Dubai offers a dazzling array of attractions that cater to every member of the family, transforming a simple holiday into a collection of unforgettable memories. Navigating the sheer volume of options can be daunting for parents, but this curated guide provides an analytical breakdown of the top 10 things to do in Dubai with kids. We will explore each attraction's unique features, practical benefits, potential drawbacks, and insider tips to help you organise a seamless and enriching experience. This list is specifically designed to ensure your family's itinerary is packed with excitement, education, and pure fun.
From the towering Burj Khalifa and vast indoor theme parks to serene gardens and cultural desert expeditions, each recommendation has been selected for its distinct value. Proper preparation is key to a stress-free trip. Before finalising your plans, it's highly recommended to consult this ultimate guide to traveling with kids for essential strategies on everything from packing to managing schedules. This article moves beyond generic suggestions, offering actionable insights for a well-structured Dubai adventure, allowing your family to focus on creating lasting moments together in this remarkable city.
1. Dubai Mall & The Aquarium
The Dubai Mall offers a multifaceted family experience that extends well beyond retail therapy, making it a premier destination for those searching for things to do in Dubai with kids. Its centrepiece is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, a self-contained attraction that provides a comprehensive marine biology lesson within one of the world's largest shopping centres.
The experience is designed for maximum engagement. The main 10-million-litre tank, visible from the mall, is home to thousands of aquatic animals, including over 400 sharks and rays. However, the paid entry grants access to a 48-metre walk-through tunnel, offering 270-degree views of the marine life swimming overhead and around. This immersive perspective is what truly captivates younger visitors. The Underwater Zoo on the upper level introduces children to different ecological zones and species like otters and penguins.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: Plan your visit for a weekday morning, ideally right at opening time (around 10:00 a.m.). This strategy helps you avoid the significant crowds that build up by early afternoon and on weekends.
- Booking Strategy: Always purchase tickets online in advance from the official website. This not only secures your spot but often provides a discount compared to on-site ticket prices.
- Duration: Allocate a minimum of 2.5 to 3 hours to fully explore both the aquarium tunnel and the multi-level Underwater Zoo without rushing.
- Enhance the Visit: Check the daily schedule for feeding times upon arrival. The shark or ray feeding presentations are particularly engaging and educational for children.
Key Insight: Combining an educational aquarium visit with the practical amenities of a major mall (food courts, restrooms, other attractions) makes this a highly efficient and stress-free family outing. You can seamlessly transition from viewing marine life to having lunch or exploring other kid-friendly stores.
2. Burj Khalifa & Observation Decks
A visit to the Burj Khalifa offers a unique perspective on Dubai's scale and ambition, making it an awe-inspiring activity for families. Standing at 828 metres, the world's tallest building provides an unparalleled educational experience in engineering and urban planning, all while delivering a significant "wow" factor that resonates strongly with children. The journey itself is part of the attraction, with one of the world's fastest elevators whisking visitors to the 124th floor in just 60 seconds.
From the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and the premium 148th floor, the 360-degree panoramic views are breathtaking. Children can see the entire city layout, the vast Arabian Gulf, and the desert stretching to the horizon. This bird's-eye view helps them grasp the geography of Dubai in a memorable, tangible way that maps cannot replicate.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: Book tickets for a late afternoon slot to witness the sunset. This allows you to see the city in daylight, during the "golden hour," and as it transforms with twinkling lights after dark, offering three distinct experiences in one visit.
- Booking Strategy: Pre-booking your tickets online is essential. It guarantees your entry and is considerably cheaper than purchasing on the day. For more details on the process, you can learn more about how to visit Burj Khalifa.
- Duration: Plan for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire experience. This includes queueing time, the elevator journey, and ample time on the observation decks without feeling rushed.
- Enhance the Visit: Bring a small pair of binoculars for the kids. This allows them to zoom in on specific landmarks like the Palm Jumeirah or boats in the Gulf, turning the visit into an interactive city-wide treasure hunt.
Key Insight: The Burj Khalifa experience is more than just a view; it's a powerful lesson in scale and human achievement. For children, the visceral feeling of being so high above the ground provides a core memory and a unique educational context for their Dubai trip.
3. Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild Wadi Water Park presents a classic, exhilarating family day out, solidifying its reputation as one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids. The park is themed around the tale of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore, and offers over 30 rides and attractions. This cohesive theme is integrated throughout the park, from the lazy river named Juha's Journey to the adrenaline-pumping Jumeirah Sceirah slide.
