Dubai is a destination that seamlessly blends luxury, modernity, and tradition. While it’s often recognized for its opulence and futuristic skyline, the city is also a treasure trove of family-friendly activities. From indoor playgrounds to outdoor adventures, Dubai offers an array of experiences that cater to children and adults alike. Here’s a comprehensive guide to 20 fun things you can do with your kids in Dubai, ensuring a memorable trip for the whole family.
Indoor Activities
Visit KidZania in Dubai Mall
The vibrant world of KidZania in Dubai Mall is where children’s imaginations come alive. This interactive play environment allows kids to explore over 40 real-world professions, from being a pilot to a chef, in a scaled-down city complete with paved streets, buildings, and even a functioning economy. As your children attend classes at the KidZania university and earn a special degree in a field of their choice, they get to play grown-up in an environment that nurtures their creativity and confidence. Watching them navigate this miniature city is a joy for any parent, as it provides a fun yet educational experience that helps kids grow into their best selves.
Explore LEGOLAND Dubai
LEGOLAND Dubai is a dream come true for young Lego enthusiasts. This theme park, specifically designed for families with children aged 2 to 12, offers a variety of interactive rides, shows, and attractions that encourage creativity and play. Whether your child is building their own Lego creations or enjoying one of the many themed rides, the park provides endless fun. The colorful and imaginative environment at LEGOLAND Dubai ensures that your children are engaged and entertained throughout the day, making it a must-visit for families.
Play at OliOli and GLITCH
OliOli is a refreshing concept that blends learning with play through a range of inventive and interactive activities for children. The venue features eight themed galleries, each offering a unique experience, from a colorful hanging play area to a water gallery where kids can experiment with water in fun and educational ways. On the other hand, GLITCH is a thrilling indoor park that features over 30 different games for all ages. Highlights include a ninja warrior-style course, a towering 10m-high slide, and various climbing walls. Both OliOli and GLITCH provide a stimulating environment where children can play, learn, and challenge themselves.
Visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Located in the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a mesmerizing aquatic world that captivates visitors of all ages. The 10-million-litre tank, home to 140 species of marine animals including sharks, rays, and a myriad of fish, is visible through the world’s largest acrylic panel, offering a breathtaking view. The Underwater Zoo, located above the main tank, features three ecological zones: the Rainforest, the Rocky Shore, and the Living Ocean. Each zone offers a unique glimpse into different aquatic environments, making it an educational experience as well as an awe-inspiring one.
Water Parks and Activities
- Visit Wild Wadi Water Park and Aquaventure Waterpark
Wild Wadi Water Park, with its 30 attractions, is the perfect spot for a family day out. The park features everything from adrenaline-pumping water roller coasters and gravity-defying slides to a relaxing lazy river. For younger visitors, there’s a dedicated area where they can splash around safely. Aquaventure Waterpark, another top attraction, offers thrill rides, including a water roller coaster and a shark lagoon, as well as a private beach and a lazy river. Both parks promise endless fun, making them a must-visit for families looking to cool off and enjoy some water-based activities.
- Enjoy Water Rides at Dreamland Aqua Park
Dreamland Aqua Park is a family-friendly water park that offers a variety of water slides and attractions suitable for all ages. Whether your kids are looking for thrilling rides or more relaxed water play, Dreamland has something for everyone. The park provides a fun-filled day with a wide range of activities that will keep the entire family entertained. Booking tickets at a discounted price online adds to the appeal, making it an affordable and enjoyable outing.
- Take a Marina Dinner Cruise
A Marina Dinner Cruise is a delightful way to end a day in Dubai. As you set sail on the calm waters of the Marina, you’ll be treated to fantastic glimpses of the city’s skyline, illuminated against the night sky. The all-you-can-eat buffet offers a wide range of dishes, ensuring that even the pickiest eaters are satisfied. With live music and entertainment, the cruise provides a relaxing yet exciting way to see Dubai’s landmarks while enjoying a meal with your family.
