Make your next family trip to the theatre or movie night extra special and good-for-you with these simple-to-prepare healthy snacks

Movie and theatre outings might be synonymous with sugary drinks and sweet treats, but that doesn't mean you can't get a little goodness into them before, during or after a show.

In fact, research shows when a child is distracted by something colourful, fun and entertaining — cue bright costumes on a well-lit stage — they are actually more likely to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, or things they would usually push around a plate. Why not give it a go?

We're thinking freshly cut carrot, cucumber, celery and red pepper sticks, or handy chunks of apple. Avoid cut fruits that drip everywhere and create sticky fingers, you'll all end up missing the show.

Snack bars and pots of healthy nuts, seeds and dried fruits are also a great shout. These dry-roasted cashew nuts from Goodness Foods are super healthy thanks to the way they are cooked without oil.

Plan your next movie night or book tickets for Dear Zoo, a bestselling book brought to life on stage in Dubai this month (see below).

How about a test run?

With the goal to introduce a new generation of children to the magic of the theatre, Art For All continues to bring the UK’s finest family shows to The Theatre at Mall of the Emirates. This time it’s Dear Zoo - live on stage!, a globally renowned children’s play, from May 25-28.

Love for the theatre starts at the earliest ages and lasts a lifetime, which is the reason Art For All place a special focus on crafting an excellent family theatre programme that will introduce the little ones to the magic of the theatre.

Written by Rod Campbell, produced by Norwell Lapley Productions and directed by Michael Gattrell, Dear Zoo live on stage! is ideal for children from 24 months. Brought to life through child-engaging puppets, original music and lots of audience interaction, the show immediately appeals to families and children.

As a book, Dear Zoo has delighted generations of young readers since it was first published in 1982 and has sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. Rod Campbell is the master of interactive storytelling and an expert in early learning for pre-schoolers. A trusted household name, his books have stood the test of time and continue to be a staple addition to the family bookshelf and a popular choice for early years’ teachers.

“I can hardly believe that Dear Zoo will be celebrating its 40th anniversary next year and I really am enormously touched and delighted that successive generations of young children continue to love it,” said Campbell. “Their obvious pleasure when interacting with it is so gratifying to see, and for me is the very greatest of compliments.”

Tickets, priced from Dhs125 per person, are available at The Theatre, Level 2, Mall of the Emirates.

www.artforall.ae