The Gift Of Doing Nothing: Being Mindful
With Lana Rayes
Explore how music and playful dance helps build strength, confidence, and social skills—while making fitness feel like a party.
In this mindfulness workshop, kids will discover the magic of being present through storytelling, reflection, and calming exercises under the glow of our Museum of the Moon. After the session, children are invited to enjoy an hour of free play in our interactive OliOli® galleries!
Inspired by The Gift of Nothing by Patrick McDonnell, children will explore what it truly means to give the gift of presence -learning that sometimes, just being together is the most meaningful gift of all.
Please note: this is a kids-only session designed to create a mindful, reflective space. Grown-ups are welcome to relax nearby – either at the back of the room or in our café!
What to bring: Kids must bring a mat to sit comfortably during the session and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
Ages: 5 – 8 years
Thursday, 5th June
9am to 11am
We’re currently operating a Waiting List due to high demand. Please join the list below, and we’ll notify you as soon as a spot opens up.
T&Cs Apply.
Meet The Host:
Lana Rayes is an educator with over 15 years of classroom experience. Her sessions blend proven mindfulness techniques with a deep understanding of child development – creating calm, engaging environments where kids (and their grown-ups!) build focus, empathy, and resilience to embrace more mindful, balanced lives.
What’s included in the session:
• A guided reading of ‘The Gift of Nothing’
• “Post-it feelings” activity before and after the session
• Simple breathing and relaxation techniques
• Reflective mindfulness practices for kids
• A peaceful space for calm, connection, and self-awareness
• 1-hour complimentary entry to our galleries after the session!
What to bring: Kids must bring a mat to sit comfortably during the session and a water bottle to stay hydrated.
What to expect from this OliOli® Conversation:
This workshop is for adults only, but if you’re bringing kids along, they can enjoy OliOli®’s galleries with a paid ticket, and they’ll need to be accompanied by a caretaker during their visit.
This free workshop is for adults only, but if you’re bringing kids along, they can enjoy OliOli®’s galleries with a paid ticket, and they’ll need to be accompanied by a caretaker during their visit.
Don’t miss out on this mindful playdate—register now!
This free workshop is for adults only, but if you’re bringing kids along, they can enjoy OliOli®’s galleries with a paid ticket, and they’ll need to be accompanied by a caretaker during their visit.
PAST EVENTS:
Yoga, Tales & Playtime
Helen Farmer & Amanda Chamberlain
A special event designed to help little ones feel calm, confident, and happy! This mindful morning combined a family-friendly yoga session, storytime, and playtime in our incredible interactive galleries!
Family Zumbini Session
Deanna Glyn
An engaging session exploring how music and playful dance helps build strength, confidence, and social skills—while making fitness feel like a party.
Turning Walls Into Wonderlands
Reem Shakarchi
An engaging session to explore how thoughtful visual design can inspire, nurture, and support your child’s development.
Family Storytelling Session with
Akansha Goenka
An interactive storytelling session, where children’s imagination will soar through engaging tales, playful voice modulation, and creative props.
Why Do We Need A Maker’s Mindset by:
Vaibhav Chhabra
An engaging session diving into the power of the maker’s mindset – embracing creativity, innovation, and problem-solving to help solve real-world challenges.
Release Your Inner Diva Workshop by:
Melissa Alder
A unique opportunity to discover the power of your voice in a supportive and empowering environment!
Family Improv Workshop
by:
Malavika Varadan
A fun and interactive improv session where families could laugh, bond, and create unforgettable memories together!
Monday: 12pm – 6pm
Tuesday: 11am – 6pm
Wednesday: 11am – 6pm
Thursday: 12pm – 6pm
Friday: 11am – 7pm
Saturday: 9am – 8pm
Sunday: 9am – 7pm
Welcome to OliOli®, the brainchild of parents who are passionate about positive play and the power of imagination.
Quick Links
OliOli® Hours Of Fun:
Monday: 12pm – 6pm
Tuesday: 11am – 6pm
Wednesday: 11am – 6pm
Thursday: 12pm – 6pm
Friday: 11am – 7pm
Saturday: 9am – 8pm
Sunday: 9am – 7pm
We can accommodate the needs of each and every school and we can be flexible with our start times, especially if you are travelling from outside Dubai.
Choose 4 out of our 6 galleries for your visit.
We welcome you to visit us and decide beforehand, or go with our experienced recommendations depending on your student’s year group, or the topics that you may be focusing on.
Enjoy 2 hours in your chosen galleries.
Please note – if you are bringing a larger number of students or if you choose an add-on i.e. a workshop or a show, the duration of the trip will be longer.