Whenever the term Dubai is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is buildings with high altitudes, lavish hotels, and costly malls. However, glamour is not all that Dubai has to offer. It is, in fact, a great place to be with a family. It has numerous locations where children and adults can play. For your convenience, we have curated a list of some of the most family-friendly tourism destinations in Dubai you must explore when visiting Dubai with family.
Top things to do in Dubai during your family trip
Visiting Dubai with family is a great idea, as everyone can enjoy a good time together. Children get to learn about nature, animals, and other cultures through exploration. And not to forget, how parents would have a reprieve from their mundane, normal life. The best part – families create memories that they recall over the years and click pictures that will adorn their family albums for many years to come.
When traveling to Dubai with family, especially kids, the first question that pops into mind is ‘What to do in Dubai?’ and ‘What are the things to do in Dubai with kids?’ While deciding on an ideal itinerary that pleases every member of the family is not a piece of cake, you can always count on other travelers’ opinions of the top things to do in Dubai. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of fun and all things family in Dubai!
1. Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts is a world of entertainment that features various theme parks within its boundaries. It is hands down one of the most exciting family destinations in the UAE, featuring multiple world-class theme parks, thrilling water parks, and leisure attractions that cater to kids. It has too much to offer for both kids and adults, from adrenaline-pumping rides to nature-inspired wonders and multiple cultural experiences. Some of the top Dubai parks and resorts are mentioned below.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure makes it in the list of the largest indoor theme parks in the world. It features various zones, including the Marvel Zone (featuring Iron Man and Spider-Man), the Cartoon Network Zone, and Lost Valley (featuring dinosaurs), which are popular among children. You will still enjoy it without worrying about the hot weather, as it is all indoors.
Top activities you must try: Marvel rides like Avengers Battle of Ultron, Velociraptor roller coaster in Lost Valley, Ben 10 5D Hero Time in Cartoon Network Zone, and meet-and-greet with superheroes and cartoon characters
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Ideal For: Families with kids, teenagers, and Marvel fans
- Estimated Cost: AED 345 per adult and AED 295 per child
- Pro Tip: Consider buying tickets online in advance if you wish to skip long queues, especially on weekends.
- Children’s Safety Tip: Ensure that your kids wear comfortable shoes and stay hydrated.
Dubai Underwater Zoo and Aquarium
This popular aquarium is located in the Dubai Mall. It houses thousands of sea animals and fish, like sharks and rays. It features a glass tunnel through which you can walk and see fish swimming above and around you. You get the impression of being in the sea. Penguins, crocodiles, frogs, and various other animals can also be seen in the Underwater Zoo section. It also has guides who interpret things, hence children learn and have fun in the process.
Top activities you must try: Walk through the 48-meter glass tunnel, try shark feeding and cage snorkeling, Penguin encounter and crocodile experience, and VR underwater adventure
- Best Time to Visit: Any time of the year
- Ideal For: Families, kids, and animal lovers
- Estimated Cost: AED 199–299 per person
- Pro Tip: Visit the mall early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds.
- Children’s Safety Tip: To avoid getting lost, keep younger children close to you in large crowds inside the mall.
2. Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is a dreamy garden that everyone would love to visit. It is filled with colorful flowers, which are organized in the form of castles, hearts, and even a big airplane. The walking areas for taking photographs are very serene. It provides families with a peaceful day, allowing them to relax and simply enjoy each other’s company while being together. Children and adults get to roam around, enjoy beautiful images, and breathe fresh air.
- Top activities you must try: Stroll through themed walkways, take photos near the floral structures, visit the nearby Butterfly Garden, and relax in shaded sitting areas.
- Best Time to Visit: November to April
- Ideal For: Families, couples, and photography enthusiasts
- Estimated Cost: AED 95 per adult and AED 80 per child
- Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for perfect lighting and fewer crowds.
- Children’s Safety Tip: Apply sunscreen and bring hats to protect against the sun’s rays in open-air areas with minimal shade.
3. The Green Planet
The Green Planet resembles a rainforest within a building. It has birds that are flitting, trees that are growing tall, and animals such as sloths and reptiles. One gets the impression of going out into nature. Children learn about the various animals that coexist in the natural world. This site in Dubai promotes environmental esteem.
