6 Fantastic Parks and Outdoor Activities in Dubai

Despite its tropical desert climate, Dubai has numerous green spaces and outdoor activities to enjoy. Whether you are looking for a scenic place to jog, picnic with friends and family or go fly a kite, there's a wealth of choices in this desert oasis.

Located in a quiet, residential area of Al Safa this park is exclusively for women and children during the week and is a popular spot for play-dates, picnics and outdoor play. There is a mini basketball court as well as volleyball and football pitches. There are on-site toilet facilities and a food and drink kiosk. Al Safa 2 Park has generous parking facilities making it the perfect retreat for busy mothers who just want to spend a few hours in the sunshine with their kids.

Entrance to the park is 3 AED. Opening times are from 8am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and 8am to 11.30pm on weekends. Although the park is open only to women and children during the week there are no restrictions on the weekend.

If you are looking for a unique way to prove your bravery and push your personal limits in Dubai, then visit the Gravity Zone. The adrenaline rush bungee jumps take place outdoors in the Power Play Football Centre – opposite the Dubai Bowling Centre. You can jump on your own or in a 'tandem' which could be good for couples or if you're just feeling in need of some extra support on the day. A bungee jump is also a great team-building opportunity, charity event or unforgettable experience for a group of friends. Gravity Zone is just a short 15 minutes drive from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek.

When you live in a place with great weather such as Dubai, there are plenty of opportunities to break out of the sterile gym environment and get fit in the beautiful surroundings of Dubai's parks. The Al Barsha Pond Park is one of the new series of Pond Parks in Dubai with a man-made lake in the center. The perimeter is laid out with jogging tracks, kid play parks and grassy areas that are perfect for picnics. You can even use the track for cycling, rollerblading or skating. There is also a good variety of gym equipment scattered around so you can get a full workout while breathing in fresh air. You can get easy access to this versatile park with a 10 minute car ride from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City.

Entrance to the park is free and is open from 8am until 10pm during the week and 11pm at weekends. You'll find it near the Emirates NBD bank.

If you love flowers with vibrant colours and feel-good perfumes then the Dubai Miracle Garden is a great place to visit with over 45 million blooms on display. The Dubai Miracle Garden is in fact the world's largest natural flower garden that attracts over one million visitors every year. The garden has various flower showcases that range from a butterfly show, edible plants garden and a complete Emirates A380 plane covered in gorgeous flowers. Be sure to stop by the souvenir shop to pick up a memory of your unforgettable visit.

The Dubai Miracle Garden opens to public every mid-November until mid-May 9am to 9pm between Sunday and Thursday, and 9am to 10pm on weekends.

The highlights of this quirky park are the miniature replicas of international and Arabic houses. The kids will love exploring the windmill, German Hausbarn and Red Indian Teepee house. There is plenty to do in the Mushrif Park, with the option of barbecue services and a fully equipped swimming pool. There are desert palm trees all around the area providing comforting shade and with peacocks wandering around, giving an additional exotic air, making this is the perfect place to go enjoy some Dubai park-life. Pack your picnic baskets and head to this park on a lovely afternoon, all in just a 20 minute drive from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront.

The Woof Park is located among the many warehouses of the Al Quoz area of Dubai. This is the perfect place to bring your four-legged friends as many public parks do not allow pets. Woof offers day-care, boarding and grooming as well as a place for dogs, and dog owners, to socialise in the cool evenings. There are plans for movie nights and barbeques so keep an eye on the development of this dog park if you are looking for a place to socialise your pooch with like-minded animal lovers.

Your dog will need to be registered with Woof to take advantage of the park. Day-care costs start from 10.50 AED per hour.