Fun Things to Do in Dubai for Kids Best Activities & Fun Experiences

Why Dubai Is One of the Best Family Destinations in the World

Dubai is not just a city for adults who want to shop and eat at fancy restaurants. It is one of the most child-friendly destinations on the planet, with a huge mix of indoor and outdoor activities for kids of all ages.

Whether you are travelling with a 16-month-old toddler or a 16-year-old teenager, Dubai has something that will keep them entertained. From a desert safari with camel riding and sandboarding to world-class indoor theme parks, waterparks, interactive children’s museums, and snow slopes inside a mall, the options are almost endless.

The city also scores very high on safety. Dubai is ranked among the safest cities in the world, and all licensed attractions follow strict international child safety standards. DTCM, the Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing authority, regulates tour operators and attractions to ensure quality and safety across the board.

This guide covers every type of activity, from free things to do in Dubai with kids to premium experiences, from indoor activities for summer to outdoor adventures in winter. Every attraction, activity type, and practical tip you need is here.

Who is this guide for? This guide is for families visiting Dubai for the first time or returning for another trip. It covers activities for toddlers, school-age children, tweens, and teenagers. All recommendations are based on real family experiences and cover budget-friendly as well as premium options.

Dubai for Kids: Quick Facts
Best time to visit	November to March (18 to 26 degrees Celsius). Summer visitors should focus on indoor activities.
Top age range	All ages. Dubai caters well to babies, toddlers, school-age kids, and teenagers.
Safest city rating	Dubai is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world for families.
Top indoor option	Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, KidZania, OliOli Museum, iFly Dubai
Top outdoor option	Evening desert safari, Aquaventure Waterpark, Kite Beach, Global Village
Free highlights	Dubai Fountain show, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, public beaches, Al Fahidi Heritage Area
Licensed safaris	Always book with a DTCM-licensed operator for safety and quality guarantee.
Getting around	Dubai Metro (NOL card), taxis, and hop-on hop-off buses all work well for families.

Best Time to Visit Dubai with Kids

The best time to visit Dubai with kids is between November and March. During this period, temperatures sit between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius, making outdoor activities like beach days, desert safaris, and visits to Dubai Miracle Garden fully enjoyable.

Families visiting in summer, from June to September, can still have a great trip. The key is to plan around indoor activities and avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day.

Seasonal Breakdown for Families

November to March: Peak Family Season

• Best season for outdoor activities including desert safari, beach days, and park visits
• Dubai Miracle Garden is open only from approximately October to April
• Evening temperatures are cool and pleasant, ideal for the Dubai Fountain show and creek walks
• Book major attractions 2 to 3 months ahead during school holidays as slots fill fast

April to May and September to October: Shoulder Season

• Temperatures are warming up or cooling down, ranging from 28 to 35 degrees Celsius
• Outdoor morning activities are still manageable before midday heat
• Fewer crowds and sometimes lower hotel rates than peak winter months

June to August: Summer Season

• Outdoor temperatures regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius
• Focus entirely on indoor activities: Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, KidZania, OliOli Museum
• Many Dubai malls run special summer kids programmes and entertainment events
• Morning desert safaris are available but should only be attempted very early in the day
• Look for summer promotions including kids-go-free deals at select attractions

Practical tip for summer visits If you visit in summer, plan your outdoor time for before 9am or after 6pm. Use the Dubai Metro with your NOL card to move between air-conditioned malls and attractions without exposure to the midday heat.

Desert Safari in Dubai for Families with Kids

A desert safari is the single most talked-about activity among families who visit Dubai. It combines natural landscape, cultural experiences, and physical adventure in one trip. Most families say their children choose the desert safari as the highlight of the entire holiday.

Dubai’s desert is made up of red sand dunes that stretch across the Arabian Desert. A standard evening desert safari lasts around 6 hours, departing in the late afternoon and returning after dinner. Morning safaris run for 3 to 4 hours and are better suited for families with very young children.

