Last updated on November 1st, 2022 at 06:41 pm
Dubai is a great place to visit with your family and little ones. Don’t take our words; simply refer to this list of things to do in Dubai with family. We are sure that you will be convinced and all ready to go. After all, there is something for everyone in this marvelous city. Let’s start!
1. Enjoy a spectacular Ride on the Brand-New Ain Dubai
The 250-meter high Ain Dubai, right at the heart of Bluewaters Island, is the world’s highest and largest observation wheel. As it gently rotates and literally elevates you into the sky, it allows you to appreciate the breathtaking 360 degree views over Palm Jumeirah, JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) Dubai Marina and beyond from an awe-inspiring perspective.
Not to mention, your little ones will be all in awe throughout its 38 minutes revolution.
2. Discover the World with Dubai Expo 2020
Dubai is the land of unmatched festivities and events. But, this time, it has taken it to the next level by hosting Dubai Expo 2020 which is the first of its kind in the MENASA region. Starting from 1st October 2021 and lasting till 31st October 2022, it is the celebration of cultures, cuisines and revolutionary innovations from all over the world.
Rightly so, it is the grandest and greatest Expo event that the world has ever witnessed. If you are planning to visit Dubai during this period, traveling to the magnificent Dubai Expo 2020 site with the pavilions of over 190 countries should be the foremost of things to cover in your checklist. It is an all-age facility means it is an absolute attraction for your kids as well.
3. Experience Indoor Skydiving
Sky diving is one of the most thrilling air-borne activities, but it may be too extreme for your smaller ones. That said, they can satiate their thrill for flying and sky diving with iFly Dubai. A great place for children above three years, iFly is where you get to experience the exhilaration of freefall and skydiving without ever jumping out of an airplane or daring heights.
With all expert assistance plus safety gears (such as flight jumpsuit, helmet, goggle etc) included, it is an absolute delight for your kids. It is located on the Playnation Level of Mirdif City Centre, which is also home to other kid-specific attractions like Magic Planet and Soccer Circus Dubai.
4. Get Set for a Distinct Adventure at Escape Rooms
Looking for a super thrilling activity to try with your whole family in a safe enclosed setting? Nothing could probably beat visiting an escape room in Dubai. From Escape Hunt and Phobia EscapeRooms to Countdown Challenge, Dubai has some fantastic escape rooms which are certain to engross every member in your group with their gripping, immersive theme.
So choose your favorite escape destination and get set as it entails you to work together to piece together the clues, overcome the challenges, and escape the locked room or space within the stipulated time frame of 60 minutes to 90 minutes.
5. Desert Safari
Just under an hour’s drive away from the city centre, a desert safari in Dubai escapes you to a sanctuary of sheer tranquility and natural beauty. Be surrounded by compelling pristine desert sands as you embark on an electrifying 4X4 dune bash.
Follow it up with a spectrum of cultural activities including camel ride, henna tattooing, Shisha smoking, and falconry to name a few. While these activities are standard inclusions of most desert safaris, a world of fun and entertainment awaits you at evening and overnight desert safaris with BBQ dining and traditional entertainment like Belly Dance and Tanura.
6. Explore the Dubai Mall
Most people overlook this mall as a place dedicated for shopping, thanks to its over 1200 outlets. For those in-the-know, this mall is a 12-million-square-feet of pure fun and entertainment, with its cool thematic attractions and activities.
There is the giant Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the coolest ever Dubai Ice Rink, the one-of-its-kind Ekart Zabeel, and the largest of its kind VR Park. Joined by your young art lover? Make sure that you take him or her to the newly opened Infinity Des Lumières – the Middle East’s largest digital art gallery.
And did we mention about Candylicious Dubai (the largest candy store in the Arabian world) and KidZania Dubai? These are the kids’ favorite go to places here. Not to mention, this enormous mall is a haven for kids of all age group and preferences.
7. See Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa is not any ordinary structure. It is the world’s tallest man-made structure at a height of over 828 meters. If it is your first ever visit to Dubai, don’t skip taking your kids here.
It gives them the rare chance to be on top of the world, as they stand on its observation deck on 124th or 148th level, with all of the Dubai’s stunning sights beneath them. It also allows them to enjoy one of the world’s fastest elevator rides, along with the chance to watch a multimedia display on Dubai’s culture and history.
