Dubai has emerged as a premier global destination for families due to its impressive mix of modern attractions, various entertainment options, and family-friendly amenities.
In addition to its architectural marvels, Dubai has lovely, clean beaches that invite families to relax and soak up the sun. Green parks spread throughout the city provide ample space for children to play, complete with playgrounds, picnic areas, and even splash pads to beat the heat.
Shopaholics will delight not only as a retail haven but also as a destination for entertainment, featuring impressive attractions. This dynamic city truly ensures a beautiful and unforgettable experience for families from around the globe.
Families can immerse themselves in the excitement of world-renowned theme parks. So, what else do you need? Learn about the best time to visit Dubai and plan your holiday!
Burj Khalifa
Undoubtedly, Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest skyscraper and brags about offering the most luxurious experience for its guests. And of course, it does. It stands at a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet). This landmark dominates the skyline of Dubai and provides a luxurious experience for visitors.
This iconic attraction tops the list of the best places to visit in Dubai with family and friends because it offers numerous activities for its tourists. A few of the best things are mentioned below-
- Observation Deck: At the Top of the Burj Khalifa, visitors can enjoy a glittering view of Dubai from the Observation Deck on the 124th floor or the Sky Lounge on the 148th floor.
- Interactive Multimedia Displays & Augmented Reality (AR): It is located at The At the Top, which helps families learn about Dubai’s history, architecture, and the Burj Khalifa.
AR features engage families in a fun and educational way, making it both entertaining and informative for children and adults.
The experience is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for children, with interactive touchscreens, visual displays, and educational activities on the observation decks that make learning fun.
- Dining at At.mosphere: It is located on the 122nd floor. Families can enjoy delicious food and refreshing drinks while sitting at the At.mosphere. No place in the world can give you the surreal experience that this restaurant and lounge provide.
The Burj Khalifa is much more than just a remarkable skyscraper; it represents a comprehensive experience that captivates and delights visitors of all ages. It is architectural ingenuity.
Educational exhibits provide insights into the building’s innovative design and construction, as well as the region’s rich history and culture. These enhance the experience, creating a perfect mix of enjoyment, learning, and awe-inspiring beauty.
Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is on Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai, UAE. It covers 12 hectares (30 acres) and stretches 275 meters (902 feet) across. The fountain can shoot water up to 152.4 meters (500 feet) high, which is awe-inspiring!
It is a beautiful, choreographed show performed by water, light, and music on a variety of classical, contemporary Arabic, and world music. Isn’t it insane to think? Indeed, it is a wonder.
You will be amazed to know the list of some of the popular songs that were performed, which includes-
- “Skyfall” by Adele
- “Thriller” by Michael Jackson
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
- “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
- “Hero” by Enrique Iglesias
It is noteworthy to remember that it offers free admission to watch the spectacular water shows. It runs in the evenings every 30 minutes. Kids can enjoy watching the fountains while parents relax in the atmosphere.
Watching the fountain show in the evening is a great family activity after a day of sightseeing or shopping. The evening shows are brightly lit, making them fun for children.
The area around the fountain is lively and busy, which creates a nice atmosphere for a family walk or to eat at one of the many nearby restaurants that offer views of the fountain.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
| Did you know?
This aquarium houses over 140 species of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, giant groupers, seahorses, and turtles. |
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an excellent family-friendly attraction which offers both fun and educational experiences for people of all ages. Its common that in an aquarium, we view marine life but this aquarium cum zoo offers interactive experiences for children.
This Underwater Zoo has displays that explain various ecosystems, from freshwater to oceanic life. Families can learn together about sea creatures, marine conservation, and the wonders of the deep sea.
Educational talks and feeding sessions help families gain insights about different species. There’s even a 90-meter-long tunnel where families can walk and see marine life swimming all around them.
The best part is that the giant tank also has glass-bottom boat rides, allowing families to take a closer look at the underwater world from different angles.
As it is located inside the Dubai Mall, it offers easy access to food, shopping, and other attractions for families to enjoy after visiting the aquarium.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Roller coasters, simulator experiences, and action-packed attractions, who doesn’t want to visit this kind of place? Of course, no one would like to miss this attraction.