The park’s design caters to a wide spectrum of ages and thrill levels. While older children and teenagers will gravitate towards the high-speed gravity-defying slides, younger kids have dedicated play areas like Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon. This zone features smaller slides, water guns, and a giant tipping bucket, providing a safe and controlled environment for toddlers and small children to enjoy the water.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: To maximise your time on the rides, arrive right at the 10:00 a.m. opening time, especially on a weekday. This allows you to experience the most popular attractions before the afternoon crowds arrive.
- Booking Strategy: Purchase your tickets online via the official Wild Wadi website ahead of your visit. This is often cheaper than the gate price and guarantees entry on busy days.
- Duration: Plan for a half-day to a full-day visit. A minimum of 4-5 hours is needed to experience the main attractions without feeling rushed.
- Enhance the Visit: Pack water shoes or reef shoes for the entire family. Some surfaces can get hot or rough on bare feet, and they provide better grip. Consider renting a private cabana online for a guaranteed shaded rest area.
Key Insight: The park’s location next to the Burj Al Arab offers iconic photo opportunities unavailable at other water parks. Its relatively compact layout compared to newer parks makes it easier to navigate with younger children, reducing walking time between rides and ensuring a more manageable and less exhausting day.
4. Dubai Desert Safari
A Dubai Desert Safari offers an exhilarating escape from the city's urban landscape, providing a unique blend of adventure and cultural immersion that makes it one of the most memorable things to do in Dubai with kids. This quintessential experience transports families into the heart of the Arabian Desert for an afternoon and evening filled with diverse activities.
The adventure typically begins with "dune bashing," an exciting off-road drive across the sand dunes in a 4×4 vehicle. Following this, the pace slows at a traditional Bedouin-style camp where families can enjoy camel rides, sandboarding, and witness a stunning desert sunset. The evening continues with cultural entertainment such as Tanoura dancing and a barbecue dinner under the stars, offering a taste of authentic Emirati heritage.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: Opt for an afternoon safari that culminates at sunset. This timing avoids the harshest midday heat and showcases the desert in its most beautiful light.
- Booking Strategy: Book with a reputable tour operator known for excellent safety records and family-friendly guides. For families with very young children or those prone to motion sickness, consider booking a private tour to customise the intensity of the dune bashing.
- Duration: Set aside approximately 5 to 6 hours for the entire experience, from hotel pick-up in the mid-afternoon to drop-off in the evening.
- Enhance the Visit: Dress in light, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Remember to apply sunscreen liberally and bring a camera to capture the spectacular scenery and family moments. For a deeper insight, you can learn more about the best desert safari in Dubai.
Key Insight: The desert safari is a structured, all-inclusive excursion that removes logistical stress for parents. Transportation, activities, and meals are typically bundled into one package, allowing families to simply immerse themselves in the adventure without worrying about planning the details.
5. Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is an extraordinary floral park that transforms a 72,000-square-metre desert landscape into a vibrant fantasy world, making it a visually stunning option for families looking for unique things to do in Dubai with kids. It features over 50 million flowers meticulously arranged into elaborate sculptures, arches, and themed gardens, including a life-sized floral replica of an Emirates A380 aeroplane.
The sheer scale and creativity of the displays provide a surreal and engaging experience for children and adults alike. The garden's layout encourages exploration, with themed zones and pathways leading to new discoveries, from giant floral teddy bears to heart-shaped archways. It serves as an excellent outdoor activity that combines gentle physical activity with countless photo opportunities.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: The garden is a seasonal attraction, typically open from November to May. Plan your visit for a weekday morning right at opening time to experience the park with fewer crowds and in the best natural light for photos.
- Booking Strategy: While tickets are available at the gate, purchasing them online can save time. For insights on finding deals, you can explore information about Dubai Miracle Garden ticket offers.
- Duration: Set aside 2 to 3 hours for a comfortable and unhurried walk through the entire garden. This allows enough time to appreciate the main displays and let children explore at their own pace.
- Enhance the Visit: Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection, including hats and sunscreen, as much of the park is exposed. While outside food is not permitted, bringing your own water is highly recommended.
Key Insight: The Dubai Miracle Garden's true value for families lies in its ability to spark wonder and imagination. It’s not just a garden; it’s an open-air art gallery where every exhibit is a conversation starter, making it an unexpectedly educational and memorable outing for all ages.
6. IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure provides a crucial, climate-controlled solution for family entertainment, solidifying its place among the essential things to do in Dubai with kids. As the city's largest indoor theme park, it spans 1.5 million square feet, offering a full day of rides and attractions sheltered from the desert heat. The park is logically divided into distinct zones, including MARVEL, Cartoon Network, and Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, ensuring a broad appeal that caters to toddlers, teenagers, and adults simultaneously.