What Happens on a Family Desert Safari

Dune Bashing

Dune bashing is a 4×4 ride over the red dunes at varying speeds. Drivers are experienced and adjust the intensity based on who is in the vehicle. Most reputable operators offer a gentle version specifically for families with young children. If you have a toddler or infant, ask the operator to skip the high-speed manoeuvres and take a scenic route to the desert camp instead.

Important: Some operators have age or weight restrictions for dune bashing. Always confirm child seat availability and age limits when you book.

Sandboarding

Sandboarding is the most popular activity for children on the desert safari. Think of it as snowboarding on soft sand. Children as young as 5 can enjoy it, and most families say their kids refuse to stop and would happily do it all day. Almost all desert safari packages include sandboarding, and operators usually offer discounts for children.

Camel Riding

A camel ride at the desert camp gives children who have never seen a camel up close a memorable experience. The ride is usually a short loop around the camp, guided by trained staff. Longer half-day camel treks are also available for older children who want a more immersive experience.

Desert Camp Activities

After the dunes, the safari moves to a traditional Bedouin-style desert camp. Activities and entertainment at the camp include:

• Henna tattoos on hands
• Falconry displays
• Belly dancing and Tanoura dance performances
• Live Arabic music
• Traditional Arabic coffee and dates
• BBQ dinner with Moroccan, Arab, and Emirati dishes
• Stargazing under the open desert sky
• Photo sessions in traditional Arabic dress

Types of Desert Safari for Families

Morning Desert Safari

Duration is 3 to 4 hours. Ideal for families with toddlers or babies, or for families on a tight schedule. Temperatures are cooler in the morning. You are back at the hotel by lunchtime, leaving the afternoon free for other activities.

Evening Desert Safari

Duration is around 6 hours. This is the most popular choice for families. It includes the full cultural entertainment programme and a BBQ dinner. The sunset over the dunes is a highlight that most parents say is worth the later finish time.

Overnight Desert Safari

Families stay at the desert camp overnight in comfortable tents or glamping setups. This option suits families with older children who are comfortable camping. It is not recommended for very young toddlers or infants.

Private Family Desert Safari

A private safari uses a dedicated vehicle for your family only. The driver adjusts every activity to your children’s age and comfort level. This is the safest and most flexible option for families with a wide age range of children, or with babies and toddlers.

Booking advice for families Always book your desert safari with a DTCM-licensed operator. Ask specifically about child seat availability, minimum age limits for dune bashing, the gentleness level of the off-road drive, and whether the camp has clean restroom facilities. Book 2 to 3 days in advance for peak season trips, and 1 to 2 weeks ahead during school holidays.

Theme Parks in Dubai for Kids

Dubai has some of the largest and most impressive theme parks in the world. Whether your children love Marvel superheroes, Lego bricks, Bollywood films, or Hollywood blockbusters, there is a park built around their interests.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park and one of the top family activities in Dubai. It is located around 20 minutes from Downtown Dubai and is fully air-conditioned, making it a great summer option.

The park has six adventure zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley (dinosaur zone), IMG Boulevard, The Haunted Hotel, and IMG Kids Zone. There are over two dozen rides and attractions, plus dining outlets, a cinema, climbing walls, slides, and foam pits. Children from toddlers to teenagers will find something that excites them.

• Best for: All ages. Toddlers enjoy the Kids Zone and Cartoon Network area. Older children and teenagers enjoy the Marvel rides and The Haunted Hotel.
• Location: City of Arabia, off Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
• Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially during school holidays and weekends.

Dubai Parks and Resorts

Dubai Parks and Resorts is a massive multi-theme park complex that includes Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park. There are also hotels, restaurants, and a retail area all on site, making it a destination where families can easily spend two or three full days.

