Kid you not: take a break

Slip on those mittens and take the little ones out to beat monotony.

It's been a blurry year, but winter vacations are finally here. With Zoom classes on hold until next year and weekly assignments taking the backburner for now, our little tech-savvy wonders can relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the academic year. But beware; this is also a time when they're at risk of becoming couch potatoes or hooked on gaming with streams going on till the wee hours of the night.

Experts say that the best way to counteract this is by introducing them to physical activities and give them a stimulating environment to engage in. The point is to tire them just enough to keep them well within your desired schedule, because of course, being off from school doesn't mean you should change routine like sleep and meal times.

With the festive season in Dubai in full swing, thwarting this woe is an easy feat. Simply take them out to enjoy the fab weather and explore the city's jolly vibe 

Day out at the park: Let the kids take their shoes off and feel the cool, lush greenery between their toes as they run out and about in Dubai's parks and open spaces. Pack in an RC car, badminton set, or a football for a fun session. Interacting with youth in this form that help them develop a healthy sense of competition and integrate the concept of fitness in their lives.

Explore markets: There's so much to explore in the great outdoors, with different venues offering unique trinkets, tokens and a refreshing shopping ambience. Etisalat Market OTB, taking place until January 2, is a great spot to discover homegrown brands, delicious treats, local talents and interactive. Children can get an insight into the creative city we live in, and maybe get inspiration to kick-start something of their own.

Get sporty: Obstacle courses are great physical and mental workouts for kids. It tests their stamina, train motor skills, improves sensory perception and boosts coordination. Take them out to destinations such as Aventura Parks, Just Play Sports Complex or even Bounce! to get them jumping, crawling, swinging, and more! Also, check out the cool gravity-defying webbed tunnel Food Central in City Centre Deira. Not for the faint-hearted.

Enter a winter wonderland: Only in Dubai can you experience ice in the desert. Dubai Ice Rink in The Dubai Mall is among the coolest platforms for ice-skating, while Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates teleports you into the snowy peaks of great proportions. Here you can ski and snowboard, hop on a bullet ride, roll down icy slopes in an orb, and also meet penguins! Now you can even watch a movie in the snow, complete with snacks and a steaming cup of cocoa.