Top outdoor attractions in Dubai have officially opened just in time for the winter season. Whether you are an adventure-seeker searching for an adrenaline rush, or someone looking to simply enjoy the great outdoors, you are spoilt for choice. Here’s a quick guide to what you can do in the city during your weekends out in the winter sun.

Unwind and spend quality time with your family at a park. Dubai is home to a number of parks, such as Zabeel Park, Burj Park, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Safa Park Creek Park and Mushrif Park. But on days when you feel like doing something new, check out the Dubai Safari Park and Dubai Crocodile Park. Dubai Safari Park, a wildlife reserve, animal sanctuary and education centre, is home to over 2,500 animals from all over the world, making it a unique tourism and edutainment destination. The Dubai Crocodile Park, on the other hand, is home to the majestic freshwater Nile crocodile.Don’t forget, the Dubai Miracle Garden is now also open. Featuring over 150 million flowers of over 120 varieties, it is the world’s largest natural flower garden — and probably that most Instagram-worthy, too!

Head to the beach and get your vitamin sea. Dubai’s beach culture ensures that there’s always something for everyone, whether you want to play a game of beach volleyball with friends, curl up with a book or even enjoy a nice picnic on the sand. Among the options across the city are The Beach in JBR, which includes a range of restaurants, hotels, lounges and entertainment places for families; Kite Beach, which is popular for surfing and beach sports; Sunset Beach, which offers views of the Burj Al Arab; and Al Mamzar Beach, which provides a suitable environment for relaxation and swimming, together with pathways for walking and cycling. Off the coast, sports enthusiasts can indulge in jet skiing, surfing, and so much more.

Go on a mountain adventure.Hatta is the perfect getaway from the city lights, providing an opportunity to get back to nature as well as to experience a wide range of activities. You could go mountain biking or hiking in the Hajar Mountains — also known for its stunning views — or enjoy wadi-bashing in the riverbeds and even go kayaking in the Hatta Dam. The Hatta Wadi Hub offers visitors experiences such as a 10-metre high climbing wall that includes five lanes, a slingshot that propels those looking for adventure, fun and suspense to a height of up to 50 meters, and paragliding.

Find time for your favourite sport. The months of November and December are ideal for outdoor fitness activities in the city, as the pleasant weather combined with the many facilities in Dubai make for excellent workout sessions. There is also the Dubai Fitness Challenge, a 30-day citywide initiative to get Dubai’s residents and communities active. Everyone will be able to find an activity to suit them, from yoga to cycling, and start the first steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

Hop on that 4x4 and go dune-bashing. Dubai’s famous desert safaris allow people to take in the breathtaking views of the desert landscapes, engage in activities like dune bashing, sand boarding and quad biking, and provide the opportunity to participate in traditional activities like camel riding, getting close to falcons, or even experience authentic Emirati hospitality with a barbeque under the stars.