Dubai is one of the world's most family friendly destinations and is absolutely packed with fantastic, fun things to do with little ones. Not sure where to start? Here's your alphabetical guide to the city's top attractions...
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A IS FOR ABRA: The creek was once the historical centre of the city’s commerce and it remains an amazing opportunity to show your kids a different side of Dubai. Harking back to a simpler time, little ones will love this experience. Plus, boat rides don’t get much cheaper than this (be warned: the traditional abras are not very stroller-friendly, but the air conditioned abras have more space). DETAILS: Dh1 per ride (Dh2 for air conditioned abra), Bur Dubai (Creekside), daily 5am to midnight. See RTA.ae for timetable details.
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B IS FOR BURJ KHALIFA: No time in Dubai is complete without a visit to the top of the tallest tower in the world, the Burj Khalifa. Standing at 830m high to the tip, this elegant and iconic landmark has several options to choose from when it comes to visiting. Best for families is the option to go to level 124 and 125 of At The Top, where kids will get to experience the exhilarating world’s fastest elevator ride, appreciate 360-degree views on the observation deck and pose for amazing photos against its special-effects green screen. DETAILS: From Dh114 for a child ticket (4-12 years) in off-peak hours, Dh149 for adult tickets off-peak, Atthetop.ae.
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C IS FOR CINEMA: Going to the cinema in Dubai is an ideal rainy or hot day activity, and a totally different experience to what’s on offer in most countries. There are multiple, dedicated children’s screens at its many boutique movie theatres (check out Vox Kids, Reel Kids and Roxy mamas), which offer a menu of gourmet food, child-friendly seating, lowered sound and low-level lighting as well as deals for children. Plus there are sensory screenings for children with special needs (Saturdays at Vox cinemas), a cinema within kids play area Kidzania (pictured), many outdoor movie screenings across the city (seasonal), as well as Snow Cinema - which is exactly as it sounds, in the snow - at Ski Dubai (seasonal). Check out Voxcinemas.com, Reelcinemas.ae, Theroxycinemas.com and skiDXB.com.
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D IS FOR DUNE BASHING IN THE DESERT: This high-octane activity – in which a 4X4 drives you over the undulating dunes of the desert - will delight kids and adults alike (although you might want to leave younger children at home as it can get pretty white-knuckle!). There are many different companies offering various routes and activities – from a journey to meet Big Red, Dubai’s tallest sand dune (named after its rosy-hued sand), to day trips that include sand boarding, all rounded off with dinner and belly dancing in the evening. DETAILS: Desertsafaridubai.com offers many options, from extreme adventure desert safaris, to private desert safaris and dinner in the desert.
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E IS FOR EATING: Dubai is teeming with gourmet foodie options but, unlike lots of high-end restaurants around the world, many of them are not only family friendly but positively set up to delight and entertain kids. Every weekend (Friday and Saturday), five-star eateries put on extravagant brunches, where you can have your fill of gourmet food and free-flow drinks, while kids can enjoy arts and crafts, bouncy castles, magic shows, pony or camel rides and much more. And outside of brunch times many of the incredible dining options also offer free meals for children. DETAILS: Learn more about the best kid-friendly brunches in Dubai: tinyurl.com/yy56yps9 and the Dubai restaurants that offer free meals for kids: tinyurl.com/re2m9sec.
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F IS FOR FOUNTAINS: Dubai is home to two of the world’s most impressive fountain shows. There’s the Dubai Fountain’s spectacular, choreographed water and light show, taking place in the shadow of the Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai throughout the day and evening. And then there’s The Pointe’s record-breaking world’s largest dancing fountain, situated on The Palm Dubai (pictured). Launched on 22 October 2020, this has a super shooter that reaches heights of 105 metres, and is illuminated by more than 3,000 LED lights. DETAILS: The Palm Fountain is free to view and has 20 bespoke shows, with five different shows running daily between sunset to midnight (7pm to 12am), each of which lasts for three minutes and is performed every half hour. The Dubai Fountain next to the Burj Khalifa is free to view, with showings Saturday to Thursday 1pm, 1.30pm, and 2pm; Friday afternoon 1.30pm, 2pm, and 2:30pm; Evening shows every 30 mins 6-11pm (times may vary).
