Dubai Summer Like No Other // Times Square Center Keeps Families Busy, Creative and Connected

This summer may look a little different for many families across the UAE. With travel plans shifting, routines changing, and more parents looking for easy ways to keep children entertained closer to home, the need for engaging experiences has never felt more real.

For families navigating long summer days, screen fatigue, and the Dubai heat, Times Square Center offers a welcoming space where creativity, play, dining, shopping, and meaningful time together can all happen under one roof.

Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, Times Square Center is built around real family life - shaped to suit different ages, personalities, and interests. Creative learning, family-friendly entertainment, indoor adventure, fitness, purposeful shopping, local markets, and relaxed spots to recharge throughout the day all come together to turn a simple outing into a full experience of discovery and connection.

// Keep Little Hands Busy with Creative, Screen-Free Activities

For families trying to reduce screen time during the summer months, Times Square Center offers creative spaces that turn summer downtime into hands-on discovery. Little makers can begin at StuDIYo Lab, where building, designing, and experimenting help spark imagination and problem-solving. Curious minds can then take that sense of discovery further at RoboLand, where STEM, robotics, coding and engineering are introduced through interactive play. For children and teenagers who want to build confidence as well as creativity, The Confidence Lab by The Gaia Centre adds drama, public speaking, creative writing, communication skills and art into the mix, helping young learners express themselves in ways that go beyond the classroom.

For art lovers, Creativa is a colourful stop for creative supplies, craft materials and artistic inspiration, giving children, teens and parents the chance to explore new projects and hobbies.

// Make Family Time More Playful

Summer is also the perfect time for families to play together, try something new and create shared moments away from their usual routines.

The day can start with movement and adventure at Adventure HQ before slowing down over board and card games at Back to Games. Comic lovers and collectors can explore Speedy Comics for anime, gaming and pop culture finds, while families who want to create something together can stop by Picasso Artists for a relaxed painting experience. For a final cool escape, Chillout Ice Lounge offers a memorable break from the Dubai heat with its sub-zero setting, ice sculptures, and photo-worthy moments.

// Shop Differently: Unique Finds, Local Stories and Meaningful Purchases

Times Square Center offers a unique shopping experience that feels different from the usual mall visit, with spaces that spotlight handmade finds, local brands and purpose-led retail. Families can discover artisan pieces and thoughtful gifts at The Makers Guild, while Vanya’s Closet offers consciously sourced and carefully curated children’s clothing, with handmade pieces, accessories, and special finds for little ones. And for more luxurious gifts, Pristine Jewels adds a refined gifting stop with unique jewellery, certified diamonds or customised pieces with a more personal feel.

For shoppers looking to buy with impact, Thrift for Good offers pre-loved fashion, books and accessories in support of sustainability and charity. The experience continues at Ripe Market, Dubai’s favourite market, where families can discover home-grown brands, food concepts, fashion, art and family-friendly finds in a lively indoor community setting.

// Move, Stretch and Reset

Summer routines can easily become slower, which makes indoor movement and wellbeing even more important for both parents and children.

For those looking for more structured training, Optimum Strength offers personal training, Pilates, boxing, rehabilitation, and functional workouts. For a slower reset, Stretch Pro offers one-on-one assisted stretching sessions designed to support flexibility, posture, recovery, and stress relief.

// Pause, taste, and connect

A full family day is not complete without time to pause, share a meal and reconnect. At Times Square Center, families can travel through flavours without leaving the mall, from comforting Italian favourites at Mamma Italia to home-style Indian dishes at Desi Bistro and bold Tex-Mex and Thai street food flavours at Taco Taco. Whether it is a relaxed lunch, a quick bite between activities, or a shared family meal, the dining options add an easy and enjoyable break to the summer day.

Before heading home, families can stop by CrACKLES for a playful sweet treat. The Dubai-born gourmet rice crispy treat shop brings a nostalgic favourite to life with creative flavours, seasonal designs and joyful treats made for sharing.

For more information on Times Square Center, visit www.timessquarecenter.ae or follow @timessquaredxb on Instagram.