10 Fun family-friendly activities in Dubai

Dubai offers a great variety of kid-friendly attractions that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Take in the natural beauty of the Red Dunes on a desert safari, go snorkeling with underwater wildlife, take in the unique architecture and history, visit the exciting Aquaventure waterpark, and immerse yourself in movie magic at Motiongate Dubai — your vacation to Dubai is sure to be one to remember.

Dubai offers beautiful views of nature as well as fun things to do within the city. The city and its surrounding area can be enjoyed for its fascinating museums, its delicious food, and its nightlife. Everyone, regardless of age, will find unforgettable experiences to enjoy in Dubai.

1. Experience the thrill of a desert safari

Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of Dubai's Red Dunes on an exciting Desert Safari, Quad Bike, Camel Ride, and Al Khayma Camp experience. Soak in the stunning vistas of the desert landscape on a camel ride. Feel the adrenaline rush as you conquer the dunes while sandboarding and dune-bashing. For an extra thrill, opt for an exhilarating quad-bike adventure.

Recommended for:

This adventure is suitable for children aged 3 and over, but older kids and teens will have the most fun.

Address and opening hours:

You'll be collected from your accommodation. The tour lasts 4–7 hours with various start times available.

2. Discover Dubai's premier waterpark

Dive into the ultimate aquatic adventure with Aquaventure Waterpark entry tickets. With a plethora of thrilling rides and waterslides, more than any other waterpark on Earth, it's an adrenaline-seekers paradise. Take on the Tower of Poseidon or brave the dark and winding Aquaconda water tunnel. Experience the excitement of the Ziggurat, offering a variety of exhilarating slides.

Recommended for:

Suitable for all ages, not just kids. For the very little ones, Splashers Water Playground provides endless fun.

Address and opening hours:

Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road. Open daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.

3. Dance with the Dubai Fountain

Adults are amazed by the largest dancing fountains in the world, so little humans will be even more fascinated by the amazing water, light, and music show. Covering a 30-acre lake and bursting into life every 30 minutes, the Dubai Fountain is best seen at night when the lights and music make it even more spectacular. Book the Dubai Fountain experience with a ride on a traditional abra boat for the absolute best view and added fun.

Recommended for:

The fountains will fascinate even the youngest viewers. Each boat can accommodate up to 8 people, so it’s great for small and large families.

Address and opening hours:

Tickets for the boat ride need to be collected before your intended visit time from the At the Top Burj Khalifa ticket office in Dubai Mall. Rides depart 15 minutes prior to fountain shows, which are every 30 minutes between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM.

4. Go forward in time at the Museum of the Future

The Museum of the Future, one of the best museums in Dubai, is dedicated to human potential and possibilities within the next 50 years, and it's a fascinating visit for kids. Grab your Museum of the Future tickets and, from the very start, the stunning building’s oval shape will wow younger visitors. Inside, learning about Dubai’s futuristic technology is definitely geared at kids slightly more than adults. Visit an augmented-reality recreation of a rainforest, and solve puzzles to see how the world can be a better place with the right ideas and solutions.

Recommended for:

Suitable for everyone. Children up to the age of 4 can enter for free but still require a ticket. Booking ahead is recommended at this popular museum.

Address and opening hours:

Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Center, Dubai. Open daily, 10:00 AM–7:30 PM.

5. See a sea of flamingos at Ras Al Khor

Just on the edge of the city lies an unexpected oasis where nature flourishes. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a nature reserve where thousands of flamingos and other migratory birds flock each year, turning the landscape pink as far as the eye can see. Visit between October and March to see them.

Recommended for:

The reservation is an important spot for biodiversity in the region: young nature lovers can spot many different species.

Address and opening hours:

Ras Al Khor Road. Open year-round, Sunday–Thursday 7:30 AM–5:30 PM (slightly longer in summer). Closed Friday–Saturday. Booking in advance is essential.

