Dubai is a land of unbelievable architectural delights, shopping attractions, and of course, a ‘playground’ for adults. Along with this, it’s also a cool destination to travel with family and kids. So whether you’re planning a short or extended stay, here are top things to do in Dubai with kids.
Head to ‘At The Top’ for city skyline views.
Dubai is a destination that mostly thrives on its avant-garde urbanism architecture. And the best and fuss-free way to catch it all is to ascend the stunning viewing decks at Burj Khalifa’s 124th and 148th levels.
Looking for more solid reasons to visit here?
It’s in the uber-stylish Downtown Dubai and mostly, the world’s tallest building at a height of about 830 meters. Beyond the exquisite panoramic views of Dubai, you’ll get to experience one of the world’s fastest elevator rides!
The bonus is a multimedia presentation of Dubai’s inspiring and humble past. So do visit here. Your family will definitely enjoy it!
Experience Outdoor Fun Like Never Before.
From horseback riding and cycling to helicopter rides, there are tons of outdoor things to do in Dubai with kids. But if your little tykes want to do it with a refreshing twist, you can’t go wrong with the following:
- XDubai Slingshot: Conducted at Kite Beach. the world’s fastest human slingshot is an absolute must-try for the adventurist. Feel the jaw-dropping 4G force as it reaches up to a speed of 100 kilometers per hour in less than a second. This is
- XLine Dubai: This allows you to experience the world’s longest zipline adventure, which interestingly is the steepest and swiftest as well. So gear up to fly like Superman as you fly over Dubai’s contemporary architectural wonders and opulent yachts at a speed of about 80 kilometers per hour.
- Aventura Park: Whether you’re looking to swing like Tarzan or want to have the most adventurous rendezvous with nature, visit the 35,000-square-meter Aventura Park, which is set within Mushrif Park. Overall, it has five circuits offering more than 80 heart-racing challenges like rope swinging, tree climbing, bridge balancing, and zipline courses.
Admire Dubai from the water.
Dubai is best experienced from the water. And we’re sure that your kids would agree. Just pick the right cruise that goes with your family’s preferences.
- Dhow Cruise: This is a timeless cruise which lets you glide by Dubai’s waterfront sights in a traditional Arabian dhow. The nature of this cruise is laid-back and lasts for roughly two hours. Complete with buffet dining and live traditional shows like Tanoura, this cruise is conducted both at Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina.
- RIB Cruise: This takes you on a heart-racing cruise onboard a rigid inflatable boat. True to its imagination, it promises you a speedy, nerve-wracking cruise across Dubai’s astonishing coastline.
- Yacht Cruise: Feel like a celebrity as you sail around the city’s marvelous attractions in a luxury yacht fitted with the most stylish comforts. You can hire a yacht on an hourly basis.
- Wonder Bus Tour: This goes way beyond a sightseeing cruise. With an exhilarating ride through both land and water, it guarantees you a thrilling amphibious adventure, making it a must-try for your little ones.
Visit the Dubai Mall.
While you can visit the Dubai Mall on the same day of your Burj Khalifa visit, we’re sure that you’d definitely come back asking for more, thanks to its many exciting attractions, which are ideal for all ages.
These are apart from the more than 1,000 shopping venues and 200 plus dining outlets.
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: The world’s largest suspended aquarium holds more than 33,000 marine creatures in its colossal 10-million-liter water tank. It’s especially a treat to watch them with exclusive experiences like cage snorkeling, glass-bottom boat riding, and diving with sharks. There is an underwater zoo with some fascinating inhabitants like king crocs that weigh more than 750 kilograms (1,650 lbs).
- KidZania Dubai: This is one of the ultimate Dubai attractions for kids of all ages. From pilot and medical practitioners to fashion designers and bakers, they can try all their favorite professions at KidZania Dubai Mall and get paid as well (by way of KidZos.)
- Dubai Ice Rink: This one-of-its-kind destination allows your family to have real authentic winter fun in the middle of a desert city. Just pick the right package to twirl around this Olympic-sized ice skating rink.
- VR Park Dubai: This is a fun zone in the mall where you can experience the most innovative rides and games in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality.
- Hysteria Dubai Mall: How about some spooky fun and thrill during your Dubai holidays? Hysteria is sure to exceed your imaginations.
- Ekaart Zabeel: It’s the region’s first facility where you can ride the most sophisticated electric go-karts in a safe, indoor setting. Anyone above 14 years can hit this racing track.
- Dubai Fountain Show: Adjacent to the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, this strikingly choreographed water show is one of Dubai’s unmissable attractions. You don’t have to pay anything to watch unless you opt to go for an abra lake ride or take the Dubai Fountain Bridge.
