Kids special: Ride the wave

There are two things that come to mind when we think of 'summer' - there's ice-cream, and then there's something even better - waterparks. The ultimate destination where both young and the young at heart can splash to their heart's content. Dubai alone has five fantastic getaways that has your weekend sorted. Check it out!

Atlantis Aquaventure
Voted among the top on TripAdvisor, Atlantis Aquaventure boosts exhilarating water slides and crazy high-speed drops, besides exclusive fun action for the young ones. Cross your arms and race your friends in the Slitherine, an acclaimed twin-racing tube slide, feel your heart drop in Poseidon's Revenge with a loopy twist, or impress the kids by taking a Leap of Faith, a vertical plunge where your final destination is swimming with the sharks. UAE residents get an exciting 50 per cent on passes.

Operating hours: Wednesday to Sundays; 9am to sunset

Wild Wadi
The iconic waterpark is one of the city's beloved icons, standing proudly on Jumeirah road; just ask any Dubai'in! The park is unique for its family-friendly activities, alongside thrilling slides and rides with the unmissable Burj Al Arab in the backdrop. Most rides are perfectly safe for young ones, especially Dhow and Lagoon, but do check the height requirements before stepping in queue. Current summer offers include the Online Ultimate Wadi Pass at Dh297 with unlimited access for three months from July until September-end.

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday; 10am to 6pm

Legoland Water Park
Nothing screams "family fun" louder than Legoland Water Park. The aqua venue, themed after the blocks of your childhood, is designed specifically for kids between the ages of two and 12 and their families. It boasts 20 water attractions where creativity meets water. Yes! That means you can build your own raft and ride in it too! Current offers include 10 per cent off if you book a one-day or park ticket online in advance, and 20 per cent if you purchase a one-day two-park ticket. Once in, look out for the Gold Pop Badge (in the kids' meal or on a staff) for a chance to win a one day ticket to Legoland Dubai. Win-win!

Operating hours: Daily; 10am to 7pm

Laguna Water Park
Set in the scenic La Mer, Laguna Waterpark is among the latest family destinations to pop up in the water-lovin' emirate. Gather the kids and jump aboard the Manta, an adrenaline-pumping ride packed with unexpected twists and turns, or fire up that competitive spirit by taking on the Mad Racer for a side by side challenge. This summer, Laguna is offering an all-inclusive online ticket offer of Dh125 for adults and Dh99 for kids that gives you access to a full day of thrills, with unlimited food and beverages. The offer is valid from Tuesday to Sunday. PS: Kids under two years old enter free!

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday; 10am to 6pm

Splash N' Party Water Park
Fast-gaining in popularity as one of best kids' party venues, Splash n' Party is the ultimate zone to keep children under 12 years entertained for hours on end. Besides inflatable slides and other fun set-ups, the venue hosts themed gatherings (yes, your daughter can finally be a mermaid!), summer camps, birthday parties, school trips and outdoor events. It's recently opened venue on Kite Beach is currently offering a special entry of Dh50 per person.

Operating hours: Daily; 3pm to 10pm (Kite Beach)