As the UAE summer holidays continue, organisations across the country are offering camps that blend education with entertainment, giving children opportunities to learn new skills, explore different cultures and stay active before schools reopen.

From a cultural journey around the world in Sharjah to action-packed indoor adventures in Dubai, these programmes are helping children make the most of their summer break through hands-on learning and creative experiences.

House of Wisdom brings world cultures to life

Children at Sharjah’s House of Wisdom spent July travelling the globe without leaving the emirate through its “A Trip Around the World” summer camp.

Running from July 6 to 30, the programme was inspired by the children’s book A Ticket Around the World and introduced young participants to countries across multiple continents through arts, storytelling, games, cooking and interactive workshops.

The experience began with an airport-themed check-in, where children received travel kits containing passports, boarding passes, tickets and play money before setting off on their imaginary journey.

Throughout the camp, participants explored countries including Peru, Madagascar, Indonesia, Colombia, Türkiye, Ethiopia, Germany and Palestine. Activities reflected each destination’s unique traditions and heritage, from creating Balinese kites and Turkish mosaic lanterns to designing wildlife masks inspired by Madagascar and artwork influenced by traditional Palestinian embroidery.

Children also took part in cooking sessions, coffee painting, folk games, dance performances and geography-based activities, collecting passport stamps as they completed each destination.

The programme aimed to build global awareness by introducing children to different cultures, languages, wildlife, landmarks and traditions through immersive, hands-on experiences.

Loco Bear offers action-filled indoor summer fun

Meanwhile in Dubai, families still have time to enrol children in GO LOCO Summer Camp at Loco Bear in Al Quoz, which runs until August 28.

Designed for children aged 5 to 14, the indoor camp combines physical activity with creative learning in a fully air-conditioned setting.

Campers take part in a wide range of activities including trampoline sessions, ninja challenges, climbing walls, laser tag, bowling, arcade games and virtual reality experiences. The programme also includes arts and crafts, slime-making workshops and interactive science experiments.

Beyond the entertainment, organisers say the camp focuses on helping children develop confidence, teamwork and social skills while encouraging creativity and problem-solving.

Parents can choose from half-day, full-day, daily or weekly sessions, with each week ending in a graduation and awards ceremony recognising participation and personal achievements.

A growing trend in summer learning

As schools remain closed for the summer, camps across the UAE are increasingly combining recreation with meaningful learning experiences.

Whether introducing children to global cultures through storytelling and crafts or encouraging active play through sports and science-based activities, these programmes aim to keep young minds engaged while helping them develop new interests, friendships and life skills during the holiday period.