FAMILIES FROM ALL OVER THE GULF CELEBRATE EID AT KIDSFEST ABU DHABI @KidsFestDubai

FAMILIES FROM ALL OVER THE GULF CELEBRATE EID AT KIDSFEST ABU DHABI

Thousands of people from all over the Gulf region celebrated the first day of Eid Al Adha by attending the opening of KidsFest Abu Dhabi.
Families from the UAE were joined by those who travelled in from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Lebanon at the city's largest family festival, which transformed the pitches of Zayed Sports City into an oversized playscape.  
Throughout the day kids of all ages were treated to an endless line-up of activities to participate in and entertainment to enjoy.
The most popular place was the main stage where live music provided a party atmosphere and performances of classic children's tales, such as Pinocchio and Alice in Wonderland, wowed festival-goers with spectacular songs, staging and costumes. It was also the home of interactive fitness classes which had everyone up and dancing. These were  trumped only by a character dance-off which was laugh-out-loud funny.
More dancing, as well as acrobatics, were found at the circus school tent alongside tamer acts for kids to try, such as plate spinning, face painting and balloon modelling.
Goats, a pony and a cockatoo had crowds flocking to the petting zoo, but the star was the python, which drew more intrigue from children than actual petting. Meanwhile, parents took a break from the excitement by shopping for art or even getting pampered with manicures.
The health and fitness area, supported by Healthpoint, offered adults a bit of fun alongside their little ones as they went head to head in the giant Challenger obstacle inflatable. Children from age five joined into Abu Dhabi's Fittest Kid as well, which in the first day posted impressive scores from the participants.
Other inflatables, including slides, bouncy castles, climbing wall and even soapy football, proved big hits, as did the pedal cars. Once sufficiently tired out, energy was replenished by food and beverages provided by some of the region's most popular outlets and restaurants.

Lights and music from the carnival rides filled the sky as darkness fell and an excellent performance from the Young Musicians Music School drew a breathless first day to a close and teed KidsFest up nicely for the rest of the week.
"This is a very fun family event. The children love the activities," said mother of two, Rania Obeid, from Lebanon. "We were going to come just for today, but we have all had a good time so we are coming back tomorrow as well."
"It has been a brilliant day," said Thomas Wellman, father of two from Abu Dhabi. "We have had an amazing time. There is just so much to do here. We were really surprised at the number and the variety of activities there are for children. My two have really enjoyed themselves." 
"I liked the inflatable castle the most," said 6-year-old James Wellman. "The cookie decorating was also fun, because I got to put candy on it and then eat it."  
KidsFest Abu Dhabi is happening every day from 3pm - 10pm until October 19th.

For more information, visit www.kidsfestabudhabi.com