• Motiongate Dubai: Hollywood-themed rides and shows based on films including The Hunger Games, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Smurfs.
• Bollywood Parks Dubai: Live performances, themed zones, and rides built around Indian cinema. The main theatre show is suitable for children of all ages.
• Legoland Dubai: Designed specifically for children aged 2 to 12, with over 40 interactive rides, building zones, and a water park. One of the best things to do in Dubai for kids under 12.
• Best for: Families with children aged 2 to 14. Plan at least one full day per park.
• Location: Entertainment City, Jebel Ali

KidZania Dubai

KidZania is an indoor edutainment city inside Dubai Mall. It is designed for children aged 2 to 16, with the optimal age range being 4 to 10. Children role-play over 40 real-world professions, including pilot, doctor, firefighter, chef, banker, and news anchor. They earn KidZos (KidZania’s own currency) by completing jobs and can spend them in the KidZania shop.

KidZania teaches children practical skills, financial literacy, and teamwork through hands-on play. It is consistently rated one of the best things to do in Dubai for kids by families from around the world.

• Plan your time: Allow at least 3 to 4 hours. Many children want to stay all day.
• Best for: Children aged 4 to 10. Toddlers from age 2 are accepted with parental supervision.
• Location: Level 2, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Global Village Dubai

Global Village is a seasonal outdoor entertainment destination that runs from approximately October to April each year. It is made up of pavilions representing over 90 countries, with cultural performances, food, rides, and shopping from around the world. It is one of the most affordable family activities in Dubai and very popular with local families.

• Best for: All ages. The rides section is great for older children and teenagers.
• Timing: Open in the evenings from around 4pm. Best visited on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

Water Parks in Dubai for Kids

Dubai has several world-class water parks. A visit to at least one waterpark is considered a must-do on any family trip to Dubai, regardless of the season, as all parks are partly or fully covered and have cooling systems in summer.

Aquaventure World at Atlantis The Palm

Aquaventure World is Dubai’s largest waterpark, located at Atlantis The Palm on Palm Jumeirah. It has over 78 rides and slides, a private beach, a river ride, multiple pools, and a splash zone specifically designed for toddlers and young children. It also includes Dolphin Bay, where children from age 8 can swim and interact with dolphins under professional supervision.

• Best for: All ages. Toddler splash zone is especially good for under-5s.
• Plan: Arrive early and head to the most popular rides before crowds build up. Lines are shorter on weekdays.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark is located near the Jumeirah Beach Hotel with views of the Burj Al Arab. It features 30 rides and attractions in a Jurassic-themed park, including the famous Jumeirah Sceirah freefall slide. It is slightly smaller than Aquaventure but very popular with families because of its compact layout and easy navigation for parents with young children.

Laguna Waterpark at La Mer

Laguna Waterpark is a beach waterpark in the La Mer area of Jumeirah. It is smaller and more relaxed than Aquaventure or Wild Wadi, making it a great choice for families with toddlers and babies. The toddler splash zone is spacious and thoughtfully designed. The park is attached to La Mer beachfront, which has restaurants, cafes, and a shopping strip nearby.

Legoland Water Park

Legoland Water Park is part of Dubai Parks and Resorts and is designed specifically for younger children aged 2 to 12. All rides are gentle and family-friendly. Children can build and race their own Lego boats, enjoy a lazy river, and splash in Lego-themed play areas. It is the best waterpark option for families with toddlers and young children who are not yet ready for big slides.

Indoor Activities for Kids in Dubai

Indoor activities are essential for families visiting Dubai in summer, but they are excellent year-round because of the sheer quality of what is available. Dubai’s indoor entertainment scene is genuinely world-class.

Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates

Ski Dubai is a real indoor ski resort inside Mall of the Emirates. It has a full 400-metre ski slope with real snow, a chairlift, mogul runs, a dedicated beginner’s area, zorbing, snow tubing, bobsledding, and a penguin encounter experience. Children who have never seen or touched snow find it a completely magical experience.

The basic ticket includes all snow clothing except gloves, so dress your children in warm layers underneath. For smaller children not yet ready to ski, there is a Snow Park with sledding, snowball areas, and a snow carousel.

• Best for: All ages. Ski lessons are available for children from age 3.
• Tip: Book the penguin encounter separately as it sells out quickly.

iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving

iFly Dubai is an indoor skydiving experience at City Centre Mirdif. Children float in a vertical wind tunnel and experience the sensation of freefall without jumping from a plane. It is suitable for children from around age 4 or 5, with some weight restrictions to check in advance.

