Fun fun fun! Top activities for children at Expo 2020
The much anticipated World Expo 2020 has captured global attention. Bringing Dubai to the forefront, the event has been a huge hit with residents and visitors. While trade and commerce-related activities are a large part of the experience, there’s also loads for young visitors to enjoy. Learn all about the Expo 2020 activities for kids and find out why taking the whole family along to the world fair is a great idea.
EXPO 2020 ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS
From a Mars-like playground to exploring coral reefs, there’s plenty for kids to do at the Dubai Expo 2020. The global fair is packed full of edutainment activities that will teach and thrill educate in equal measure. Let’s take a look at the best.
PLAYGROUNDS
There are several playgrounds for children at the expo site. At Latifa’s Adventures in Space City, children can visit a “zero gravity” chamber and hop aboard the Hope Probe replica. They can leap into imaginary orbit and bounce around swings to learn more about the universe.
Little ones visiting the Mobility District can enjoy the merry-go-round! Rashid’s Playground in Jubilee Park is an ocean-themed space with whale slides, ocean liners and sharks on springs. Toddlers will love to see play within a 3D maze modelled after the majestic humpback whale.
SHOW AT AL WASL PLAZA
Adults and kids will be mesmerised by the 360-degree projection dome as it comes alive with a burst of colourful displays. It is a truly captivating experience for every visitor, and you can’t miss it! The feature is located centrally at the Plaza.
Life lessons are taught in an entertaining way at Al Wasl Plaza during the Mascot Immersive Show — where Rashid and Latifa battle against Mr. Scrap. Visitors can create their avatars to be displayed on Al Wasl’s canvas.
You can also head to Mister Scrap’s Scrapyard Idol to witness the dance and story show at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. Don’t forget to check out our daily events at Al Wasl Plaza to plan your visit.
SPORTS EVENTS
At the Aussie Park football area, kids and adults can explore training sessions held by Manchester City. Italian football giants AC Milan also offer academy training sessions to kids aged 6 to 14 every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Those interested in cricket can train at the Rajasthan Royals Academy.
For further details, visit the official Expo2020 Sports Hub website.
SAVING THE WORLD
Children can learn the basics about sustainable development, water and energy conservation by helping a giant flower grow at the Opportunity Pavilion. Among the different Expo 2020 activities for kids, this one can help them hone good habits.
Kids will also enjoy the interactive experiences at Terra, The Sustainability Pavilion. It takes visitors through the wonders of the natural world and inspires them to make sustainable choices.
At the Belarus Pavilion, you can opt for the forest experience. The interactive “Tree of Mind” installation can be a learning experience for children.
THE FAMOUS WATER FEATURE
Is there anything more fun than jumping around a waterfall? You can find one between Al Wasl Plaza and Jubilee Park? Watch as the water crashes onto the surface and disappears into the stone! Visiting the water feature is one of the most popular Expo 2020 activities for kids and adults. Adding to the appeal are music and illusions. The latter is turned on at night, making it seem as if the water flows upwards.
DESERT FARM
The venue is a beautiful place to educate children about the different desert plants and fish that are native to the Arabian Sea. The farm is near Latifa’s Adventure Playground, with visits being one of the best Expo 2020 activities for kids.
MEET THE ROBOTS
Over 150 robots have been strategically deployed across the site to greet visitors. They provide assistance and also deliver food.
At the China pavilion, children can meet Youyou, the panda robot that shows off his tai-chi skills. This is one of the most exciting activities for kids at Dubai Expo 2020. You can spot Opti and Terra parading the Opportunity and Sustainability districts as well. Don’t forget to stop by to take a picture or say hello to the official Dubai Expo mascots.
TRAVEL THROUGH TIME
While there are a host of family-friendly activities at Expo 2020 that focus on the future, some take us back in time. The experience is available at Alif, The Mobility Pavilion.
Kids will appreciate a virtual representation of Saruq Al Hadid. The ancient ring that inspired the logo of Expo 2020 was discovered in this 4,500-year-old trading settlement.
Furthermore, children can discover how the human race has evolved in terms of mobility through airlines, smart cities, logistics and space travel. Learn more about the UAE’s space programme for a more memorable trip.
And there is a bonus! Visitors can take selfies with the spacesuit of Emirati astronaut Hazza Al Mansouri and have their faces projected on the helmet at the Terra Auditorium.
THE DROP PAVILION
As the name implies, the Drop Pavilion is shaped like a drop of water. More importantly, it is built with 41,000 recyclable cans, a nod to the sustainability theme at Expo 2020. Here, kids can play an interactive game that teaches them about smart-water agriculture, irrigation technology and groundwater recharge.
Don’t forget to get splash selfies. The 3D printed silhouettes make the subjects look like they are underwater. Isn’t that fun?
HAMMOUR HOUSE
The Hammour House is a community art project that draws inspiration from one of the tales from 1001 Nights — Abdullah the Fisherman and Abdullah the Merman. Here, toddlers will learn about marine life and coral reefs that are home to Hammour fish. This is one of the Expo 2020 activities for kids that encourages them to take care of Mother Earth.
ROBOTIC PENGUINS
The penguins at Ski Dubai have been a major attraction for tourists for many years. Visitors at Expo 2020 can interact with their robot counterparts. Visit the Monaco Pavilion to meet and play with the electronic flightless birds.
All in all, this is one of the most unique family-friendly activities at Expo 2020.
SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS
Kids aged seven to eleven can carry out experiments at the Forscherwelt Science Lab every Monday and Tuesday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. To make an appointment, visit the official Germany Expo 2020 Pavilion website.
This is one of the most popular activities for kids at Dubai Expo 2020, especially for those who are into science.
EXPO EXPLORER
What better way to view the Expo site than hopping on a slow-moving train? The Expo Explorer takes kids on a fun tour around the site.
COLLECT STAMPS
Ensure that this trip to Expo 2020 becomes a lifelong memory by getting your Expo passport stamped at every pavilion you visit. You can collect your passport from the official store or kiosks.
FOOD TRUCKS
A day of fun and learning should come to a natural conclusion at one of the many food trucks at the venue. From pizzas to pancakes, there is plenty to choose from. Plus there are places that offer free food at Expo 2020 for children.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MUCH DO THE EXPO 2020 TICKETS FOR CHILDREN COST?
Anyone under 18 is eligible for free entry. However, all visitors and those under this age bracket still have to possess tickets to enter the venue.
WHICH PAVILIONS SHOULD I VISIT WITH KIDS?
Every country pavilion has something interesting for children. For example, the Luxembourg Pavilion has a 21-metre-tall slide taking visitors down the country’s beautiful forests. The Ethiopia Pavilion has many traditional board and playground games. If your family loves folktales, head to the Guinea Pavilion.
Similarly, Bulgaria Pavilion has an innovative playground that converts the kinetic energy generated by kids into light. When it comes to experiences that foster the imagination, incredible enchanted forest adventures with Lafi and Kaho at the Tonga Pavilion come to mind.
You can also check out the different Expo 2020 exhibitions for more insight into everything on offer.
WHICH IS THE BEST PAVILION AT EXPO 2020?
Each pavilion offers something unique. However, if you can’t visit them all in one day, you can head over to our favourite Dubai Expo 2020 pavilions.
Experts believe that there will be long-lasting Expo 2020 benefits. The start of the event was considered a tremendous success. There are certainly many things to do at Expo 2020 for kids. Plus, judging from the variety of exhibits and attractions, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Reaching the site is convenient. You can travel to Expo 2020 via public transport. If you are travelling from another country or another emirate, you can stay at these hotels near the Expo 2020 site.
So, book your tickets today!
