Anyone who has ever lived in the UAE knows that summer can bring with it certain challenges. The holiday season is on, every second person you know is going on leave and you suddenly find too much free time on your hands. Luckily, anyone who has ever lived in the UAE also knows there's no dearth of activities to help you cool off. Now, we know a bunch of these activities are often ruled out because of their high costs, which is why we've put together a list that is affordable and just plain offbeat. If you're on the lookout for things to do, your vacation begins here.

Fly into the sunset
It's hard not to love the luxury of a good staycation, and with the holidays around, this is the perfect time to visit other emirates. However, here's a new way to travel - via seaplane. Seawings Lifestyle has partnered with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism to offer discounted packages so you can get a glimpse of the UAE like never before. Enjoy a breathtaking flight from Dubai to RAK, along with 45 minutes of aerial sightseeing of Dubai icons, overnight accommodation at the DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, gourmet buffet breakfast and a chauffeured road transfer back from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai. It may be a bit pricier than other offerings on our list, but well worth the experience. The package runs till the end of August.

Cost: Dh 999 per person
for more info: here

Get locked in a room
Escape games are all the rage right now, and the reason is obvious - they're just plain fun! The concept is simple - you and your group will be locked in a room for an hour, and you have to figure a way out, using only a series of mysterious clues. and your creativity, common sense and teamwork! If you're wondering which one to get started with, we recommend Escape Quest, which recently launched a new challenge to test UAE's super sleuths - The Lab of the eccentric geneticist Dr Zol. Should you choose to accept it, the quest will have you and your buddies searching amongst Zol's wacky things and racing against time in an attempt to escape. Don't worry too much - help will be on hand if you need it. The whole experience is fun, fast, and the perfect activity for these hot months.
If you decide to try an escape game, and just can't get enough, be sure to also check out HintHunt Dubai, Challenge Chambers, Brainscape Games and Claustrophobia.

Cost for Escape Quest:  2 players - Dh140 per person; 3-5 players - Dh120 per person
Escape Quest has a Mad Monday promotion till the end of July, where a group of five gets a 50 per cent discount, four get a 40 per cent discount, and so on. The more the merrier, and prices can actually go down to Dh60 per person - a steal! Just mention 'Mad Monday' when you call to book.
for more info: here

Take a dip at night
If the weather makes you want to jump into a pool of cool water, give into that temptation! Throughout summer, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi gives you the opportunity to dip into their Horizon Infinity pool from 6pm until closing time. That gives you five hours (on weekdays) or six hours (on weekends) of blissful night views of the Palm Jumeirah. The offer is also great because the entrance fee includes a credit of Dh100 to spend on food and beverages. Chances are: you're not going to want to leave this pool anytime soon.

Cost: Dh150

Get a little spooked out
Here's one for both kids and adults. Modesh World has just announced its summer offerings, and horror aficionados will be thrilled to know there's a haunted house to look forward to. Running till the end of August, it's open to both kids and adults (although those under the age of 11 will need parental supervision). This one is not for the faint of heart - expect goosebump-inducing spooky characters that will send a shiver down your spine. Modhesh World never fails to disappoint in terms of entertainment, so if you're not a fan of all things creepy, there's also going to be a Hello Kitty World, skate park, laser tag and fun robotics workshop that will feature a 'Robo Fighting' arena. This one is for families!

Cost for the haunted house: Dh35

Kayak into the night
Outdoors activities may be off the table during the day, but nature lovers can take respite in the fact that there's still plenty to do once the sun goes down. Kayaking, for instance, is soothing, has gorgeous views, and requires no previous experience. If you're looking to do something offbeat this season, Noukhada Adventure Company LLC is offering a night light tour - two hours of paddling into the night with LED lights fixed to the bottom of your kayak so you can see the marine life underwater. They also have sunset/ sunrise tours and a mangroves tour. How soothing does kayaking across the water at night sound?

Cost: The night light tour and sunset/ sunrise tour are for Dh210 each, but book anytime before July17 and get them for only Dh160. Book
the mangroves tour, priced at Dh 160, before July 17 and get it at 50
per cent off.
for more info:here

Unwind with different types of yoga
Thinking of trying your hand at yoga, but looking for something a bit more offbeat? Urban Yoga is offering some pretty exotic classes that will take you one step closer to inner peace. Glow Flow yoga, for example, combines a dark room, an upbeat playlist, and flashes of neon colour. It's designed to help you loosen up and let go of tension, and the dark also makes it more of a challenge. However, they meet only once a month, so you won't want to miss their next class on July 20 at 8pm. Other equally tempting offers are their candlelight yoga classes (every Sunday and Monday), sunrise classes at 6.30 in the morning, and yin classes, where each pose is held for five minutes or more - perfect for de-stressing. Having a membership means you can mix and match.

Cost: Single class - Dh80, 10 classes - Dh700. Book before July 14 and get unlimited classes for a month at the cost of Dh700
for more info: here

Learn the art of archery
If you've always wanted to channel your inner Green Arrow, or take a leaf out of Katniss Everdeen's book, here's how you can learn to use the bow and arrow. Now, normally, learning archery can be a bit of an expensive hobby (fees are usually calculated according to rounds or 10-15 minute intervals). That's where the Dubai Archers come to the rescue - the club provides instructions and entry-level fiberglass and wooden bows plus finger tabs and arm guard for beginners every Friday morning from 9.30am-11.30am. It takes place at the Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, but do call in advance to make a booking.

Cost: Dh95 for 2 hours of training    
for more info: here

Go on a food tour
They say the best way to learn about a place is through its food, and we couldn't agree more. Now, while most food tours of the UAE veer towards the 'lux' category, The Frying Pan Adventures offers up some food trails that are as authentic as can be. Munch right through their Arabian Summer Saga four-course meal that will have you exploring hidden gems and neighbourhood food joints in old Dubai. Whether it is learning the origins of Iraqi cuisine or savouring a delicate fish cooked over flames, this is sure to be an adventure - especially for foodie visitors. And if Indian food is what you're craving, explore the best of Karama's joints and snack on Malabari crab stew and succulent fish steamed in banana leaves with their Indian Express trail. It all starts after 6.30pm, so you can beat the heat.

Cost: Dh 388 per person
for more info: here

Try sliding through Downtown Dubai
The Downtown Slide is a fun new attraction for those young at heart. The 19m long tube is mounted at a 30-degree angle, providing anyone who decides to give it a whirl an exhilarating experience that ends in a soft landing on a floor mat. The unique attraction is located in Burj Plaza, overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Souk al Bahar, so if you're heading there this summer, be sure to make a pit stop at the slide. And don't worry about the summer heat either - the slide is insulated and specifically designed to withstand the weather. Open from 4pm-1am.

Cost: Free

All your sporting dreams - indoors
Sports lovers, rejoice! Dubai Sports World is back, and it gives enthusiasts a chance to learn anything from pro wrestling and tennis to cricket and basketball through its coaching classes. Besides the usual, it also offers loads of free activities like ping-pong (everyone is welcome to enjoy the free use of their 12 tables throughout summer) or badminton (they have eight courts with professional flooring). Let the games begin! Do keep in mind that online reservation is a must, though.

Cost: Free for ping-pong or badminton
More info: here

Janice Rodrigues

Janice Rodrigues is a features writer living in Dubai since June 2014 and is always looking for her next story, be it travel, human interest, food, fashion or beauty. In her spare time, she can usually be found in front of a movie screen or under a good book. You can keep up with her latest escapades on Instagram at janice.rodg