Dubai Parks and Resorts is one of the best places to visit for families because it consists of three main theme parks and one water park:
- Motiongate Dubai: A movie-themed park with attractions based on popular Hollywood movies like Shrek, The Hunger Games, Ghostbusters, and Madagascar.
- Legoland Dubai: A family-friendly park designed for younger children, featuring interactive Lego-themed attractions, rides, and building zones.
- Bollywood Parks Dubai: The world’s first Bollywood theme park, offering attractions, live shows, and performances based on popular Bollywood movies.
- Legoland Water Park: A water park specifically designed for families with younger children, featuring water slides, splash zones, and interactive water play areas.
Note: This park also partnered with Real Madrid CF and opened the world’s first football theme park.
Legoland Dubai and Legoland Water Park are perfect for younger children, with gentle rides, water slides, and interactive play zones designed to be safe and fun for younger kids.
Families can meet beloved characters from Shrek, Madagascar, and other popular franchises. These interactions are memorable for children and provide fun photo opportunities.
Museum of the Future
The Museum of the Future is an architectural marvel located in the heart of Dubai. It is a ring-shaped architecture that features Arabic calligraphy, making it a visually alluring attraction.
The circle in the center symbolises the unknown future. The calligraphy around it features a motivational quote from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai.
It has 7 floors and focuses on the future of science, technology, and innovation. Through technology, touchscreens, virtual reality and interactive experiences, the museum takes visitors on an exciting journey into the future, showcasing what tomorrow’s world might look like.
The Museum of the Future is designed to interest tourists of all ages, which includes robotics, AI, space travel, sustainability, and advanced medicine.
Families can explore various themes, such as the future of transportation, healthcare, space exploration, and the environment. This provides an excellent opportunity for family learning, where parents and kids can explore important issues like sustainability and technological advancements together.
Global Village
Global Village unites the world. It is a vibrant celebration of diversity, bringing together over 90 cultures from around the world. This exciting destination has more than 175 rides, games, and attractions, making it perfect for both families and thrill-seekers.
If your family is into rides, this place has Carnaval, which features a classic Ferris wheel, a spooky haunted house, fun skill games, and all-time arcade favourites.
For adrenaline junkies, the Thrill Rides section is a must-see, with 31 high-speed, high-flying, and spinning rides that are sure to get your heart racing!
But it’s not just about the rides- there’s so much more to enjoy. Cultural shows take center stage, showcasing performances from various countries, kids’ entertainment, street acts, and even jaw-dropping stunts.
And if you’re in the mood for shopping, Global Village offers a wide range of authentic products, including artisanal goods, traditional clothing, jewellery, and sweet treats from all over the world.
What makes Global Village really special is its 27 unique pavilions, each representing a different country. Here, you can explore the rich cultures, vibrant traditions, and delicious cuisines of countries from every corner of the globe.
Plus, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal add to the charm, making it feel like you’re travelling the world all in one place.
Don’t miss out on trying the amazing international street food, whether it’s spicy bites from India and Thailand, Sidr honey from Yemen, or beautiful, hand-crafted rugs from Iran.
As the sun sets, Global Village turns into one of the best nightlife and entertainment spots in Dubai, making it a perfect addition to your nighttime itinerary. So if you’re in Dubai, make sure to visit this.
AYA Universe
AYA Universe in Dubai is a family-friendly destination because it combines art, technology, and interactive exhibits, which each member of the family loves.
As soon as you enter, you will feel like you have entered different worlds through light, sound, and motion. It’s designed to engage visitors of all ages. The AYA Universe is in itself a universe.
The energetic light displays, projection mapping, and 3D installations ignite curiosity and wonder among family members. The combination of colours, patterns, and moving elements creates a magical and dream-like experience that both kids and adults can enjoy together.
The AYA Universe is not just an idea; it is a whole world filled with many different parts and connections. In this universe, various dimensions and stories come together, creating a rich mix of tales, characters, and experiences.
This place invites people to explore and learn more. Each part of the AYA Universe adds to the overall picture and encourages curiosity and engagement with its unique environment.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Wild Wadi Waterpark in Dubai is a great place for families to enjoy their Dubai holiday. The park is beautifully decorated, inspired by Arabian stories, especially the character Juha.