Visit Dubai’s exciting theme parks.
Visiting a theme park is one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids. You’ll never have to worry about them being bored, as theme park visits are always a fun thing to do in Dubai with kids.
Here are recommended theme parks to visit:
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: It’s one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks. More than that, this is where you can experience a string of cool, milder, and heart-stopping rides across its four zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley and IMG Boulevard.
- Dubai Parks and Resorts: It’s the UAE’s first integrated resort which comes with a complete package for theme park lovers. It’s courtesy of its four amazing parks! Start at Motiongate Dubai, which is the largest of all four and enthralls you with Hollywood-inspired rides and attractions. Bollywood Parks Dubai is equally lively with its colorful rides and shows based on classic Hindi movies. LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park are perfect for families with kids from 2 to 12 years old.
- Mattel Play! Town Dubai: Take your kids to this park built around the Eduplay concept and rest assured that they will enjoy every bit of this kids’ wonderland.
- Ski Dubai: This distinct theme park at the Mall of the Emirates is where you can beat the heat with real snow. And of course, you’ll get to enjoy all your favorite winter activities like skiing, snowboarding and more.
Go on a desert safari.
Adventurists and nature lovers shouldn’t leave Dubai without taking a desert safari. This is nothing but mostly a guided travel to Dubai’s pristine desert landscape where you can unleash your wild side.
Enjoy dune bashing in a 4X4 wheel, set out on a camel ride, and participate in many cultural experiences such as falconry, Shisha smoking, and henna tattooing.
Add BBQ dining and traditional entertainment like Tanoura and belly dancing when you choose an evening desert safari or overnight desert safari.
Try indoor attractions.
It’s not just outdoors or theme parks that promise you untainted fun and adventure in Dubai. Visit one of these attractions which prove that you and your group can still have amusement and thrill without any fancy props or rides.
- iFly Dubai: This indoor flying adventure at Mirdif City Centre is made for those who don’t want to take to real skies or jump out of the aircraft from dizzying heights. Yes, it allows you to enjoy skydiving indoors within a safe environment.
- Escape Rooms: No matter whether you want to ditch your usual theme park rides or looking to have a quality adventure that would engage all members in your family, head over to one of the city’s many escape rooms where you can unlock your detective skills in an exhilarating environment. Escape Hunt Dubai, Escape Reality Dubai, Hinthunt, and Phobia Dubai are some of them.
Have splashing fun at water parks.
There are ample options if you wish to make a splash in Dubai’s water. From relaxed and milder to the most exhilarating, you can sign up for a wide spectrum of water activities.
Jet skiing, kayaking, parasailing, flyboarding and banana boat ride are just a few to name. If it’s unimaginable for you to experience aquatic fun without daring rides, Dubai has you covered.
Just make your way to amazing water parks such as Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis, Aquaventure The Palm, Wild Wadi, and Laguna Water Park, which has the region’s ultimate surfing attraction.
Have edutainment experiences.
These attractions assure you of wholesome fun and entertainment with loads of learning experience.
- Green Planet: This indoor attraction at the City Walk Dubai is the Middle East’s first bio-dome. It’s like walking into the Amazon rainforest, allowing you to discover over 3000 unique flora and fauna species.
- Dubai Garden Glow: This is a true eco haven which wins you over with its inspiring theme and remarkable art exhibits created using biodegradable materials. This is open only during winter months and can be found inside Dubai’s Zabeel Park.
- Dubai Miracle Garden: It may seem impossible to create an oasis of colorful blooming flowers and lush greenery in the middle of the desert. But Dubai has made this possible effortlessly and the outcome is Dubai Miracle Garden with millions of flowers arranged in a spectrum of design and shapes in its 72,000-square-meter facility.
- Museum of Illusions: This is another awesome place to visit with your family. From kaleidoscope and head on the platter to the Chair Illusion and Vortex Tunnel, you’ll find here several mind-bending exhibits which are certain to puzzle and entertain kids and adults alike.
Other attractions
No two trips to Dubai are the same. This is because of the city’s ever-dynamic settings with something new or exciting being built constantly. Not to be missed are:
- Bluewaters Island: This is one of Dubai’s newest waterfront locales with a fresh crop of sights to take your breath away. You can soon expect to enjoy here the world’s biggest observation wheel (Ain Dubai), capture snaps with your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Museum, and take in the world-class entertainment within Rotunda Dubai (at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Island), among others.
- Palm Fountain Show: The recently unveiled fountain show at Palm Jumeirah’s Pointe has already become a record-breaking attraction as the world’s largest fountain show.
There is something for every preference in Dubai. So on your next trip to Dubai, use this guide to plan, prepare, and experience a Dubai family vacation that you will never forget.
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