Soaring temperatures during summer and cold desert winds during winter are ideal for outings to cool temperature-controlled amusement arcades. At the Deira City Centre's Magic Planet, you can play golf, try bowling and test your skills on the latest Nintendo games as your children romp in a purpose-built play area or opt for any of the fun rides.

The latest amusement arcade in town is the Encounter Zone (Wafi Shopping Mall, Karama) where spine-chilling encounters await you at The Chamber. We would also recommend the Fantasy Kingdom at the Al Bustan Centre (off the Al Ittihad Road). An imaginatively designed play-area, the Fantasy Kingdom ranks as one of the best in Dubai. The city boasts of two ice-rinks at the Al Nasr Leisureland (Karama) and at the Galleria (Hyatt Regency).

Al Nasr Leisureland Complex

This facility provides bowling, squash, go-karting, ice skating, swimming and fun rides. Rates star at Dhs 10 for 2 hours of fuin. Tel: 3371234

Magic Planet

Housed in the giant Deira City Centre shopping mall, this children's entertainment centre is a unique indoor site with 10 pin bowling, a crawling bungie jungle, variety of electronic games and a mini pitch and putt.

Wonderland

Located just off the Garhoud bridge, Wonderland is a family fun park that caters to all ages. Attractions include numerous water rides and slides, roller coasters, a log flume, bumper boats, games of skill and a nightly water mist show.