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G IS FOR GLOBAL VILLAGE: Family favourite and Dubai institution Global Village has been around for more than 25 years now with its areas dedicated to different countries across the world and boasts everything you could need for a family day out: from shopping to entertainment, carnival rides, fairground games and food from all sorts of different cultures. DETAILS: Dh15 per person, children below 3 free, located on Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, 04 362 4114.
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H IS FOR HISTORICAL AREA: The rich heritage area of Al Fahidi Historical District, previously known as Al Bastakiya, features Dubai’s oldest building (1780s) the Al Fahidi Fort, as well as the Dubai Museum (Dh3 for adults to visit and Dh1 for children), and the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). But there is enough to enjoy just wandering through the beautiful traditional buildings, peeking into the odd art gallery here or catching a glimpse of a picturesque courtyard there, and kids will love running through the dusty narrow streets and looking up at the wind towers. Head over to the Arabian Tea House’s breezy courtyard for a relaxed refreshment or atmospheric lunch that feels a world away from the manic modernity of new Dubai. DETAILS: Free to visit, you can reach the location through the Al Fahidi Metro Station nearby.
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I IS FOR ICE SKATING: You might be in the desert but Dubai is also the perfect place to get your skates on! Little ones from the age of three are welcome to try their hand at learning to ice skate at Dubai Ice Rink in Dubai Mall; smaller kids can rent a seal skate support, which functions as a ride for them to sit on while you glide them around the rink. Meanwhile older kids who are just getting use to their ice skates can use a snowman or penguin support to lean on as they find their feet. DETAILS: Dh40 per child under 100cm; Dh75 per adult, additional supplement for the Snowfall experience, check when you book your session online at www.Dubaiicerink.com
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J IS FOR JUMPING AROUND: There are so many indoor play areas that are just perfect for kids to burn off energy in Dubai – even when it’s sweltering hot outside. Just a few of our favourites include the freestyle trampolining brand Bounce; parkour playground Street Maniax and its inflatable-playground sister Air Maniax; Trampoline and wall-climbing, indoor caving and soft play experience Trampo (pictured) and many more. DETAILS: Venues across Dubai, check out Bounce.ae, Streetmaniax.com, Airmaniax.com and Trampo-uae.com.
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K IS FOR KITE BEACH: Dubai is spoilt for wonderful beaches, but you don’t have to stay at a fancy 5-star hotel to have a gorgeous beach day at a beautiful seaside spot. Public beaches like Kite Beach in Jumeirah are totally free to visit, and have plenty going on to keep little ones happy. Pack a bucket and spade, sun screen and a towel and make your way to this beautiful beach early to secure a peaceful spot. While there are many people kite surfing and sun bathing on a weekend, if you go early in the morning you’ll miss the crowds, and then you can finish up with a delicious breakfast at one of the many cafes and restaurants nearby. DETAILS: Free to visit, Kite Beach, Jumeirah.
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L IS FOR LANDMARKS: Another free activity kids will enjoy in Dubai is to visit and take photos outside the many iconic landmarks of the city state, many of which are architectural wonders in their own right. Aside from the Burj Khalifa, these include the sail-shaped ‘7-star’ Burj Al Arab and the wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach hotel (both in Jumeirah), the twisted Cayan Tower in Dubai Marina, and the flamboyant, pink-hued hotel Atlantis on The Palm (pictured).
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M IS FOR MOSQUES: Beautifully built mosques dot the landscape of Dubai and there are two major examples that are open for non-Muslims to visit, including children. This includes the Jumeirah mosque, which has been open for guided tours, interactive cultural discussions and open Q&A discussions since 1998. And, just one hour down the road in Abu Dhabi, there is the vast and stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world. DETAILS: See https://www.szgmc.gov.ae/ for more on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and to book tickets, and Jumeirahmosque.ae for details on when the Jumeirah Mosque tours run.