8. Spend a Full Day at Aventura Parks Dubai
If you are accompanied by your impulsive ones with a craving for out-of-the-box adventure activities outdoors, it is highly recommended to visit Aventura Parks Dubai. Located within the city’s oldest park (Mushrif Park), it is where your whole family can indulge in over 80 high-course challenges including rope swinging, tree climbing etc, amidst the region’s natural surroundings.
It is worth spending a full day at the park as it also hosts other intriguing attractions such as the International Village and the country’s first-of-its-kind Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre.
9. Wildlife Expedition at Dubai Safari Park
Dubai Safari Park is another must-visit place in Dubai for an amazing outing with your family. See over 3000 animals brought from different parts of the globe as you discover its four exciting segments: African Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Asian Village and Explorer Village.
Apart from these, you will get to be part of several exciting activities like birds feeding, elephants feeding, and mostly the Safari Journey which brings you face to face with some of the planet’s most unique and rarest animals.
10. Sightsee from Both Land and Water
Set out on a Wonder Bus Tour with your kids and turn your Dubai sightseeing tour to a super thrilling and memorable experience. This lets you explore Dubai’s iconic sights aboard a classic yet cheerful amphibious vehicle.
It starts off via riding you along the city’s bustling streets before it continues the tour by splashing down into the waters of the historic Dubai Creek. In fact, this gives you the rare chance to admire Dubai’s legendary attractions from both land and water.
11. Have Water Fun Like Never Before
Dubai is a paradise for water sport lovers. Come here in winter months (November to March) and you are in for an absolute surprise. From wakeboarding and jet skiing to the craziest ever flyboarding session, there are many options to get your fill of water adventure in Dubai.
If you can’t wait till winter months, there are some incredible water parks where you can head during any part of the year. Visit Aquaventure Water Park (which is one of the region’s largest water parks) or step into the newest Laguna Water with the Middle East’s ultimate surfing attraction or find your way to the timeless Wild Wadi Water Park that is next to the renowned Burj Al Arab.
12. Visit Dubai Parks and Resorts
With so many wonderful theme parks all over the city, there is never speculation about what to do in Dubai with kids. Dubai Parks and Resorts; it is the Arabian Peninsula’s first integrated resort which encompasses several accommodations, a retail and dining segment and four parks in its enormous grounds. Needless to say, it is one of the absolute destinations for amusement and thrill seekers.
Motiongate Dubai (the biggest of four parks) is a supreme treat for Hollywood fans, while Bollywood Dubai is especially created Hindi movie buffs. Other two parks are LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park which are unmissable for families of kids from 2 to 12 years.
If you are looking for more theme park alternatives in Dubai, there is the largest of its IMG Worlds of Adventure and the video-game inspired Hub Zero.
13. Ski, Sledge, Snowboard & Catch with Penguins
Snow and chilly winter may sound contradictory in a desert city like Dubai. But, let’s not forget that Dubai is a destination of unbeatable feats. So, simply throw all caution to the wind and come here prepared to experience icy breeze and pure white snow even when you visit Dubai in simmering summers.
It is courtesy to Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirates – this indoor ski resort with a snow park is where you can indulge in almost all your favorite snow pastime activities like skiing, snowboarding or simply throwing snow.
14. Watch Palm Fountain Show
If you are looking for a free attraction to enjoy with your whole family, Palm Fountain Show at Palm Jumeirah’s Pointe is unmissable. With its captivatingly choreographed performance in seamless sync of light, music and colors, it is the world’s largest fountain show as well as the region’s only colored show.
15. Dhow Cruise
Need a quiet and quality reprieve with your family after all action and fun in Dubai? Hop on to a traditional Arabian wooden dhow (sailing vessel) at Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina. It takes you on a delightful evening cruise for approximately two hours, allowing you to enjoy stunningly illuminated views, fine dining and inspiring live cultural performance like Tanura onboard.
Conclusion
This list of things to do in Dubai could simply go on and on. With so much to do and experience for people of all age groups, be sure to visit Dubai with family at least once in your lifetime. No matter you are traveling with your tiny tots or teens, they are sure to enjoy every moment here as they take home the most treasured memories of their unforgettable Arabian holiday.