- Go for a Ride on a Water Bus or Water Taxi
For a unique way to explore Dubai, take a ride on a water bus or water taxi. These modes of transportation offer a different perspective of the city, allowing you to see Dubai’s skyline and landmarks from the water. The water bus and water taxi are not only fun and convenient but also provide a relaxing way to travel around the city. It’s a great opportunity for kids to experience a different mode of transport while enjoying the sights of Dubai.
Cultural Experiences
Watch a Traditional Tanoura Dance Performance
A traditional Tanoura dance performance is a captivating experience that will leave both adults and children mesmerized. The vibrant colors of the dancers’ skirts, combined with the graceful movements and spinning, create a visual spectacle that is hard to forget. You can book a Tanoura dance performance separately or enjoy it as part of a dinner cruise, adding a cultural touch to your Dubai experience. It’s a wonderful way to introduce your children to the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Visit the Dubai Museum
The Dubai Museum offers a fascinating journey through the city’s past, providing insight into how a barren desert transformed into a bustling metropolis. Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the museum’s exhibits include artifacts, dioramas, and multimedia displays that bring the history of Dubai and the broader Middle East to life. Visiting the museum is an educational experience that will captivate your children’s imagination, making them appreciate the rich history and culture that underpins modern Dubai.
Explore Dubai Spice Souk and Gold Souk
Dubai’s traditional markets, the Spice Souk and Gold Souk, offer a sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds that will fascinate any child. The Spice Souk is filled with aromatic spices, herbs, and incense, while the Gold Souk showcases glittering displays of gold and jewelry. Wandering through these markets provides a glimpse into Old Dubai, offering a stark contrast to the city’s modern skyscrapers. It’s also a great place to buy unique souvenirs and sample local foods, making it a fun and educational outing for the whole family.
Outdoor Adventures
Go Sandboarding in the Desert
For an exhilarating outdoor adventure, take your family sandboarding in the desert. Much like snowboarding, sandboarding involves sliding down the dunes on a board, offering a thrilling experience for kids and adults alike. Most desert tours in Dubai include sandboarding as part of the package, often at a discounted rate for children. It’s an absolute favorite among families, combining the thrill of a new sport with the beauty of the desert landscape.
Go on a 4×4 Desert Safari
A 4×4 desert safari is a quintessential Dubai experience that is not for the faint-hearted but is well worth trying. Dune bashing in a powerful 4×4 vehicle provides an adrenaline rush as you navigate the undulating dunes. While this activity might not be suitable for very young children, older kids and teenagers will love the excitement. Most desert safaris also include other activities like camel riding, sandboarding, and a traditional Bedouin camp experience, making it a comprehensive adventure in the desert.
Explore IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is the perfect destination for a day of thrills and entertainment. Spanning an area equivalent to 28 football fields, this indoor theme park features a wide range of attractions, including rides based on popular characters like The Powerpuff Girls and Marvel superheroes. The park is divided into several themed zones, each offering unique experiences that will delight children of all ages. It’s an indoor paradise that guarantees a day full of fun and excitement for the entire family.
Shopping and Dining
- Go Shopping at Dubai Mall and City Walk
Dubai is renowned for its shopping, and Dubai Mall and City Walk are two of the best places to indulge in some retail therapy. The malls are not just about shopping; they offer a wide range of entertainment options, from ice skating rinks to cinemas, ensuring that kids are entertained while parents shop. Toy stores in Dubai are particularly impressive, offering a vast selection that will leave children wide-eyed with wonder. Just make sure to agree on a spending budget with your kids before entering these stores to avoid any meltdowns!
- Try Local Food and Drinks
Dubai’s food scene is incredibly diverse, offering a mix of international cuisines and traditional Arabic dishes. Trying local food and drinks is a great way to introduce your children to new flavors and cultures. Arabic bread, fresh fruit smoothies, and a variety of Middle Eastern sweets are just a few of the treats you can enjoy. Dining in Dubai is an experience in itself, with many restaurants offering stunning views of the city, adding to the overall experience.
