The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Dubai with Kids | Attractions, Themeparks, Age Restrictions & More

Traveling is said to be therapeutic, but let's be honest, with mini-travelers in tow, a lot of careful planning and preparation goes into each trip! Chances for impromptu adventures are lower, but watching your kids having the time of their lives riding roller coasters or exploring the aquariums makes the experience worth it. Luckily, Dubai by design is an extremely family-friendly city, with something to offer for all age groups. There wouldn’t be a dull moment for you or your kids. If you’re planning a family trip to the Emirate, this page has got you covered with everything you need to know about creating the best itinerary for your children.

Best Things to do in Dubai With Kids

Dubai With Kids - IMG

1. IMG World of Adventure

Fun-Filled Themepark
Suitable For 12+
  • Children below 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Why visit?

  • This indoor amusement park has five themes - Marvel, Cartoon Network, Haunted Hotel, Lost Valley, and IMG Boulevard, filled with interactive rides and attractions, plus a chance to meet and greet your favorite characters.
from AED 239
Dubai With Kids - Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai

Lego-themed Amusement Park
Suitable for 2+
  • While children of all ages are allowed to enter, the rides are generally for children aged 2 and above. 

Why visit?

Head to the land of lego-themed everything, from rides and restaurants to kingdoms and monuments. Shop all the legos you’ve dreamed of at the largest Lego store in the Middle East at Legoland.

from AED 245
Dubai With Kids - VR Park Dubai

VR Park Dubai

Fantasy World
Suitable for 110cm+
  • Most rides have a minimum height requirement of 110 cm, anyone below this threshold will not be allowed. 

Why visit?

Run wild with the imaginary experiences here at Virtual Reality Park, which boasts 18 interactive experiences and rides across the genres of adrenaline, horror (falling off the Burj Khalifa, for example), leisure, and more.

from AED 200
Dubai With Kids - Legoland Waterpark

Legoland Waterpark

Lego-themed Amusement Park
Suitable for 2+ 
  • While children of all ages are allowed to enter, the rides are generally for children aged 2 and above. 

Why visit?

Literal fun in the sun, where you can enjoy water rides, and even build your own raft out of legos and float down the lazy river on your masterpiece creation. If rafts aren’t your thing, build a boat of legos and see if it floats!

from AED 245
Dubai With Kids - Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Oldest Waterpark 
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Why visit?

If you’d like a lazy day floating downstream the river, or an exhilarating experience free falling down a water ride, Wild Wadi is the place for you. Refuel at the end of an exciting day at the Wadi cafes around the park.

from AED 269
Dubai With Kids -  Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark

Worlds Largest Waterpark 
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 3 enter for free and kids below 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Most rides have a height restriction of 1.2m.

Why visit?

Located in Hotel Atlantis, this waterpark offers you everything under the sun, from rides to private beach access. There are padded play areas for younger children and even watersports on the stretch of the private beach!

from AED 299
Dubai With Kids - Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai

Indoor Ski Resort
Suitable for 3+
  • Children above 3 years of age are permitted to enter the ski resort. 

Why visit?

Escape the heat with this icy winter wonderland, where you can learn to ski and snowboard, go zorbing, catch a chilling movie at the cinema, and even meet the penguins!

from AED 220
Dubai With Kids - Dubai Ice Rink

Dubai Ice Rink

Olympic-Sized Rink
Suitable for 3+
  • Children below 3 are not permitted to skate due to temperature conditions. 

Why visit?

No time like the present to learn new sports and have a blast! With instructors on hand, learn how to ice-skate, and even enjoy a little ice disco with the lights and music. Children can even use the supporters while learning to avoid any falls and injuries.

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Kidzania

Kidzania

Kids-Themed City
Suitable for 4+
  • While children of all ages are allowed to enter, the rides are generally for children aged 4-16 years.

Why visit?

One of the best ways to show your kid a glimpse of the adult world is here at Kidzania. This park operates like a mini-city where children can play the role of a doctor, policeman, chef, or whatever they desire, and build on creative and social skills in a fun manner.

from AED 70
Dubai With Kids - Dubai Aquarium

Dubai Aquarium

Underwater Zoo
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 2 enter for free and kids below 15 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Why visit?