This compartmentalised design allows families to navigate between vastly different experiences, from high-octane MARVEL superhero coasters to gentler rides featuring characters from The Powerpuff Girls or Ben 10. This variety within a single, enclosed space makes it an incredibly efficient choice for families with children of different ages and interests, eliminating the logistical challenges of visiting multiple, separate attractions.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: The best strategy is to visit on a weekday morning, arriving just before the park opens. This allows you to experience the most popular rides like The Velociraptor and Spider-Man Doc Ock's Revenge with minimal queue times before the afternoon crowds arrive.
- Booking Strategy: Book tickets online directly from the official IMG Worlds of Adventure website. Online booking is often cheaper than gate prices and allows you to bypass the initial ticket-buying queue upon arrival.
- Duration: To experience the main attractions across all zones without feeling rushed, allocate a full day, approximately 6 to 8 hours.
- Enhance the Visit: Before queueing for any ride, check the height restrictions posted at the entrance. This saves time and prevents disappointment for younger children. Also, pack a light jacket or jumper as the air conditioning can be quite strong.
Key Insight: IMG Worlds of Adventure’s primary advantage is its all-weather, indoor design. It is a failsafe option for family fun, completely independent of Dubai's extreme summer temperatures or rare rainy days, making it a reliable and stress-free cornerstone for any family holiday itinerary.
7. Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park offers a more traditional and relaxed coastal experience, standing out as an excellent choice for families seeking a break from Dubai's high-octane attractions. This sprawling 106-hectare park seamlessly combines five pristine, lifeguard-monitored beaches with vast, manicured lawns, making it one of the most versatile things to do in Dubai with kids. It is particularly favoured by local families for its sheltered lagoons, which provide calm and safe swimming conditions ideal for young children.
The park's appeal lies in its comprehensive facilities that cater specifically to family needs. Beyond the sandy shores, it includes dedicated barbecue areas, private chalets for hire, multiple playgrounds, and even a swimming pool complex. This all-in-one design allows for a full day of varied activities, from building sandcastles and swimming to enjoying a family picnic under the shade of palm trees without needing to travel between different locations.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: To secure a prime spot and avoid the peak sun, aim to arrive between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., especially on weekends (Friday and Saturday). Weekday mornings are significantly quieter.
- Cost-Effective Strategy: There is a nominal entry fee per car or per person. To manage costs, pack your own picnic, drinks, and snacks, as on-site food options are limited and more expensive.
- Duration: Plan for at least half a day (4-5 hours) to fully utilise the park's offerings, including beach time, a picnic, and playground visits.
- Enhance the Visit: Remember that Mondays and Wednesdays are often designated as ladies' and children's days (boys under a certain age allowed), which can provide a more comfortable environment for some families. Always check the official schedule before your visit.
Key Insight: The true value of Al Mamzar Beach Park is its blend of natural beach beauty and structured park amenities. This combination allows families to enjoy a classic beach day with the added convenience of clean restrooms, shaded picnic spots, and safe play areas, all within a single, well-maintained location.
8. Dubai Frame
The Dubai Frame offers a unique architectural and educational experience, making it a compelling activity for families exploring things to do in Dubai with kids. This colossal 150-metre-high, 93-metre-wide structure is designed to literally "frame" the city, offering panoramic views of modern Dubai from one side and the older, more historic districts from the other. It acts as a symbolic bridge between the emirate’s past and its ambitious future.
The journey begins with an immersive museum on the ground floor showcasing Dubai’s transformation from a fishing village to a global hub. Visitors then ascend to the Sky Deck, which features a thrilling glass-floored bridge, providing a vertigo-inducing but safe view directly down. For children, this combination of history, thrilling views, and interactive technology creates a memorable and engaging outing that is both fun and informative.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: Plan your visit for late afternoon, around an hour before sunset. This allows you to experience the city in daylight, watch the sunset, and see Dubai’s skyline light up after dark, all in one visit.
- Booking Strategy: Purchase tickets online through the official Dubai Frame website. Online booking is often required and helps you avoid queues at the entrance, securing a specific time slot for your family.
- Duration: Set aside 1 to 1.5 hours for the complete experience. This provides enough time to explore the ground-floor museum, enjoy the views from the Sky Deck, and visit the future-focused gallery on exit.
- Enhance the Visit: Combine a trip to the Dubai Frame with a visit to the adjacent Zabeel Park. The park offers expansive green spaces, playgrounds, and a lake, making it an ideal spot for kids to play before or after the visit.
