Things to do in Dubai with Kids

Dubai is a popular family-friendly tourist attraction. When you arrive in Dubai without prior preparations, you will wonder what to do. Instead, it is better to be aware of what to do when you go there. This article will help you with it. 

Global Village

One of the most popular attractions in Dubai is Global Village. This huge theme park is open from October to April each year. There are pavilions representing different countries from around the world. Each country designs spectacular structures and landscapes to represent their nation. 

There are also carnival rides, games, and live entertainment. You can let your kids explore different countries here. They will also be able to enjoy different cuisines. Make sure to purchase a Smart Queue pass to skip the lines for rides and attractions. You can buy Global Village Dubai tickets online to avoid queues at the entrance. 

Ski Dubai

In this hot desert climate, it’s pretty incredible to find an indoor ski resort. Ski Dubai offers snow play areas, ski slopes, chair lifts, and even penguins! Kids and parents alike will enjoy bundling up to play in the snow, ride sleds, make snowmen, and whiz down the slopes. Ski or snowboard lessons are available too. It’s a unique experience that makes for a fun family day out.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

One of the top attractions at the Dubai Mall, the gigantic Dubai Aquarium tank contains hundreds of aquatic species and the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world. Walk through the aquarium tunnels and get up close views of rays, reef sharks, and fish. Check out the underwater zoo featuring penguins, crocodiles, otters and more. Interactive activities allow kids to feed fish and touch starfish and urchins. With plenty to see and do, it's both educational and entertaining.

Dubai Fountains

The incredible Dubai Fountains are the world’s tallest dancing fountains spanning over 900 feet long. Situated at the base of Burj Khalifa, these fountains come alive with jets and lights choreographed to music. With impressive shows happening during the daytime and at night, it's mesmerizing entertainment that will dazzle kids. Try to time your visit with the nighttime show for the full spectacle of illuminated fountains dancing to lively Arabic, classical and world music.

Beaches

What kid doesn’t love playing in the sand and splashing in the sea? Dubai has numerous kid-friendly beaches, many with playgrounds, splash pads and shallow waters perfect for families. JBR Beach has a recreation zone with slides and swings. Al Mamzar Beach Park has large swimming pools, play areas, and barbeque facilities. Kite Beach has a skate park, volleyball courts, and water sports rentals for older kids. Build sandcastles, play beach games, picnic, or just let the kids burn off energy enjoying the sun, sand, and surf.

Children’s City

Children’s City is an interactive educational complex with exhibitions and activities tailored for kids aged 2-15. They’ll enjoy roleplaying adult professions, climbing a giant human body, exploring a planetarium, playing in the sandbox area, and conducting science experiments in the laboratory. With 14 different zones, there is plenty here to spark every child’s imagination and expand their mind.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

On hot Dubai days, Wild Wadi Waterpark is the perfect place to cool off for some watery fun. Located next to the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, this extensive water park has over 30 rides and attractions divided into zones suited for all ages. Race down thrilling slides like the Jumeirah Sceirah, float through rapids, and ride waves in the Surf Machine. Little ones will love shallow pools, mini slides, and splash areas. With plenty of dining options, locker rentals and areas to relax, it’s a full day out enjoying rides, slides, and all kinds of aquatic adventures. This is one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids. 

Dubai Creek Park

This lush park situated along Dubai Creek provides a nice green escape from the city. Kids will love riding the water taxi across the creek to get there. The park offers play areas, botanical gardens, bike paths, boat rentals, and mini golf. Don’t miss out on the Children’s City with playgrounds tailored for kids of all ages. Grab a picnic blanket and enjoy the great outdoors with play time in the park.

Jumeirah Beach

This long stretch of white sand beach fronting turquoise waters is popular with families looking to relax and enjoy time at sea. Kids can splash around in the calm waters and take part in water sports like kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Lots of dining options and play areas make it a convenient beach day destination. Try to time your visit in the morning or evening when the beach is less crowded.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is the world's largest natural flower garden blooming right in the desert. Kids will be amazed at the vividly colored flower displays and structures like a floral castle, pirate ship, igloos, and giant hearts spanning 72,000 square meters. The beauty of the flowers against the desert landscape makes for amazing family photo ops. The garden is open from November to May when flowers are in bloom.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

This massive theme park complex contains three theme parks – Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, and Legoland Dubai, as well as the Legoland Water Park. Motiongate Dubai is filled with rides and attractions based on popular Hollywood movies like The Hunger Games, The Smurfs, Shrek, and How to Train Your Dragon. Bollywood Parks brings the world of Indian cinema alive through rides, live performances and more. 

Legoland Dubai features over 40 interactive rides and attractions centered around those classic Lego blocks. It's ideal for younger kids. The Legoland Water Park is great for cooling off, with slides, pools, splash pads, and more. With so much to do, Dubai Parks and Resorts truly offers entertainment for the whole family. Visiting Theme parks is one of the most popular kids activities in Dubai. 

Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate Dubai theme park brings famous movies to life through 27 rides and attractions spread across 5 zones – Dreamworks, Lionsgate, Smurfs, Studio Central, and Columbia Pictures. Ride rollercoasters inspired by The Hunger Games, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, The Green Hornet, and other blockbusters. Have a blast on 3D, 4D, water and motion rides based on your child’s favorite films. With live entertainment, kids clubs and plenty of dining options, Motiongate is movie magic for the whole family.

Dubai Butterfly Garden

Located next to the Miracle Garden, Dubai Butterfly Garden is the region's largest butterfly enclosure housing over 15,000 butterflies among exotic flowers and soothing water features. Kids will be delighted walking through this tropical paradise observing butterflies fluttering all around them. With its enchanting beauty and calm atmosphere, it makes for a relaxing and memorable family outing.

With endless options for family fun from theme parks to water parks to nature parks, Dubai tops the list as one of the world’s best kid-friendly destinations. Try out these activities for an unforgettable vacation with your little ones in this fascinating city.