Your one chance to come face-to-face with sharks, crocodiles, piranhas, and more. Opt for a tunnel walk or a glass boat ride, and indulge in thrilling activities such as shark feeding, diving, and crocodile encounters.

from AED 99
Dubai With Kids - Dubai Dolphinarium

Dubai Dolphinarium

Dolphin Aquarium
Suitable for all ages
  • Children between 2-11 are eligible for the child ticket. 

Why visit?

Apart from swimming with the friendly dolphins, the aquarium has a bunch of fun-filled activities including the mirror maze and the trampolines! Also catch the dolphin and seal show by the mammals and the exotic bird show at Creek Park.

from AED 89
Dubai With Kids - Dubai Safari Park

Dubai Safari Park

Animal Sanctuary 
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Why visit?

Get a glimpse of the natural habitat of wildlife across regions of Asia, Africa, Arabia and more when you step into separate geographical zones of this wildlife sanctuary. The safari park is home to more than 2,500 species of animals, and operates as an educational centre as well.

from AED 50
Dubai With Kids - Greenplanet

Green Planet

Biodome
Suitable for all ages
  • Children between 2-10 are eligible for the child ticket. 

Why visit?

This indoor tropical rainforest is home to over 3000 species of flora and fauna. Here, you can snorkel with the carnivorous piranhas, get caught in the middle of a thunderstorm, or even pay a visit to the rainforests' newest guests - the two South American anacondas.

from AED 125
Dubai With Kids - Desert Safari

Desert Safari

A Day in the Desert
Suitable for 6+
  • Kids aged 6-11 years old are allowed on the Desert Safari. For younger children, it’s advisable to reach out to the tour provider.

Why visit?

Get picked up from your hotel and head into the desert, where you and the kids can enjoy activities such as camel rides, dune bashing, and quad biking. A favorite among the kids is also sandboarding, where you mount boards and surf down the sand dunes.

from AED 125
Dubai With Kids - Adventure Zone

Adventure Zone

Indoor Playground
Suitable for all ages

Why visit?

Located in the Galleria Mall, this indoor playground is apt for kids of all fitness levels. It offers fun activities such as a skate park, boulder wall, high ropes course, ziplining, rock climbing and the likes in a controlled and supervised environment.

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Yas Waterworld

Yas Waterworld

Emirate-themed Waterpark
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 11 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Why visit?

This waterpark offers over 40 rides from the Dawwama water roller coaster to the Bandit Bomber, where you’re attempting to escape the water cannons below you. It is indeed a fun-filled day, with a touch of privacy, comfort, and relaxation if you opt for the Al Waha Cabanas.

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Laguna Waterpark

Laguna Waterpark

Shorefront Waterpark
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 13 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Why visit?

A perfect day out at La Mer, this waterpark boasts thrilling water rides, beach access to La Mer, a lounge pool, lazy rivers, and a special children's zone. The park also has food kiosks around for you to refuel.

Know more
Dubai With Kids -  Illuminations Park 

Garden Glow

 Illuminations Park
Suitable for all ages** 
  • Children under 3 enter for free. 

Why visit?

This park is a treat to the eyes, with its flowers and gardens created from energy-saving LED lights. The garden also hosts a Dinosaur park, where you have illuminated creatures and a space to learn more about the prehistoric era.

from AED 60
Dubai With Kids - Miracle Garden

Miracle Garden

Flower Garden
Suitable for all ages

Why visit?

Aptly named, this garden opens after the summer season, and with a new theme every year! It is surreal to smell and see vibrant flowers of every colour in full bloom, especially set against the desert.

from AED 75
Dubai With Kids - Trick Art Museum

Trick Art Museum

3D Museum
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 5 enter for free.

Why visit?