Key Insight: The Dubai Frame’s strength lies in its ability to provide a clear, visual narrative of the city's development. It serves as a fantastic educational tool, giving children a tangible sense of scale and history that contextualises the skyscrapers and souks they see elsewhere during their trip.
9. Motiongate Dubai Theme Park
Motiongate Dubai brings the world of Hollywood to life, offering a dynamic theme park experience centred around major film studios like DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate. This makes it a standout choice for families seeking things to do in Dubai with kids, particularly those with a love for blockbuster films. The park is cleverly divided into themed zones, ensuring a diverse range of attractions from gentle rides for younger children in the Smurfs Village to high-octane rollercoasters based on franchises like The Hunger Games.
The park's design masterfully combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge ride technology. Children can meet their favourite characters from Shrek or Madagascar before experiencing a thrilling simulator or a family-friendly water ride. The combination of indoor, air-conditioned zones and outdoor attractions provides a balanced experience, allowing families to escape the midday heat while still enjoying a full-scale theme park adventure.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: To minimise queue times, plan your visit on a weekday, arriving right at the park's opening. This initial period often has the shortest waits for the most popular attractions.
- Booking Strategy: Purchase your tickets online directly from the official Dubai Parks and Resorts website. This is generally cheaper than gate prices and allows you to bypass the ticket-buying queue upon arrival.
- Duration: Allocate a minimum of 5 to 6 hours to experience a good selection of rides and shows across the different zones without feeling rushed.
- Enhance the Visit: Download the official park app before you go. It provides a map, show schedules, and real-time wait times for rides, which is invaluable for planning your day efficiently and prioritising must-do attractions.
Key Insight: Motiongate's primary advantage is its broad appeal across different age groups. While teens can tackle the major rollercoasters, younger children have entire zones dedicated to them, making it a comprehensive solution for families with kids of varying ages and thrill-seeking levels.
10. Dubai Water Canal Activities & Boat Tours
The Dubai Water Canal offers a unique and relaxing way to see the city's modern skyline from a different vantage point, making it an excellent choice for families looking for things to do in Dubai with kids. This man-made waterway provides a scenic route for various boat tours, from traditional abras to modern speedboats, creating a calm and visually engaging experience away from the bustling streets.
Viewing Dubai's architectural marvels from the water provides a captivating perspective that keeps children entertained without being overwhelming. A gentle cruise allows families to see landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the distinctive twisted Cayan Tower, often with commentary from a guide. The journey is as important as the destination, offering a peaceful interlude and fantastic photo opportunities, especially as the sun sets and the city lights begin to sparkle.
Practical Implementation
- Optimal Timing: Schedule a tour for late afternoon or early evening. This timing allows you to witness the spectacular sunset over the skyline and see the mechanical waterfall on the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge, which is illuminated after dark.
- Booking Strategy: Book your tour directly with an operator like Xclusive Yachts or a traditional abra provider along the canal. Pre-booking online is recommended, particularly for popular sunset or dinner cruises, to secure your preferred time.
- Duration: Most standard canal tours last between 60 to 90 minutes, which is an ideal duration to hold a child's attention. Longer dinner cruises are also available but may be better suited for older children.
- Enhance the Visit: Choose a tour that matches your family's pace. A high-speed boat offers a thrilling ride for adventurous kids, while a slower dhow or abra cruise provides a more relaxed and stable experience for younger children.
Key Insight: A boat tour on the Dubai Water Canal serves as a low-energy, high-impact activity. It allows the entire family to rest their feet and unwind while still actively sightseeing, making it a perfect addition to a packed itinerary or a relaxing way to end a busy day.