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N IS FOR NATURAL HISTORY: A little-known fact is that the UAE has an incredibly exciting and vibrant natural history, with an abundance of evidence of life dating back to 65 million years ago. Discover the UAE’s ancient past at the fascinating Mleiha Archaeological Centre in Sharjah (pictured), just outside Dubai, where you can learn more about the history of the Bedouin culture, find real fossils of marine creatures on Fossil Rock, marvel at remnants of tombs dating back to the Iron and Bronze Ages, and spy rare desert flora and fauna. Meanwhile the Mars-like Buhais Geology Park, also in Sharjah, features five interconnected pods, which house exhibitions investigating the UAE’s rich geological history, as well as giant Ophiolite boulders - parts of a section of the Earth’s crust that has been forced up and exposed - which make for a wonderful teaching aid to tell kids about tectonic plates and the history of the Earth. DETAILS: Access to the Mleiha Archaeological Centre is Dh25 for adults and Dh15 for kids (3-12, under 3s are free), but you can opt to go on one of their fossil-hunting expeditions or other outdoor tours for an additional cost. Open Sat-Wed, 9am to 7pm, Thu-Fri until 9pm. Buhais Geology Park is free entry, Sunday-Thursday 9am-6pm, Friday 2pm-6.30pm, Saturday 11am-6.30pm, 06 801 2100.
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O IS FOR OLIOLI: A first of its kind interactive children’s play museum located in Al Quoz, OliOli is an ‘observe and learn’ playground featuring a range of installations, science labs and a cars gallery. Spread across 30,000 square feet, the two-storey facility boasts a massive play area that houses eight galleries that follow the STEAM education theme (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). There are over 40 exhibits inspired by the work of leading educators, artists and development psychologists. DETAILS: Dh126 for one Child and one Adult when booked online at Olioli.ae.
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P IS FOR PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS: Dubai is bursting with beautifully landscaped parks and playgrounds full of wonderful trees, flowers, lawns and equipment for children to run around and enjoy. One of the largest new parks that is free to attend is Dubai Hill Community Park (pictured), which boasts an enormous dragon-shaped climbing frame that children will adore. And there are manifold government parks that have fantastic flora, fauna and facilities. DETAILS: See our round-up of the nest Dubai parks and playgrounds: https://tinyurl.com/y8j6bc7a
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Q IS FOR AQUARIUMS: Probably the most famous aquarium in the city is Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall. It’s impossible not to be impressed by this enormous aquarium, stretching across the full height of the Mall and seething with hundreds of rippling rays, steely sharks and vibrant tropical fish behind the world’s largest single pane of glass. While paid entrance to the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is well worth it, for those on a budget it’s enough to gaze from the outside - children will be mesmerized by the googly fish eyes and shimmering fins glittering through the water, and after feasting your eyes you can fill your stomachs at one of the many cheap eateries on the mall’s food court on the top floor. DETAILS: Dubai Aquarium exterior, ground floor of Dubai Mall, free to see from the outside.
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R IS FOR RIPE MARKET: This jolly organic market has mushroomed in size over the years and has become a Dubai institution, boasting an incredible array of fantastic activities for children – from a pop-up Air Maniax inflatable course, to petting zoo, slime making, arts and crafts and an impressive traditional playground. Based at The Dubai Police Academy Park in Umm Suqeim, there is also the wonderful organic farmers’ market, a range of delicious street food trucks, live music and a dazzling array of artisan crafts stalls selling gorgeous clothes, accessories, jewellery and much more. DETAILS: Dh5 for entry to Police Academy Park, Friday (9am-7pm) & Saturday (10am-7pm) at Police Academy Park, Umm Suqeim.
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S IS FOR SKI DUBAI: This awesome indoor ski slope is jam-packed full of things for kids to do. From the fantastic Snow Park, where children can bob-sled, climb snowy mountains and go zorbing, to the penguin encounters and even Ski Lessons that you can do as a family, there’s so much to keep kids entertained and engaged in once-in-a-lifetime experiences. DETAILS: Snow Park access from Dh150, children under 2 aren’t allowed, Skidxb.com.
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T IS FOR THEME PARKS: Dubai is a hotspot for amazing, child-friendly theme parks. Younger kids will absolutely adore Legoland, where there is Lego galore and rides that even tiny tots can enjoy like the Duplo train in Imagination land, all the way to the thrills of the big dragon ride in Adventureland. Meanwhile movie-themed Motiongate has the whole gamut of attractions, from the gentle Madagascar-themed carousel, to exhilarating, high-octane rides like The Capitol Bullet Train in the Hunger Games-themed area. While both of these parks have indoor and outdoor areas, IMG Worlds of Adventure is all completely indoors, making it perfect during the height of the summer, and it boasts fabulous rides themed around superheroes in the Marvel section, dinosaurs in the Lost Valley and Cartoon Network shows. DETAILS: Check websites for latest offers - https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/ and https://www.imgworlds.com/.