It offers rides for everyone, from toddlers to adults. Kids can enjoy gentle wave pools and small slides. And thrill-seekers can try the Jumeirah Sceirah, one of the tallest and fastest free-fall water slides in the world.
This theme makes the experience fun and memorable for both children and adults. For younger kids, there are special play areas like “Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon.” This large water playground has mini-slides, water jets, and activities designed for little ones to explore safely.
The rides that you can find in Wadi Waterpark are-
- Ring Rides- downhill slides.
- Tantrum Alley & Burj Surj- the combination of 3 tornados & Burj Surj has 2 bowls.
- Jumeirah Sceirah- the tallest 33 m (108 ft) and fastest free-fall water slide, 80 km/h (50 mph).
- FlowRider- surfing simulators produce a realistic wave.
- Breakers Bay- the largest wave pool.
- Juha’s Journey- a 360 m (1,180 ft) long river to float.
- Juha’s Dhow and Lagoonplay- area for children with over 100 water games/rides.
- Wipeout AND Riptide- produce a wave effect for body-boarding and knee-boarding.
Plenty of amenities are available for families, such as spacious changing rooms, stroller rentals, and shaded areas for resting. Additionally, Wild Wadi offers family cabanas, which provide a private area for families to relax between rides.
In addition, families can find numerous family-friendly dining options within the park, from snacks to full meals. So, have a blast at this waterpark.
Dubai Frame
If you think that the Dubai Frame is merely a structure standing in the heart of the city, you are mistaken, my friend. It is an exquisite attraction in its own right. With its gorgeous design, the Frame comes alive at night, illuminating the skyline with a gorgeous display of lights.
However, its true purpose goes beyond aesthetics- it serves as a visual representation of Dubai’s contrasting sides: the rich traditions of its past and the modernity of its present.
Things to Remember:
- From the southern side of the view, you can see the bright modern Dubai city, which includes the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and the Palm Jumeirah.
- On the northern side, you can see the historical part of Dubai, including areas like Deira and Dubai Creek.
Families can enjoy views that reveal this contrast. This design illustrates how the city has grown and changed over time.
The best and most exciting part of it comes when you walk across the glass-floored bridge on the frame. At night, stepping onto the transparent floor and looking down at the lit-up city below can be thrilling. So, it is one of the best places to visit in Dubai for families.
Ski Dubai
| Do you know?
In 2007, Ski Dubai won the Thea Outstanding Achievement Award from the Themed Entertainment Association. |
Ski Dubai is worth visiting with family. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, it maintains a temperature of −1 to 2 °C (30 to 36 °F) throughout the year. There are many activities that family members can indulge in here, such as
- Skiing and Snowboarding: It has five ski runs of varying difficulty levels.
- Snow Park: It covers 4,500 square meters and includes sledding hills, ice slides, climbing towers, and snowball fights- perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Snow Bullet: A zipline suspended 16 meters above the slopes adds an exciting element for adventurous family members.
The best thing about this attraction is that families can meet and interact with a colony of Gentoo and King Penguins through scheduled encounters, making it a fun-learning experience for kids.
You can also find cosy spots to warm up with hot chocolate and snacks while enjoying views of the snow park. The park’s accessible location makes it easy to combine a day of shopping, dining, and snow activities.
Note: Ski gear and winter clothing are provided as part of the entry fee, so families don’t need to bring their own.
Dubai Opera
Musicals, ballets, operas, concerts, and magic shows- which one does your family want to watch? There’s something to suit everyone’s taste. Special productions, such as Disney musicals, children’s theater, and animated film screenings, are especially appealing to kids.
Dubai Opera offers guided tours on which families can explore the architecture and backstage areas and learn about the venue’s history and design.
Some shows include workshops or interactive sessions with performers, which allow children to engage more closely with the art.
Visiting during the festive season is a kind of jackpot as Dubai Opera frequently hosts holiday-themed shows (like Christmas concerts) and family movie nights with live orchestras, making it a fun outing for all ages.
Dubai Opera is a premier venue for performing arts in the Middle East, so on your Dubai visit, you must come here!
