Kids' stuff

Nowadays, the demands for children to do well academically are greater than ever before. The time you spend with your children outside of school is an excellent opportunity to help them experience other areas of life. Activities such as art, music, movement and drama can all help children increase cognitive development, reinforce communication and expressive skills and improve reasoning and organisation.

The UAE has a lot to offer in this respect. There are many art galleries and museums in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as numerous concerts and events. Exploring the local culture and heritage is also a great way for children to find out about the place in which they live. In this new feature we bring you a round-up of activities for children of all ages in Abu Dhabi and beyond.

Abu Dhabi:If your children are under six, you can join Abu Dhabi Mums for a fee of Dh100 per year (Dh30 in Jan and Feb). The group runs regular events in the city. Tonight it will host a bouncy castle event - prospective members can attend twice before joining. For more details, visit @email:www.abudhabimums.ae

Dubai: The English College Primary School will be holding its third annual autumn fair on Friday, at the school, on Sheikh Zayed Road. Entry is free and activities include henna painting, drumming, a bouncy castle, and arts and crafts. Al Ain: Kindermusik, which introduces music and movement through stories, games and instruments, for children aged three and above is running at House of Arts in Al Ain. The group also runs classes for children with special needs. For more information, visit @email:www.house-of-arts.net, call 03 762 6651or email @email:info@house-of-arts.net

Abu Dhabi:The artparis exhibition runs until Friday at Emirates Palace. If you are worried that your children might get bored in the galleries, why not take them to see the monumental art garden, which is hosting a range of sculptures from around the world. Let them explore and then create their own interpretations when you get home. Admission is free. Dubai: Café Ceramique at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai offers children the chance to paint their own pottery. Adults can enjoy a cup of coffee while they wait. Starting from only Dh30 per session. For more information, call 04 341 0144. Al Ain: A variety of dance lessons such as ballet and modern dance are being held at House of Arts. For more information, call 03 762 6551.

Abu Dhabi: Sign up for the next round of courses at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation. Registration is open Nov 23 to 27. On offer are piano and organ lessons, and English and Arabic calligraphy. For more information, call 02 619 5257, 02 619 5319 or 02 619 5286. Dubai:The Smart Kids Media Camp, from 9am to 1pm on Saturday at Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, aims to teach children to be more critical consumers with activities looking at the tricks of the advertising trade. The course costs Dh250. For details, call 04 335 1200 (ext 105), or text "CAMP" to 050 841 2835. Al Ain: Now that the weather has cooled down, visit the oasis. Bring along a sketch pad. Let your child draw, explore and think about how the irrigation systems used to work.

Abu Dhabi: The Feline Friends Christmas Bazaar will be held at the Sheraton Corniche on Friday from 10am to 4pm. Arts and crafts, jewellery, clothes, and prizes will be featured. The entrance fee is Dh10, with children under 12 free. Dubai:Encourage budding photographers to enter pictures in the Emirates photography competition, which is open to all ages from teenagers to adults. For more details visit @email:www.ephotoc.net Al Ain: Visit the red sand dunes near Zaker. Bring a sketch book or journal and encourage your teenager to write a poem, story or paint the sand dunes.

Book now for tickets to Disney's The Magical Music of Disney playing on January 11 2009 at Abu Dhabi National Theatre and featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra. For more information, visit @email:www.abu dhabi-classics.com

If you would like to send us an event to feature, @email:artslife@ thenational.ae