A comprehensive guide to "Kids Go Free" deals: where to stay, eat, and have fun without breaking the bank.
Dubai. The very thought conjures up images: Atlantis, Burj Khalifa, colossal theme parks... and correspondingly hefty price tags, especially when traveling with children. But what if we told you that this city of luxury is offering an unprecedentedly generous deal this summer? Thanks to the "Kids Go Free" campaign, your child can stay in a five-star hotel, ride the best amusement rides, and dine at restaurants—all absolutely free. Sounds like science fiction? Yet it’s a real urban program that can cut your family vacation budget by nearly half, without sacrificing any of the luxuries you crave. Forget about hunting down scattered discounts. "Kids Go Free" is a large-scale city-wide initiative, involving top hotels, parks, and restaurants. We’ve done all the legwork for you: we’ve studied the terms, selected the most advantageous offers, and compiled them into one clear, easy-to-follow guide. Just follow our tips, and your family budget will thank you. Let’s plan your smartest trip to Dubai together!
Important: these are primarily summer offers!: Most "Kids Go Free" promotions in Dubai are seasonal initiatives, running during the summer months, typically from June to August. Always check the exact dates of these offers on the official websites of hotels and attractions before booking!
Where to stay: Hotels and resorts with a "kids stay free" option
The key to a budget-friendly family vacation in Dubai is choosing the right hotel. As part of summer promotions, many leading resorts are offering fantastic deals: children (typically aged up to 12–14) stay and even eat absolutely free when accommodated in the same room as two adults. This opens up access to world-class facilities at a significantly lower cost.
Icons of luxury and entertainment: Atlantis, The Palm and Atlantis, The Royal
Atlantis is a name that speaks for itself. These resorts have long ceased to be mere hotels, evolving into full-fledged hubs of attraction for the entire family. Staying here under the "kids stay free" promotion means securing a golden ticket to a world where an oceanarium is visible from your window, and one of the world’s finest water parks is just a bathrobe and slippers away. It’s not just accommodation—it’s a complete immersion into an atmosphere of endless celebration.
What’s included in the free access? The main benefit of staying here is unlimited access to the renowned Aquaventure water park and the mesmerizing The Lost Chambers oceanarium. Children can spend hours zipping down thrilling slides and exploring underwater labyrinths among thousands of marine creatures, all already included in the price of your stay.
Children staying at Atlantis, The Palm enjoy not only free accommodation but also unlimited access to one of the world’s finest water parks—Aquaventure Waterpark.
Jumeirah resorts: the perfect beach vacation for the whole family
If your idea of an ideal family vacation involves pristine private beaches, service that anticipates your every need, and postcard-perfect views of the iconic "Sail," then Jumeirah hotels are your perfect destination. Imagine your day: it begins with a family breakfast on a terrace offering the legendary view of the Burj Al Arab, continues with games on a private, impeccably clean beach and swimming in the azure waters of the Persian Gulf, and ends with a leisurely evening stroll through the meticulously maintained resort grounds. It’s precisely this atmosphere of tranquility and upscale comfort that these hotels offer.
Expert tip: When booking Jumeirah hotels, be sure to confirm whether your package includes complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. For many families with children, this bonus could be the deciding factor in their choice!
Lapita and LEGOLAND hotel: A complete immersion in the world of theme parks
For families whose primary goal is theme parks, these two hotels are the ultimate choice. Their unique feature is their location directly within the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, allowing you to forget about transfers and fully immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere.
What makes these hotels a true cheat code for family vacations at Dubai Parks and Resorts? Here are five key advantages:
- Walking distance: all parks are just a few minutes’ walk away.
- Themed rooms: kids will be thrilled by interiors styled after LEGO or Polynesian motifs.
- Early access: hotel guests can often enter the parks before the general public.
- Complete immersion: the atmosphere of adventure lingers even after the attractions close.
- Maximum value: the "kids stay free" offer here frequently includes park tickets as well.
What’s included?: Typically, this hotel promotion includes not only free accommodation for children, but also complimentary tickets to one or more parks within the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex for each day of your stay.
Where to go: Free entertainment for young travelers
Savings in Dubai don’t stop at hotels. During the summer season, the emirate opens its major attractions to young visitors, offering free admission to many iconic sites. This is a great opportunity to show kids all the most exciting things without straining the family budget.
The world of cinema and attractions: Dubai parks and resorts
This gigantic complex brings together several themed parks, and in summer, children can often visit them for free.
- Motiongate Dubai: a park dedicated to Hollywood blockbusters. Kids will meet Shrek, the Smurfs, and the heroes of "Madagascar." Perfect for all ages.
- LEGOLAND Dubai and Legoland Water Park: a paradise for fans of the famous building bricks. Rides, interactive zones, and water slides are primarily designed for children aged 2 to 12.
Important conditions: Always check the age restrictions! Typically, the "Kids Free" promotion at these parks applies to one child under 12 years old per adult ticket purchased. It is strongly recommended to buy tickets online and in advance to ensure participation in the promotion.
Breathtaking panoramas: Burj Khalifa and The View at The Palm
Seeing Dubai from a bird's-eye view is an essential part of any itinerary. Summer promotions often extend to the city's premier observation decks as well. A visit to the legendary Burj Khalifa skyscraper will provide unforgettable experiences and photos against the backdrop of a city where a futuristic metropolis meets an endless desert. Meanwhile, the observation deck at The View at The Palm offers the best view of the man-made Palm Jumeirah island in all its splendor.
The View at The Palm observation deck offers a unique 360-degree panoramic view of the famous man-made Palm Jumeirah island.
