoga classes to eco-friendly water sports activities such as windsurfing and sailing, guests can make the most out of their beach experience with the help of the attentive staff and the many leisure outlets. In order to achieve this delicate balance between world-class modern resorts and serene natural beauty, the local authorities in Saadiyat Beach are dedicated to preserving the natural environment with a dune protection zone with restrictions on development while access to the beach made possible via a wooden boardwalk. As a result, the area is rich with native wildlife including the Hawksbill Turtles that use the beach as their nesting ground. Hatching sites are protected by strict environmental measures and are patrolled by trained personnel who continually monitor the reproduction of the turtles. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/family.attractions/saadiyat.beach.aspx

The Zoological Center Tel Aviv – Ramat Gan Safari is a 1000 dunam oasis in the middle of greater Tel Aviv’s highly populated urban metropolis. The Zoological Center Tel Aviv – Ramat Gan Safari contains over 1,600 different animal species, in various habitats created to mimic their natural environments and provide animal education to guests of all ages. The Zoological Center Tel Aviv – Ramat Gan Safari provides professionally guided educational tours to take families, kindergarten classes, individuals and other groups through the various wildlife departments. Following a walking tour through the zoo area to see reptiles, mammals and birds, take your car through the safari where giraffes, lions and many other wildlife spend their days and nights. Among the guided tours offered at the Zoological Center Tel Aviv – Ramat Gan Safari are a varied menu of unique, specialized tours. These range from the Morning Tour, in which guests accompany Safari employees as they feed the animals and enter the desert like safari area on a tractor, or the adults only Midnight Tour which gives a firsthand view of the “late night activities” of hippos, lions and bears. http://www.bookingisrael.com/israel-attractions/zoological-center-tel-aviv

This futuristic waterpark spans across an area as big as 15 football pitches, with 43 rides, slides, and attractions – five of which are one-of-a-kind. Visitors at Yas Waterworld can experience the world’s first and largest hydro-magnetic-powered, six-person tornado waterslide that extends up to 235 meters in length. For adrenaline junkies, there are three-meter-high waves on Bubble’s Barrel, which has the world’s largest surf sheet wave for flow-boards and body-boards. The Bandit Bomber, a 550– meter coaster, is the first with onboard water and laser effects. Riders can shoot jets of water at targets, drop water bombs and trigger special effects, while people below can spray them with water as they pass. Sitting atop Jebel Dana, the towering core of the park’s altitude-defying summit and measuring eight meters in diameter, the park’s gigantic pearl is Yas Island’s newest landmark. The park draws on Abu Dhabi’s heritage with “the lost pearl” theme that follows the story of a young Emirati girl on a quest to find a legendary pearl as they make their way around the attractions, which include a souk and pearl-diving exhibits. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/family.attractions/yas.waterworld.aspx

Centrally located at the corner of Gordon Street and HaYarkon Street, the Gordon Beach is one of the busiest and most popular of Tel Aviv’s Mediterranean-side beaches. Gordon Beach is within walking distance from many of Tel Aviv’s most exclusive hotels, including the Renaissance Hotel, Carlton Hotel, Hilton Hotel, Sheraton Hotel and Crowne Plaza Hotel and is directly accessible from many of these hotels. On Gordon Beach, visitors will find soft sands, sparkling blue waters and a mix of tourists and locals. The beach features volleyball courts which are constantly filled with enthusiasts and local leagues. Paddleball players focused on 'matkot', Israel’s popular version of the beach sport, play up and down the Mediterranean shore. A variety of coffee shops, ice cream stores, restaurants and bars are situated on the beach, adjacent pedestrian promenade and nearby Atarim Square. The Tel Aviv Marina, offering water sports and professional instruction, is next to Gordon Beach, as is the newly-renovated, saltwater-filled Gordon Swimming Pool. On Friday and Saturday afternoons, locals flock to Gordon Beach to participate in traditional Israeli folk dancing taught on the promenade. A lifeguard station is on duty during the summer season from the morning until 7pm. Yoga and pilates classes are taught on Gordon Beach during the summer; class hours are on display at the beach. Parking, public showers and changing rooms are all available nearby. http://www.bookingisrael.com/israel-attractions/gordon-beach

One of the world’s biggest, fully air-conditioned indoor theme parks, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi brings together all legendary characters from the studio under one roof. From Superman to Batman and Wonder Woman to beloved cartoon stars like Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, and Fred Flintstone, all and more are housed within the 1.65 million sq. ft. theme park with 29 state-of-the-art rides, interactive family-friendly attractions, unique live entertainment, multiple dining options, and exclusive shopping outlets. The magical experience starts as soon as visitors step into the Warner Bros. shield and are transported to different worlds of action, adventure and eccentricity through the park’s six immersive lands. Each portal, with its scenic backdrops and authentically themed restaurants, is exactly how you imagined these enchanting Warner Bros. Worlds would be. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/family.attractions/warner.bros.world.abu.dhabi.aspx

