Things to Do in Dubai with Family 2026 Activities Attractions & Day Trips
Dubai is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. It has theme parks, waterparks, desert safaris, beaches, indoor ski slopes, aquariums, cultural heritage sites, and some of the safest public spaces on the planet. You can take kids of any age here and find more than enough to keep everyone happy.
This guide covers the best things to do in Dubai with family. We have organised it by activity type so you can plan your trip based on what your kids enjoy most. Each section includes practical details like ticket prices, age recommendations, and booking tips.
Whether you are coming for a week-long holiday or planning a long weekend, this guide gives you everything you need to plan a memorable family trip to Dubai.
| Quick Answer The top family activities in Dubai are: desert safari, Burj Khalifa At the Top, Dubai Mall (Aquarium + Ice Rink), Ski Dubai, KidZania, LEGOLAND, Aquaventure Waterpark, and Global Village. For the best weather, visit between November and April. |
Desert Safari Dubai with Family
A desert safari is the most popular family activity in Dubai. Nothing else combines adventure, culture, and entertainment in a single outing the way a desert safari does. Most families say it is the highlight of their entire trip.
You head out into the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve or Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve in a 4×4 vehicle. The driver takes you over the golden sand dunes in what is called dune bashing. Then you stop at a Bedouin-style desert camp where the real family fun begins.
What is included in a family desert safari
- Dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle
- Camel riding for kids and adults
- Sandboarding down the sand dunes
- Falconry show and falcon handling
- Tanoura dance, belly dancing, and fire shows
- Henna painting for kids
- Traditional Arabic dress photography
- BBQ dinner under the stars
- Unlimited Arabic coffee, dates, and soft drinks
Desert safari types for families
Evening desert safari: The most popular option for families. Runs from approximately 3pm to 9pm. Cooler temperatures make it comfortable for children. Includes the full camp entertainment and BBQ dinner.
Morning desert safari: A shorter 3 to 4 hour experience. Good for families with young children who cannot manage a late evening out. Includes dune bashing and sandboarding but no dinner.
Private desert safari: The best option if you have toddlers or babies. A private safari means you control the pace, you can request child car seats, and the driver adjusts dune bashing intensity to suit your group.
Overnight desert safari: For adventurous families who want to sleep in the desert under the stars. Includes dinner, entertainment, breakfast, and a sunrise camel ride.
| Best for | Families with children aged 5 and above |
| Duration | Evening safari: 6 hours | Morning safari: 3-4 hours |
| Timing | Evening: 3pm to 9pm | Morning: 6am to 10am |
| Price range | AED 150 to AED 300 per adult | Children often get 50% discount |
| Private safari | AED 600 to AED 1,500 per group depending on size |
| Location | Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve / Al Marmoom |
| Booking | Book at least 24 hours in advance. Online booking recommended. |
| DXB Tourisma Tip If you are travelling with children under 5, choose a private desert safari. You can skip the intense dune bashing, request forward-facing child seats, and take breaks whenever needed. The camp experience is still the same and kids under 5 usually get free entry. |
Burj Khalifa with Kids
Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world at 828 metres. Every child who visits Dubai should see the view from the top. The experience is genuinely awe-inspiring and works for all ages from toddlers to teenagers.
The observation decks are called At the Top. There are two main viewing levels: the 124th floor and the 148th floor. On a clear day you can see up to 95 kilometres in every direction across the city and out to the desert and the Arabian Gulf.
What families need to know about Burj Khalifa
- The elevator reaches the observation deck in under 60 seconds and is one of the fastest in the world
- The 124th and 125th floors have both indoor and outdoor viewing areas
- The 148th floor SKY level is the highest outdoor terrace on the planet
- An interactive exhibit called At the Top shows how the building was constructed
- The Dubai Fountain is visible from the observation deck and performs every evening
- Book tickets online in advance to skip the queues which can be very long
| Best for | All ages, including toddlers |
| Duration | Allow 2 hours including queue and viewing time |
| Tickets | From AED 149 per person | Children under 4 free |
| Best time to visit | Early morning for fewer crowds | Sunset for the best light |
| Location | Downtown Dubai, next to Dubai Mall |
| Parking | Dubai Mall parking is connected directly |
Dubai Mall Family Day Out
Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world by total area. However calling it a shopping mall significantly undersells what it is. For families, it is a full-day entertainment destination that could keep children busy from morning to night without leaving the building.
Family attractions inside Dubai Mall
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. It holds more than 33,000 aquatic animals including the world’s largest collection of sand tiger sharks. Walking through the 48-metre underwater tunnel is a standout experience for children. You can view the aquarium from outside for free. Paid entry includes the tunnel walk, underwater zoo, and optional add-ons like cage snorkelling with sharks and glass-bottom boat rides.
Dubai Ice Rink: A full Olympic-sized ice rink inside the mall. Open to all ages and skill levels. Skate hire is included in the ticket price. Sessions run throughout the day and the rink is air-conditioned, making it a popular choice during summer months.
KidZania Dubai: An interactive mini-city where children aged 4 to 16 can role-play more than 80 real-world professions including pilot, doctor, chef, firefighter, and journalist. It uses a curriculum-based activity system. Budget at least 3 to 4 hours here.
VR Park: A virtual reality gaming space with rides and experiences suitable for older kids and teenagers.
Dubai Fountain viewing: The Dubai Fountain performs every evening on the Burj Khalifa Lake adjacent to the mall. Shows run every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm and are free to watch from the waterfront promenade.
| Dubai Aquarium ticket | From AED 80 per adult | Children from AED 65 |
| Ice Rink ticket | From AED 80 per person including skate hire |
| KidZania ticket | From AED 120 per child | Adults AED 65 |
| Dubai Fountain | Free from the promenade |
| Mall hours | 10am to 12am Sunday to Wednesday | 10am to 1am Thursday to Saturday |
| Best tip | Download the Dubai Mall app to navigate between attractions |
Ski Dubai for Families
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort inside the Mall of the Emirates. It is the third largest indoor ski slope in the world. Skiing in the middle of the Arabian desert is one of those genuinely unique experiences that Dubai does better than anywhere else.
The indoor mountain is 85 metres high with five slopes of varying steepness. The temperature inside is kept at minus one degree Celsius year-round. This makes it a particularly popular family activity during the Dubai summer when outdoor temperatures exceed 40 degrees.
Family activities at Ski Dubai
- Skiing and snowboarding on 5 slopes with beginner lessons available from age 3
- Snow playground with slides, snowball fights, and tobogganing
- Snow bumper cars for younger children
- Ice cave exploration
- Penguin encounters where penguins are let out to interact with visitors several times daily (booking required)
- Ski and snowboard lessons for all ability levels
- Rental of full winter clothing and equipment included in ticket price
| Best for | All ages | Ski lessons from age 3 |
| Duration | Full day available | 2-hour snow pass available for non-skiers |
| Tickets | Snow pass from AED 170 | Ski packages from AED 280 |
| Penguin encounter | Extra fee | Book in advance, limited slots |
| Location | Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha |
| What to bring | Nothing. All clothing and equipment is provided. |
| Summer Travel Tip If you visit Dubai in July or August, Ski Dubai is one of the best indoor activities in Dubai for families. It gets extremely popular on weekends. Book tickets online the day before to guarantee entry and choose a weekday morning session to avoid peak crowds. |
Waterparks in Dubai for Families
Dubai has some of the best waterparks in the world. There are three main family-friendly options in or near Dubai, each offering a full day of activity for children and adults.
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm
Aquaventure is the most famous waterpark in Dubai. It is located on Palm Jumeirah inside the Atlantis resort complex. The park has record-breaking slides, a kilometre-long river ride, private cabanas, and a dedicated toddler zone with no height minimums. The Leap of Faith slide puts you face-to-face with sharks in the tank below. There is also a private beach accessible to waterpark guests.
| Best for | All ages | Dedicated toddler areas with no height restrictions |
| Tickets | From AED 390 per adult | Children from AED 320 |
| Atlantis hotel guests | Free access included with room rate |
| Tip | Arrive at opening time. The most popular slides have long queues by midday. |
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Wild Wadi is Dubai’s original family waterpark. It sits directly opposite the Burj Al Arab in Umm Suqeim. The park has 30 slides and attractions across a range suitable for toddlers through to adrenaline-seeking teenagers. It has a surfing experience, watergun battle zones, a lazy river, and full dining facilities. Guests at certain nearby hotels get complimentary access.
| Best for | Families with children of all ages including babies and toddlers |
| Tickets | From AED 280 per adult | Children from AED 230 |
| Location | Opposite Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim |
| Accessibility | Fully accessible for guests with disabilities |
LEGOLAND Water Park
LEGOLAND Water Park is the best waterpark in Dubai specifically for younger children aged 2 to 12. It is connected to LEGOLAND Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts. Children can build their own LEGO raft and ride it down a waterslide. All attractions are scaled appropriately for smaller children.
| Best for | Children aged 2 to 12 |
| Tickets | From AED 260 (combo ticket with LEGOLAND Dubai available) |
| Location | Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road |
Theme Parks in Dubai for Families
LEGOLAND Dubai
LEGOLAND Dubai is designed for children aged 2 to 12. It has six themed lands: Factory, Imagination, Kingdoms, Adventure, Miniland, and LEGO City. Each land has rides, interactive building zones, and shows. The Miniland area recreates famous world landmarks in LEGO bricks including the Burj Khalifa and Eiffel Tower. Younger children respond particularly well to this park because everything is scaled to their level.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is described as the world’s largest indoor theme park. It has four main zones: Marvel (Avengers and Spider-Man rides), Cartoon Network (Ben 10, Adventure Time), Lost Valley (dinosaur zone), and IMG Boulevard. It is particularly suited to families with older children and teenagers who are into superhero and cartoon franchises. The indoor format makes it an excellent summer option.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the largest integrated theme park destination in the Middle East. It contains Motiongate Dubai (Hollywood-themed), Bollywood Parks Dubai (Indian cinema themed), and LEGOLAND Dubai plus LEGOLAND Water Park. You can buy combination passes that cover multiple parks across several days. The Lapita Hotel is located on-site and is a strong choice for families wanting easy park access.
| LEGOLAND Dubai | From AED 260 | Best for ages 2-12 |
| IMG Worlds of Adventure | From AED 309 | Best for ages 6 and above |
| Motiongate Dubai | From AED 250 | Best for ages 6 and above |
| Bollywood Parks Dubai | From AED 200 | Family shows and rides |
| Booking tip | Multi-park passes offer significant savings for families visiting multiple parks |
Best Beaches in Dubai for Families
Dubai has a long coastline on the Arabian Gulf with clean, safe, and well-maintained public beaches. Most beaches have lifeguard supervision, clean facilities, and nearby food and drink options.
Kite Beach
Kite Beach in Jumeirah 3 is the most family-friendly beach in Dubai. It has shallow, calm water suitable for children, a jogging track, outdoor gym, children’s playground, food trucks, and a skate park. The beach is clean and well-managed. You can see the Burj Al Arab from the shoreline. There is no entry fee.
JBR Beach (Jumeirah Beach Residence)
JBR Beach runs along the Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence in Dubai Marina. It is a long, wide public beach with lifeguard supervision, beach volleyball, watersports hire, and a large selection of restaurants and cafes directly behind. The water is clear and calm. Public parking is available at The Walk. Families often combine a beach morning with an afternoon at the Marina promenade.
La Mer Beach
La Mer is a beachfront lifestyle destination in Jumeirah. It has a mix of beach access, dining, outdoor activities, and a splash pad area for young children. The vibe is relaxed and the area is colourful and photogenic. There is also a waterpark called Laguna Waterpark within the La Mer complex.
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park is a large public park and beach in Deira. It has barbecue areas, badminton courts, a small maze, swimming pools, and multiple beach sections. It is less crowded than the Jumeirah beaches and is a popular spot for family picnics, especially on Fridays. A small entry fee applies.
| Kite Beach | Free entry | Best for families with young kids | Jumeirah 3 |
| JBR Beach | Free entry | Watersports and dining nearby | Dubai Marina |
| La Mer Beach | Free entry to beach | Laguna Waterpark ticketed separately |
| Al Mamzar Beach Park | Entry AED 5 per person | Barbecue facilities available |
| Safety note | Check the UAE beach flag system before letting children swim in the sea. Some beaches have strong currents. |
Indoor Activities for Families in Dubai
Dubai summers are hot. From June to September, outdoor temperatures regularly reach 40 to 45 degrees Celsius. This is why Dubai has invested heavily in world-class indoor entertainment. The best indoor activities in Dubai for families are just as impressive as the outdoor ones.
OliOli Children’s Museum
OliOli is an award-winning children’s play museum in Al Quoz. It has 8 interactive galleries designed for children aged 0 to 12. The exhibits are hands-on, creative, and educational. Children can explore sensory rooms, water play zones, a digital art space, and a building lab. Parents rate it as one of the best indoor children’s attractions in Dubai because it is genuinely engaging rather than just noisy entertainment.
Green Planet Dubai
Green Planet is an indoor tropical rainforest located at City Walk. The four-storey bio-dome contains more than 3,000 plant species and 500 animal species including sloths, reptiles, exotic birds, and free-flying butterflies. It is educational, air-conditioned, and works well for children of all ages. Guided feeding tours are available.
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future on Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the most architecturally striking buildings in Dubai. Inside, it showcases future technology across multiple immersive floors. There are dedicated zones for children including Imagine, Design, and Build where kids learn through creative play. Recommended for children aged 8 and above. Booking in advance is essential as timed entry slots sell out frequently.
Museum of Illusions Dubai
The Museum of Illusions in Al Seef is a popular family venue with rooms full of optical illusions, mind-bending experiences, and interactive installations. It is fun, affordable, and takes about 1 to 2 hours. Children particularly enjoy the infinity room, the rotated room, and the vortex tunnel. Works well for children aged 5 and above.
iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving
iFly Dubai is located inside City Centre Mirdif shopping mall. It is an indoor skydiving facility where participants float in a vertical wind tunnel. The experience is short but genuinely exciting for kids from around age 4 upwards. Time slots fill up on weekends and during school holidays so book ahead.
Bounce Dubai
Bounce is a large trampoline park with locations in Al Quoz and Festival City. It has trampolines, foam pits, climbing walls, and dodgeball courts. Suitable for children aged 3 and above. There are dedicated zones for younger toddlers. A good option for high-energy children who need to burn off steam.
| OliOli Museum | From AED 100 per child | Al Quoz | Ages 0-12 |
| Green Planet | From AED 89 per person | City Walk | All ages |
| Museum of the Future | From AED 149 per person | Sheikh Zayed Road | Age 8+ |
| Museum of Illusions | From AED 70 per person | Al Seef | Age 5+ |
| iFly Dubai | From AED 159 per person | City Centre Mirdif | Age 4+ |
| Bounce Dubai | From AED 80 per session | Al Quoz and Festival City | Age 3+ |
Cultural Activities in Dubai for Families
Dubai is much more than modern towers and theme parks. The city has a rich Emirati and Bedouin heritage that is genuinely interesting for children when presented in the right context. Cultural experiences work best when woven into the wider itinerary rather than treated as a separate obligation.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Al Fahidi is the oldest surviving residential area in Dubai. The wind-tower architecture, narrow lanes, and small courtyards give a clear sense of what Dubai looked like before the oil era. The Dubai Museum is located here inside the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city. Entry is inexpensive and the exhibits cover Emirati culture, trade history, and Bedouin life in an accessible way for children.
Dubai Creek Abra Ride
Taking an abra (traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai to Deira costs just a few dirhams and takes about 10 minutes. For children, it is a short but memorable experience on the same waterway that trading boats have used for centuries. The creek-side views of the spice souk and gold souk add colour. Combine with a walk through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk for a cultural half-day out.
Global Village Dubai
Global Village is open from October to April each year. It brings together cultural pavilions from more than 75 countries in one large outdoor space. Families can eat authentic food, buy traditional crafts, and watch cultural performances from around the world. There are also funfair rides, magic shows, and comedy acts that keep younger children engaged. It is one of the most visited family attractions in Dubai for a reason.
Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is a large zoo and safari park in Al Warqa. It has an African village section, an Arabian Desert section, an Asian village section, and a children’s farm. The park is home to over 3,000 animals. The highlight for families is the open safari vehicle ride through different habitat zones. It is well-maintained and child-friendly throughout.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras Al Khor is a free wildlife sanctuary inside Dubai where hundreds of flamingos feed in the tidal mudflats. Three observation hides give families a close view of the flamingos and other birdlife. Entry is free. It is a quiet, calm experience that works well for younger children and nature-loving families.
| Al Fahidi and Dubai Museum | AED 3 entry | Bur Dubai | All ages |
| Abra ride | AED 1 per person each way | Bur Dubai / Deira |
| Global Village | AED 18 entry | October to April | All ages |
| Dubai Safari Park | From AED 60 per adult | AED 30 per child | Al Warqa |
| Ras Al Khor Sanctuary | Free entry | All ages | Best at low tide |
Free Things to Do in Dubai with Family
Dubai has a reputation for being expensive. That reputation is partly deserved for hotels and major attractions. But there are genuinely good free activities in Dubai that work well for families.
- Kite Beach: Clean, supervised public beach. Free entry.
- JBR Beach: Free public beach in Dubai Marina with lifeguards.
- Dubai Fountain show: Free every evening from 6pm. Runs every 30 minutes.
- Dubai Marina promenade: A free walk along the waterfront with views of the marina and yachts.
- Al Seef heritage waterfront: A 1.8km free-to-walk promenade along Dubai Creek in Al Fahidi.
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: Free flamingo and birdwatching viewing hides.
- Al Qudra Lakes: Free cycling and picnic area in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.
- Dubai Aquarium (external view): You can see the aquarium through the glass from inside Dubai Mall for free.
- Miracle Garden (outside view): The main entrance area is occasionally visible for free during opening season.
- Dubai Creek walk: The creek-side promenade is free to walk along any time.
Day Trips from Dubai with Family
Hatta
Hatta is a mountain enclave belonging to Dubai located about 90 minutes by car from the city centre. It has a completely different landscape from coastal Dubai: rocky mountains, wadis, and pools of clear blue water. Families can go mountain biking, kayaking on the Hatta Dam reservoir, hiking, horse riding, or visit the deer petting zoo. There is also a zipline experience. Hatta is excellent for active families with older children and teenagers.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is about 90 minutes from Dubai by car. It is worth a full day trip for families because of Ferrari World (the world’s fastest roller coaster), Yas Island theme parks including Warner Bros. World, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque which welcomes family visitors. Yas Waterworld is also on Yas Island and is a high-quality waterpark specifically designed for families.
Al Ain
Al Ain is approximately 90 minutes from Dubai and is home to Al Ain Zoo, one of the best traditional zoos in the UAE. The zoo has white lions, pandas, and a giraffe feeding experience. Al Ain also has a UNESCO heritage site with ancient falaj irrigation systems and ancient forts that provide educational context for children.
| Hatta | 90 min drive | Best for active families | Mountain biking, kayaking |
| Abu Dhabi | 90 min drive | Ferrari World, Warner Bros., Yas Waterworld |
| Al Ain | 90 min drive | Al Ain Zoo, heritage sites |
| Transport | Hire a car or book a private day tour from Dubai |
Planning Your Dubai Family Trip
Best time to visit Dubai with family
November to April is the best time to visit Dubai with family. Temperatures during these months range from 22 to 30 degrees Celsius, making outdoor activities, beaches, and parks comfortable. December and January are the busiest months with the highest hotel prices.
May to September is hot. Temperatures reach 40 to 45 degrees Celsius outdoors during the day. Families who visit in summer should focus on indoor activities (Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds, OliOli, KidZania, waterparks) and plan outdoor activities for early morning or after sunset. Hotels are significantly cheaper in summer.
Ramadan: If visiting during Ramadan, some restaurants have limited daytime service but all major tourist attractions remain open. Iftar (the evening meal that breaks the fast) is a great cultural experience for families.
How many days do you need in Dubai with family
Five to seven days gives families enough time to do a desert safari, visit the main indoor attractions, spend a day at a waterpark, see the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, explore a cultural area, and have at least one beach day without feeling rushed.
A 3-day trip is possible but requires prioritising. For a 3-day itinerary: Day 1 – Desert safari. Day 2 – Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Day 3 – Waterpark or Ski Dubai.
Getting around Dubai with kids
The Dubai Metro is air-conditioned, clean, affordable, and easy to use. It has dedicated women and children’s carriages. The metro connects major family destinations including the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and JBR. A Nol card (reloadable transit card) makes it convenient.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps (Careem and Uber) are widely available, affordable, and safe. Drivers are licensed. For desert safaris and theme parks outside the metro network, your tour operator will typically include hotel pickups.
Family-friendly hotels in Dubai
The best family hotels in Dubai offer kids clubs, dedicated children’s pools, and family dining. Top options include Atlantis The Palm (with free waterpark access), Lapita Hotel at Dubai Parks and Resorts (best for theme park families), Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR, and JA Ocean View Hotel at JBR.
Do children get discounts at Dubai attractions
Yes. Children under 2 or 3 years old get free entry at most Dubai attractions. Children aged 3 to 12 typically receive a 30 to 50 percent discount compared to adult prices. Always check the specific attraction policy before booking. Some attractions like KidZania charge more for children than adults because they are the primary participant.
Is Dubai safe for families
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world for family travel. The UAE has one of the lowest crime rates globally. Public spaces are clean, well-lit, and heavily supervised. Beaches have lifeguards. Theme parks have strict safety standards. The biggest practical safety consideration for families is sun exposure, strong sea currents at some beaches, and dehydration in summer. Carry water, apply sunscreen, and check beach safety flags before swimming.
Sample Family Itineraries for Dubai
3-Day Dubai Family Itinerary
Day 1 – Desert Safari: Evening desert safari including dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, camp entertainment, and BBQ dinner. Book with a DTCM-licensed operator.
Day 2 – Downtown Dubai: Morning at the Burj Khalifa (At the Top). Lunch at Dubai Mall. Afternoon at the Dubai Aquarium or KidZania. Evening Dubai Fountain show from the waterfront (free).
Day 3 – Water Day: Full day at Aquaventure Waterpark on Palm Jumeirah or Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates depending on age group and preference.
5-Day Dubai Family Itinerary
Day 1 – Desert Safari: Evening safari with dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, and BBQ dinner.
Day 2 – Theme Parks: LEGOLAND Dubai (best for younger children) or IMG Worlds of Adventure (best for older children).
Day 3 – Downtown and Culture: Burj Khalifa morning. Lunch at Dubai Mall. Afternoon: Dubai Aquarium. Evening: Abra ride and Gold Souk in Deira.
Day 4 – Beach and Water: Morning at Kite Beach. Afternoon: Aquaventure Waterpark or Ski Dubai. Evening: JBR Walk.
Day 5 – Cultural Day or Day Trip: Global Village (October to April) or Hatta mountain day trip. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Dubai Museum.
7-Day Dubai Family Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive and settle in. Evening at Dubai Marina promenade (free).
Day 2: Evening desert safari with dune bashing and BBQ dinner.
Day 3: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, KidZania, and Dubai Fountain.
Day 4: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. Full day.
Day 5: Ski Dubai in the morning. OliOli Museum or Green Planet in the afternoon.
Day 6: Global Village (if in season) or Abu Dhabi day trip with Ferrari World.
Day 7: Relaxed beach morning at Kite Beach or JBR. Museum of Illusions in the afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the best activity in Dubai with family? |
| A desert safari is the most popular family activity in Dubai. It combines dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and an authentic Bedouin camp experience with live entertainment and BBQ dinner. Most families rate it as the highlight of their entire Dubai trip. |
| Is Dubai suitable for families with toddlers? |
| Yes. Dubai is very well suited to families with toddlers. LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park have dedicated toddler zones with no height minimums. OliOli Museum caters for children from birth to 12. Wild Wadi Waterpark has baby-friendly areas. Most Dubai beaches have gentle shallow entry points and stroller access is excellent across all major malls and attractions. |
| What is the best time of year to visit Dubai with family? |
| November to April is the best time to visit Dubai with family. Temperatures are comfortable (22 to 30 degrees Celsius) and all outdoor attractions are at their best. December and January are peak season with higher prices. Families on a tighter budget who do not mind the heat can visit in summer and save significantly on hotel costs while focusing on indoor attractions. |
| How many days do you need in Dubai with family? |
| Five to seven days is ideal for a family trip to Dubai. This gives enough time for a desert safari, at least one waterpark or theme park, the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, a beach day, and a cultural experience. A 3-day trip is possible if you prioritise the top three activities: desert safari, Burj Khalifa, and a waterpark or Ski Dubai. |
| Can kids do dune bashing in Dubai? |
| Yes. Most operators recommend children be at least 5 years old for dune bashing. If you have younger children, choose a private desert safari where the driver can reduce the intensity of the dune bashing to suit your family. Many operators can also provide child car seats in private vehicles on request. |
| What can families do in Dubai in summer? |
| The best indoor activities in Dubai for summer are Ski Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, KidZania, OliOli Children’s Museum, Dubai Aquarium, the Museum of the Future, Green Planet, and indoor waterparks. Morning desert safaris can also work in summer if done very early before temperatures peak. Waterparks are excellent in summer as the outdoor heat makes them more enjoyable. |
| What free things are there to do in Dubai with family? |
| Dubai Fountain show (every evening from 6pm), Kite Beach, JBR Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park (small entry fee), Dubai Marina promenade, Al Seef waterfront walk, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary flamingo viewing, Al Qudra Lakes cycling and picnics, and the Dubai Creek waterfront are all free or very low cost. The external view of the Dubai Aquarium from inside Dubai Mall is also free. |
| Is Dubai safe for families with children? |
| Yes. Dubai is consistently ranked among the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are extremely low. Public spaces are clean, well-maintained, and supervised. Beaches have lifeguards during operating hours. All major theme parks and attractions have strict safety standards and trained staff. The main practical precautions for families are sun protection, hydration in summer, and checking beach safety flags before swimming. |
| Do children get free or discounted entry in Dubai? |
| Children under 2 or 3 years old get free entry at most Dubai attractions. The exact age threshold varies by venue. Children aged 3 to 12 generally receive a 30 to 50 percent discount on adult ticket prices. Some attractions like LEGOLAND and Aquaventure have specific pricing bands. Always check the individual attraction website before booking. |
| What is the best waterpark in Dubai for families? |
| Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is the most famous and the best overall family waterpark. Wild Wadi Waterpark is the best for families with very young children including babies. LEGOLAND Water Park is the best for families with children aged 2 to 12. All three are genuinely world-class. |
| Is the desert safari suitable for babies? |
| Yes with the right setup. Babies under 12 months can attend a desert safari but you should book a private safari. Ask for the dune bashing to be skipped or kept very gentle. The camp experience including food, entertainment, and stargazing works perfectly for babies. Most private safari operators can accommodate pushchairs at the camp. |
| What is KidZania Dubai? |
| KidZania Dubai is an indoor educational entertainment venue inside Dubai Mall. It is a miniature city built to child scale where children aged 4 to 16 can role-play real-world professions. Children earn KidZo currency by working in roles like pilot, doctor, chef, firefighter, and journalist, then spend it on goods and services within the KidZania city. Plan at least 3 to 4 hours. |
| What is OliOli Dubai? |
| OliOli is an award-winning children’s play museum in Al Quoz with 8 interactive galleries designed for ages 0 to 12. It is one of the most highly rated indoor family attractions in Dubai for young children. The focus is on creative, hands-on, and educational play. It is far less chaotic than a typical soft play or trampoline park. |
| How do I get around Dubai with kids? |
| The Dubai Metro is the easiest option for central attractions. It is air-conditioned, clean, affordable, and has dedicated women and children’s carriages. Use a Nol card for convenience. Uber and Careem are reliable alternatives for point-to-point travel. Car rental gives flexibility for day trips to Hatta, Al Ain, or Abu Dhabi. |
| What is Global Village Dubai? |
| Global Village is a large seasonal outdoor cultural theme park open from October to April. It has pavilions representing more than 75 countries where you can eat authentic food, buy traditional crafts, and watch cultural performances. There are also fairground rides, magic shows, and family-friendly events throughout the season. Entry is AED 18 per person. |
Book Your Dubai Family Experience with DXB Tourisma
DXB Tourisma is a DTCM-licensed tour operator based in Dubai. We specialise in desert safaris, city tours, and tailored family experiences across the UAE.
All our desert safaris are operated with fully licensed and insured vehicles. Our guides are experienced with family groups including toddlers, babies, and multi-generational parties. Private safaris can be customised around your family’s needs including departure times, pace, and dietary requirements at the camp.
| Ready to Book? Contact DXB Tourisma to plan your family desert safari or Dubai tour package. We handle everything from hotel pickups to camp entertainment so you can focus on the experience. Visit dxbtourisma.com or WhatsApp us to get started. |
| About DXB Tourisma DXB Tourisma (dxbtourisma.com) is a DTCM-licensed travel operator and tour booking platform based in Dubai. We offer desert safaris, city tours, attraction tickets, and custom family itineraries across the UAE. All operators and activities on our platform meet DTCM licensing and safety requirements. |
