Dubai with kids: 30 activities for the perfect family vacation
- Shelly Zohar
- 5 במאי 2023
- זמן קריאה 12 דקות
Dubai is one of the most attractive destinations for families, and for good reason, as you can find everything here from a world-class water park to an indoor ski resort. The amount of activities and attractions for kids in Dubai is endless, and children who come here feel like they have arrived in an adventure land.
The tourism season in Dubai is between the months of October to May. This is also the time when the weather is pleasant, but prices are higher accordingly. If you are looking for a low-cost vacation in Dubai, I recommend checking the months of May to September, but keep in mind that it's hot here like in Eilat, or even hotter. Many families come specifically during this time because hotel prices drop significantly.
So what can you do in Dubai with kids? Here are 30 attractions that you must not miss!
1- Aquaventure Waterpark Dubai
The Aquaventure Waterpark is located in the iconic Atlantis, The Palm hotel. It is the largest waterpark in Dubai and is especially famous for its shark slides. At Aquaventure Waterpark, you can spend a full day and it is suitable for all ages, even for toddlers. The park has pools of all kinds, tubes, a huge selection of slides, an aquarium and an underwater world, swimming with dolphins, and a wide range of activities. You can purchase a fast-track admission ticket, which allows you to skip the long queues at each facility.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Saturday - Between 09:15-17:30 Click here to purchase tickets to Aquaventure Waterpark
2- Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is the largest indoor ski resort in the world. It is located in the Emirates Mall and offers a range of snow activities for the whole family, from snow slides to ski lessons with an instructor. Ski Dubai is an experience not to be missed in Dubai, especially if you are traveling with kids. In the Ski Dubai complex, your kids can take pictures with penguins and collect special souvenirs.
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday - 10:00-23:00 Friday to Sunday - 09:00-00:00
Click here to purchase tickets to Ski Dubai
3- Legoland Dubai Park
The Legoland World Park has arrived in Dubai and offers the ultimate experience for families. The park includes a water park and an amusement park located side by side. Toddlers will especially enjoy the water park of Legoland since it includes many slides tailored to this age, but there are also slides tailored to children over the age of 12 and adults. The park offers the possibility of renting lockers, strollers, and towels. The amusement park of Legoland Dubai is very interactive and your children will be able to build cars, robots and more. Recently, Legoland Park opened a branded Legoland Family Hotel that offers a special and colorful stay experience.
Opening Hours | Legoland Dubai Park: Sunday to Saturday - 10:00-18:00
Opening Hours | Legoland Dubai Water Park: Sunday to Tuesday - 10:00-17:00 Thursday to Saturday - 10:00-17:00
4- IMG Park Dubai - Indoor Theme Park IMG Park is one of the popular parks in Dubai, a giant indoor amusement park. The park is tailored for hot summer days and for those who prefer to enjoy the facilities without suffering from the sun. The park is divided into different areas and each area has a branded concept - Marvel, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, The Haunted Hotel, IMG Kids Zone, and even a Novo cinema. You can also spend at least half a day with the kids in this park. Operating hours:
Sunday to Saturday, 12:00-22:00.
Click here to purchase tickets for IMG World
5- Motiongate Dubai Park
Motiongate Dubai Park combines three Hollywood film studios: Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Lionsgate. The amusement park features a combination of a theme park and a performance and theater complex. It is partially covered and suitable for those who do not want to be under the sun during the day. Motiongate Dubai Park offers an exclusive experience for children and toddlers. Some say that the park resembles Universal Studios.
Operating hours:
Sunday to Saturday, between 11:00-20:00.
Click here to purchase tickets for Motiongate park
6- The Transparent glass slide in Dubai
The Transparent glass Slide in Dubai is a relatively new attraction that opened to the public this year (2022). The water slide is located at the Address Sky View hotel and is recommended mainly for children or those who want to make a beautiful videos for Instagram. In addition to the slide, there is also a breathtaking observation deck in the same location that offers a stunning view of Dubai. Furthermore, there is another attraction where you can walk around the building, which is a must-visit for adventurous children!
Opening Hours:
Open every day of the week, 10:00-22:00.
7- The Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is the most impressive museum in the United Arab Emirates. Its design resembles an eye, which represents the future of Dubai, and on the building itself, there are Arabic inscriptions that quote the rulers of Dubai. The museum consists of 5 interactive floors, each displaying a different stage of the future. There is also a floor specifically designed for children. Estimated time for the attraction: 2-3 hours.
Opening Hours:
Open every day of the week, 10:00-18:00. Please note - tickets must be booked at least one and a half months in advance.
Click here to purchase tickets for the Museum
8- La Perle Dubai Show
Produced by the creators of the "Cirque du Soleil," La Perle is a show that combines circus elements with water elements. The show features dancers, circus artists, and motorcyclists from 23 different nations. The show lasts about an hour and a half and offers an exclusive experience for the whole family. Ticket prices vary based on seating locations, with closer seats to the stage being more expensive. I recommend the Gold seats for those who want to sit closer to the stage.