This art museum is known for its optical illusions, hand-painted murals, and artwork meant to trick the mind. The museum is divided into zones based on the art theme, such as animal kingdom, fantasy, water world, etc.

from AED 89
Dubai With Kids - Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions

Interactive Museum
Suitable for all ages
  • Children below 15 must be accompanied by an adult. 

Why visit?

This museum is designed to bewilder, with over 60 types of holograms, immersive rooms, and illusions. To add more fun to the day, get your kids to attempt the brain teaser games and puzzles in the smart playroom.

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa

World's Tallest Building
Suitable for all ages
  • Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult, and children under the age of four enter free. 

Why visit?

A trip to Dubai is incomplete without a visit to the Burj Khalifa. Hop on the speedy elevator to the 125th floor and step onto the observation deck, where you’ll be greeted with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

from AED 169
Dubai With Kids - Ain Dubai

Ain Dubai

Ferris Wheel With City Views
Suitable for all ages
  • Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Why visit?

Enter the observation cabin on the world's largest and tallest Ferris wheel, and spend a good 38 minutes taking in the gorgeous Dubai skyline. Kids are especially fascinated by the front-row view of the inner mechanics of the massive observation wheel.

from AED 80
Dubai With Kids - Museum of the Future

Museum of the Future

Futuristic Museum
Suitable for all ages**
  • Children below 3 enter for free. 

Why visit?

While most museums showcase history, this museum is a sneak peek into the future, where you’ll be surrounded by innovation, technology, and creativity. Opened in 2022, this museum is the newest feather in Dubai’s cap of some of the most exciting attractions.

from AED 145

Where to Eat in Dubai With Kids

Dubai With Kids -Bakers Kitchen

1. Bakers Kitchen

Bakery and Restaurant
Suitable for all ages

Why visit?

This bakery is every parent's saviour, where you can eat to your heart's content while also keeping your child entertained and supervised. The bakery offers baking sessions for kids and adults, where you can learn how to make all kinds of bread.

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Sandersons

2. Sandersons

Eatery 
Suitable for all ages

Why visit?

This colorful and very aesthetic eatery is known for its fresh food, vibrant ambiance, and natural ingredients. The restaurant also has a play area for children, making it very family-friendly.

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Reform Social and Grill

3. Reform Social and Grill

Gastropub
Suitable for all ages

Why visit?

This pub offers a quintessentially British menu, while also including pizzas and other kid-friendly dishes on the menu. The eatery boasts a garden, lake, and indoor playground, making it perfect for a family meal.

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Mondoux

4. Mondoux

Bistro
Suitable for all ages

Why visit?

On the menu of this bistro are alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, healthy vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals, breakfasts, and desserts. The restaurant also has a play area for the kids with drawing materials and toys.

Know more

Sign up to Events & Workshops for Kids in Dubai

Dubai With Kids - Diving Workshop

1. Diving Workshop

Scuba Lessons
Suitable for 8+

Why visit?

Head to Palm Jumeriah to explore and get comfortable with the underwater world. Get a diving certification that will allow you to dive in some of the most beautiful sites in the world.

Find on Map
Dubai With Kids - Mini Master Chef

2. Mini Master Chef

Cooking Program (Oct 29th) 
Suitable for 7+

Why visit?

Enroll your kids in this program and they will learn about the basics of cooking and baking, as well as etiquette to follow in the kitchen. Head back home and ask to grab a bite of their hard work for the day!

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Horse Riding

3. Horse Riding

Saddle Lessons
Suitable for 8+

Why visit?

Mount your children on these majestic animals under the guidance of a professional, and they’ll learn everything from self and horse safety, to best practices. Choose between 1-10 classes.

Know More
Dubai With Kids - Painting

4. Painting

Freestyle Painting Class
Suitable for 2+

Why visit?

Let your children go crazy with their imagination and colours without you having to worry about cleaning up the mess. At this painting workshop that occurs every Wednesday and Sunday, the kids will learn how to use brushes, sponges, rollers and even their own hands.

Dubai With Kids - JamJar

5. JamJar

Community Art 
Suitable for all ages

Why visit?

