Dubai Family Fun: Kid-Friendly Adventures

Looking at a trip to Dubai and wondering if it’s family-friendly? Thought Dubai is undoubtedly a paradise for adults who love shopping, eating out, and dancing the night away, there’s plenty on offer for the little ones too.

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3.2min read

Published 17 July 2024

Flight Centre Author

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Looking at a trip to Dubai and wondering if it’s family-friendly? Thought Dubai is undoubtedly a paradise for adults who love shopping, eating out, and dancing the night away, there’s plenty on offer for the little ones too.


If you’re looking at family holidays, you’ll probably want to get into the nitty-gritty of what this Middle Eastern gem has to offer. With activities ranging from theme parks to beaches to cultural attractions, here are some can’t-miss family activities in Dubai that will have you hitting ‘book now’ on those flights and hotels faster than you can blink.


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Dubai

United Arab Emirates

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Expert tip

Set aside some time to spend at your hotel - most of them are destinations in their own right and have lots of amenities that you can use. Plus Dubai is HOT - if your hotel has a pool, you'll want to spend some time in it!

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Exploring Family Friendly Attractions in Dubai

One of your first stops when it comes to kid-friendly sights is the Dubai Marina. It’s a man-made canal city with everything from restaurants to malls and beaches. This waterfront hotspot ticks all the boxes for family entertainment, similar to Cape Town’s famous V&A – but bigger. You could get some of the energy out with a walk along the promenade or hop on a boat for tour of Dubai from the vantage point of the water. If you’re hungry, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants to grab a bite to eat at. It’s a good place to start your Dubai trip or grab a bite at one of the many cafes lining the marina.

Thrills and Chills at Theme Parks

Given Dubai is purpose built for entertainment, it’s no surprise that you’ll find some world quality theme parks and rides. We’ve never met a kid that didn’t get excited about a good rollercoaster or a competitive game of bumper cars! If you’re looking for family-friendly theme parks in Dubai, try one of these options:

  • Legoland Dubai: For the Lego-lovers and mini architects in the family, Legoland Dubai is the place to be. With rides, attractions, and even a water park dedicated to one of the most famous toys of the last century, there's no shortage of entertainment here. And don’t worry – the rides are fun for adults too!
  • Bollywood Parks Dubai: the first Bollywood-themed theme park in the world has been really popular with visitors to Dubai. Join in on the fun and check out everything from behind-the-scenes info on the Bollywood movie scene to fun rides and of course, plenty of delicious food too.
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark: When the temperatures soar, there's no better place to cool off than Wild Wadi Waterpark. From adrenaline-pumping slides to lazy rivers, there's something for everyone here. So grab your swimsuits and get ready to make a splash!
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure Dubai: Sometimes, Dubai heat can be overwhelming, no matter how many water rides you go on. That’s where the IMG Worlds of Adventure comes in. It’s a giant indoor amusement park which boasts five separate entertainment zones.

You could also head to neighbouring Abu Dhabi and check out Ferrari World Abu Dhabi for some racing-themed excitement. Strap in for a ride on Formula Rossa, the world's fastest rollercoaster, or test your skills on the racing simulators. It's sure to get your heart racing – in a good way!

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dubai
dubai

Dubai’s Cultural and Educational Attractions for Kids

To balance up the adrenaline-fuelled activities, there are also some cultural and educational stops you should make on a tour of Dubai with kids. The Dubai Museum is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, and is a really interactive museum which gives you an insight into Dubai’s past without getting too boring for the little ones.

The Dubai Aquarium is another must-do for families travelling with kids in Dubai. It’s bang in the middle of Dubai Mall, so you can easily combine it with a shopping trip. There are over 300 sharks in this aquarium, tens of thousands of marine animals, a tunnel through the water, and even an ‘underwater zoo.’

And of course, you can't visit Dubai without paying a visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Head up to the observation deck for jaw-dropping views of the city skyline. This is an experience you'll definitely want to capture on camera!

Beach Bliss and Outdoor Adventures

Where better to entertain kids than outdoors? Beach holidays are a family favourite for good reason, but you don’t have to stick to South African shores for a coastal getaway. Dubai is home to loads of incredible manmade beaches, which give you safe spaces for kids to swim and play.

Jumeirah Beach looks like it came straight out of a postcard, with pristine white sands and clear blue waters. It’s a really good spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Families can enjoy picnics on the beach, build sandcastles, or just enjoy some time walking along the shore. If you want something a bit more action-filled, Kite Beach is the place to be. Named after the colourful kites that dot the sky, this beach is a hotspot for kite surfing, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball. With its vibrant atmosphere and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab, Kite Beach is a favourite among locals and tourists alike. If you have teenagers, they’ll have a great time spending a day here!

But there’s another obvious place to spend time outdoors in Dubai – in the desert! Dunebashing and sandboarding are fun activities for the adventurous families out there, but there are also more sedate options like a desert safari or a trip up the dunes to take photos.

Ready to embark on your Dubai family adventure? Book your Dubai holiday package today and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!

 



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