Showtimes: Tuesday to Saturday, two shows: 18:30 and 21:00
9- Topgolf Dubai
Topgolf Dubai is a unique and massive golf facility with three levels, unlike any generic golf experience you've had. Thanks to the special and innovative design of the facility, Topgolf Dubai allows every player, even beginners, to enjoy an interactive and fun golfing experience and even score points in the game. Forget about any other type of golf you've known - Topgolf provides an enjoyable experience for families, groups, and couples.
Operating hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 - 01:00
Saturday to Sunday, between 09:00 and 01:00
10- Ice Skating at Dubai Mall
The giant ice skating rink located at Dubai Mall allows children of all ages to enjoy the experience of ice skating, whether it's their first time or they are professional skaters. The skating rink is also suitable for children aged 4 and above to play ice hockey. Please note that children below 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult.
Operating hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00-22:00
Friday to Saturday: 10:00-24:00
11- Virtual Reality Zone at Dubai Mall
The Virtual Reality Zone is also located at Dubai Mall, offering children an experience of escaping reality into a fantastic utopia right in the heart of Dubai. The Virtual Reality Zone in Dubai is the perfect place for gamers and adventurers. Admission to the park is free, while each VR experience is priced separately.
Operating hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00-22:00
12-Green Planet Dubai
A covered tropical forest, the world of flora and fauna! Dive deep and discover the majestic green canopy that soars above and recreates the natural habitat of the species it houses. You can also learn fascinating facts about the animals and gain important insights into their world while interacting with plants and animals. Built to contribute to nature and environmental awareness, a visit to Green Planet Dubai is the perfect blend of education and adventure.
Operating hours: Open every day of the week, between 10:00 and 18:00.
Desert Safari Tour A half-day adventurous tour for the whole family! The Desert Safari Tour is among the popular attractions in Dubai. The tour is an extreme adventure and is ideal for adrenaline-loving children. The tour includes a thrilling ride in jeeps across the Dubai dunes, sandboarding on the steep slopes, driving in dune buggies, camel rides, henna painting, a Bedouin tent with belly dancing performances, and a barbecue dinner with live music. Operating hours:
The tour departs every day of the week, usually in the afternoon.
Click here to book a desert safari tour
14- Wild Wadi Water Park Dubai
Wild Wadi Water Park is located next to the Burj Al Arab Hotel and is part of the Jumeirah Hotels network. It is the second recommended water park in Dubai, right after Aquaventure at Atlantis Hotel. The park offers three swimming pools, 17 water slides, and a giant play area for children. All the facilities are designed with inspiration from Arab folklore, which means you can expect to encounter interesting storybook characters, including the famous Sindbad.
Operating hours: Open every day of the week, between 10:00-18:00.
15- Miracle Garden Dubai
Miracle Garden Dubai is among the popular attractions in the city. It is the largest flower garden in the world, with at least 50 million flowers in various shapes. Children will especially enjoy this place - taking pictures and strolling through the world of cartoons with iconic characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse. In Dubai's Miracle Garden, there is an Emirates airline plane entirely covered in flowers, which has earned a Guinness World Record. Every year during the summer season, the garden closes and is redesigned, including its characters. Estimated time spent in the park is one to two hours.
Operating hours:
Open every day of the week, between 09:00-21:00.
16-Butterfly Garden Dubai Located next to Miracle Garden Dubai, Dubai Butterfly Garden proudly holds the title of "the world's largest indoor butterfly garden." The Butterfly Garden consists of 10 custom-built domes and houses around 15,000 butterflies of approximately 50 different species, flying around visitors in various sizes and colors. In Dubai's Butterfly Garden, children can witness the metamorphosis from chrysalis to beautiful butterflies. It is a recommended experience for children and families. Opening hours:
Sunday to Friday, from 09:00 to 18:00.
Click here to book tickets for Dubai Butterfly Garden 17- Yellow Boats Dubai A one-and-a-quarter-hour tour departing from Dubai Marina, with a guide who will showcase the main points of interest along the coastline, including the Bluewaters Island, a hotel with a world record-breaking pool, the Dubai Eye (giant Ferris wheel), and JBR. The boat ride is fast and adventurous, so be prepared for an exciting experience in the heart of the sea, and don't forget sunscreen and cameras. Operating hours:
Boat tours can be booked from 09:00 to 16:00.
18- Madame Tussauds Museum Dubai
The most famous wax museum in the world, Madame Tussauds, has arrived in Dubai. Come and take photos with celebrities from the fields of fashion, cinema, sports, music, and global leadership. Prepare your Hollywood smile and don't forget your cameras. Welcome to a once-in-a-lifetime star-studded party! A recommended experience for families who haven't been to Madame Tussauds Museum in other locations around the world.
Opening Hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00-20:00
Friday to Saturday: 11:00-21:00
19- Global Village Dubai
The Global Village in Dubai is one of the most recommended parks for tourists. The park includes pavilions from various countries around the world, with each pavilion representing the cuisine and traditions of that country. In addition, you can find food stalls, performances, a funfair with rides, game booths, and more at Global Village. It is an affordable and must-visit attraction for families. Please note that Global Village opens at 18:00 in the afternoon. It is recommended to allocate at least 3 hours for your visit.