Dubai Dolphinarium
Dubai Dolphinarium is an indoor facility in the Middle East where people can see dolphins and seals. It is fully air-conditioned and lets visitors watch live shows and take photos with the animals.
Things to do for families in Dubai Dolphinarium-
- Dolphin and Seal Show: Watch where they perform tricks, dances, and jumps.
- Swim with Dolphins: Interact with dolphins through swimming sessions and shallow water experiences, which are conducted under professional supervision.
- Exotic Bird Show: A bird show where colourful parrots and other exotic birds perform tricks and fly overhead.
- Interactive Experiences: Enjoy face painting, photo sessions with dolphins, and other interactive activities.
- Art Factory: Try something new to explore your creativity.
- Mirror Maze: Wander through the mirror labyrinth.
- Gift Shop: Buy unique souvenirs.
This is undoubtedly a place for kids and adults too, where everyone learns something from other creatures. So, don’t forget to add this place to your Dubai itinerary.
The Green Planet
The Green Planet Dubai is an indoor tropical rainforest located in the City Walk area. It is home to a 4-story indoor tropical rainforest with over 3,000 plants and animals. Can you believe this?
It’s a kind of school where families can gain insights about biodiversity, conservation, and the environment. The Green Planet has interactive displays and educational activities that teach visitors about ecosystems, plant life, and animal behaviour.
This place offers so many activities for families, such as
- Camping in the rainforest
- Zookeeper for a day
- Rainforest summer camp
- Nature’s palette workshop
- Night at the zoo
The centerpiece of the experience is the Rainforest Exhibit. Visitors can walk through the rainforest and encounter different species of birds, reptiles, and small mammals.
The canopy area allows families to explore higher levels of the rainforest. The treehouse is a fun space for kids to climb up and view the entire place, providing an excellent spot for family photos.
Dubai Desert Safari
Families can enjoy traditional Emirati cultural experiences in the Dubai Desert Safari. Taking a Desert Safari with a BBQ Dinner can be a magical experience for them.
To experience the authentic Emirati adventure, they will get a traditional Bedouin-style camp with soft lighting and cushions. Not just this, but for the ultimate entertainment, fire shows, belly dances, and Tanoura shows are also arranged.
A Dubai Desert Safari offers fantastic activities for families, such as Dune Bashing over the desert dunes in a 4×4 vehicle, Camel Riding, and Sandboarding.
The desert offers enchanting sunsets, making it a perfect time for family photos. It’s a peaceful moment after a day of adventure, allowing families to relax together while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Overall, the Dubai Desert Safari provides a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an ideal family outing.
KidZania
Let your kids explore real-world jobs and find out their future ambitions. Yes, it’s possible! There’s a place in Dubai where children can try out over 40 real-world professions, such as doctors, firefighters, pilots, chefs, engineers, journalists, and more.
And the place is KidZania, where kids can role-play and learn about real life in a fun way. They can even become police officers or journalists, learning how different professions work.
Each child can earn KidZos (KidZania’s currency) by completing tasks, and they can spend or save them within the city to enhance their experience. So, why wait? Let this place decide your child’s interest.
Dubai Safari Park & Zoo
Dubai Safari Park is home to over 2,500 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and various exotic species.
The park is divided into several themed zones, each offering a different experience for families:
- African Village: Home to African animals like giraffes, zebras, and rhinos.
- Asian Village: A great area to see animals like the Indian tiger, elephants, and orangutans.
- Arabian Desert Safari: Showcasing native animals of the Arabian Peninsula, including the Arabian Oryx and Arabian leopards.
- Wadi: A beautiful area with birds and water-loving species.
Dubai Safari Park offers interactive experiences, Animal Shows and Feeding Demonstrations, and Conservation Education. Also, they have The Kid’s Farm (a delightful area where children can meet domesticated animals like goats, sheep, and rabbits). You can also do photo sessions with animals and go souvenir shopping.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Do you want to know what it is like to visit the largest water park in the Middle East? Then you must visit Aquaventure Waterpark.
Let me just list you the popular water slides and river rides that you shouldn’t miss in this waterpark-
- The Leap of Faith: a near-vertical drop through a clear tube that goes through a lagoon filled with sharks.