With over 1700 animals, including a majestic pair of white tigers, a 31-year-old, 300kg-plus Siberian bear, lions, cheetahs and dozens of zebras housed in the zoo’s ‘Predators’ and ‘Wild Animals’ enclosures, the Emirates Park Zoo in Al Bahia, a north-east suburb of the UAE capital features a park-wide ‘misting system’ which keeps animals and patrons cool in the summer months. https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/see.and.do/attractions.and.landmarks/family.attractions/family.and.kids.park.zoo.aspx

Lights, camera action: Hollywood comes to life at Motiongate Dubai, located in Dubai Parks and Resorts. This thrilling theme park features epic rides and attractions based on some of the most memorable and successful movie franchises of recent years. Meet your favourite characters in real life and grab a photo to take home. Expect to see a few Hollywood favourites at Motiongate Dubai, including favourites from Ghostbusters, Kung Fu Panda, The Hunger Games, The Smurfs, Shrek and Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs. Strap in for a ride on some adrenaline-pumping rollercoasters such as The Green Hornet’s High-Speed Chase and the Madagascar Mad Pursuit, or drop-down vertically in the high-speed Zombieland Blast-Off. For an in-depth experience, explore one of the top attractions in Dubai with the Backlot Tour. You can see how these amazing movies grow from a simple idea, all the way to becoming a blockbuster motion picture. Or, check out a show at the Kung Fu Panda Academy or Operation Penguin Shake. Every day you’ll find a great schedule of entertainment, and some may invite you to take part on the stage. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/motiongate-park-dubai

The magic of India’s prolific film industry can be experienced in Dubai at the world’s first Bollywood-inspired theme park. Bollywood Parks Dubai recreates the charm of old-school Mumbai and brings to life some of the industry’s top blockbusters. Located in Dubai Parks and Resorts, get ready for a whole lot of thrills, exciting family entertainment and plenty of surprises along the way. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/ultimate-guide-to-bollywood-parks-dubai

The Haifa Educational Zoo is an ideal place for families to visit while in Haifa. Originally built in 1949 by Pinchas Cohen as an education center for a neighboring school. After renovations in 2002 the zoo now hosts more than 100 species of wildlife, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plantlife. Built on a beautiful nature reserve on Mount Carmel with views of the Mediterranean Sea, the zoo covers 35 dunams (8.6 acres) making it perfect for everyone, especially families with small children. Some of the zoo’s mammal features include; Lemurs, brown capuchin monkeys, meerkats, Bengal tigers, leopards, alpaca, honey badgers, lions, Syrian brown bears, baboons, and caracals. The zoo also has a special climate-controlled reptile house containing pythons, vipers, cobras, anacondas, racers, boas and various lizards. Birdlife in the zoo ranges from the nocturnal owls to the free- roaming peacocks which swarm the entrance to the path. Many of the zoo’s animals are natives of Israel including the Israeli wolf (also known as the Arabian wolf), ibex, porcupine (an orphan found in the area), camels, wild boars, jackals, foxes, black cobra, Palestinian viper, Griffon vultures and the rare Persian fallow deer who lives almost exclusively in the Upper Galilee on the small nature preserve of Nachal Kziv. https://www.touristisrael.com/haifa-educational-zoo/4871/

The Madatech National Science, Technology and Space Museum in Haifa, is a large museum crammed with hands-on activities that will please both adults and children. Not far from the Bahai Gardens, in the Hadar neighbourhood of Haifa, the museum is housed in the large edifice which is the old Technion building. The Madatech building was built in the early 1910s, visited by Albert Einstein in 1923 and then made into a museum in 1984. Today the museum hosts some 200,000 visitors annually, many of them children on school trips. The Madatech National Science, Technology and Space Museum can be broken up into five parts for mapping out. The ground floor of the main building contains the front desk, a café, a children’s play area, a gift store and several exhibits such as the history of the printing press and The Road to Safety Exhibition. In the Road to Safety Exhibition children and adults can sit side-by-side on crash simulator, operated only by a museum guide, which proves the need for seatbelts while driving. Be prepared, the crash is quite a jolt! Continuing up a narrow staircase (elevators are also on-site), the first floor comes to view. On the first floor are exhibitions such as the Natural Science Room with over 100 stuffed animals and birds all found in the Haifa area including eagles, mongooses and jungle cats. Other exhibitions include Puzzles & Games, Green Energy and Acoustics & Waves, all going into depths with hands-on displays and tools for everybody to benefit from. In the Green Energy exhibition children can learn about combustion, solar power and light power, many of the displays featuring little lights that illuminate with the power generated at the display. Children can also race sailboats on a table with fans, mapping out wind currents with guided lines on the table. Also on the first floor is the Einstein Hall where an exhibition was made in honour of Ilan Ramon, Israel’s first and only astronaut. Included in the exhibit are some of his personal belongings found at the crash site of the Columbia space shuttle that tragically crashed on descent over Texas. https://www.touristisrael.com/madatech-science-technology-museum-haifa/5294/

