Dubai may be known as a luxury travel destination with high-end hotels and elegant restaurants, but many don’t realize that it is fantastic for families.
As the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai offers several family-friendly activities, including beaches, aquariums, wildlife spotting, and more. In addition, many of Dubai’s hotels were designed with children in mind. Keep reading to discover why Dubai is great for a family vacation!
Family Activities in Dubai
One thing is for sure; your family won’t run out of things to do in Dubai regardless of when you visit the city. Here are the top ten things to do in Dubai for families.
Splash and swim at a waterpark
Dubai is hot, and kids love water, so what better way to cool off than in one of Dubai’s waterparks? Wild Wadi Waterpark and Aquaventure Atlantis are two popular options. Wild Wadi boasts over 30 water rides and features views of Burj Al Arab, while Aquaventure has several thrilling rides and beach access.
These waterparks include sun loungers, locker rental, food and beverage kiosks, and a lazy river. However, many rides have a height requirement, so the most thrilling slides are likely better for older kids.
Go on a desert safari
A desert safari is one of the most thrilling activities in Dubai. Many safaris include sandboarding, biking, dinner, and entertainment. This all-day excursion is guaranteed to be an adventure!
If you’ve never been sandboarding before, it’s a lot like snowboarding — without the snow. Starting at the top of the dune, you stand on the board and race down as many times as you want. The kids will likely want to do it over and over again!
Desert safaris in Dubai typically offer heavily discounted rates for children, making this a fun and affordable option.
Ride a Camel
Riding a camel is a must-do, while you’re in the desert. Camel trekking is only possible in a few areas of the world, so you might as well take advantage of the opportunity while you’re in Dubai! Not only will the kids love this activity, but it will create unforgettable memories for the entire family.
Visit LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND Dubai Theme Park is an ideal attraction for families with young children. With fun rides and live shows, this theme park will entertain the kids all day.
In addition to the theme park, LEGOLAND Dubai Water Park is also located onsite. The waterpark has various swimming pools, waterslides, and family-friendly activities, so this is the perfect way to cool down after a full day of exploring this outdoor theme park. As with the other waterparks in Dubai, many of the slides have a height requirement, making this a great activity for older kids.
Explore an Aquarium
Dubai is home to two significant aquariums: the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, inside the Dubai Mall, and The Lost Chambers Aquarium, located in Atlantis The Palm. The Lost Chambers Aquarium is often combined with the Aquaventure Water Park, so you could easily buy a joint ticket for both and have several days of family fun!
You can see parts of the Dubai Aquarium inside the Dubai Mall, but you’ll need to buy tickets in advance if you want to explore the whole venue. Spending a day or two at the aquarium will keep the kids busy and help the entire family escape the heat.
Go shopping
Whether you want to experience a traditional market or a large, modern shopping mall, Dubai has an option for every kind of shopper. Start in Old Dubai at the Dubai Spice Souk, where you can haggle over the price of various spices and local ingredients.
Afterwards, spend some time at one of the many shopping malls in Dubai. The kids are sure to enjoy the variety of toy stores available, where you can browse through scooters, mini-drones, and Star Wars costumes – just make sure to stick to your budget while you’re there.
Stroll Around the Dubai Marina
If you are coming to Dubai with younger children that are still in a stroller, there’s no better place to explore than the Dubai Marina. With around 7 kilometres of stroller-friendly walkways, you can easily enjoy the waterfront, nearby cafes, restaurants, and street performances.
Throughout this area, you will find playgrounds, which your little ones will appreciate. The Marina is also a great place to explore via boat, so if you have time, check out one of the local boat tours!
Spend a Day at the Beach
With a mix of private resort beaches and public ones, there are plenty of beach areas to choose from throughout Dubai. Most of these beaches are incredibly clean, well-kept, and boast white sands and turquoise waters. The largest beach in Dubai is JBR Open Beach, featuring lifeguards, food stands, and shallow swimming areas.
Another excellent beach area is La Mer, which is surrounded by beachfront shopping and dining. La Mer also has several water sports opportunities, like Flyboarding, paddle boarding, and jet skiing, keeping the family occupied all day.
Staying in Dubai with Kids
Several hotels throughout Dubai are family-friendly, offering all-inclusive dining, tickets to attractions, and onsite activities. At Atlantis The Palm, your room will come with free access to the waterpark, so if you can find a good deal on a room, this hotel is excellent for families!
Dubai’s Grand Hyatt Hotel is another fantastic place for families. You can drop your kids off for a few hours at the onsite Kidz Club, boasting tons of activities, games, and entertainment while you enjoy a treatment at the hotel spa.
Many hotels in Dubai offer an all-inclusive or half-board basis, like Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, which makes vacation planning a breeze. With several dining options on the premises, complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark nearby, a Kid’s Club, and Ottoman spa facilities, your family won’t need to look further. Plus, all-you-can-eat buffets at many of the hotel restaurants make this a more affordable option.
Final Thoughts
With incredible hotels, thrilling activities, and fantastic shopping, Dubai has seemingly endless entertainment for people of all ages. Your kids might have such a good time that they never want to leave!
Read Also:
Best time to visit Dubai | Best places to eat in Dubai
Best All-Inclusive Hotels in Dubai | Best Hotels With Waterparks In Dubai
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