From conquering the tallest skyscrapers and desert safaris to encounters with penguins and dinosaurs—let’s discover the best spots for an unforgettable family vacation.
What do a penguin, a dinosaur, and golden sand have in common? In Dubai, everything. This city blurs the boundaries of what’s possible, offering families unique experiences that are hard to find anywhere else. Only here can you ski in a shopping mall in the morning, explore an indoor tropical rainforest in the middle of the desert at noon, and dine under the stars in a Bedouin camp in the evening. In this guide, we’ll anticipate your key questions: where to go with a toddler, how to keep a teenager entertained, where to escape the heat, and how to avoid overspending? You’ll get ready-made answers to help you plan the perfect family trip.
Where to start? A quick guide to choosing entertainment
This section is your "cheat sheet" for Dubai with kids. Simply find your situation in the list (children’s age, weather, budget) and get a ready-made set of ideas. For more details, dive into the corresponding sections of the guide.
- For toddlers (ages 2-6): LEGOLAND® Dubai, the Splashers area at Aquaventure Waterpark, The Green Planet biosphere, Kite Beach and La Mer beaches.
- For younger school-age children (ages 7-12): MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi Waterpark, Dubai Aquarium, Ski Dubai indoor ski resort.
- For teenagers (13+): Extreme slides at Aquaventure, quad biking safaris, Ski Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts complex.
- If your budget is limited: Kite Beach and La Mer beaches, watching the fountain show at Dubai Mall, strolling through Dubai Marina.
- If it’s too hot outside: IMG Worlds of Adventure, Ski Dubai, The Green Planet, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, and all indoor mall attractions.
Water, sprays, and delight: Water parks and beaches for the whole family
Aquaventure Waterpark: where slides pass through an aquarium
Located on the grounds of the legendary Atlantis, The Palm hotel, Aquaventure is not just a water park, but a true aquatic metropolis. It’s here that you’ll find the iconic “Leap of Faith” slide, where you soar through a transparent tube above an aquarium teeming with real sharks in just a few seconds. For the youngest guests, there’s the expansive Splashers play area, featuring safe slides, fountains, and tipping buckets of water. A key feature of this park is its intimate connection to the ocean: the opportunity to explore The Lost Chambers aquarium or even swim with dolphins transforms a day on the slides into a full-fledged marine expedition.
Combo ticket: Consider purchasing the 'Aquaventure + The Lost Chambers Aquarium' combo ticket. This is not only more economical, but also allows you to plan a fulfilling day in one place.
Wild Wadi Waterpark: an arabian fairy tale with a view of the "Sail"
This themed waterpark is entirely dedicated to the adventures of the Arab folk hero Sinbad the Sailor. What truly takes your breath away even at the entrance is the stunning view of one of Dubai's iconic landmarks, the Burj Al Arab hotel, which serves as a backdrop for most of the attractions. Unlike the gigantic Aquaventure, Wild Wadi boasts a more thoughtful and "human-scale" layout. Here, all the rides are arranged in such a way that you won't have to walk miles under the scorching sun. This is a huge advantage for families with children of different ages: older kids can independently enjoy nearby slides while remaining within parents' sight, and little ones don't have to walk far to reach their own area.
Warm water all year round: The water in all pools and on all rides at Wild Wadi is maintained at a comfortable temperature of +28°C, making it ideal for visits even during the cooler winter months.
Family-friendly beaches for relaxing with children: Kite Beach and La Mer
For a more relaxed seaside experience, Dubai offers beautifully equipped urban beaches. The two best options for families are Kite Beach and La Mer. Both beaches boast all the necessary infrastructure: from showers and restrooms to numerous cozy cafés and children’s playgrounds. The key distinguishing feature of Kite Beach is its postcard-perfect view of the Burj Al Arab and dozens of vibrant kites gliding across the waves, creating an incredibly dynamic atmosphere. La Mer, on the other hand, captivates with its stylish design inspired by Californian promenades, featuring elements of street art, boutiques, and art installations that serve as a stunning backdrop for family photos.
Hollywood, LEGO, and Dinosaurs: A guide to Dubai’s theme parks
Dubai parks and resorts: three parks in one
This colossal complex can confidently be called the "Disneyland of the Middle East." It brings together several themed universes, so there’s no way your family will argue about "where to go next." One person wants to chase ghosts from "Ghostbusters" at MOTIONGATE™? Another wants to build towering structures at LEGOLAND®? Here, you can have it all at once. LEGOLAND® Water Park offers the perfect opportunity to cool off without stepping out of the world of the famous brick toy. When planning your visit, be sure to set aside at least 2–3 days to fully explore all the parks.
IMG Worlds of Adventure: a refuge from the heat
IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park, making it the perfect destination during the scorching summer months. Beneath its massive dome lie four unique zones. In the Marvel zone, comic book fans will hold their breath as they come face-to-face with the Hulk or soar through the city alongside Spider-Man on one of the rides. And in the Cartoon Network zone, little ones will squeal with delight as they hug Gumball or help the Powerpuff Girls save the world. Meanwhile, thrill-seekers and prehistoric reptile enthusiasts will head to Lost Valley—Dinosaur Valley.