Nature and Beaches
Hit the Beach at Kite Beach
Dubai is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, and Kite Beach is a top choice for families. This well-maintained beach offers a range of amenities, including a running track, showers, and changing areas, as well as free WiFi. The calm waters and soft sand make it a perfect spot for kids to play, while parents can relax and enjoy the sun. Kite Beach is a great place to spend a day outdoors, enjoying the natural beauty of Dubai’s coastline.
Explore Dubai Marina and Safa Park
Dubai Marina is one of the city’s most vibrant areas, offering a lively atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. A walk along the Marina is a great way to soak in the sights and sounds of the city. For a more relaxed outing, Safa Park offers lush green spaces where kids can run around and play. The park is a peaceful retreat in the midst of the city, providing a perfect spot for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Visit the Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a floral wonderland that is sure to captivate both children and adults. As the world’s largest natural flower garden, it features over 50 million flowers arranged in stunning displays, including the Emirates A380 flight installation made entirely of flowers. The vibrant colors and intricate designs create a magical atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for families. Wandering through the garden provides a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle and offers numerous photo opportunities to capture your family’s visit.
Thrills and Entertainment
Go Ice Skating or Skiing at Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, offers a refreshing break from the Dubai heat. Families can enjoy a range of winter sports, from ice skating on the Olympic-sized rink to skiing down the resort’s various slopes. Ski Dubai also features snowboarding and a penguin encounter, where kids can interact with real penguins in a snowy environment. Booking tickets in advance often comes with discounts, making it an affordable way to enjoy a winter wonderland experience in the heart of the desert.
Visit Aventura Parks and Air Maniax
For an adventure in the great outdoors, Aventura Parks offers Dubai’s largest zip line park and an exhilarating high ropes course. The park is set among lush trees and features circuits of varying difficulty levels, making it suitable for both young adventurers and more experienced climbers. Meanwhile, Air Maniax is an indoor inflatable adventure park in Al Quoz that features a dedicated inflatable arena, a ‘Warrior Assault’ obstacle course, and a zip line. With activities designed for children and adults, both parks provide fun and excitement for the entire family.
Enjoy Dolphin Shows at Dolphin Bay and Dubai Dolphinarium
For a unique and unforgettable experience, visit Dolphin Bay at Atlantis, The Palm, where you can swim with dolphins and learn about these intelligent creatures in their natural habitat. Dolphin Bay offers a variety of interactive programs that allow visitors to get up close and personal with the dolphins. Alternatively, the Dubai Dolphinarium presents a spectacular show featuring playful bottlenose dolphins and fur seals performing impressive tricks. Both experiences provide an educational and entertaining way for children to connect with marine life.
Travel and Accommodation
- Getting to Dubai and Getting Around
Dubai is easily accessible, with numerous flights from major cities around the world. Emirates and Etihad Airways are the primary carriers, offering convenient connections. Once in Dubai, getting around is straightforward with many attractions located close to each other. Taxis, the metro, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Careem make travel within the city hassle-free.
- Tips for Flying with Kids and Checklist – What to Pack for Dubai
When flying with children, pack snacks, games, and headphones to keep them entertained during the flight. Light, comfortable clothing and sun cream with SPF 30 or higher are essential for the hot Dubai climate. Consider packing lightweight, battery-free toys and games to minimize disruptions. Early boarding and having a “sanity seat” for each parent can also make the journey more pleasant.
- Where to Stay in Dubai with Kids
For a family-friendly stay, consider accommodations near the beach. The DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) is a great option with its proximity to the beach and family-friendly amenities. Explore various hotel options and compare prices to find the best fit for your family’s needs.
Conclusion
Dubai is a city that offers a wealth of experiences for families, blending thrilling adventures with cultural enrichment and relaxation. Whether you’re exploring indoor attractions like KidZania and LEGOLAND Dubai, enjoying water parks and beach days, or immersing yourself in local culture at traditional souks and museums, there’s something for everyone. With thoughtful planning and a sense of adventure, your family can make the most of your Dubai visit, creating lasting memories in this dynamic city.
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