Families who have done this consistently say it becomes their children’s single favourite activity in Dubai. It is short, intense, and absolutely unforgettable for children.

• Duration: Around 1 hour including briefing and 2 flights per person
• Tip: Book in advance as weekend slots fill up quickly

OliOli Museum

OliOli is an interactive children’s museum in Al Quoz. The name comes from the Hawaiian word for joy. The museum has 8 galleries with over 45 interactive exhibits where children are actively encouraged to touch, explore, and build things. There is no passive screen-watching here. Every exhibit is designed to spark curiosity.

Gallery themes include water play, tinkering and engineering, art, nature science, and fantasy. OliOli is one of the most genuinely educational things to do in Dubai for kids, and parents rate it very highly because children leave having genuinely learned something without realising it.

• Best for: Children aged 2 to 12
• Tip: Leave a stroller at home. The exhibits are not stroller-friendly.

Green Planet Dubai

The Green Planet is an indoor tropical rainforest in City Walk. It is a giant bio-dome that houses over 3,000 plants and animals across four levels, including birds, reptiles, bats, sloths, and tropical fish. Children can walk through the rainforest on elevated walkways and encounter free-flying birds and butterflies.

The Green Planet is one of the best educational activities in Dubai for kids because it brings natural history to life in a way that books and videos cannot. It is open year-round and is fully air-conditioned.

• Best for: Children aged 3 and above
• Location: City Walk, Jumeirah

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium at Dubai Mall is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, housing over 33,000 aquatic animals and featuring the world’s largest acrylic viewing panel. Children can see sharks, rays, and hundreds of fish species from up close.

The Underwater Zoo above the aquarium has themed zones including rainforest, living ocean, and rocky shore, with penguins, crocodiles, otters, and jellyfish. Families can also book a cage snorkelling experience or a glass-bottom boat ride over the main tank.

• Free option: The main aquarium tank can be viewed from outside for free inside Dubai Mall.

Children’s City at Creek Park

Children’s City is an educational theme park inside Creek Park designed for children aged 2 to 15. It has interactive science and technology exhibits, a planetarium, a nature centre, and a construction zone where children can build with real tools. Entry is affordable, making it one of the best budget-friendly educational activities in Dubai for kids.

The Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is a 150-metre-tall structure shaped like a picture frame straddling old and new Dubai. Children take a lift up through one of the towers and walk across a glass-floored bridge connecting the two towers. The views of both historic Dubai and modern Downtown Dubai are spectacular. On the way up, interactive displays explain the history of the city to children in an engaging way.

• Prices: Approximately AED 50 for adults, AED 20 for children
• Location: Zabeel Park, Dubai

Magic Planet

Magic Planet is an indoor arcade and gaming venue with branches across Dubai’s major malls, including Mall of the Emirates. It features arcade games, indoor rides, simulators, and a trampoline area. It is a reliable, easy, budget-friendly option for an entertaining couple of hours when children need to burn energy and parents need a break.

Bounce Trampoline Park

Bounce in Dubai is a 4,500-square-metre trampoline park with over 120 interconnected trampolines, a ninja course, dodgeball courts, slam-dunk hoops, and a foam pit. It is open to children over the age of 2, with adult supervision required for under-12s. Weekend and school holiday slots sell out fast, so book online in advance.

Outdoor Activities for Kids in Dubai

Between October and April, Dubai’s outdoor options are outstanding. The city has excellent beaches, parks, wildlife sanctuaries, heritage areas, and adventure zones that give children a well-rounded experience beyond the indoor theme parks.

Beaches for Kids in Dubai

Kite Beach, Jumeirah

Kite Beach is one of the most popular beaches for families in Dubai. It has soft sand, calm water, clean facilities, and a beachfront strip with food outlets. There are outdoor rides, obstacle courses, and an aerial adventure zone for older children. The beach gets busy on weekends, so arrive early or visit on a weekday.