Top 10 Kids Activities in Dubai — Quick Comparison
| Attraction | 🔄 Logistics / Complexity | ⚡ Cost & Time | ⭐ Expected experience / Quality | 💡 Ideal use cases | 📊 Key advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai Mall & The Aquarium | Medium — indoor crowd control, timed entries | AED 95–150 (adult); 2–3 hrs typical | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — immersive, educational marine displays | Family outings, rainy days, combined shopping + attraction | Massive collection (≈33,000 animals); indoor; dining/shopping onsite |
| Burj Khalifa & Observation Decks | High — security, timed slots, queues, height considerations | AED 149–644 depending on level; 1.5–2 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — iconic panoramic views, highly memorable | Photo ops, landmark visits, sunset viewing | Unmatched skyline views; fast elevators; iconic experience |
| Wild Wadi Water Park | Medium–High — crowd peaks, safety/lifeguard operations | AED 250–350; full-day recommended | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — varied thrills and family-friendly water fun | Hot days, active families, thrill-seekers | Wide variety of slides; professional lifeguards; cooling relief |
| Dubai Desert Safari | Medium — transfers, vehicle safety, weather dependent | AED 150–300; half-day/evening; best Oct–Apr | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — adventurous + cultural desert experience | Sunset photography, cultural immersion, families with older kids | Dune bashing, camel rides, Bedouin camp shows; authentic culture |
| Dubai Miracle Garden | Low–Medium — seasonal operation, walking routes | AED 60–85; 2–3 hrs; open Nov–May | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — visually spectacular, horticultural education | Nature lovers, photography, cooler-season family visits | Massive floral displays (50M+ flowers); affordable; photogenic |
| IMG Worlds of Adventure | Medium — indoor park logistics, height restrictions | AED 300–385; 6–8 hrs for full visit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — themed lands, year‑round climate-controlled fun | Full-day family entertainment, bad-weather days | Largest indoor theme park; diverse themes; air-conditioned |
| Al Mamzar Beach Park | Low — simple beach logistics, parking can peak | AED 30 per car; half to full day; best Oct–Apr | ⭐⭐⭐ — relaxed, budget-friendly beach experience | Picnics, budget family beach days, local recreation | Affordable entry; lifeguarded swimming; picnic/play facilities |
| Dubai Frame | Low–Medium — short visit, timed access, narrow skybridge | AED 50–80; 1–1.5 hrs | ⭐⭐⭐ — educational views of Old & New Dubai | Quick cultural stop, combined heritage tours | Dual views of city, interactive galleries, good photo ops |
| Motiongate Dubai Theme Park | Medium — park size, queues, ride restrictions | AED 265–355; 4–6 hrs recommended | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — movie-themed rides and immersive tech | Movie fans, families seeking variety, indoor days | Hollywood-franchise attractions; tech-driven rides; air-conditioned |
| Dubai Water Canal & Boat Tours | Low–Medium — weather/water dependent, boat sizes vary | AED 50–200+; 1–3 hrs depending on tour | ⭐⭐⭐ — scenic, relaxing, weather-sensitive | Sunset cruises, skyline photography, relaxed sightseeing | Unique water perspective of Dubai skyline; flexible tour options |
Making Your Dubai Family Trip a Resounding Success
Dubai has meticulously engineered a family-friendly paradise, offering an unparalleled spectrum of entertainment that seamlessly blends jaw-dropping spectacle with genuine educational substance. This curated list of attractions, from the aquatic wonders of Dubai Aquarium to the adrenaline-pumping rides at Motiongate Dubai, provides a robust framework for crafting an itinerary that will captivate every member of your family, regardless of their age or interests. The diverse array of things to do in Dubai with kids ensures that your schedule can be as action-packed or as relaxed as you wish, striking the perfect balance for a memorable holiday.
Strategic Planning for Maximum Enjoyment
The key to unlocking a truly seamless Dubai experience lies not just in what you choose to do, but how you plan it. The practical strategies detailed throughout this guide, such as pre-booking tickets online to bypass lengthy queues, visiting popular destinations during weekday mornings to avoid crowds, and strategically preparing for the region's unique climate, are not minor details. They are fundamental components that elevate a good trip into an exceptional one. By implementing these tips, you transform logistical challenges into smooth, stress-free experiences, allowing your family to remain fully immersed in the magic of the moment.
Tailoring the Adventure to Your Family
Ultimately, a successful family holiday is one that feels personal and aligns with your children's unique personalities. Consider the distinct preferences within your group:
- For the thrill-seeker: Prioritise destinations like Wild Wadi Waterpark, IMG Worlds of Adventure, or an exhilarating Desert Safari.
- For the nature enthusiast: The vibrant floral displays of Dubai Miracle Garden or the serene shores of Al Mamzar Beach Park will be definite highlights.
- For the curious explorer: The architectural marvels of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame offer incredible learning opportunities and breathtaking perspectives.
By matching the activities to your children’s passions, you ensure their engagement and enthusiasm remain high throughout the trip. This thoughtful approach to itinerary planning is the cornerstone of creating cherished, lifelong memories against the backdrop of one of the world's most dynamic cities. The true value of a Dubai family adventure is found in these shared moments of wonder, laughter, and discovery.
Ready to turn your dream Dubai family holiday into a reality? Let My Global Trips handle the details by helping you book these amazing experiences and more with ease. Visit My Global Trips to discover curated packages and secure the best deals, so you can focus on what truly matters: creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
