A little over 11 years ago on our way to adopt our son from Ethiopia, we had a 4 day stopover in Dubai. We instantly fell in love with this amazing city and have since returned several times including last year on the way to Maldives. There are so many things to do in Dubai with kids, you’ll find epic shopping malls, awe-inspiring architecture, and tons of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Dubai is a city of culture and glamour. You’ll find a mixture of eastern and western food, shopping, and activities. We found more things to do in Dubai with kids then we originally thought we would.
What many people never talk about is how kid-friendly Dubai is. There are plenty of ways to spend time with the whole family and create a trip that your little ones will remember. If you’re stressing out about creating the best itinerary possible for your upcoming Dubai trip, let us help as we just finished planning a return visit as part of our must luxurious places to stay in the world series.
Check out some of our top things to do in Dubai with kids to get some ideas for your next family adventure!
Do A Desert Dune Tour and Ride a Camel
If you’re visiting the desert, your trip is never truly complete without a camel tour. Riding a camel is a special experience that you can only find in few places throughout the world and it is 100% worth it. Plus, exploring the dunes on camelback can be fun for the entire family! Of course, if you have very young children, you should probably consider doing a shorter tour.
Check out this tour, as you can also enjoy quads and sandboarding when not on camelback.
Ski Inside a Mall
The last thing that you prepare for when traveling to the desert is a snowy ski experience. However, the Mall of Emirates has an insanely epic indoor ski area that is perfect for the whole family. Weren’t planning on bringing your goggles, boots, or skis? No worries! Everything that you need for skiing can be rented in the mall.
It might just be one of the most interesting experiences available in Dubai and a must-try for families who don’t get to see the snow very often.
Visit a Water Park – Legoland, Wild Wadi or Atlantis
You’ll find three major water parks in Dubai, including Aquaventure Atlantis, Wild Wadi, and Legoland Water Park Dubai. Just a few miles from Dubai is Abu Dhabi, which is also home to a water park known as Yas Waterworld.
Regardless of how long you plan on staying in Dubai, you will likely feel the heat at one point. One of the best ways to cool down is by getting out to the water park. Your kids will enjoy the big slides while you can spend time relaxing in the lazy river.
See The Dancing Fountains
A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without seeing the spectacular dancing fountains. The entire family can enjoy the wondrous light show from the fountains that sit at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. It’s absolutely jaw-dropping.
Three are a few shows that take place in the early afternoon. For evening viewers, you’ll find shows every half-hour beginning at 6 pm. We recommend going during the evening, as the fountains are far more impressive after the sun goes down.
Enjoy The Beach
There are so many great beaches in Dubai that finding the best one can be difficult. Even if you’re not an ocean person, you can’t see Dubai without hanging out on some of its spectacular beaches. There are a few hotels that have private and general beach access, which you can look for when finding the perfect hotel.
Marina Beach is near The Walk, which is a fabulous, family-friendly beach with tons of surrounding playgrounds and lawn space for your kids to run around.
Visit Motiongate Theme Park
One of the new things we are adding to our things to do in Dubai with kids is Motiongate Theme Park. This is one of the coolest theme parks in all of Dubai and provides a unique way for visitors to enjoy an incredible journey through the world of films.
With innovative storytelling and creative rides, your family will get a deeper look into some of the top movies from Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and Columbia. You’ll also get to walk through the magical world of The Smurfs, enjoy seven action-packed rides, and have fun in the interactive play zones.
Visit Atlantis (The Ultimate Place to Stay with Kids)
If you’re looking for endless fun in the sun, we recommend taking a trip to Atlantis at The Palm. Here you’ll find a wide variety of activities, including the waterpark, aquarium, and amazing restaurants. You can even book a swim with the dolphins too! The architecture here is absolutely astounding as well. If you pick the right room while staying at The Palm, you’ll get panoramic views of the famous palm, as well as the surrounding beaches.
Head To The Top of The World’s Tallest Building
The Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building and a must-visit attraction when you are staying in Dubai. There is no doubt that your kids will be impressed with the experience. The building sits over 2,720 feet high, which is just slightly over half a mile. Be careful, you might get a kink in your neck trying to look at the top of the building from the bottom.
We recommend visiting the Burj Khalifa in the evening and getting sunset tickets, as you’ll get an incredible view of the city from the top. Yes, it isn’t a cheap experience by any means, though when in Dubai, you have to be prepared to spend a bit of money to get the full experience.
Visit the World’s Largest Shopping Mall
One of the most popular attractions in Dubai is a walk through the Dubai Mall. Considering the fact that it is the largest mall in the world, you won’t ever walk by the same store twice. You can escape the heat of the desert and keep the kids entertained. There are year-round activities taking place in the mall and plenty of cool statues, artifacts, and attractions to see while you’re in there.
Ride an Abra
There are plenty of transportation options when it comes to exploring Dubai, though you may consider taking an Abra (a traditional wooden boat), if you’re looking for a unique experience. You’ll get to look at the glamorous city of Dubai from an ancient perspective, all while enjoying a mellow ride on the water.
Check out our trip to Dubai with one of our munchkins here!
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