This art space holds weekly workshops for children to explore their creativity in the form of painting, drawing and even 3D artwork. The art supplies are provided to the kids, and all that’s left is for them to get their creative juices flowing!

Know more
Dubai With Kids - Ocean Kids

6. Ocean Kids

Training Academy
Suitable for 6+

Why visit?

This institute provides everything from dance classes to martial arts classes to children and even adults. Children can learn the magic of music, yoga and even general skill development. The academy regularly hosts summer, winter and spring camps for children as well.

Know more

Know Before Visiting Dubai with Kids

1. Explore The Beaches

If you’re planning a beach day with the kids, plan ahead to see which days are allotted as women-only beach days.

2. Dress Codes For Kids

Children are free to dress weather appropriate, however adults are recommended to dress modestly in the region.

3. Planning for the Weekend

The weekend in the Middle East is usually Friday and Saturday, so plan all activities accordingly.

4. Getting Around Dubai with Kids

Metro stations have elevators and escalators to make stroller transport easier. If you’re travelling in a car with children below four, a car seat is mandatory.

5. Height Requirements for Kids

Most theme parks have a minimum height requirement for rides. Make sure your child meets the requirements before planning a visit.

6. Entry to Public Attractions

Most areas of attraction provide free entry to children below 3 years of age.

7. Safety for Kids in Dubai

Dubai has consistently ranked as one of the safest destinations for a family vacation with kids.

8. Offers & Discounts for Kids

Most packages have a children package for kids between 3-12 years of age, while kids below 3 years have no charge. It is recommended to check with the service provider for children packages.

9. Watch Out for the Heat

Dubai is, at the end of the day, a desert, which means summers can get scorching hot. Avoid stepping out during the afternoons, or if inevitable, ensure the children are regularly hydrated and are regularly applying sunscreen.

10. Don't Take Your Kids to Bars

Children under 21 are not allowed in Dubai bars unless a restaurant is present in the premises.

11. Public Facilities For Mothers

There are no laws against breastfeeding in public, however if you’re uncomfortable, you can head to a female prayer room nearby for privacy.

12. Plan a Day Trip to Abu Dhabi

If you're looking for a day trip from Dubai, Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to go with attractions like Ferrari World, Warner Bros theme park, and Yas Waterworld.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Dubai with Kids

Is Dubai a good place to visit with family?

Dubai is a family-friendly destination, with something to offer to all age groups.

What are the best things to do in Dubai with kids?

Some of the best things to do in Dubai with kids include visiting IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi Waterpark, LEGOLAND, & LEGOLAND waterpark.

What activities can my kids do in Dubai?

Kids can try out the rides at theme parks, snowboard in the desert, or even just watch the Dubai fountains in the evenings.

Where can I take my kids in Dubai?

Dubai has so much to offer to children, such as theme parks, museums, desert safaris, and more.

Can I travel around Dubai with kids?

Public transport in Dubai is easy and accessible, making travel within the city very smooth.

What can my kids eat in Dubai?

If your children are not comfortable with Middle Eastern cuisine, there are many options on international familiar food chains such as McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Starbucks and Burger King.

When is the best time to visit Dubai with kids?

The Best Time to Visit Dubai is in the winter months. November and March are the coolest months to beat the heat in Dubai.

Which are the best theme parks to visit with kids in Dubai?

Legoland Dubai, Ski Dubai and Kidzania are a favourite among children.

Which are the best waterparks to visit with kids in Dubai?

Wild Wadi Waterpark and Legoland Waterpark have numerous rides and attractions for children, making it a fun outing.

Which are the best zoos and aquariums to visit with kids in Dubai?

The Dubai Aquarium and Dolphinarium are popular attractions for adults as well as children, as you can interact with the animals.

Which are the best parks to visit with kids in Dubai?

Dubai Ice Rink is great to beat the heat and ice-skate, and the Garden Glow Park is a good way to spend the day in nature.

Which are the best restaurants to visit with kids in Dubai?

Reform Social and Grill is a good eatery to enjoy the day with good food, while also taking the kids around the lake and indoor playground.