6. Be immersed in movie magic at Motiongate

The largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the Middle East, get a Motiongate Dubai entry ticket and fun is guaranteed for all the family. Uniting the creativity of three renowned studios – Columbia Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Lionsgate – this thrilling park offers action-packed rides and attractions for every movie lover.

Recommended for:

Suitable for movie enthusiasts of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Motiongate Dubai. Open Sunday–Thursday 11:00 AM–8:00 PM, Friday–Saturday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM.

7. Soar above Dubai's coast with a thrilling parasailing adventure

Get the perfect blend of adrenaline and wonder with a parasailing experience that is perfect for adventurous kids and parents. Ascend 100 meters above the sea on a thrilling one-hour boat tour along the scenic Dubai coast. Take off from the boat and feel the exhilaration as you soar through the sky, and witness Dubai's beauty from a unique perspective.

Recommended for:

Suitable for adventure seekers aged 6 and over.

Meeting point:

Meet at Dubai’s Fishing Harbour. The trip lasts one hour.

8. Walk through an underwater zoo

Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, one of the world's largest indoor aquariums, and discover a fascinating world of marine creatures from all of the world's oceans. The aquarium tunnel is fascinating, and kids won’t believe their eyes as rays, sharks, and thousands of fish species they (or you) didn’t even know existed swim all around. The Underwater Zoo is an interactive experience where kids can learn about different marine creatures. There’s also the chance to see penguins, otters, and one of the largest crocodiles on the planet.

Recommended for:

This is perfect for kids of all ages. Under 2s can enter free.

Meeting point:

The entrance is located within Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai.

9. Wander under the lush green canopies of an indoor rainforest

Discover an enchanting indoor rainforest at The Green Planet, an enclosed bio-dome that immerses you in the wonders of the tropics. Go inside The Bat Cave and witness snakes, colorful birds, adorable sloths, and playful monkeys. Deepen your understanding of our natural world and ensure an unforgettable experience for the whole family.

Recommended for:

Adults and kids of all ages will enjoy this educational and engaging experience.

Address and opening hours:

City Walk, Al Wasl. Open daily 10:00 AM-6:00 PM.

10. Spend a day at Dubai’s amazing indoor theme park

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the biggest indoor theme park in the UAE, so weather won't play a factor in how much fun you can have here. An amazing experience for adults and kids of all ages, they've got everything from wild roller coasters to mind-blowing interactive experiences like encounters with superheroes and exploring fantastical realms.

Recommended for:

This is a fun thing to do with kids of all ages.

Address and opening hours:

Hotel pickup and drop-off is included in the ticket. IMG Worlds of Adventure opens at noon and closes at 10:00 PM Sunday–Thursday, 11:00 PM Friday–Saturday.

FAQs

What are some of the top family-friendly attractions in Dubai?

Dubai offers plenty of family-friendly attractions and things to do with children. Head to the exciting Aquaventure Waterpark, be amazed by the natural world in the Green Planet indoor rainforest or take a tour of the city from land or sea.

What are the best museums for kids in Dubai?

There is no shortage of family-friendly museum experiences in Dubai. Learn about the city's rich culture in the Al Khayma Heritage House, or take a day trip to Abu Dhabi to see some spectacular pieces of art from French museums and visit the Children's Museum.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Dubai?

Whether you'd like to relax in the sun or experience the adrenaline rush of parasailing, you will find lots of fun activities for kids in Dubai. Go on a day out with ocean wildlife snorkeling in Fujairah, sunbathe on a luxurious boat or fly through the air with a parasail, or see the Dubai skyline on a relaxing sightseeing cruise.

What are some unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences to have in Dubai with kids?

See the beautiful Red Dunes outside Dubai on a desert safari, with exhilarating dune-bashing and scenic camel caravan rides.

What are some fun day trips from Dubai that are suitable for families with kids?

The areas around Dubai provide great options for family-friendly day trips in nature and in the city. Take a day trip snorkeling in Fujairah with the colorful ocean wildlife, or see the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi and learn about UAE's history in the city.