There’s plenty to do around Abu Dhabi with your bub in tow. Next week, we look at activities that are more appealing for dads and bigger kids, but this week we look at three fun ways for parents to bond with their little ones

Haddins Mums and Bubs Fitness

Since the recent birth of his new daughter Molly, Michael Haddin has had to learn a thing or two about sleep deprivation and how to change a nappy. His new Mums (or Dads) and Bubs Fitness class encompasses a variety of fun cardiovascular, resistance, core strength and flexibility exercises to help new mums get their bodies back in shape post birth – bring your stroller as Haddin makes the most of the beautiful grounds of ZSC for a lot of the activities so that both parents and babies can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the great outdoors. Even better, each session ends with free coffee so you can get fit and catch up with your friends at the same time.
When: Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am
Where: Haddins Gym at Zayed Sports City
Cost: AED 60 per class or ten classes for AED 500 (free to Haddins and ZSC Tier 1 and Tier 2 members)
Contact: 050 800 6492 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mother and Baby movie days

Cine Royal, the capital’s only Dolby Digital-equipped multiplex, is setting aside two special mornings each week just for mothers with babies and young children. Mums (and dads) can check out the latest blockbuster movies without having to leave baby at home – even better, adjustments are made in terms of sound volume and lighting to create a comfortable environment for the babies, the theatre is equipped with reclining seats and is completely handicap-accessible and you don’t need to worry about your little one making noise.
When: Sunday and Tuesday mornings
Where: Cine Royal, Khalidiyah Mall
Cost: Discounted rates of AED 35 for a ticket, popcorn and a drink for 2D movies, AED 45 for 3D
Contact: 02 681 9444 or visit www.cineroyal.ae for listings, timings and to buy tickets

St Andrews Mother and Toddlers play group

Mums and dads of kids aged newborn to five years old can go along to St Andrews compound for their long-running playgroup, run by volunteers. You’ll find snacks for the children and tea or coffee for parents. Kids can have fun colouring and playing on the slides and see-saws, in the play house and kitchens, riding on/in the cars and playing with the dolls and pushchairs. There’s also a quieter, matted area for babies including bouncers and walkers. Not Anglican or Christian? No problem – while the playgroup is conducted in the main activity room of the church’s compound, this group is purely secular.
When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 11.30am
Where: St Andrews compound next door to The British School Al Khubairat
Cost: AED 15 per session. No annual subscription and no booking required – simply turn up
Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or check out their Facebook page.

Laura Fulton

Le Meridién Fun Garden now open
Le Meridien Fun Garden is the new free community event for children. Kids can enjoy fun games and activities every Monday and Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm and Saturdays 2pm to 6pm from March to June 2011. On Sporty Monday, kids aged four to ten can come along with their family and friends to play team sports such as sack race or tug of war. Interactive Wednesday is the time for kids to practice interactive games such as cartoons or consol games and kids can let their imaginations run wild Creative Saturday with activities like pottery, cooking or music lessons. Stay entertained, win prizes and get some fresh air at the same time! Find out more at www.lemeridienabudhabi.com/en/children-event