Height restrictions: Many rides in theme parks have strict height restrictions. To avoid disappointment, check the park's official website in advance for requirements and measure your child's height.
Educational adventures: From tropics to ocean depths
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: a journey to the bottom of the ocean
One of Dubai's most spectacular attractions is located right inside The Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall. It's incredibly convenient: visiting the aquarium can easily be combined with shopping or watching the famous fountain show. The main attraction is a massive 48-meter glass tunnel, walking through which places you surrounded by thousands of marine creatures, including stingrays and sand tiger sharks. On the second floor is an underwater zoo where you can meet amazing animals, including a giant crocodile named King Croc.
The Green Planet: real jungles in the heart of the desert
The Green Planet is a place where engineers have challenged the very desert itself. Imagine: under a giant glass dome, a real, living, breathing tropical rainforest has been recreated, complete with its multi-layered flora and fauna. It’s home to more than 3,000 species of plants and animals. A stroll along a spiral pathway around a giant artificial tree turns into an exciting exploration, during which you can encounter sloths, freely flying toucans, and even fruit bats in their most natural habitat.
Feeding time: Check The Green Planet website for the animal feeding schedule. It's a great opportunity to see the bio-dome inhabitants in action and hear an engaging story from the keeper.
Dubai's key contrasts: Desert safari and snow in the mall
Family desert safari
Your trip to Dubai won't be complete without a desert excursion, and believe me, this adventure is tailor-made for the whole family. Contrary to stereotypes, safaris are not just about extreme dune bashing. There are special "soft" family tours that offer a more relaxed itinerary: leisurely camel rides at sunset, dinner in a stylized Bedouin camp, an enchanting falconry show, and the opportunity to enjoy traditional henna painting.
Ski Dubai: snow in mall of the Emirates
Perhaps the most surreal experience you can have in Dubai is visiting a full-fledged ski resort located inside the Mall of the Emirates shopping center. Here, real snow lies year-round, maintained at sub-zero temperatures. At Ski Dubai, you can ski, snowboard, or ride a sled, zip-line, and the icing on this snowy cake—something that makes children's hearts beat faster—is an encounter with real, live penguins during the special Penguin Encounter program.
All-inclusive: You don't need to bring your winter gear! The price of an entrance ticket to Ski Dubai already includes rental of a warm jacket, pants, helmet (for children), skis, or a snowboard.
Your family trip to Dubai: Planning every detail
Best time to visit
The ideal season for traveling to Dubai with children is from October to April. During this period, comfortable, warm weather prevails, perfect for strolling and enjoying the beach. From May to September, the city is extremely hot; however, this period has its own advantages: hotel and entertainment prices are significantly lower, and there are fewer tourists, making it ideal for those who plan to spend most of their time in air-conditioned indoor parks and malls.
Getting around the city with children
Dubai offers several convenient ways to get around. The metro is clean, modern, and efficient, though it can get crowded during peak hours. Taxis are readily available throughout the city; family-friendly minivans are available, and a child car seat can be requested upon request. Renting a car is also a great option for families who value independence.
Budgeting and tips for saving money
To optimize your expenses, consider tourist cards such as the Dubai Pass, which provides access to multiple attractions at a single price. The Entertainer app is also very useful, offering numerous "buy one, get one free" coupons for entertainment venues, cafés, and restaurants.
Book online!: Almost all tickets to amusement parks and attractions are significantly cheaper when purchased online through official websites. This will also save you from waiting in ticket lines.
What to pack: outfitting for Dubai
When packing your suitcase, opt for lightweight clothing made from natural fabrics, and don't forget hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen with a high SPF factor. Bring along a few sweaters or lightweight jackets: air conditioners in shopping malls and other indoor spaces tend to run very intensely. Also, be sure to pack comfortable shoes for long walks and modest clothing for visiting religious sites.
Cultural etiquette and safety
When in Dubai, it's important to show respect for local traditions. Dress modestly and behave appropriately in public spaces. Pay special attention to this during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims fast during daylight hours.
Hydration is key: In Dubai's hot climate, dehydration can set in very quickly. Always carry water for the whole family, especially during outdoor walks or visits to theme parks.
Your Dubai: Build your perfect family playset
Dubai itself is like a giant playset, from which every family assembles its own unique adventure. Don't try to cram everything into one trip—this is the key to having an ideal vacation here. Allow yourself and your children to pick out just two or three spots from this guide that truly capture your imagination. Spend a day building castles at LEGOLAND, leisurely observing sharks at the aquarium, or simply laughing until you cry in the waves of a water park. It's in these unhurried moments, rather than in a frantic rush from one attraction to another, that you'll truly experience that famous Dubai magic everyone talks about.
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