- Top Activities you must try: Meet the resident sloths and toucans, walk through the four rainforest levels, learn about sustainability and conservation, and try the “zookeeper experience” for kids
- Best Time to Visit: All year round
- Ideal For: Nature enthusiasts, children, and educational family outings
- Estimated Cost: AED 140 per adult and AED 120 per child
- Pro Tip: Consider buying combo tickets that include nearby City Walk attractions for better value.
- Children’s Safety Tip: Ensure children do not touch or feed animals without the guidance of the staff.
4. Desert Safari
The desert safari is one of the most enjoyable activities in Dubai. A jeep drives you over dunes, and later you have the opportunity to explore activities as camel riding and sandboarding. During the evening, you have a camp where you sit, eat traditional Arabic food, watch cultural dancing shows, and watch the sunset. Families can experience the conventional aspect of Dubai. Additionally, everybody gets to share a similar new experience, hence a lasting memory to hold.
- Top Activities you must try: 4×4 dune bashing and camel riding, sandboarding, BBQ dinner with belly dancing and Tanoura shows, and watching the sunset over golden dunes.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March
- Ideal For: Families, couples, and adventure seekers
- Estimated Cost: AED 250–400 per person
- Pro Tip: Consider going for a desert safari in the evening for the best weather and views.
- Children’s Safety Tip: Avoid dune bashing if you have children under 5. Instead, you can opt for a mild ride or sunset dinner option.
5. Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa, combined with the Dubai Fountain, offers an experience of a lifetime that can be shared by any family who wants to have a classic and memorable experience in Dubai.
No trip to Dubai is complete without visiting Burj Khalifa with family. Visiting the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa gives one a safe, exciting, and educational experience. It enables family members to tour the whole landscape of the city and makes them appreciate its size and the marvels of its engineering.
- Top Activities you must try: Observation deck visit (At The Top, Levels 124 and 125), enjoy the evening fountain shows, and dine at one of the world’s highest restaurants, At.mosphere.
- Best Time to Visit: Sunset hours for breathtaking views
- Ideal For: Families, photographers, and first-time visitors
- Estimated Cost: AED 179–259 per person
- Pro Tip: As sunset slots sell out quickly, consider booking online well in advance.
- Children’s Safety Tip: Hold your children’s hands in crowded areas and keep them away from balcony edges.
Experiencing the Cultural Heritage of Dubai with Family
Modern life and cultural history blend seamlessly in Dubai, making it an ideal destination to visit with your family and be entertained simultaneously. One of the perfect places to begin is the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where one can stroll through the quaint alleyways, view ancient-style wind tower buildings, and actually experience what Dubai looked like in the past. Visits when you can learn about the little city expanding out of a small fishing and pearling village would include the Dubai Museum, and you can also visit the Al Shindagha Museum, particularly in the Story of the Creek, which is quite interactive and kid-friendly.
Then one can ride an Abra across the Dubai Creek, which is a simple yet very special experience. Next, visit the well-known souks, including the Spice Souk, a treasure trove of wonderful fragrances, the Gold Souk, with its bright jewelry, and the Textile Souk, where you have a chance to find beautifully colored materials.
A desert safari is also an ultimate way to experience Emirati culture, as you can enjoy dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, traditional dance shows, henna, and even falconry. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre of Cultural Understanding offers excellent meals and engaging discussions about the heritage of Dubai. The Jumeirah Mosque is also worth taking a guided tour of. And when you visit between October and April, Global Village is the perfect place to experience cultural entertainment from around the world.
Travel tips for tourists visiting Dubai for the first time
If you are visiting Dubai for the first time, especially with family, here are some of the key things to consider. These tips will not only make your journey easier, but also ensure your stay is a blissful one in Dubai.
- Hot weather is widespread, so it is advisable to carry water with you.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothes as the climate in Dubai is quite warm.
- Bring caps, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the scorching heat of the sun.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot while exploring the city and its attractions.
- If you don’t want to stand in long queues to book tickets, online booking will definitely help you.
- If you wish to do shopping or get something essential, it would be best to arrange things outdoors in the evening when the sun is not so intense.
Conclusion
In Dubai, there is more than meets the eye, beyond the lavish malls and sky-scraping buildings. It is a complex experience that combines sensations of the world’s best theme parks with a fascinating desert life that will have something to offer to all family members. This atmosphere encourages the family to genuinely connect with each other. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head towards the much-awaited family trip to Dubai! Simply explore, laugh, dance, have adventures, and make pleasant memories.