Step son coming over for the vacation.
My step son is 16 years old and he is coming over to my place in Dubai to spent 2 weeks. My wife is excited as she hasn't seen him for months after we moved here for my work. I want to take him out and visit places and give him good time with his mother. I know only a few places here for some entertainment. We have only started exploring the Emirate. He loves snow-boarding and stuff so, I thought I would take him to the indoor skiing resort - it's a huge place.
I'm ashamed to say that even after 10 years, I don't have a zing with my step son, but our 10 year old son is close to him. I want to make his stay with the mother very much special. I need to know the less expensive choices in Dubai for entertainment and activities for family. Hope to get some ideas from here.
I suggest you check with some
I suggest you check with some tourism groups or google things to do in that area. This site is "where stepparents come to vent" so I'm not certain many would be able to give you advice on fun activities in Dubai, but I may be wrong.
There are ton of things to do
There are ton of things to do in the UAE. Year around skiing is only one. If you have a 4X4 vehicle your low cost options are just about infinite as far as activities and exploring are concerned. Obviously beach and water sports and activities are easily accessible and in close proximity in much of the UAE. A trip to the Rub-al-khali is always stunning. You can rent mountain bikes for rides in the desert or motorcycles or 4wheelers if your budget will allow. If not... hiking a few dunes is always notable. Do some research on Singing Sand Dunes in the UAE. Experiencing a singing dune is a nearly spiritual experience in a expansive desert landscape.
Hit a few museums. There are many across the UAE. I highly recommend the Sheik Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi which is a moderate drive from Dubai.
Dig into some research and you will find a ton of stuff to share with your Skid.
Good luck and enjoy your time in the UAE.