Kids’ activities
Children can choose from pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, crafts and play areas.
Al Sufouh
The Ripe Market is an outdoor weekend market in Al Sufouh where you can browse local makers and organic produce, then settle in for food and family activities. Reviews particularly highlight the children's play areas, pony and horse rides, and petting zoo.
Source: Google Maps
Children can choose from pony rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, crafts and play areas.
The farmers’ stalls include organic vegetables, cherry tomatoes and eggs, giving grocery shoppers something practical to browse.
Small businesses sell handmade clothing, jewellery, home décor, food and other less-commercial finds.
There is room to stretch out, with shaded areas and green spaces for a slower weekend visit.
One visitor found parking directly in front, which is useful when visiting with children or shopping bags.
The Academy Park location also has padel courts, adding a sports option beyond the market stalls.
Check Instagram. Check the market’s Instagram before going; one visitor found the activity schedule easy to use for planning.
Visit in winter. Choose the cooler season if possible: a visitor found an October evening humid and recommended December onwards.
Budget ahead. Set aside more than the entry fee if you want activities or food; reviews repeatedly describe the market as pricey.
Confirm parking. Check the current parking arrangement before arriving, since older reviews mention free parking while a newer one reports paid parking.
Find the entrance. When driving in, use the police academy entrance and take the sharp left described by a visitor.
Plan the visit
| Mon | Closed |
| Tue | Closed |
| Wed | Closed |
| Thu | Closed |
| Fri | Closed |
| Sat | 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
| Sun | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
Cali Poke is one of the food spots a returning visitor specifically enjoys.
Lolo Market is highlighted as a small shop beside the playground area.
Sustainably U is mentioned among the children-focused shops near the playground.
Horse riding is a featured children's activity, with one review noting a minimum age.
The pygmy zoo is one of the child-friendly attractions mentioned by visitors.
Several reviews describe the stalls and food as expensive, with one long-time visitor saying more charges have been added over the years.
One visitor felt the paid animal area was poor value for seeing only a few small animals.
A review reported unattended rubbish and dirty seats remaining for hours, with few janitors visible.
Vendor reviews report unanswered calls and messages, non-refundable payments and difficult security-deposit issues.
Parking costs have changed over time; a recent visitor described it as paid rather than free.
These are customer-reported mentions, not a current price list. Prices may have changed.
Entry ticket
“Entry ticket AED 5 is applicable only for adults (kids goes free)”Google review · December 2025
Pony horse
“Pony horse: 30 aed for 5 mins”Google review · December 2025
Big horse
“Big horse: 50 aed for 5 mins”Google review · December 2025
Cherry tomatoes
“Organic vegetables stall is must try, AED 15/kg for cherry tomatoes is a big deal”Google review · December 2025
Organic egg
“Organic egg 35 aed for 15 eggs”Google review · December 2025
The Bottom Line
The Ripe Market is a seasonal weekend outdoor market in Al Sufouh, built around local vendors, fresh produce, food stalls and family activities. Children can spend time at the playground, petting zoo or horse rides, while adults browse handmade goods and small businesses that are less commercial than typical mall shopping. Padel courts and other sports activities add another reason to linger.
It works well as a half-day outing rather than a quick grocery stop. Reviews mention organic cherry tomatoes, eggs, coffee, baked goods and varied street food; named favourites include Cali Poke, Kris Kros, Choco Berry and House of Pops. The open grounds, shade and seating help make a longer visit manageable, and several families report easy parking.
Costs need a little planning. Adult entry is commonly reported as AED 5, with children free in one review, but rides, animal attractions, food and shopping are extra. One visitor considered the animal area poor value, and another found the market extremely pricey.
Cleanliness is also inconsistent: most comments describe a pleasant venue, but one reported rubbish and dirty seats left unattended. Check Instagram for the activity schedule and aim for the cooler months. If driving, follow the police academy entrance and sharp left.