Best water parks in Dubai: Amazing water parks and splash pads for kids and toddlers in Dubai

Dubai is the ideal water park destination for families – with balmy, warm weather, there’s no chance of getting cold in between slides, and its child-friendly environment means that kids are always well catered for. But with so many aquatic adventures to choose from, how to pick which one to go to? Here are some of the top water park picks - all of which are following COVID rules on social distancing and sanitisation - based on what makes them great for families with little ones…

AQUAVENTURE, ATLANTIS, THE PALM: Not only is Aquaventure Dubai’s largest water park, but its recent extension to include the 34m-tall Trident Tower has made it one of the biggest water parks in the world. Part of the iconic Atlantis, The Palm hotel, also in the new extension are two large dedicated kids’ areas – Splasher’s Cove and Splasher’s Lagoon. These feel like wholehearted kids’ destinations in themselves – rather than a begrudging add-on, as is sometimes the case. Meanwhile older kids and adults can enjoy 30 record-breaking rides, including the world’s longest family water coaster, and the region’s first cliff jumping experience. Along with an innovative, rubber-ring-free lazy river that drifts you through glorious bubbles, sprays and swirls (think part spa retreat, part white-water rafting), it all makes for a marvellous family day out. DETAILS: From Dh269 per person, book online to save, atlantisthepalm.com.

WILD WADI, JUMEIRAH: Located next to the iconic Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi first opened in 1999 and was Dubai’s first water park. Themed around the tale of Arabic folklore character Juha, there are plenty of thrills for bigger kids, as well as gentler options for little ones. For adrenaline-junky mums and dads, the sheer trap-door drop of the Jumeirah Sceirah – the region’s fastest free-fall water slide – ought to do the trick, while Tantrum Alley can involve the whole family in a hilariously hair-raising group raft slide. For younger kiddies there is a generous splash park with more than 100 water activities, plus the region’s largest wave pool, and a lazy river. DETAILS: From Dh69 for UAE residents’ day pass when bought online, under-2s free, most bigger rides have a minimum height of 1.1m, Wild Wadi, Jumeirah Road, next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, jumeirah.com/en/hotels-resorts/dubai/wild-wadi.

LAGUNA WATER PARK, LA MER: Calling itself Dubai’s ‘boutique’ water park, this perfectly packaged, splashtastic destination near cool beachside outdoor shopping mall La Mer is a more manageable size of park for those who have very little ones. It has both a dedicated Aqua Play and Splash Pad section, although the general vibe is admittedly slightly more grown-up and bijou (it has an infinity pool after all). However, it’s still majorly kid-friendly, and has some fantastic ticket entry deals, including all-you-can-eat packages, so you don’t get stung when it comes to lunch time. DETAILS: Ticket entry from Dh99, Laguna Waterpark, La Mer, Jumeirah 1, lagunawaterpark.com.

SPLASH N PARTY, AL SAFA 2: This quirky outdoor water park is based in the grounds of a spacious Jumeirah villa, but this makes it the perfect size for a splash-filled day out with the kids (if your children are old enough to be trusted in water then the adults might even just be able to watch from the café area). While it pales in comparison to the larger parks in terms of size, because the whole place is dedicated to children, there’s actually a lot more for them to do. There is a large water play structure complete with slides and tip bucket, as well as a big but gentle splash pad area that will occupy little tots for hours. There’s also a big children’s swimming pool, a zip line and bungee trampoline, as well as resident children’s entertainers, who put on impressive acrobatics and singing performances at regular intervals. DETAILS: From Dh99 for one child and an adult (Dh50 per extra adult), packages available. Main Branch is in Al Safa 2, but there are others branches at Kite Beach and JBR, Splashnparty.ae.

