Dubai is one of the most convenient cities for a holiday with children: there is plenty to do, everything is new and safe, and most activities operate in air-conditioned spaces. This is especially important in the heat. In this guide we have gathered where to go with a child of any age and how to plan your day so everyone stays happy and doesn’t get worn out.
Water Parks
Water parks are Dubai’s main hit with children. The largest are Aquaventure on Palm Jumeirah at the Atlantis hotel and Wild Wadi next to Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah. Both suit different ages: each slide has height restrictions, and there are separate shallow zones for little ones. For preschoolers, the best choice is LEGOLAND Water Park with its shallow pools. For a detailed breakdown of all the parks, see the article water parks of Dubai.
Theme Parks
For older children and teenagers there are big amusement parks:
| Park | Theme | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| IMG Worlds of Adventure | Superheroes, dinosaurs | Fully indoor |
| Motiongate | Films and cartoons | Dubai Parks rides |
| LEGOLAND Dubai | LEGO bricks | For ages 2–12 |
| Global Village | Countries of the world | Seasonal, evening |
The table shows how easy planning is: IMG is fully indoor and a lifesaver in the heat, LEGOLAND is geared towards younger ages, and the seasonal Global Village is especially good in the evening during the cooler months.
Aquariums and Animals
You can introduce your child to marine life in several places:
- Dubai Aquarium — a huge aquarium with an underwater zoo right inside The Dubai Mall;
- Lost Chambers — the aquarium at Atlantis on Palm Jumeirah;
- The Green Planet — an indoor tropical biodome with birds and animals;
- Dubai Safari Park — a large park where animals live in spacious enclosures;
- the Ras Al Khor reserve with pink flamingos — free and in the open air.
Indoor Activities for the Heat
When it is too hot outside, indoor activities come to the rescue. The large malls have children’s role-play cities, trampoline centres, play zones and ice rinks. The Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, with real snow and penguins — a great contrast to the desert heat.
Parks and Nature
For a relaxed time outdoors in the cooler season, the city parks work well: Zabeel Park next to the Dubai Frame, waterfront parks and the seasonal Miracle Garden with its millions of flowers and Dubai Garden Glow with its glowing installations. This is a good chance to let children run around and take a break from the malls.
Free Activities
Not everything costs money. With children you can, for free:
- walk along the city beaches with their gentle entry and shallow-water zones;
- watch the singing fountain shows by Burj Khalifa;
- spend time in the parks and on the promenades of Dubai Marina and JBR;
- watch the flamingos at the Ras Al Khor reserve.
When to Go with Children
The best time for a family trip is the cool season from November to March, when it is comfortable to walk outside and the seasonal parks are open. In summer, the focus is on indoor activities and water, while the outdoor programme is moved to morning and evening. For more, see the article when to go to Dubai.
How to Plan the Day
The main rule for a trip to Dubai with children is to factor in the heat and distances. Don’t try to take in everything in one day: one or two sites plus rest works better than a race across the whole city. Alternate activity with calm breaks, keep water at hand and take breaks in air-conditioned places.
Get around by taxi or metro — the carriages have family zones, and you can rent a stroller in the malls. Build your itinerary around a single district so you don’t waste energy on long journeys.
What to Bring
Pack a small kit for the day:
- water, sunscreen and a hat;
- a light sweater for air-conditioned places (it can be cool inside);
- a change of clothes and swimwear;
- for little ones — a stroller and a snack.
Look for itinerary ideas and points on the map among the locations and districts — that makes it easier to put together a day without unnecessary travel. And the guide where to stay in Dubai will help you choose a convenient base.