Ski Dubai is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing snow setting to enjoy skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing or just playing in the snow. Young or old, there is something for everyone, from the beginner to the snow sport enthusiast. Also come and meet the incredible Ski Dubai Snow Penguins! Say hello to the cute colony of Gentoo and King Penguins who call Ski Dubai home. Enjoy a rare and personal encounter with these wonderful creatures by booking one of our amazing Snow Penguin packages. Meeting our Snow Penguins is one of the top things to do in Dubai. This is definitely one experience you will treasure forever! https://www.skidxb.com/

Want to explore one of the largest and most stunning aquariums in the world? Don’t miss the giant 10 million-litre tank at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which contains more than 33,000 aquatic animals and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks anywhere. Rising to the third floor of The Dubai Mall, the aquarium is home to 140 species of sea life and offers many incredible ways to experience the underwater world. Stroll through a 48m tunnel, with the aquarium enveloping you from overhead and around. It’s a complete fish-eye view, with sand tiger sharks and stingrays swimming overhead. You can also go snorkelling or don an oxygen tank to go swimming with the sharks. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/dubai-aquarium-and-underwater-zoo

As the name suggests, Creek Park sits right on the edge of Dubai Creek – making it really stand out from the other green spaces in the city. It’s also the second largest park in Dubai, featuring vast acres of lawns, botanical gardens and children’s play areas. Although this retreat is in the centre of the city, you can enjoy sprawling lawns and endless views of the creek. Stroll along the paved promenade, watch the dhows bobbing in the water, or enjoy a show at the theatre. You can even explore the park by renting a bike for just a few dirhams. Popular with picnickers, there are plenty of barbecue spots spread across – just one of the many free facilities you can enjoy at the park. Families will especially appreciate the mini golf, a go-kart track and numerous playgrounds designed to keep the little ones happy. https://www.visitdubai.com/en/pois/creek-park

Mushrif Park in Dubai is so big that you can actually drive through it. It is the ideal spot for family picnics, and strolls under shady trees. Mushrif Park was opened to public in 1982 by the Dubai Municipality, and spans 5.25 square kilometres in the eastern part of the Dubai city in Deira. It is 15kms away from the Dubai city centre on airport road, leading to Khawaneej area. Mushrif Park has an international village, comprising 13 models of Arabic and English houses. The park also includes entertainment services such as electronic games, barbecue and trip areas, pool services, child games areas, sport playground (including basketball, volleyball and handball), walking and bicycle tracks, prayer rooms, green areas, restaurants, canteens, train ride services, camel and horse riding, park theatre, and facilities for people with special needs. The horse and camel riding areas introduces visitors to the traditional life pattern, wherein there are camels, horses, Bedouin tents, goat, well etc. Visitors get to ride camels and horses and will get to know the Bedouin lifestyle, while enjoying a picnic. The Park’s theatre can accommodate 500 people where musical concerts are performed during holidays, Eid and other special occasions. http://www.dubai.ae/en/Lists/Topics/DispForm.aspx?ID=35&category=Home

The Sahara Centre is home to Adventureland, an indoor theme park with more than 20 rides and attractions, plus go-karts and a huge soft play area. There is also a six-screen cinema showing all the latest Hollywood and Bollywood films. Sahara Centre offers some of the best shopping in Sharjah, with 350 stores stocking both local and international brands, along with a food court and more than 20 cafés and restaurants. https://www.visitsharjah.com/activities/family/sahara-centre/

Sharjah Aquarium features 20 tanks that recreate different local aquatic environments, from coral reefs and rock pools to lagoons and mangroves. An indoor walkway allows up-close viewing of the marine animals in these habitats. For a family experience, try timing your visit with a scheduled fish feeding time or talk. Children will be delighted to learn more about the sea creatures and play on the interactive displays. The aquarium should be on the top of any list of things to with kids in Sharjah, especially for children’s edutainment. Families in Sharjah often bring kids here to learn about local marine life. If you’re planning the aquarium as one of your places to visit in Sharjah at night, make sure to catch the sunset at the beautiful Al Khan beach first. The views here are as beautiful but distinctively different from the Sharjah Corniche. Then, take a quick tour of the aquarium before it closes in the late evening. Your ticket includes entry to the Sharjah Maritime Museum next door, where you can learn about the coast in more detail than any other Sharjah museum. After visiting these destinations, you will have checked off three popular Sharjah tourist places. https://www.visitsharjah.com/activities/wildlife/sharjah-aquarium/

