Wondering what to do in Dubai when visiting with kids? We got you covered! Dubai is a beautiful city bustling with entertainment not just for individuals but for the entire family. There are so many activities in Dubai to indulge in that you would be short of time trying to uncover new adventures in your life. Read on to discover the many things to do in Dubai with kids which were not possible a decade back.
There was a time when Dubai was an oil-driven economy, but today Dubai has transformed into a hot holiday destination. The government of Dubai has invested heavily in tourism in Dubai and the results are there to see. Dubai is also home to the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival which gives tourists and guests another reason to visit Dubai time and time again.
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10 12 Family Friendly things to do in Dubai with kids
Dubai is a perfect place to spend your vacation with your family. Every member of the family will have a whole lot of things to indulge in which will keep them occupied and interested. Being a well-connected and modern city, reaching major landmarks in Dubai is never a problem.
Although it is not possible to list all major landmarks of Dubai in just one article. We have made a list of 12 (since we couldn’t stop at 10! Dubai is a city of opulence after all) family-friendly things to do in Dubai which would help you shortlist on things to do in Dubai with kids and family.
Check out the Palm Jumeirah
One of the rare feats featuring human excellence in engineering. This is one of the best things to do with kids. Your family is truly going to love this place, the landscape, the background and the marvelous architecture is truly a sight to watch.
Check out the Atlantis hotel which is home to the Aquaventure waterpark where the entire family can chill out or enjoy the rides in the park. This place is a great relief to beat the scorching heat and extreme temperatures during the daytime. Plus this places providers great entertainment for kids in Dubai!
The Dolphin experience is very popular with kids where they can get up close with these beautiful creatures. Apart from these, the Lost Chambers is equally exciting and educational, especially for kids. Do try the cold stone creamery for delicious mouth-watering ice-creams or enjoy a lunch at the Ronda Locatelli pizzeria.
Ski Dubai, Kids will love this!
When the temperatures touch a scorching 50°C, then a trip to the Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates is a refreshing change. So if your little ones want to just roll over the ice slopes or stroll around in the snow park or interact with the residing penguins. One of the fun children activities in Dubai. The kids would get busy building snow structures while you enjoy a skiing ride.
If you get tired, grab a quick bite from the two large food courts and other delicacies in the eateries in the mall. You can also catch the latest blockbusters in the cinema theater or enjoy the games and rides in the Magic Planet. One of the best things to do in Dubai with kids, the Ski Dubai is a perfect place to spend and relax over a weekend.
Pop-Up Markets
The Ripe Market in Zabeel Park is a wonderful farmers market that opens every Friday from 9am in the months of October to May each year. Apart from organic local produce stalls, you can check out the amazing collection of handmade arts and crafts.
And not to forget the little petting zoo, where the young ones would have a gala time. There is something unique on offer from usual tourist attractions and we would recommend you to check out this alluring and popular destination.
Go on a 4×4 adventurous ride in the Desert
A holiday to Dubai would be incomplete without experiencing the Dubai Desert Safari. A true adventurer’s delight. Don’t forget to get your camera along as you will surely experience a whole lot of unforgettable moments. It is after all one of the top things to do in Dubai 🙂
The sunset is simply mesmerizing and the desert leaves a reddish tone in the background. The silken trail left by terrain vehicle is a sight worth watching. End your journey by finishing off the delicious BBQ dinner and belly dance. You can stay overnight by setting a camp under the moonlit stars or relax at one of the resorts. Definitely, something you shouldn’t miss.
Some of the companies that offer overnight desert safaris with online booking facilities are:
- Arabian Adventures by Emirates Holidays
- Arabian Nights
- Desert Safari Dubai
- Platinum Heritage
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Downtown Dubai
Looking for things to do in Dubai today? This destination is surely going to take your entire day and you would still feel inadequate. Start your day by enjoying a delicious breakfast at the Souk Al Bahar set beside the mighty Burj Khalifa overlooking the fountains.
You can stroll down the streets or take a trolley bus around the boulevard. The next stop definitely has to be the world’s tallest observation deck, yes; you got it right, the Burj Khalifa. A panoramic view of Dubai city and the beautiful skyline is something worth watching. You can book your tickets online in advance, where you can save some cash and also save some time instead of standing in the long queue.
Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR)
The world’s largest mall, the Dubai mall is home to a cinema theater, an ice rink, aquarium, Sega world, and the kid’s paradise, KidZania. KidZania offers a wonderful interactive learning experience for children where they take up different job roles such as firemen, pilots, and paramedics, and much more. It is one of the best places for toddlers and kids activities in Dubai mall. Bring the creative best in your little ones as they test their imagination to the core.
Luxury is at opulence is what comes to your mind, when you get to see the JBR. The 40 sandy colored towers which light up the marina skyline during the night. Get the best of Dubai’s luxurious lifestyle when you get to see the super-rich class of the Dubai population showing off their expensive assets.
The Jumeirah beach has lines of sandy shores offering fresco casual dining, a cinema, and shops. So you can relax or sunbathe in the sunbeds or have fun with your little ones at the splash park. One of the best things to do in Dubai with kids. Playing on the waterbed is something all kids enjoy.
Madinat Jumeirah
The Madinat Jumeirah is one of the most authentic modern re-creation of an Arabic marketplace which is completed with lush landscapes and waterways which are accessible by traditional abra boats.
