With the Dhu Al Hijjah moon officially sighted and the long weekend on the horizon, it’s time to lock down your Eid Al Adha plans. If you’re staying in town, you’re in luck; Dubai’s lifestyle scene has been busy with some incredible new spots ready to visit just in time for the holidays. From massive open-air spaces and indoor concrete skate parks to interactive game shows and a stellar line-up of new foodie hubs, we’ve rounded up 14 of the absolute best places to eat, play, and hang out in the city over the break.

Active hangouts, action sports

Gooder Skatepark

Get your skateboards and head to Gooder Skatepark. This purpose-built indoor facility at Alserkal Avenue is a Dubai’s first concrete indoor skate park. Designed with a layout inspired by street skating culture, Gooder brings together sport, leisure, retail, and dining in one vibrant space. Smooth ramps, rails, and street-style obstacles create a dynamic terrain suited to both beginners and experienced skaters looking to refine their skills. You can also enjoy bites from the café and pizzeria and explore the exhibition space upstairs, making it a fun destination for both skaters and spectators. Meet like-minded skaters, connect with the community, and enjoy high-energy skating action throughout the week, plus keep an eye out for regular events.

• Opening hours: Daily 11am to 8pm
• Ticket prices: Free entry
• Location: 17th Street, Al Quoz 1, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai

Central Park at Wasl Gate

Central Park at Wasl Gate has officially opened in Jebel Ali, a vast space where you can hit the skate park, challenge friends on the sports courts, or clock some miles on the dedicated jogging and cycling tracks. After working up an appetite, there are onsite food trucks to enjoy and a huge amphitheatre lawn to picnic on, and it’s all pet-friendly, which makes it the ultimate hangout for the whole family.

• Location: Jebel Ali Village, Dubai

Gaming and immersive experiences

Pac-Man live experience

Active Games in Al Quoz has boldly reimagined a childhood classic, inviting visitors to become Pac-Man. Step into a full-sized, glowing maze, chase high scores, dodge digital ghosts, and power up with real-life pellets, all while being wrapped in stunning projections and retro neon visuals. The Pac-Man Live Experience isn’t just a game but a nostalgic adventure with a high-tech twist. This real-life version of an iconic experience transforms you into the main character within this living, glowing, interactive Pac-Man universe.

• Opening hours: Sunday to Friday 1pm to 5:30pm, Saturdays 2pm to 7:30pm
• Price: From Dh140
• Location: Active Games UAE, 6A St. Al Quoz, Dubai

Chaos Karts

Chaos Karts offers an elevated go-karting experience which combines traditional gaming with high-tech visual and sound effects to make you feel like you’re zipping down the streets of Dubai. This immersive attraction is located in Al Quoz and welcomes everyone aged nine and above. Put your helmets on and zoom around their state-of-the-art circuits, which use digital projections paired with augmented reality. There are six tracks to choose from, including an Arabian desert adventure and an out-of-this-world cosmos course, with each turn lasting 20 minutes.

• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm to 11pm, Friday to Sunday 11am to 11pm
• Price: From Dh104
• Location: Al Quoz, Dubai

House of Hype

House of Hype blends entertainment, gaming, fashion, and food into one epic experience. Located in Dubai Mall Chinatown, this attraction promises over 100 experiences aimed at families, thrill-seekers, and creators. Expect crazy fun at the digital destination, which features 50 gaming experiences, 18 immersive worlds, 55 content creator stages, 14 distinct shopping destinations, and six dining venues. As you explore, you might stumble across hidden rooms behind secret doors or even spontaneous shows by eccentric characters, keeping the excitement quotient high during every visit.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to midnight
• Price: From Dh149
• Location: Level One, Chinatown, Dubai Mall

Hang out at City Gaming Centre

Discover cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, play your favourite titles, hang out with friends, and feel the thrill of competition at The City Gaming Centre. The venue’s crown jewel titles are VR Empire World, where you battle ancient forces and try to prevent a nuclear winter, and VR Arena, where you can fight tooth and nail alongside your team on a virtual battleground. Located in Al Quoz, this next-generation entertainment concept (originally from Washington D.C.) is a must-visit spot for avid gamers.

• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10am to 4pm
• Location: Al Quoz, Dubai

Activate

Test your mental and physical agility at this fun-filled attraction in City Centre Mirdif. The experience combines high-tech gaming with physical activity, and features more than 50 challenges, including the TikTok sensation Mega Grid. There are 10 levels, from easy to extreme, and you can either collaborate with your fellow players or compete against them. See how far you can climb the scoreboard!

• Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10am to 10pm, Saturday to Sunday 10am to midnight
• Price: From Dh 95
• Location: City Centre Mirdif, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Mirdif, Dubai

Brain Teasers, Quizzes and Senses

SENSAS Dubai

Located in Al Quoz, SENSAS Dubai is a two-hour experience that challenges all five senses through playful and thought-provoking rooms. Explore a series of themed spaces where sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell are tested in unexpected ways. Some zones are experienced in complete darkness, while others feature vibrant light and sound, creating memorable contrasts. Suitable for families, friends, team-building groups, and special occasions, the activity is designed for ages seven and above, with group sizes from four to 15 people. Participants can also collect sensory charms, which are converted into donations for local charities supporting people of determination.