Over 500 butterflies live on Al Noor Island in the Butterfly House, one of the most popular tourist places in Sharjah. The Butterfly House itself is a feat of modern architecture, with the outdoor structure made of perforated steel and ergonomic design to let in sunlight. With temperature and humidity controlled interiors, the structure houses over 20 different species of butterflies, including the exotic Tailed Jay, Emerald Swallowtail, Pink Rose and Malachite. The house also has comprehensive information on the region’s native species. This destination has many fun things to do with kids in Sharjah, with a dedicated children’s area and an array of butterflies in different shapes, colours and sizes. Trying to spot camouflaged butterflies and watching newborns take flight is arguably among Sharjah’s most exciting summer activities for kids. To reach the Butterfly House, take the bridge to the island, which is just right across the water from the Al Noor Mosque; among the most striking Sharjah landmarks. Tour the displays of thought-provoking contemporary art and sculpture pieces. Then follow the boardwalk through a tropical botanical garden, one of the popular parks in Sharjah, and you’ll find the Butterfly House. It is hard to miss with the uniquely shaped steel glistening in the sunlight. End the day with a meal and drink at the organic cafe and find the perfect souvenir to take home. https://www.visitsharjah.com/activities/wildlife/al-noor-island-butterfly-house/

With a treasure trove of pottery, jewellery and weaponry on display, this Sharjah museum uncovers the daily life of ancient inhabitants in the region, far before modern UAE culture. The most significant discoveries in the country are featured in this museum, including a 2,000-year-old golden bridle from Mleiha, findings from a Stone Age graveyard with the skeletons of 500 nomadic herders and a vast collection of Arabic art. For history buffs, this is one of the most important tourist places in Sharjah. For things to do with kids, head to the children’s area which features interactive displays, informative exhibits and films. Call ahead of time to plan your trip during the museum’s summer activities for kids. To get to the museum, take a Sharjah bus with a stop on the Sharjah bus route close by. Or, reach there quicker with a Sharjah taxi. https://www.visitsharjah.com/activities/heritage/sharjah-archaeology-museum/

Among all the places to visit in Sharjah, this centre offers the most comprehensive information on species and ecosystems in the Arabian Peninsula. The Natural History & Botanical Museum has displays of fossils, meteorites, taxidermic displays of rare animals and desert ecosystems. The botanical garden also has nearly 100 different species of native plants, making it one of the most florally diverse parks in Sharjah. If you’re looking for things to do with kids, be sure to take a tour of the garden and learn all about flora in the desert habitat. The museum is located in Sharjah Desert Park, one of the don't miss tourist places in Sharjah, which also features a breeding centre for endangered animals, the Islamic Botanical Garden and a petting zoo in the children’s area with several summer activities for kids. https://www.visitsharjah.com/activities/family/natural-history-botanical-museum/

The Bedouin tribes have a long tradition of hunting with birds of prey, and falconry remains a popular sport today. The Kalba Bird of Prey Centre has free-flying demonstrations, along with aviaries housing owls, eagles, buzzards, vultures and, of course, falcons. Using live demonstration and displays, the centre introduces visitors to a host of native raptor species, highlighting the region’s wildlife landscape. For a family experience, take your children for some edutainment on Sharjah wildlife. Learn about the importance of resident raptors like the falcon, the national bird of the UAE, and migrating wild raptors, like the Barn owl, Short toad snake eagle, Greater spotted eagle and Lappet-faced vulture. The centre is located in the Khor Kalba nature reserve, one of them don’t miss places to visit in Sharjah. After a visit to the centre, take a walk around to experience the pleasant weather in Kalba. With a variety of terrains and wildlife, Kalba is among the most famous national parks in Sharjah. https://www.visitsharjah.com/activities/wildlife/kalba-birds-of-prey-centre/

Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is the BIGGEST WATERPARK in the Paphos region, a one-of-a-kind naturally landscaped aqua adventure centre. Situated in Kato Paphos on the coastal road easily accessible by car or the local bus which drops off right on our doorstep! This non-stop aquatic thrill features, high-speed water slides, an extensive lazy river, wave surge pool, lots of swimming areas and a spectacular kids water-play area, with food court and beverage areas spread throughout the park connected by a lush, tropical environments that are both immersive and interconnected. https://aphroditewaterpark.com/