Museum of the future: an interactive journey into tomorrow
Forget everything you thought you knew about museums. The Museum of the Future has not a single dusty display case. It’s a true portal to the year 2071, where your children can embark on a virtual journey to a space station, help restore a tropical rainforest ecosystem, and test technologies yet to be invented. Here, science transforms into an engaging game that’s easy for even the youngest explorers to understand.
Tickets to the Museum of the Future sell out weeks, or even months, in advance. If you’re planning to take advantage of the kids’ offer, book your visit online as soon as you’ve decided on your travel dates to Dubai.
Where to eat: Restaurants and cafes with offers for kids
Food is what consumes the lion’s share of the budget on a family trip. Fortunately, even here in Dubai, you can find cost-effective solutions that let you indulge in gastronomic pleasures without breaking the bank.
Dining at participating hotels: What’s already included?
The easiest and most economical way to arrange meals is to take advantage of the hotel’s offerings. Many resorts, as part of the "Kids Go Free" promotion, provide free meals for children following the same meal plan as their parents. If you book half-board (breakfast + dinner) or full-board for adults, your children will eat free of charge. This eliminates the daily hassle of searching for cafes and allows you to plan your budget with precision.
Great deals at malls and restaurants
Dubai's malls, such as The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, offer not only shopping but also a vast selection of restaurants and food courts. During the summer, many establishments launch their own family-friendly promotions: from free kids' meals when an adult orders a main course, to special combo deals.
Practical tips for finding food deals
To stay up-to-date with the best deals, it’s worth checking out local resources. Apps like Entertainer frequently offer "buy one, get one free" coupons for main dishes at many restaurants around the city. It’s also helpful to visit a restaurant’s website or social media pages before dining there—these platforms often announce short-term promotions.
How to choose the perfect option for your family
To avoid getting overwhelmed by the wide range of options, ask yourself a few simple questions: What type of vacation do you prefer? How old are your children? What’s your budget for entertainment outside the hotel? Our comparative table will help you make the right decision.
| Type of Vacation | Examples of Hotels/Resorts | Key Benefits (besides savings) | Ideal for (children's age, interests) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beach Luxury and Water Parks | Atlantis, Jumeirah Resorts | Private beaches, premium service, complimentary access to top water parks. | Families with children of any age who love water activities. |
| Immersing in the World of Attractions | Lapita, LEGOLAND Hotel | Walking distance to theme parks, unique thematic ambiance. | Families with children aged 4 to 12, fans of amusement rides and LEGO builders. |
| Exploring the City | Urban hotels (e.g., Rove, Hilton chains) | Convenient location for city tours, excellent value for money. | Families with teenagers who plan to explore Dubai extensively. |
How to maximize your combo: Maximum savings are achieved by combining offers. Choose a hotel offering "kids stay and eat free" and plan in advance to visit parks and attractions where children are also admitted free during the same period.
Practical tips for planning your trip
A few final touches to make your trip flawless.
Best time to visit (and why this summer)
The main question: what about the summer heat of +40°C? The answer is simple: you'll hardly notice it. Dubai is a city that has conquered the scorching heat. Your itinerary will follow “cool corridors”: from an air-conditioned hotel to an air-conditioned taxi, then on to an ice-cold shopping mall or an indoor amusement park. Even bus stops here are equipped with air conditioning! So summer in Dubai isn’t an ordeal—it’s a unique opportunity to enjoy luxury at half price, while other tourists wait for the “high season.”
Where and how to book to get the discount
The main tip: book directly. Visit the official websites of hotels and attractions. That’s where exclusive offers and promo codes under the “Kids Go Free” campaign are posted—offers that may not be available on aggregator sites.
Pay attention to details!: Always read the full terms and conditions carefully. Pay close attention to the maximum age of children, the minimum number of nights required, the exact dates the offer is valid, and exactly what’s included (for example, breakfast only or full board).
Budget planning: what to consider besides promotions
Despite significant savings, don’t forget to include in your budget expenses for airfare, visas (if required for citizens of your country), local transportation or car rental, souvenir purchases, and those activities not covered by promotional offers.
Getting around the city with kids
For families traveling with children, the most convenient ways to get around Dubai are by taxi (easily booked via the Careem or Uber apps) or by renting a car. This allows for comfortable door-to-door travel in a cool, air-conditioned environment, without being tied to public transport schedules.
What to pack for a Dubai summer
In addition to the obvious essentials like lightweight clothing and sunscreen, here are three less-obvious but highly useful items to pack for a Dubai summer:
- A "mall sweater" for everyone: Not just any lightweight sweater, but one that’ll live permanently in your backpack. The temperature difference between outdoors (+40°C) and inside a shopping mall (+21°C) can be shocking. This sweater will save you from catching a cold.
- Aquashoes (coral slippers): Even if you’re not planning on hitting wild beaches, these shoes will be a lifesaver for kids’ (and adults’) feet on scorching sand or hot pool surfaces.
- A small thermos or thermal bottle: A reusable bottle is great, but the water inside will heat up in just 5 minutes. A small thermos filled with cold water or lemonade will become your best friend during quick dashes down the street.
Dubai dreams at real-world prices
Let’s be honest. The “Kids Go Free” promotion isn’t about scrimping on matches. It’s your chance to crack the system and gain access to that very Dubai straight out of postcards—complete with luxury hotels, incredible theme parks, and impeccable service—at an absolutely reasonable price. This is an opportunity to give your children (and yourself) a trip that you’ll cherish for years to come—without feeling like you’ve emptied your bank account.
The key to success? Early planning and direct bookings through official websites, ensuring you lock in the very best deals. Start by choosing a hotel that offers maximum perks—for example, one that already includes complimentary access to a water park—and then build your sightseeing itinerary around it. That way, your savings will be maximized, and your experiences truly priceless. Now you hold all the cards in your hands. All that’s left is to book your tickets. Happy travels, and unforgettable family adventures in Dubai!
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