La Mer Beach, Jumeirah

La Mer is a beachfront lifestyle destination built around converted shipping containers. It combines a clean beach with restaurants, cafes, a waterpark (Laguna Waterpark), and a small funfair. It is particularly good for families with toddlers because of its relaxed layout and easy access to facilities.

JBR Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence

JBR Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence is a long, well-maintained stretch of beach adjacent to The Walk, a pedestrianised entertainment strip. Children enjoy the beach, the street performers, and the street art installations along The Walk. There are also watersports available for older children and teenagers.

Dubai Creek and Abra Rides

A trip on a traditional wooden abra water taxi across Dubai Creek is one of the cheapest and most memorable things to do in Dubai with children. The ride costs just a few dirhams and crosses the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira. It is a genuine slice of old Dubai life and gives children a totally different perspective on the city compared to the modern towers they see from the highway.

Combine the abra ride with a walk through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood on the Bur Dubai side, where traditional wind tower houses, narrow alleyways, and the Coins Museum bring Emirati history to life for children.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a free nature reserve at the edge of Dubai Creek that is home to over 20,000 water birds. The flamingos are the star attraction and are clearly visible from the viewing hides. It is one of the few places in Dubai where children can experience genuine wildlife in a natural habitat. Bring binoculars if you have them, and pack a picnic breakfast to eat at the hide.

Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, covering 72,000 square metres with over 150 million flowers planted in elaborate shapes and structures. It is open from approximately October to April each year. Children enjoy the giant floral sculptures, the butterfly garden next door (which is open year-round as it is fully indoor), and the Disney-themed floral displays.

Hatta Mountain Activities

Hatta is a mountain enclave of Dubai located around 1.5 hours from the city. It offers a completely different landscape from the desert and is ideal for active families with older children. Activities in Hatta include kayaking and pedal boating on the Hatta Dam, mountain biking on graded trails, zip-lining at the adventure hub, and hiking in the Hajar Mountains. The Hatta Heritage Village gives children a window into traditional mountain Emirati life.

Free Things to Do in Dubai with Kids

Dubai has a reputation for being expensive, but there is a very solid range of free activities for families. With smart planning, you can fill several full days without spending a dirham on entry fees.

Dubai Fountain Show

The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, located on the Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai. Evening shows run every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm daily. Afternoon shows run at 1pm, 1:30pm, and 2pm on weekdays, and from 1:30pm on Fridays. The show is completely free to watch from the waterfront promenade. For the best view, arrive 10 minutes before the show and stand on the boardwalk closest to the fountain.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Al Fahidi is Dubai’s oldest surviving neighbourhood, featuring traditional wind tower houses, narrow lanes, and small galleries and museums. Entry to the neighbourhood is free. The Coins Museum inside Al Fahidi displays over 470 coins from different historical eras at no charge. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding nearby offers free heritage tours and mosque visits for families.

Dubai Mall Without Paying Entry

You can spend hours inside Dubai Mall without paying for anything. The mall itself has the Dubai Aquarium tank viewable for free, a large outdoor terrace for watching the fountain, a dinosaur skeleton in the souk area, and multiple toy store play areas including Early Learning Centre and Pottery Barn Kids where children can try toys. The Hamleys store also runs regular free magic shows and character appearances.

Mushrif Park and Creek Park

Dubai’s large public parks are well-maintained, shaded, and free or very affordable to enter. Mushrif Park in Mirdif has a section with 13 traditional-style miniature houses from around the world that toddlers love. Creek Park runs along Dubai Creek and has cycling tracks, playgrounds, and picnic areas. On weekends, bring a ball, a kite, or a badminton set and make a morning of it.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (Free Entry)

As mentioned above, Ras Al Khor is completely free to visit. It is one of the few genuinely no-cost nature experiences in the city.

Cultural Experiences in Dubai for Kids

Dubai sits at the centre of conservative Islam and Emirati heritage. Exposing children to this culture is one of the most valuable parts of a family trip, and it is easier than most parents expect.