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U IS FOR UNIVERSE: From space parks to planetariums, there’s plenty to inspire budding astronauts in the UAE. On of Dubai’s most kid-friendly planetariums is at Children’s City. Tucked in Dubai Creek Park, this excellent edutainment venue has an entire floor dedicated to space exploration, with interactive exhibits where children can experiment with aerodynamics and sit in a rocket ship and feel like a real astronaut, as well as a planetarium showing regular films on astronomy and outer space. DETAILS: Dh10 per child 2-10 years, and Dh15 for adults, or Dh40 for a family ticket (two adults and two children). There is an additional fee of Dh5 for park entry, Nol card required. Open 9am-7pm weekdays and 2-8pm Friday and Saturdays. Childrencity.dm.gov.ae, 04 334 0808. See more space themed options of fun for kids in the UAE: https://tinyurl.com/4c5xecu7
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V IS FOR VIRTUAL REALITY: While there are many indoor gaming areas that have wonderful virtual reality attractions in Dubai, perhaps the best-known is the VR Park in Dubai Mall. This indoor gaming area features 25 interactive virtual-reality and augmented-reality attractions and experiences that kids and teens will love. From the futuristic Dubai Drone VR ride, to thrilling dune bashing and stealth plane driving experiences, to the stomach-churning Burj Drop, there are also some attractions suitable for younger kids, as well as a soft play. DETAILS: Entrance is free but you pay varying amounts per ride, Vrparkdubai.com.
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W IS FOR WATER PARKS: You are spoilt for excellent waterparks in Dubai, with everything from the epic water slides and thrills of Wild Wadi in Jumeirah (pictured) and Aquaventure in Atlantis on The Palm, all the way to boutique waterpark Laguna in La Mer, Mini waterpark Splash and Party in Safa 2, and newly opened Jungle Bay in Mina Seyahi near the Marina. Dubai’s hot summer weather make waterparks the perfect way to cool off when it gets warm, and children will have a wonderful time at any of these options.
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X IS FOR X PARK JR: This tree-filled adventure playground is shaded and cool all year round, featuring sprawling wooden climbing frames set within lush vegetation, natural rocks for climbing, mud kitchen, splash area, planting area and a mini animal sanctuary featuring ponies, goats, chickens, ducks and tortoises. Quietly nestled behind Kite Beach in Jumeirah, it makes for an excellent day out with little ones big and small. DETAILS: Dh80 for two hours’ play, including two adults. Book in advance, Xparkjr.com.
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Y IS FOR YACHTS: Dubai Marina is a wonderful place to spot some of the emirate’s most breath-taking yachts, whether you view them from land or decide to rent one yourself. You could spend a packet on a tourist boat ride, or you could pay peanuts for an equally pleasant journey on the low-cost, clean and rarely busy commuter boat service that is the Dubai Water Bus. Departing from just outside Dubai Marina Mall, there are many different routes to choose from, but our favourite is the one that heads over to Marina Walk, where there are plenty of coffee shops and fountains for the children to splash in. The water bus is buggy-friendly and air conditioned, and a fine way to enjoy the marina from the water. DETAILS: Dh3-11 depending on the route, children are free, see RTA.ae for timetable and route details.
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Z IS FOR ZOOS: Dubai has closed down its old zoo and in its place is the spectacular Dubai Safari Park, which boasts a burgeoning menagerie of wild and wonderful creatures, including elephants and giraffes. Serving both as an animal reserve and an educational centre, the new Dubai Safari includes a wide range of new interactive, educational and entertainment experiences for kids, including giraffe feeding, birds show and a dedicated kids’ farm. From gorillas to hyenas, lions and tigers to hippos and lemurs, kids can marvel at the majestic wildlife relaxing on the eco-friendly facility’s specially cooled rocks, while learning about their habitats and conservation. Adults Dh50, children Dh20, under 3s free, Dubaisafari.ae.
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