Before you read any further- PLEASE only visit this place if you intend to leave it as CLEAN as you found it. Please don't litter and if you bring your dog(s), clean after them.

Nad al Sheba is a long time favourite amongst Dubai families. Most people go to the small "forest" which is basically a few rows of trees and the closest we can get to a forest here.

But did you know you can actually walk much further on the opposite side of the road? Follow this Google maps link. I got this tip from a mum on my German mums' Whatsapp group, and of course we had to check it out on the weekend (thanks again Rebekka!).

Please keep your expectations low. This is not a large area. It's a small trail between two fences, but you can walk for approx. 2,5 km and back. Park your car at the entrance close to the gate and start exploring!

Having two young kids, we rarely venture far out. Nap timings and countless "Are we there yet's" make long drives complicated. The best thing about Nad el Sheba is that it's just a short drive away - 30 minutes in our case. It's a perfect place to enjoy the last winter months outdoors without making it a complex trip, and it doesn't even feel far out (in fact, the closest coffee place is less than 10 minutes away).

All you need is

- sunscreen

- hats

- plenty of water for everyone

- a towel and change of clothes and shoes if you let your kids play in the puddles

- wellies if you have any

- (optional: a snack / picnic / picnic blanket / ball etc.)

You don't have to walk far if you don't want to- you can stay close to the entrance. There is plenty to explore in the space between the trail and the fence - mushrooms, butterflies, dragonflies, nests, stones, leaves, sticks, small puddles etc.

We looked for sticks and observed the plants, some of them only few millimeters high.

Our small picnic was a highlight for the boys!

Older children can walk as far as they can. At the end of the first part, before the trail turns, is a huge puddle, much to the joy of my youngest. These are not swamps but water accumulated from the irrigation system.

A bit further inland are tall grasses - perfect for little explorers.

Overall it was a great family adventure for big and small!

All it cost us was a picnic... and a change of clothes ;)