Inside Ribambelle, Dubai’s Newest Fun-Filled Venue For Your Children
The Dubai newcomer serves up a slice of fun that’ll impress critics of all ages
You generally have to pick one or the other: a fun-filled, kid-focussed venue that indulges in their every whim, or a grown-up restaurant offering elevated plates, with mixology to match. Luckily this dichotomy has been blurred by Bluewaters Dubai newcomer Ribambelle. Not only does it have a jungle-themed play area – with ‘elves’ ensuring little ones navigate the slides, ball pits and dress-up rooms safely – but its upstairs seating area is fully licensed with Asian-accented European plates serving up gourmet fare that’ll wow all ages.
Other bonuses? Regular activities and masterclasses – we rate the crafts and crazy milkshake-making – add to the fun. And it’s a dream if you’re looking to organise a birthday that’ll impress the young and young-at-heart.
Ribambelle’s Yulia Fedorishina shares her top five tips on throwing the best children’s celebration
1. Good For Grown Ups
Parents need to also feel relaxed and enjoy the festivities with their little ones. The best way to achieve this is by having an event manager handle the planning, allowing everyone to simply enjoy the day. I also always invite my friends and children’s parents to join in the fun – there’s nothing worse than feeling isolated while the kids are frolicking.
2. Get Engaged
A well-rounded party should keep the kids entertained with a balance of energetic activities and calmer moments, including time for food and cake. I always feel sorry for children who are expected to sit quietly for too long – that doesn’t feel like a proper party to me! Our paper disco – with an upbeat soundtrack — is the ideal way to round celebrations off, or for something more calm, schedule in arts and crafts or food-related decorative fun.
3. Concepts Are Key
A successful party should have a theme, with every detail planned around it, from the games and decorations to the cake. When all activities are tied to the theme, it brings the entire event together, making it feel cohesive and well thought out. Some of the ones we’ve done recently include Elves and Fairies, as well as Princess parties.
4. Watch The Clock
Timing is crucial. While this can vary based on age, for children under 8, a 3-hour party is more than enough. We always recommend cutting the cake after about 2.5 hours, ensuring the event has a smooth flow.
5. Food For Thought
Lastly, the menu is incredibly important — particularly with so many kids having dietary restrictions or sensitivities. I’m always mindful of what my children eat so it’s reassuring if food is wholesome, with allergy-friendly and vegetarian options available. Having this in place ensures no one will feel left out.
To book visit ribambelle.ae
Images Supplied
From Harper’s Bazaar Junior’s Autumn/Winter 2024 issue.
