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.
Why visit?
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
If you’re planning a beach day with the kids, plan ahead to see which days are allotted as women-only beach days.
Children are free to dress weather appropriate, however adults are recommended to dress modestly in the region.
The weekend in the Middle East is usually Friday and Saturday, so plan all activities accordingly.
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.
Most theme parks have a minimum height requirement for rides. Make sure your child meets the requirements before planning a visit.
Most areas of attraction provide free entry to children below 3 years of age.
Dubai has consistently ranked as one of the safest destinations for a family vacation with 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.
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.
Children under 21 are not allowed in Dubai bars unless a restaurant is present in the premises.
There are no laws against breastfeeding in public, however if you’re uncomfortable, you can head to a female prayer room nearby for privacy.
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.
Dubai is a family-friendly destination, with something to offer to all age groups.
Some of the best things to do in Dubai with kids include visiting IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi Waterpark, LEGOLAND, & LEGOLAND waterpark.
Kids can try out the rides at theme parks, snowboard in the desert, or even just watch the Dubai fountains in the evenings.
Dubai has so much to offer to children, such as theme parks, museums, desert safaris, and more.
Public transport in Dubai is easy and accessible, making travel within the city very smooth.
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.
The Best Time to Visit Dubai is in the winter months. November and March are the coolest months to beat the heat in Dubai.
Legoland Dubai, Ski Dubai and Kidzania are a favourite among children.
Wild Wadi Waterpark and Legoland Waterpark have numerous rides and attractions for children, making it a fun outing.
The Dubai Aquarium and Dolphinarium are popular attractions for adults as well as children, as you can interact with the animals.
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.
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.