X PARK JR, KITE BEACH: This verdant, natural outdoor playscape is not wholly dedicated to water, but features a mini splash pad area and rock pools dotted about the park that will keep little ones cool and entertained all day. Dedicated to nature-based play that allows kids to stretch their boundaries and take risks, the park consists of several large wooden climbing structures, an animal area with petting zoo, mud kitchen, and gardening section, as well as the splash pad and rock pools, all under the shade of a thick canopy of lush trees. There’s also a barn where arts and craft activities often take place, as well as a café, from which mums and dads can watch children shriek in delight in the very child-friendly splash pad. DETAILS: From Dh80 for two hours of play, Near Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, www.xparkjr.com.

LEGOLAND WATER PARK: As the temperature rises, taking kids to outdoor theme parks becomes less appealing in the middle of the day, which makes the perfect time to head to Legoland Water Park at theme-park-hub Dubai Parks and Resorts instead. It’s full of all the same open-ended play and imagination-sparking as Lego blocks themselves, with added H2O fun! Kids can build their own boats and test their designs against water currents, or customise rafts to float on down the lazy river, enjoy the super-sized slides, or just zoom down exhilarating rides such as family flume Red Rush, or super-speedy slide Splash Out. DETAILS: From Dh195 online (Dh275 at the gate) for one day access per person, under-3s free, open 10am-6pm (timings subject to change), Legoland.com.

DUBAI HILLS SPLASH PARK: The vast Dubai Hills park nestled within the popular new residential community is now home to a fabulous, kid-friendly Splash Park, which is also excellent value for money. The perfect size for younger children, it is a proper playground of aquatic adventure, with super slides, flumes, spray tunnels, and even a water-spraying roundabout, all safely guarded from the sun by large sail shades. Best of all – it’s open and small enough that parents can sit back and relax while watching little ones frolic in the refreshing water. The park itself is well worth a visit on its own (and has no entry fee), but it’s best to avoid the middle of the day during the warmer months. DETAILS: Dubai Hills Splash Park, Dubai Hills Estate, residents under 13 Dh20, non-residents under 13 Dh30. Adult residents cost Dh25 and adult non-residents will pay Dh40, open from 10am to 10pm daily.

TOWN SQUARE SPLASH PAD, TOWN SQUARE PARK: Another splash pad area within a residential community, this cute little splash area is ideal for babies and young kids. With a tipping bucket, water rings and more, kids will be kept entertained for hours while the parents can relax and lounge around in the greenery and vast spaces the park has to offer. DETAILS: Dh15 for residents for half an hour of play, Dh25 for non-residents to have half an hour of play. Open 11am-9pm Saturday to Wednesday; 12pm to 10pm Thursday and Friday, guardian is required for children under the age of 6. Nshama.ae/town-square-park/splashpad/.

SPLASH ISLAND AT BLUE WAVE CLUB, AL QUOZ: For anyone worried about sun that’s too hot or water that’s too cold, indoor water park Splash Island at Blue Wave Club has temperature-controlled water activities in a large warehouse space in Al Quoz. While Blue Wave is a swimming club for all ages, anyone can visit Splash Island water park, which has eight slide beams, waterfall buckets, an aquatic forest, and more. The echo-y indoor set-up can be quite loud and doesn’t have the same vibe as an outdoor water park, but it will work for anyone concerned about avoiding the harsh summer sun. DETAILS: From Dh95 for entry, but lower-priced offers are available on Groupon.ae and Kidzapp.com. Booking in advance is essential, age limit for water park is from 2-12 years old. Blue Wave Club, Al Quoz, +97 14 331 6117, Bluewaveclub.ae.

AL BARARI PLAYGROUND, AL BARARI: One of the newest residential playgrounds on the block, this sprawling play area in upmarket Al Barari has a huge pirate ship, zip line, sand areas and climbing frames, and a water play area where kids can cool down and have a paddle. DETAILS: Open to residents from 10am to 8pm. It is Dh11 for non-residents on weekdays and Dh16 for entry on weekends, free for residents, Albarari.com/play.