There are also several small boutiques and several dining options to choose from right from casual dining to fine dining. Overall it offers a wonderful experience and is worth every penny for a visit. The Madinat Jumeirah is a complete feel of modern Emirati culture with bits and pieces of ancient ruins.
See: Best Art Destinations in Dubai: Modern & Contemporary Galleries and Museums
The Beaches
Dubai may be one of the rare places in the world which are home to Ice, water, and desert all in a single location. So many fun things to do in Dubai! There are a lot of private and public beaches. Some of the famous public beaches are the Palace beach and the Kite beach.
There are several water sports and other activities to indulge in which would keep your kids engaged. For a break, you can grab some yummy snacks from several food trucks such as Salt and Wanna Banana or fly kites in the blue skies of Dubai.
The Creek
Get a deeper insight into the rich culture and heritage of Dubai by visiting the old town on the creek. It is impressive to understand the transformation of Dubai from an oil-driven economy to a diverse economy, where tourism plays a significant role. The place is vibrant and entertaining as you browse through the ancient ruins in Dubai. You would really enjoy visiting one of the souks. The variety is endless on display.
You can enjoy an abra boat to check out the other side of Dubai. The Bastakiya Quarter is one of the popular destinations among tourists and guests with its narrow streets and authentic wind-tower buildings.
Book a night tour of the city in a boat or Dhow cruise in Dubai Creek. You can choose your boat and your dinner to enjoy while sailing through the major landmarks of Old Dubai. Watch the city all lit up as you enjoy this fun thing to do in Dubai at night.
The Great Indoors
When the temperature reaches a scorching 50°C, there is no better way to escape the heat than we at Bounce, a large trampoline warehouse that is charged on an hourly basis.
Adventure HQ offers a climbing wall and for your little Sherlock Holmes, the adventure zone is a perfect fit. If you looking for something more peaceful, then the Jam Jar is the place to be where you can enjoy a cup of coffee or grab a quick bite while your little ones paint canvasses or ceramics.
While kids are at play, golf enthusiast parents can tee off at these top Golf Courses in the Middle East.
Balloon ride in Dubai
There are several tour operators which offer early morning balloon rides. Set your sight on the taking off of the balloon is still worth watching. Get panoramic and mesmerizing views of the Dubai skyline and the entire city. It feels majestic to view this beautiful Arabic city from the top. As you soar in the skies of Dubai over the desert plains and canyons and check out the landmarks and monuments from the top of this beautiful Emirati city.
The overall experience is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. The temperatures would make you a bit uncomfortable during noontime, hence to escape the scorching heat, balloon rides are recommended early in the morning.
The Dubai Miracle Garden, Dubailand
One of the world’s largest natural flower gardens featuring over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants and an actual life-size version of the Emirates A380, covered in more than 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants, Dubai Miracle Garden is like no other garden in the world. The Dubai Miracle Garden is located in the district of Dubailand, Dubai, United Arab Emirates and occupies over 72,000 square meters. You are sure to come back with dozens of beautiful photos when visiting this garden.
See more photos from Miracle Garden in Dubai
Evening at the Burj Al Arab
You will be in awe seeing the luxurious 7-star Burj Al Arab hotel. It is opulence at its very best. For a special evening in Dubai, plan for some fine dining at the Burj Al Arab, it is an indulgence and might cost a pretty penny. But it is also once in a lifetime experience.
The Skyview Bar is one of the lavish hideaways on top of the hotel. For budget travelers, you will have to quench your thirst with several click moments. With the beach on one side, the Burj Khalifa on the other, you are surely going to be the star attraction in between these epic places. Don’t forget to capture these lovely moments, we assure you are going to relive them again and again.
For a memorable night in Dubai, get to the top floor of Burj Khalifa. You can visit the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace at Level 148 (at 555 meters high) of Burj Khalifa. Then be escorted by a Guest Ambassador to the SKY lounge for complimentary refreshments. Book tickets to Burj Khalifa here.
Plan for around sunset time to see one of the most amazing sunsets and wait till the light come on to catch an exclusive night view of the city- illuminated skyscrapers. You can see fountains, Dubai creek, and the vehicles that look like ants on the highway, from the top of the Burj. The last entry is at 11:30 PM.
You can enjoy the incredible music and light show, that starts every 30 minutes, for free. This is one of the things to do in Dubai at night and is best during the dark. Watching the well-choreographed and illuminated fountains that dance to the tunes of great symphonies is a great way to end your visit to Dubai!
Neha is a full time travel blogger. Her itchy feet and passion to see the world brought her to this profession, she claims. She is an avid reader and loves to travel. Her ambition is to explore as many places as she can in her life. She strongly believes in Gandhian principle – “simple living high thinking”.
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First of All, Thanks for Sharing this Amazing Post! I Got Impressed With Your Writing Skills. I Must Say You Are An Incredible Writer Ever. Dubai is one beautiful place. My grandfather got to explore the Dubai mall and he can’t stop telling us how beautiful it is!
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Nice Article, I too am going to Dubai this Year, I bet it’s going to be a blast.
Excellent list. I think Dubai is also an excellent base to explore the nearby Abu Dhabi with its thrilling Ferrari World and iconic grand mosque. As well as to cruise the nearby Musandam Peninsula with its rugged fjord-like landscape. It’s like the Norway of Middle East!
That ride in the desert with a 4 x 4 seems so cool! I’d love to visit Dubai someday. I hear lots of good things about it lately.