• Opening hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm
• Ticket prices: From Dh130 per person
• Location: 24 19D Street, Goshi City Warehouse 4, Al Quoz Industrial Area 3, Dubai

Quiz Room Dubai

Step into a real game show experience at Quiz Room Dubai. Teams of four to 18 players compete in sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes, with space for up to 54 players across three rooms. Using buzzers, jokers, and traps, participants answer themed questions as the rules change each round. Game formats (for ages 13 and above) include the classic challenge and the music quiz, plus there are kids’ sessions for ages eight to 12.

• Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 9:30am to midnight, Thursday 9:30am to 1am, Friday and Saturday 9:30am to 2am, Sunday 9:30am to midnight
• Ticket prices: From Dh112 to Dh ]180 per player (depending on group size)
• Location: Goshi Warehouse City, Warehouse 118, Al Quoz, Dubai

Dopamine Land

Can you imagine a space created just to delight your senses and stimulate dopamine? Get ready to embrace your inner child and explore. Dopamine Land is a multi-sensory experience that combines media, technology, and play in one place. An interactive museum, it houses colourful installations and activity rooms such as Cave of Tactility and Colourtopia for all ages. Explore a series of spaces designed to stimulate touch, sight, smell, and even memory. Enjoy music and relax in meditative spaces in this 50-minute-long experience.

• Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 2pm to 7pm, Friday to Saturday 11am to 9pm
• Ticket prices: From Dh79 per person
• Location: Oasis Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Foodie hubs 

The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens

The Square at Nad Al Sheba Gardens is back with pop-ups of favourite foodie spots, including Public, Home Bakery, Omar Odali, Asma, and Kokoro. New eateries debuting include Cipriani Dolci, which introduces a taste of Italian elegance, SLRP Ramen & Rolls Bar, which offers steaming ramen bowls and crisp handrolls, and Maxzi, focusing on conscious cuisine and wholesome dining. Home Bakery will also unveil an exclusive milkshake and hot chocolate concept.

• Opening hours: Daily from 4pm to midnight
• Ticket prices: Free entry
• Location: 34th Street, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai

25 Jump Street

Head down to the One Central development to explore a vibrant space with 12 diverse dining experiences. Enjoy Levantine classics at Antika, grab Lebanese comfort food at Em Sherif Deli, or head to Junk Smash Burgers for its famous French beef patties. Plus, you can find refreshing juices and healthy bowls at Joe & The Juice. The hub also features the Tokyo-inspired Yubi Handroll Bar by celebrated chef Reif Othman, offering hand-rolled sushi and sashimi, and French-inspired street food at Le Trottoir de Paloma, with more eateries set to follow.

• Opening hours: Check online for your chosen restaurant
• Ticket prices: Free entry
• Location: One Central, Trade Centre Area, Dubai

Swingers Crazy Golf

Swingers Crazy Golf is an immersive experience located right next to Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island. There are three nine-hole mini golf courses inside this 22,000 sqft venue that you can choose from: Hot Air Balloon, Waterwheel, and Clocktower, each built with distinct and intricate layouts featuring loops, bumps, and even moving obstacles, ensuring a fun time during every visit. A round of golf takes about 30–40 minutes to complete.

• Opening hours: Monday to Wednesday 3pm to 1am, Thursday and Friday 3pm to 2am, Saturday noon to 2am, Sunday noon to 1am
• Price: From Dh80
• Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai

Grand venues and splash zones

Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark

Grand Hyatt Dubai Waterpark features 16 fun attractions designed for all ages and preferences. Thrill-seekers can conquer the Boomerango slide, ride the waves in the sandy beach wave pool, and test their skills on the region’s first FlowRider triple surf simulator. For those seeking relaxation, the park offers a meandering lazy river and private luxury cabanas, some complete with plunge pools. Families can enjoy their own dedicated zone, which has shaded loungers and playful water features, ensuring a perfect balance of excitement, fun, and relaxation.

• Opening hours: Daily from 9am to 8pm
• Important note: The waterpark is open to hotel guests, making it the ultimate excuse to book an Eid staycation.
• Location: Near Sheikh Rashid Road, Umm Hurair Second, Dubai

The Plaza at Uptown Dubai

The Plaza at Uptown Dubai is an open-air events venue in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, designed for concerts, festivals, fan zones, gala dinners, and corporate activations. Spanning 21,000 sqft, it can host up to 4,000 guests, with a turnkey set-up that includes a 43-metre HD screen, premium sound, dynamic lighting, and a 20-metre stage. Purpose-built amenities, catering options, valet parking, and nearby transport links make it a flexible setting for large-scale gatherings. Keep an eye on their schedule for big festival line-ups over the holiday period!

• Location: Uptown Dubai, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai