Dubai is a popular family-friendly destination to tour. That’s because there are plenty of places to visit that will keep both kids and adults entertained. Here are some of the top places to visit in Dubai with family.
Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa, at 828 meters, is the world's tallest building. It is among the leading places to visit in Dubai. Purchase Burj Khalifa tickets ahead of time to avoid long lines and ride the high-speed elevator up to the 124th and 148th observation decks for panoramic views of Dubai. For an extra special experience, splurge on Burj Khalifa tickets that include access to the At the Top Sky lounge on the 148th floor. The views are unmatched and it's fun to look out floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Dubai Aquarium
The Dubai Aquarium located in the Dubai Mall lets you walk through tunnels with sharks and stingrays swimming overhead. It’s an exciting way for kids to learn about marine life. Combine it with tickets to the Underwater Zoo to see penguins, crocodiles, otters, and more up-close animal encounters.
Dubai Fountain Show
The world’s largest choreographed fountain system set on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake comes alive each evening with water shooting up to 500 ft in the air. The spectacular musical fountain show is completely free with shows starting every half hour from 6 pm. Arrive early to secure a good spot.
Dubai Creek
The saltwater Dubai Creek divides the city into Deira to the north and Bur Dubai to the south. Many of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks like spice and gold souks and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood are found along Dubai Creek’s banks. Cross the creek on a traditional abra water taxi for 1 dirham or less or splurge on a dinner cruise.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden located in Dubailand is the world's largest natural flower garden. This colorful attraction is a feast for the senses with flower-covered archways, giant flower displays, and themed exhibits. It’s open late November through May when temperatures are cooler.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
The largest temperature-controlled indoor theme park in the world spans 1.5 million square feet with rides and attractions based on popular Cartoon Network and Marvel characters. Experience four epic zones: Marvel, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard and The Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure zones.
Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai located in Mall of the Emirates offers indoor ski slopes, snowboarding, tobogganing, ski lifts and even penguins. It provides a fun escape from Dubai’s arid desert climate with the ability to chill out in subzero temperatures. Discounts are available on afternoon tickets from 2 PM onward.
Dubai Frame
This picture frame shaped building offers sweeping views across new and old Dubai from the 150-meter-high glass bridge connecting the two towers. Ascend to the Sky Deck on top for a unique 360-degree perspective. The Dubai Frame makes for fun family photos with Dubai’s modern skyline as the backdrop.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
This mega theme park complex features Motiongate Dubai theme park with rides based on movies from three major Hollywood studios including DreamWorks Animation and Lionsgate. It also includes Legoland Dubai water park and Legoland Dubai theme and water park. Bollywood Parks Dubai highlights Mumbai’s famous film industry. Stay at the Lapita Hotel for total theme park immersion.
Dubai Marina Dhow Cruise
Board a traditional wooden dhow boat in the evening for a relaxing cruise along Dubai Marina with an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and traditional Tanura folk dance performance. Drinks are available for purchase on board. This allows you to see modern architectural marvels along Dubai’s coast at sunset.
The Beach at JBR
Spend a fun family day at Jumeirah Beach Residence’s (JBR) open-air retail and entertainment complex known as The Beach. Play in fountains, build sandcastles, go jet-skiing or paragliding, ride the JBR Train, and refuel at one of many kid-friendly dining options. Walk out onto the wooden deck for uninterrupted sea views.
La Perle Aqua Theatre
La Perle blends aerial acrobatics with immersive visuals and live music inspired by Dubai’s history as a pearl diving town. This entertainment spectacle takes place in a custom-built aqua theater with performers diving from 25 meters as well as flying and dancing through the air and across the stage.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Cool off at Wild Wadi Waterpark located in front of the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel. Speed down thrilling water slides like the Jumeirah Sceirah plummeting tandem riders straight down over 120 feet, get soaked in flowing currents racing down the Wadi River, float down lazy rivers, or just relax at the pool and beach area. It’s a fun way to beat the Dubai heat.
Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis Hotel
The Palm Jumeirah man-made island shaped like a palm tree makes for beautiful drives and walking paths with striking skyline views along the trunk and 16 fronds. At the crescent apex lies Atlantis hotel. Wander through Lost Chambers Aquarium’s underwater mazes to see 65,000 marine animals then thrill seekers can ride down near-vertical waterslides through shark tanks at Aquaventure Waterpark.
Dubai Desert
Get a glimpse into traditional Bedouin culture with desert activities like dune bashing, camel rides, falconry displays, henna, Arabic sweets and stargazing in the Dubai desert. Sunset tours allow you to witness unforgettable desert sunsets. Many family-friendly desert camps offer comfortable overnight stays in Bedouin-style tents with entertainment.
Ras al-Khaimah
The northernmost emirate of Ras al-Khaimah (RAK) offers pristine nature including golden sand beaches with calm waves perfect for swimming and water activities like kayaking, plus mountains and hot springs. Check out Jebel Jais – the highest mountain in the UAE rising 1,934 meters above sea level with sweeping desert views from the top. Zip-line adventures thrill kids older than six.
Burj al Arab Hotel
One of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, the Burj al Arab Jumeirah's stunning sail-like silhouette soars 321 meters in the air. Have Afternoon Tea at the Skyview Bar on the 27th floor with skyline views. Non hotel guests can access restaurants and bars while dressed for the destination's smart casual dress code. The ornate Royal Suite has a Rolls Royce transfers, butler service and a rotating mattress with panoramic views for $20,000 USD per night.
Global Village
Running annually from October through April, Global Village area boasts over 3.5 million square feet with 30 pavilions representing different cultures and souvenir shopping galore. Kids will love the Carnaval funfair rides like bumper cars and carousels plus Ripley’s Believe It or Not odditorium highlighting unbelievable world records and weird exhibits. The site buzzes each night until midnight and many themed days and shows occur during the season.
Final words
With fun attractions ranging from the world’s tallest building to indoor theme parks, flower gardens and beachfront leisure complexes, Dubai keeps families with kids of all ages entertained. Take advantage of family friendly rates, kids eat free deals and kids club amenities offered at many hotels in Dubai.
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