Best Activities to Do and Places to See in Dubai with family

Kids & Families

Silhouettes kids in big aquarium. Dubai.

Ever dreamt of building sandcastles on sunny beaches? How does it feel to explore underwater worlds, or even reach for the clouds? Dubai is a great place for a family vacation.

In Dubai, there are plenty of family-friendly places to explore. From towering skyscrapers to thrilling theme parks and cultural experiences. Dubai has something for everyone.

In addition to its iconic attractions, Dubai offers a myriad of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Experience the best family things to do in Dubai, from thrilling desert safaris to exciting theme park adventures and cultural explorations.

Dive into a world of excitement at theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure and Dubai Parks and Resorts. Cool off from the desert heat with a splash-tastic adventure at one of Dubai's renowned water parks. With so much to explore, Dubai promises an unforgettable family getaway filled with laughter and fun. Let's discover some incredible family attractions in Dubai guaranteed to bring smiles to the faces of all ages.

Tour Highlights

Dubai UAE: Altaltis Aquarium and Underwater Zoo of the Mall of Emirates. The Altantis is an aquarium with a tunnel that draws the tub, the aquarium is located in the Mall of Emirate

Reach for the Stars: Admire different sightseeing tours that include this iconic landmark. Look on your kids' faces as you zoom to the top of the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building!
Desert Explorers on Safari: Embark on a thrilling desert safari with your family! Picture bumpy jeep rides, and camel rides followed by a traditional BBQ dinner under a sky full of stars. Many tours offer this exciting family experience.
Dive into an Underwater World: Do you wish to see sharks and playful dolphins? Explore tours that include the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. The rides and attractions of Dubai Aquarium will make your trip more joyful. Go underwater with your children at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Theme Park Thrills: Get ready for action-packed fun! Family tours include theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure or Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. These amusement parks offer rides, shows, and character meet-and-greets.
Cool Down with a Splash: Beat the Dubai heat with a water park adventure! Visit the best places to see in Dubai with family such as LEGOLAND Water Park or Wild Wadi Water Park. Kids & families can enjoy thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and endless splashing fun.
Mall Mania: Dubai is home to some of the world's largest and most thrilling malls, including the renowned Dubai Mall. Here, you can find a wide array of brands to shop for your kids and family.

Visitor Highlights

Visitors and tourists with families and children enter the gates of the African Village at Dubai Zoo

Desert safari is one of the best family activities in Dubai. Picture bumpy jeep rides across golden dunes, followed by a delicious barbecue under a blanket of stars. Family-oriented tours provide this exciting experience.
Take a journey back in time at cultural attractions like the Dubai Museum and Heritage Village
Explore the wonders of marine life at attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Indulge in delicious cuisine at family-friendly restaurants offering a variety of international and local dishes.
Get ready to cool off and make a splash at Dubai's numerous water parks. Tours may feature the Lego-themed LEGOLAND Water Park or the thrilling rides at Wild Wadi Water Park. Get set for non-stop family fun!
Dubai offers cultural adventures too! Visit the spice souks, take a boat trip along Dubai Creek, or see the Jumeirah Mosque. Family tours can incorporate these experiences for a well-rounded trip.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: November to March offers pleasant weather, perfect for outdoor activities. Avoid the scorching summer months (April-October) unless your planner focuses on air-conditioned attractions.
Dress Code: Pack light, loose-fitting clothes for hot weather. Respect local customs by covering shoulders and knees in some areas.
Sunscreen & Hydration: The sun is strong! Pack plenty of sunscreen and hats for everyone and stay hydrated with water bottles.
Essentials: Don't forget essentials like swimsuits, comfortable walking shoes, and sunglasses.
Travel Insurance: Consider travel insurance for unexpected situations, especially with children.
Plan for Breaks: Schedule downtime between activities to avoid meltdowns. Factor in rest periods and consider visiting malls with air conditioning for breaks.
Dubai Pass: Consider a Dubai Pass for discounted entry to many attractions, saving you time and money.
Public Transportation: Dubai's metro system is clean and efficient, a great option for navigating the city. Taxis are readily available too.
Haggling Fun: You can Bargain at souks i.e. traditional marketplaces. It can be a fun cultural experience for older kids.
Local Currency: Exchange some currency for Dirhams (AED) for smaller purchases and tipping.

Know Before You Go

What to Bring

Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes: Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen for everyone. Pack enough for the duration of your trip.
Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher): Dubai's sun is strong. Pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen and reapply frequently, especially after swimming.
Sunglasses and hats: Protect your family's eyes and heads from the sun. Wide-brimmed hats are ideal for kids.
Swimsuits and cover-ups: Dubai boasts beautiful beaches and water parks. Pack swimsuits, towels, and quick-drying cover-ups for everyone.
Comfortable walking shoes: Exploring Dubai involves a lot of walking. Pack comfortable shoes for the whole family.
Reusable water bottles: Stay hydrated throughout the day. Opt for reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste.
Essential toiletries: Pack the usual toiletries like toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, and conditioner. Consider bringing familiar brands for younger children.
First-aid kit: Pack basic medications like pain relievers, allergy meds, and bandages for minor scrapes.

What not to Bring

Heavy clothes and bulky shoes: Dubai's weather is mostly hot and sunny. Leave behind heavy jackets and winter clothes.
Beach toys: Most resorts and beaches offer rentals for inflatables and sand toys.
Too many electronics: Pack only the essentials – phones, chargers, and maybe a tablet for kids. Dubai offers plenty of entertainment outside of screens.
Valuable jewellery: Leave expensive jewellery at home to avoid unnecessary worries.
Multiple adapters: Dubai uses two-pronged plugs with round pins (Type G). Pack a universal adapter if needed.

Getting There

Exploring Dubai with kids can be a breeze with the right transportation options. Here's a breakdown of your choices:

Flying into Dubai

Most airlines offer direct flights to Dubai International Airport (DXB) from many countries.
Family-friendly airlines: Family-friendly airlines include priority boarding, bassinets, and kids' entertainment packs. Consider these options for a smoother journey.

Getting from the Airport to Your Hotel

Pre-booked airport transfers: Pre-booking a private vehicle or shuttle is easy, especially with young children and luggage.
Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport and metered, ensuring fair fares. Look for taxis with the RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) logo.
Metro: Dubai's metro system is clean, efficient, and a great way to get around the city. However, navigating with young children and strollers might require some planning.

Kids and Families