Desert Camp Cultural Activities

A visit to a Bedouin-style desert camp during an evening safari gives children exposure to traditional Emirati culture in an accessible and entertaining way. Activities like henna tattoos, watching a falconry display, seeing a Tanoura dance, and eating Emirati food around a campfire are things that children remember for years.

Visiting a Souk

The Gold Souk in Deira and the Spice Souk next to it are fascinating sensory experiences for children. The smells, sounds, colours, and textures of a traditional spice market are completely different from a shopping mall. Let older children try to count how many different spices they can identify.

Dress Code Awareness for Children

Children can wear shorts and casual clothing at beaches, theme parks, malls, and most tourist attractions in Dubai. When visiting mosques, heritage areas, or traditional souks, children should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Respecting local customs is important and teaches children an important lesson about cultural awareness.

Dubai Frame: Connecting Old and New Dubai

The Dubai Frame is not just a viewing platform. Its internal exhibition tells the story of how Dubai transformed from a small fishing village into a modern global city. For school-age children interested in history, geography, or urban development, it is a genuinely interesting visit rather than just a photo stop.

Dubai Kids Activities by Age Group

Babies and Toddlers (0 to 3 years)

• Laguna Waterpark toddler splash zone
• Legoland Water Park gentle rides
• OliOli Museum interactive galleries
• La Mer beachfront with stroller access
• Creek Park and Mushrif Park outdoor play
• Dubai Butterfly Garden (fully indoor, air-conditioned)
• Morning desert safari (private vehicle, skip dune bashing)
• Dubai Fountain evening show (free, stroller-friendly promenade)

Young Children (4 to 8 years)

• KidZania role-play city (aged 4 to 8 is the sweet spot)
• Legoland Dubai (perfect age range for this park)
• OliOli Museum
• Green Planet indoor rainforest
• Ski Dubai snow park and beginner ski lessons
• iFly indoor skydiving (from age 4 to 5)
• Evening desert safari with sandboarding and camel riding
• Aquaventure Waterpark
• Children’s City at Creek Park

Older Children (9 to 12 years)

• IMG Worlds of Adventure
• Dubai Parks and Resorts (Motiongate, Bollywood Parks)
• Aquaventure including Dolphin Bay (from age 8)
• Wild Wadi Waterpark
• KidZania (still great up to age 12)
• Ski Dubai full ski slope and zip line
• Desert safari with full dune bashing
• Hatta mountain biking and kayaking

Teenagers (13 to 17 years)

• IMG Worlds of Adventure thrill rides and The Haunted Hotel
• Motiongate Dubai roller coasters
• Wild Wadi Waterpark freefall slides
• iFly indoor skydiving
• Hatta zip-lining and hiking
• Ski Dubai advanced slopes and zip line
• Topgolf at Emirates Golf Club
• Escape rooms such as Brain Game Dubai
• Bounce ninja course and trampoline park
• JBR beach and watersports

Family Itineraries for Dubai with kids

3-Day Dubai Family Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown Dubai and the Aquarium

• Morning: Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
• Midday: Lunch at Dubai Mall food court
• Afternoon: Dubai Frame at Zabeel Park
• Evening: Dubai Fountain show (free) from the waterfront promenade

Day 2: Water Park Day

• Full day at Aquaventure World, Atlantis The Palm
• Include the toddler splash zone for young children
• Dinner at Atlantis or head back to hotel

Day 3: Evening Desert Safari

• Morning: free for hotel pool or beach
• Afternoon: KidZania or OliOli Museum
• Late afternoon: Pick-up for evening desert safari
• Evening: Dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding, desert camp dinner

5-Day Dubai Family Itinerary

Day 1: Downtown Dubai

• Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Mall exploration, Dubai Fountain evening show

Day 2: Aquaventure Waterpark

• Full day at Atlantis The Palm. Optional: add Dolphin Bay for children aged 8 and above

Day 3: Theme Park

• IMG Worlds of Adventure for all ages. Or Legoland Dubai for families with younger children