Opening Hours:
Open every day of the week except Tuesday 18:00-02:00
20- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The aquarium located in Dubai Mall is primarily suitable for families and children. Upon entering the aquarium, you will experience a whole world existing beneath the water. You can see different species of fish up close, pink jellyfish like in the SpongeBob SquarePants series, penguins, and even have a glimpse into the aquarium itself. It's an enjoyable experience, especially for children. Adventurers can even go diving in the aquarium alongside the fish and sharks.
Opening Hours:
Open every day of the week: 10:00-22:00
21- Encounter with Dolphins at Atlantis The Palm
One of the most advanced dolphin habitats in the world, Dolphin Bay at Atlantis Dubai is home to dozens of majestic dolphins. Visitors can participate in a close encounter with dolphins, feed them, learn about them, and even hug them. It is a recommended experience for children who love animals and water.
- Please note that those who purchase a ticket for swimming with dolphins also receive free access to Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Opening hours:
Open every day of the week, between 09:45 and 18:30.
22- Cruise with dinner on the Lotus Yacht around Dubai
This is the best way to show your children Dubai: sail on a mega yacht, which even has a swimming pool! Enjoy a delightful adventure that includes a tasty dinner. Sail and admire the most iconic sights that make up Dubai's skyline, including the Jumeirah Palm and Atlantis Hotel. The cruise also includes unlimited beverages.
Operating Hours:
The yacht departs at 15:30 or 19:30 Estimated duration of the attraction: 3 hours
23- Hot Air Balloon
Ride in the Skies of Dubai For families seeking a different and unique experience from other attractions in Dubai, this is the ultimate adventure for you. Experience a thrilling ride together with your children, a 45-minute hot air balloon ride in the Dubai skies, in the heart of the desert, and witness the sunrise. This experience is suitable for families looking for less mainstream attractions. The experience includes pick-up and drop-off at the hotel.
Operating Hours:
Estimated pick-up from the hotel at 04:00 in the morning
24- Helicopter Flight in the Skies of Dubai
Come and enjoy a unique flight experience in the skies of Dubai and witness the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, and the city's skyscrapers from a bird's-eye view. A one-time experience for both adults and children alike. Suitable for adventurers who want to experience a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. The duration of the helicopter flight is according to your choice - 12 minutes, 17 minutes, 22 minutes, and so on.
Operating Hours:
Open every day of the week, 08:00-18:30
Please note: Advanced booking is required.
25- Dubai Glow Garden
Dubai Glow Garden will take you on a particularly dazzling experience. It is the largest glow garden in the world, made up of millions of energy-saving bulbs and recycled luminous fabric, so you won't feel guilty while enjoying the glowing lights around you. Dubai Glow Garden is home to over 100 million plants and trees. The park also includes several themed gardens, each with its own unique concept.
Operating Hours:
Open every day of the week, 16:00-23:00
26- Selfie Museum/ 3D Museum in Dubai
The Selfie Museum in Dubai is the perfect place to let your child's imagination run wild. The Selfie Museum is entirely based on a technique that turns 2D paintings into 3D pictures using optical illusions. Visitors to the Selfie Museum in Dubai interact with the art and enjoy capturing the experiences there.
Operating Hours:
Open every day of the week, between 10:00-20:00
27- Museum of Illusions in Dubai
The Museum of Illusions in Dubai features over 60 visual and educational exhibits, including holograms, optical illusions, and mind-bending rooms designed to trick your brain. Amazing tricks that will teach you about vision, perception, the human brain, and science, making it easier to understand why your eyes see things that your brain cannot process. Get your cameras ready - it's going to be a fascinating experience for the whole family.
Opening hours:
Open every day of the week, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
28- Bollywood Park Dubai
Bollywood is one of the most successful and popular film industries in the world, so what could be better than visiting its park? Bollywood Park is perfect for those who want to experience the world of Indian Bollywood cinema. You can enjoy elements that resemble the East and show your children a structure resembling the Taj Mahal. There are also theater shows and cinematic performances for children. The park is located in the Dubai Parks complex, near Legoland and Motiongate.
Opening hours:
Open every day of the week, from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM
29- iFly Dubai
With the first-of-its-kind double vertical wind tunnel, iFly Dubai offers a thrilling adrenaline-filled flying experience that will give you the true sensation of skydiving. The flight chamber is operated by advanced technology of the vertical wind tunnel. You can enjoy two flights of one or two minutes, depending on the package you choose. And the best part is that both adults and children (above three years old) can enjoy this amazing activity.
Operating hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 PM and 10:00 PM
Friday to Saturday, between 10:00 AM and 11:00 PM
30- KidZania Dubai
KidZania Dubai is located on the third floor of Dubai Mall and allows your children to enjoy a whole complex of attractions while you indulge in shopping. The interactive complex includes learning socialization skills, teamwork, and decision-making abilities. It nurtures children's creativity and enhances their decision-making skills. KidZania Dubai is recommended for children aged 4 and above.
Operating hours:
Open every day of the week, between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
