Best 12 Things To Do In Dubai With Kids
Scores of families are now visiting the jaw-dropping love-child between the East and West, for 12 very good reasons:
There was once a time that Dubai was known as being the adult playground of all playgrounds and - to be honest - this is still very much the case. However, scores of families are also now visiting the jaw-dropping love-child between the East and West, for 12 very good reasons:
1.Dubai Mall
There’s a lot to unpack here, so bear with us.
As well as offering 1,200 stores (well, what would you expect from the biggest mall in the world?), there’s also a ton of kid-friendly activities within its walls, too (not including a visit to The Toy Store or Hamleys!). It is so big, in fact, that in order to truly get the most out of your time here, you should really do your research beforehand. Luckily for you, we’re one step ahead!
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
One of the most enthralling experiences in the whole of Dubai - and it’s right here! Boasting a cool 10 MILLION liters of water over three floors, this showcases an illuminating glimpse into ocean life, enabling an up-close and personal meet with penguins, piranhas and a show-stopping five-meter-long Australian crocodile - along with over 33,000 other marine creatures. Not to mention the submarine simulator, glass-bottom boats, cage snorkeling, diving with sharks and scuba diving, which are all worthy add-ons.
VR Park
Aimed at slightly older children, this virtual reality theme park is a rare treat for the senses!
KidZania
This epic 4-hour experience encourages your children (aged 4-14) to try their hand at having ‘real jobs’ (there’s a choice of 60!) in a city run entirely by them! They can even earn money and open their own personal savings account, which comes with a debit card that can be used at one of the ATMs and spent on sweets or treats in the shop. (It’s very cute.). Oh, and if your kids are old enough to be left alone, you can then head off on your own little shopping spree while they play! Win-win!
Sign up for the experience here
2. Atlantis Aquaventure
Boasting over 30 slides, Dubai’s longest lazy river and 500m of private beach, this is not your average waterpark. Perfect for all ages, not only does it offer adrenaline-pumping adventure for the thrill-seekers among you, but there’s also Splashers Island for the younger ones and the opportunity to get up close and personal with sharks, dolphins, sea lions and stingrays.
3. Ski Dubai
The world’s third-largest indoor ski and snowboarding slope - and the first to open in the Middle East - get stuck into a cool 6,000 tons of snow (we’ll just let that sink in a moment). Not only can you and the kids learn from the very best qualified instructors, there’s also a dedicated freestyle zone where you can practice your jumps, ramps and other recently-learned tricks. But wait, there’s more; you and your little snow bunnies can also have fun with a bit of bobsledding, tobogganing, snow tubing, snow caverns, an ice maze ... and there’s even a play area with bumper cars! Oh, and did we forget to mention the intimate encounter with Snow Penguins, which is on offer at the snow park, too? (And who doesn’t love penguins?) You (and the kids) will also love sipping hot chocolate with whipped cream and mini marshmallows for a true après ski experience.
As you can probably tell, we’re a bit obsessed with this winter wonderland, and given the desert climate of Dubai, it shouldn’t be too hard to see why!
4. Theme Parks
In truth, we could probably dedicate a whole blog to Dubai’s theme parks, so in the interest of time, we’ll focus on the cinematic-inspired ones.
MOTIONGATE Dubai
This colossal offering unites three Hollywood studios - Sony Picture Studios, DreamWorks Animation and Lionsgate. Featuring 30 immersive rides, 12 live entertainment experiences and several themed restaurants, this incredible park brings some of the most beloved blockbuster movies to life.
In short, if you’ve got fans of Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Shrek, Smurfs, Hotel Transylvania and The Hunger Games - to name but a few - you really must spend a day here.
Time to move it, move it and book!
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Simply Marvel at this Lost World of cinematic epicness. The world’s biggest indoor theme park the size of 28 football fields, the four zones also include IMG Boulevard and Cartoon Network (great for the little ones).
Bollywood Parks Dubai
Five different zones make up this colorful offering, packed with stunt shows, 3D and 4D rides and incredible live performances. The little ones will love Kids Korner, where they’re taught some pint-sized choreography.
5. The Green Planet
An enchanting tropical forest filled with over 3,000 plants and animals, this ecosystem is begging you to come on an educational expedition.
The kids will adore meeting sloths, toucans, monkeys and reptiles in this informative, immersive and interactive experience.
Make your friends green with envy and book today!
6. Museum of Illusion
A cleverly designed museum that intends to trick young and old brains alike, this will challenge your senses in a more relaxing way than the craziness of all the water and theme parks. Perfect for when you’re all totally exhausted and need a bit more of a chilled day; have a lazy morning by the pool and then spend the afternoon interacting with an anti-gravity room, vortex tunnel and clone table. Because all children should be given a chance to have their minds blown!
7. Glow Garden
An illuminating treat for the whole family, this opens at 4 pm every day and offers stunning light installations, along with live performances by international, regional and local artists and performers. There’s even a dedicated play area for younger children, packed with games and educational activities to help keep them engaged.
8. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
A wetland reserve filled with 170 species of birds, a particular highlight is watching hundreds of pink flamingos going about their daily lives. It’s also an amazing spot to watch the sunset and is totally free, too!
9. Mattel Play! Town
The toy brand you all know and love offers this awesome park for toddlers, packed with a wide range of games, shows and educational activities.
10. Desert Safari
You’re in the desert, so make sure you spend some proper time doing the appropriate sand-based activities, such as sand-boarding, camel riding and a 4x4 ride, before enjoying a delicious BBQ served with a side of live performances.
11. Burj Khalifa Tour and Fountains
Yes, the world’s tallest skyscraper is one of those things you really have to do in Dubai, but with free-to-watch performances of the Dubai Fountain every day at lunchtime - a light, music and water spectacle that shoots sprays of up to 450-feet and features light projections that are visible from space - this is one of those things the kids will want to do, too.
12. The Beach
The fact that it’s taken us this long to get to the beach is a testament to just how amazing Dubai really is for kids - not a subliminal message that the beaches here are a bit meh - because this couldn’t be further from the truth! (Hello? It’s Dubai!)
Simple as it sounds, you really can’t go wrong with a day at the beach - especially in a place that’s famous for them!
Our top pick (along with most people’s) is Kite Beach - named for its kite surfers - which you’ll love to watch with the kids as you sunbathe on a long, sandy white swathe of the shore.
There are loads of activities you can all get stuck into as well, such as beach volleyball and kayaking, and you’ll probably have a hard time coaxing the younger ones away from the inflatable assault course in the middle of the sea and the dry-land playground featuring treehouses, splash fountains and a pirate ship! (Don’t say we didn’t warn you!)
When it’s time for lunch, choose from a range of pop-up eateries making up the Kite Beach Kiosks.
We guess the only question left is … where to start?
Check out our other 'With Kids' articles:
How To Celebrate Mother's Day With A Toddler In Tow
Halloween For Kids: Our Top 4 US Cities With The Best Events