Day 4: Desert Safari

• Morning free. Evening desert safari with full camp dinner and cultural entertainment

Day 5: Culture and Heritage

• Al Fahidi Heritage Area and abra ride across Dubai Creek
• Spice Souk and Gold Souk walk
• Afternoon: Ski Dubai or Green Planet
• Evening: Kite Beach sunset

Practical Planning Tips for Families in Dubai

Getting Around Dubai with Kids

The Dubai Metro is clean, air-conditioned, affordable, and child-friendly. Buy a NOL card at any metro station and top it up as needed. Children under 5 travel free. The metro connects major hubs including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and JBR.

For journeys to attractions not on the metro route, taxis are widely available, metered, and reasonably priced. Uber is also available. For a full day out at a single destination like Dubai Parks and Resorts or Atlantis, book a car or taxi in advance.

The hop-on hop-off bus is a fun option for families doing sightseeing. Children find the open-top deck exciting and it covers most major landmarks.

Go City Pass for Families

The Go City Pass gives access to over 70 Dubai attractions with savings of up to 50 percent compared to buying tickets individually. You have 60 days to use the pass from the date of your first visit. It covers major attractions including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and more. For families planning 4 or more paid attractions, it usually represents good value.

Child Safety Tips for Dubai Activities

• Always book desert safaris with a DTCM-licensed operator and confirm child seat availability
• Check minimum age and height requirements for rides and dune bashing before booking
• Carry a basic first-aid kit for outdoor activities, especially in summer
• Bring extra water, sunscreen SPF 50, and hats for all outdoor activities
• For waterparks, apply waterproof sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours
• Keep children hydrated in the desert: bring bottled water and avoid fizzy drinks
• Keep your hotel address on a card in your child’s pocket or bag when out in the city

How Much Does a Day Out in Dubai Cost?

Costs vary significantly by activity. Here is a rough guide per person in UAE dirhams (AED):

• Evening desert safari: AED 150 to AED 300 per adult, discounted for children. Private safaris cost more.
• KidZania: AED 130 to AED 180 per child. Adults pay a lower guardian rate.
• IMG Worlds of Adventure: AED 200 to AED 350 per person
• Aquaventure Waterpark: AED 330 per adult, AED 280 for children aged 3 to 7, free for under 3
• Ski Dubai: AED 200 to AED 380 depending on the ticket package
• Dubai Frame: AED 50 per adult, AED 20 per child
• Green Planet: AED 80 to AED 130 per person
• OliOli Museum: AED 115 to AED 135 per child. One guardian is free per child ticket.
• Free options: Dubai Fountain, Al Fahidi, public beaches, Ras Al Khor sanctuary, Creek Park

Frequently Asked Questions: Dubai with Kids

Is Dubai good for kids?

Yes. Dubai is one of the most child-friendly destinations in the world. It has world-class theme parks, waterparks, indoor attractions, desert safaris, beaches, and cultural experiences for children of all ages. Safety standards are strictly regulated, and the city is consistently ranked among the safest urban destinations globally.

What is the best time to visit Dubai with kids?

November to March is the ideal time. Temperatures range from 18 to 26 degrees Celsius and all outdoor activities including desert safaris, beach days, and park visits are comfortable. Families visiting in summer should focus on indoor activities and plan any outdoor time for early morning or after sunset.

Is a desert safari safe for young children and toddlers?

Yes, when booked with a DTCM-licensed operator. For toddlers and very young children, choose a morning safari or a private evening safari where the driver can skip dune bashing and take a scenic route to the desert camp instead. Confirm that a child seat is available before booking.

What can kids do in Dubai for free?

Free activities include watching the Dubai Fountain show every evening, exploring Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, visiting Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary (free entry), walking through Dubai Mall without paying for any attraction, and spending time at public beaches such as Kite Beach and JBR Beach.

What is the best indoor activity for kids in Dubai in summer?

Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates is the most unique indoor option. IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park and suits all ages. KidZania is excellent for children aged 4 to 10. OliOli Museum and the Green Planet are great for educational indoor visits.

