Dubai is one of the world’s most exciting family holiday destinations, packed with attractions built to wow kids of every age. Whether you’re planning a short stopover or a full family holiday, here’s our pick of the top 10 things to do in Dubai with kids.
Quick jump:
- #1 Dubai Parks and Resorts
- #2 Dubai Ice Rink
- #3 Kite Beach
- #4 OliOli
- #5 City Walk
- #6 IMG Worlds of Adventure
- #7 Dubai Desert
- #8 KidZania
- #9 Dolphin Bay
- #10 Dubai Safari Park
Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
#1. Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts brings together some of the region’s biggest theme parks under one roof, including Motiongate, Bollywood Parks and Legoland. It’s the Middle East’s largest integrated leisure and theme park destination, located on Sheikh Zayed Road.
At the heart of it all is Riverland, a family-friendly entertainment and dining boulevard with something for every age group. Families can also stay right inside the park at the Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian-themed resort designed with kids in mind.
#2. Dubai Ice Rink
Yes, an ice rink in Dubai! Whether your kids are lacing up skates for the first time or already confident on the ice, Dubai Ice Rink is a great family outing thanks to its Olympic-sized rink. It’s located inside The Dubai Mall, so there’s no shortage of dining and entertainment options nearby before or after your session.
Public skating sessions run daily, with disco sessions also available in the evenings, and reduced prices for mums and young children at the first session of the day. New to skating? A coach is on hand to help beginners find their feet.
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#3. Kite Beach
Kite Beach has a skate park, outdoor trampolines, an adventure gym and a play area for younger children, making it easy to fill an entire day here. Watch the kite surfers offshore with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab in the background while the kids dig in the sand or tackle the adventure course.
When hunger strikes, Salt is one of the city’s best-loved casual dining spots, or you can grab breakfast or lunch from one of the beach canteens dotted along the running track.
#4. OliOli
OliOli is an inventive indoor playground built for imagination, giving kids the chance to build a home, a hideaway, a castle or anything else they can dream up using everyday materials. There’s also a creative lab for building robots, huge climbing nets, and space for constructing forts and dens.
Visits are typically arranged in timed play sessions, so it’s worth checking current session times and booking details before you go.
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#5. City Walk
City Walk is a lively outdoor destination combining innovative retail with upscale dining, plus plenty to keep kids entertained too. The Green Planet, the region’s first biodome, recreates a tropical rainforest complete with a rich mix of plants and animals living across several levels.
City Walk is also home to Mattel Play Town, an interactive indoor “eduplay” attraction themed around popular children’s characters, Geek Nation for comic, movie and gaming fans, and Level Kids, a whimsical storytelling retail experience.
#6. IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure was Dubai’s first mega-themed entertainment destination, and it’s still one of the biggest indoor amusement parks anywhere. The temperature-controlled park is spread across four zones — Marvel, Cartoon Network, Lost Valley and IMG Boulevard — with attractions ranging from gentle kids’ playgrounds to high-tech rides and rollercoasters.
There are also shops, a cinema and plenty of dining options for a full day out.
Tip: Consider a Fast Track Pass, as queues tend to build up quickly in the afternoon.
#7. Dubai Desert
No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the desert. Famous for its red sand dunes, it’s the perfect setting for family activities like sandboarding, camel or horseback riding, or a full desert safari.
Several travel operators in Dubai offer desert safari packages that typically include dune bashing, a desert show with belly dancing and tanoura dance, a camel ride, and a chance to try traditional Arabic food. It’s worth comparing packages and checking current pricing directly with operators before booking.
#8. KidZania
KidZania is an interactive mini-city designed for children, combining role-play, learning and fun across a huge indoor space. Kids can explore more than 100 different “careers” in a scaled-down city, from firefighting to broadcasting, giving them a taste of grown-up life in a safe, supervised setting.
Some attractions inside KidZania, such as the Driving Street and Race Track, have height and age restrictions for safety reasons, so it’s worth checking these in advance if your child is keen to take part.
Tip: Allow at least two hours to make the most of a KidZania visit.
#9. Dolphin Bay
Splash alongside one of nature’s friendliest mammals at Dolphin Bay in Atlantis, The Palm — a palm-fringed lagoon offering supervised opportunities to get close to, touch and swim with dolphins.
Don’t worry if you’re not a confident swimmer; trainers are on hand throughout to help. The bay also has a check-in area with dining options, a gift shop, and a photo area where you can collect pictures from your swim afterwards.
#10. Dubai Safari Park
One of the newer additions to Dubai’s family attractions, Dubai Safari Park is home to thousands of animals representing hundreds of species from around the world. It also features a drive-thru crocodile exhibit, a large aviary, and drive-thru hippo and tiger exhibits.
A train collects visitors at the entrance and takes them to the giraffe feeding area and the Safari Village, where you’ll spot lions, hyenas, baboons, ostriches, buffalo and Siberian tigers. Afterwards, there are several dining options on site to refuel before heading home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age group do these Dubai attractions suit?
Most of the attractions on this list are designed to work for a wide age range, from toddlers through to teens, though a few — like KidZania and some rides at IMG Worlds of Adventure — have height or age restrictions on specific attractions. It’s worth checking individual attraction websites for age and height guidance before you go.
Do I need to book Dubai family attractions in advance?
Many of these attractions, especially the larger theme parks and experiences like Dolphin Bay, get busy, so booking online ahead of your visit is generally a good idea and can also help you plan your day more smoothly.
Can you fit more than one of these attractions into a single day?
It depends on the attractions. Some, like KidZania or IMG Worlds of Adventure, are worth a half or full day on their own, while others, like Kite Beach or City Walk, can easily be combined with another activity nearby.
Related Reads
- A Parent’s Guide to the Best Family Holiday in Dubai
- 5 Unexpected Travel Destination Ideas for Your Next Family Holiday
- The Best Family Friendly Safari Holidays in South Africa
Save These Ideas for Later
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