Kids Day Out: Little Explorers

The night before Art left for the field last month, we brought the kids to Mirdif City Centre because I heard of Little Explorers and I wanted to check it out. My kids are mostly confined to the four corners of our flat which I think is very unhealthy, which is why I want to take the opportunity when Art is here with us to take them to kiddie places.

The place isn't too big and their concept is pretty simple. It's mostly about self-discovery, experimenting and understanding their surroundings (to some extent). I didn't think Carlos would enjoy it as much as Kaden but surprisingly, he did.

"I Experiment" Zone

My mom stayed with Amber (who couldn't appreciate any of it yet) while Art and I ran after the two boys. 

The boys enjoyed playing with the water, there were lots of cause and effect involved in the play.

There are a variety of interactive exhibits that encourage exploration and experiments for kids.

There are five "zones" to explore the science of sound, air, motion, body, and many more.

"I Experiment" Zone

The boys were all over the place. Notice their perspired heads. 

"I Locate Myself" Zone

I wouldn't mind taking the kids back here. Especially since Mirdif City Centre is the closest mall to where we live.

The boys stayed and played the longest here.

"All Together" Zone

This is where Kaden got so engrossed with building his "house".

While Carlos was running all over. Making friends and having the time of his life.

Giving his daddy a good workout.

My photos are limited because the battery for the camera died by the time we got to  the "I Can Do" and "I Discover Myself" Zone.  I am particularly sad to not have a photo of Carlos running into a mirror at the House of Mirrors because it was a classic!

I love these kids to pieces.

My Mommy's Girl

Our family picture that night.

Thank you Lord, for the gift of family. 

Would You Harness Your Kids? I Would and I Do.

I know a lot of people frown at the idea of restraining a child with a safety leash or a safety harness (I have both) which they think should only be limited to pets. I see the reactions first hand when we go to the malls, there's no denying the appalled faces and judging looks I get from some parents. But I personally think this issue is a classic example of different strokes for different folks.

Some people perceive putting a child on a leash or a harness "demeaning", some think it's made for "uncontrollable" children, some say they are plain "horrible" but I have high regard for these leashes and harnesses especially when I take my kids to crowded or busy places. I like how it can give my kids a sense of independence while they are safely within my reach and view.

I prefer the wrist safety leash over the plushy backpack harness because of its stretchable strap and I find it easier to use especially when Carlos is running around.

I'd have to admit that the plushy backpack harness seems cuter more acceptable to judging eyes. I'll make sure to use it next time. I just find the strap too short.

It's a child's normal instinct to explore so we can't fault them for wandering off sometimes. As parents all we want is to keep them safe first and foremost, the rest just comes second. Lately, we use it for Carlos (who is 2) because he sometimes gets bored in his stroller and he wants to roam around like his Kuya Kaden.

If your child isn't a "flight risk" like mine can sometimes be, then lucky for you. Kids are very impulsive, especially if you have more than one. They can run off in a flash or be gone with a blink of an eye. I can't imagine how it would be for me if I had to run after one child and leave the other two behind. So this works perfectly for me.

I don't think people should issue judgment for parents who use these leashes and harnesses for their children because you don't know their story. Judge me if you will, but I'd rather keep my kids safe than be sorry.

Kids Day Out: Kidzania

We've been meaning to take the kids to Kidzania at Dubai Mall but we almost always run out of time. Dubai Mall is such a huge mall that there are A LOT of shops on the way to Kidzania that lure you in and make you forget what you went there for in the first place.

On my mom's first day back to Dubai, we were finally able to make it to Kidzania. Thank God she was there because we didn't realize it would be so hard if it were just Art and me with the three kids.

I can't even begin to say how much I love the place! Kidzania is a unique family edutainment center  where children can lead independent lives and understand the world of grown ups better by being grown ups themselves. Check out their website.

You have to "check-in" and get your boarding pass before you can enter

Everything was so amazingly cute once we were inside! It was a little city for the little kids with little buildings and it had a hospital, fire station, salon, bank, supermarket, among others.

Here, the kids can play adult roles and learn how it is to be a doctor, a firefighter, a dentist, a police officer, a pilot, a baker, among others. There are a number of professions the children can choose from and they can "go to work" wearing the uniform of the chosen profession from which they get to learn the value of money and earn KidZos (kidzania currency) which they can later deposit in their bank account or spend in Kidzania outlets.

Our first stop was the fire station which became Carlos' favorite out of all the professions in Kidzania.
Everything was built with meticulously cute detail! No wonder the kids were so amazed. :) Kaden went up with the other "firefighter" kids to get their orientation while Carlos stayed and played in the firetruck.

He was so delighted pretending to drive the firetruck until the fire alarm went off at the station! So the little firefighters had to respond to the emergency.

Our little Carlos tagged along with his Kuya towards the Hotel that "caught fire." But ended up being scared and overwhelmed when we got there.

Good thing Kuya Kaden was a brave firefighter who fought the fire with his hose until it stopped. Of course, with mommy's assistance. :)

Kuya Kaden was pretty proud of himself.

When the boys got back to the station, it was time to get their pay. :)

Next stop, was the barber shop so the boys can get "groomed."

But only Kaden got his "makeover." I shouldn't taken a picture of Carlos' reaction when he saw his Kuya's new look, it was priceless! (and hilarious)

Next stop, was the hospital to learn about how it is to be a doctor.

Then, Kaden went to get his Kidzania driving license so he can drive around.

At first they didn't allow Carlos to ride with his Kuya because he didn't reach the height limit for getting a driver's license.

Luckily the people there were nice enough and they let him ride with his Kuya because he couldn't drive his own car. (he has no license!)

Our next stop was to the flight simulators so Kaden can play pilot. There isn't much pictures because I took the camera with me while my mom and I took the two little babies to a play area because we didn't think they'd enjoy the flight sims anyway.

The little ones played in the toddler area but only Carlos enjoyed. Amber was scared. :)

From there the kids went to this little room where they can doodle and color with other kids. Amber just drank milk.

Then, Kuya Kaden learned how to cook.

After that, we dropped by KZPD so the boys can be little police officers.

The boys want to learn to play the piano so they can be good at it and impress girls, just like their daddy did to their mommy. :)

There's a cute cozy little corner where you can read books to your little ones.

My boy, the little dentist.

Then before wrapping up, they tried being bus drivers.

It was kind of sad because there were still a lot more things to do inside Kidzania but we ran out of time. We had to leave because they were already closing. :( Note to self: Next time, be there when they open.

Our last stop was the bank, where Kaden can encash his checks and deposit his earnings.

Instead of buying something in the Kidzania shop he decided to leave them all in his card. Wiser than mommy! Lol.

It was a fun day for all of us and we loved the place! We can't wait to take the kids there again, but we might wait until Carlos turns 3 because then he will appreciate it more. :)

And we got some family pictures that day!

Sigh, I love my family. :)