Can toddlers enjoy Dubai?

Yes, absolutely. Laguna Waterpark has a dedicated toddler splash zone. OliOli Museum has interactive galleries for very young children. KidZania accepts children from age 2. Dubai Butterfly Garden is fully indoor and toddler-friendly. A morning desert safari with a private vehicle is also manageable for toddlers with the right operator.

How many days do you need in Dubai with kids?

A minimum of 3 days allows you to cover one major attraction, a waterpark, and a desert safari. Five days gives you enough time to add a theme park, a cultural day, and a beach day without feeling rushed. Seven or more days lets you explore at a relaxed pace and includes day trips to Hatta or Abu Dhabi.

What is KidZania Dubai?

KidZania is an indoor edutainment city inside Dubai Mall where children aged 2 to 16 role-play over 40 real-world professions. Children earn the park’s own currency, KidZos, by completing jobs and can spend it in the KidZania shop. Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for a visit.

What water parks are in Dubai for kids?

The main options are Aquaventure World at Atlantis The Palm, Wild Wadi Waterpark near Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Laguna Waterpark at La Mer, and Legoland Water Park at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Legoland Water Park is the best choice for families with toddlers and young children.

Is Dubai safe for children?

Dubai is among the safest cities in the world. All licensed attractions and tour operators are regulated by DTCM and follow international child safety standards. Family-friendly hotels provide dedicated child facilities, and child car seats are available from reputable licensed operators.

Can children wear shorts in Dubai?

Yes. Children can wear shorts and casual clothing at beaches, theme parks, malls, and most tourist attractions. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is appropriate when visiting mosques, heritage areas, and traditional souks.

What is the minimum age for dune bashing on a desert safari?

Most licensed operators set their own age and weight limits for dune bashing. Very young children and infants should skip the dune bashing portion entirely. Ask your operator to drive gently and scenically to the desert camp instead. Most operators are flexible when booking a private safari for a family with young children.

What educational activities are there for kids in Dubai?

OliOli Museum has 8 interactive galleries built around science, art, and engineering. Children’s City at Creek Park covers technology and nature. The Dubai Frame has historical exhibits on Dubai’s development. Green Planet explores tropical ecosystems. KidZania teaches career skills and financial literacy through role-play.

How much does it cost to visit Dubai with kids?

Costs vary. A desert safari for a family of four runs approximately AED 600 to AED 1,200. A day at Aquaventure is around AED 280 to AED 330 per person. KidZania is approximately AED 130 to AED 180 per child. Several free activities including public beaches, the Dubai Fountain show, and heritage walks keep daily costs manageable when mixed with paid attractions.

What is the best theme park in Dubai for kids?

For families with children under 12, Legoland Dubai is the most age-appropriate theme park. For older children and mixed-age families, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the top choice as it covers the widest range of zones and rides. KidZania is the best option if the priority is an educational experience alongside entertainment.

Final Thoughts: Planning Your Family Trip to Dubai

Dubai genuinely delivers on its promise as a family destination. The combination of world-class indoor attractions, a stunning desert landscape, excellent beaches, and a very high standard of safety makes it one of the easiest places in the world to take children.

The key to a great family trip is matching your activities to your children’s ages and interests, building in rest time between big days out, and booking major experiences in advance, especially for school holiday and weekend dates.

Whether you are planning a 3-day stopover or a 10-day family holiday, use the itineraries and activity lists in this guide as your starting point. Every recommendation here is chosen because it gives children a real, memorable experience, not just a photo opportunity.

Dubai with kids is genuinely one of the best family holidays you can take. Plan well, book in advance, and enjoy every part of it.

About DXB Tourisma DXB Tourisma is a DTCM-licensed tour operator based in Dubai. We offer a full range of family-friendly experiences including desert safaris, city tours, Abu Dhabi day trips, and private family packages. All our drivers are certified, all vehicles are child-seat equipped, and all our tours are designed to work for families with children of all ages. Contact us to build a custom family itinerary for your Dubai trip.