- The Aquaconda: a thrilling tube ride with fast twists and turns for you and your friends to enjoy together.
- The Lazy River: it lets you float along a winding path.
- The Rapid River: a ride with stronger water currents.
There are two towers: the Tower of Poseidon and the Tower of Neptune. These towers have some of the park’s best water slides, including the Shark Attack and Poseidon’s Revenge. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy exciting water fun in Dubai with your family.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Watching the sunrise from a hot-air balloon is going to be a surreal experience for your family. When the balloon rises high above the desert, you can hear the soft sound of the balloon and the wind in the air.
When the family gets on the hot air balloon, they fill the basket with laughter and friendly conversation. As the balloon rises, kids feel a thrill looking at the desert landscape below, and the ride becomes an adventure.
Family members can see beautiful views and take pictures. Parents talk to their kids about geography and wildlife while siblings spot unique rock formations or desert animals. Each sunrise paints the sky, sparking conversations about nature’s beauty.
While floating high above, they enjoy a peaceful moment to reflect and appreciate the view, which brings them closer together. When they land, the family shares their favourite moments and laughs.
So, riding a hot air balloon is a unique experience that strengthens their bonds and creates lasting memories.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood (Al Bastakiya)
If you want to experience old Dubai, visiting the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood is a great choice. You will be mesmerised by the authentic arrow lanes, courtyard houses, distinct wind towers, and traditional Arabian architecture.
Dubai Creek adds to the beauty of this neighbourhood. You can also explore traditional buildings, museums, and art galleries and enjoy Emirati cuisine, including visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the Dubai Museum.
Visitors can walk through narrow lanes and see well-preserved wind-tower buildings that show traditional Emirati design. By engaging with local artisans and joining workshops, visitors can better understand the customs and traditions that have shaped the community.
So, there’s so much to learn about the past, as it gives you a glimpse of the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood.
Dubai Miracle Garden
It is unusual for flowers to grow in the dry desert, where the sun beats down hard and the ground is dry. However, Dubai is a surprising exception to this barren landscape. This city will amaze you with its unique flower garden- Dubai Miracle Garden.
This enchanting place truly lives up to its name, overflowing with a surreal variety of flowers that create a mesmerising space of colour and fragrance.
This beautiful garden covers 72,000 square meters and has over 150 million flowers arranged in impressive displays that showcase nature’s creativity.
Let me list the floral, incredible sculptures that you are going to witness there-
- Emirates A380
- Floating Lady
- Floral Castle
- Floral Clock
- Floral Villas
- Heart Tunnel
- Hill Top
- Lake Park
- Smurf
- Teddy Bear
- Umbrella Tunnel
This garden showcases its extraordinary flower display along with everything a family needs, from Dubai souvenir shops and photo booths to a Bazaar.
Visitors can walk through souvenir shops that feature unique handmade crafts and local treats. These items are great for remembering your visit.
If you want to capture your experience, you can find various photo booths with fun backdrops. The busy bazaar also offers a wide range of artisan goods, tasty snacks, and refreshing drinks, so there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Conclusion
Dubai is a global destination for families because it is home to some of the world’s most famous and exciting attractions. Families can explore world-class shopping malls and adventure-filled theme parks.
It is also known for its high level of safety and cleanliness, and a comfortable and secure environment for families to explore and enjoy their vacation.
From indoor activities like KidZania and the Dubai Aquarium to outdoor parks, beaches, and desert safaris, there’s something for everyone. They can enjoy a variety of experiences ranging from cultural to thrilling adventures.
Also, families can find the best places to stay, many of which are luxurious resorts with kids’ clubs, pools, and activities designed specifically for children.
Ready to create unforgettable memories with your family? Book your dream family vacation to Dubai today and experience the best of adventure, culture, and fun! Don’t miss out—start planning now!
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Places to Visit in Dubai with Family
What are the best family-friendly beaches in Dubai?
JBR Beach and Kite Beach are perfect for families, offering clean sand, water sports, and play areas.
What are the top indoor attractions in Dubai for families?
Dubai Mall, KidZania, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offer family fun indoors.
Where can we go for a family-friendly shopping experience in Dubai?
The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates offer shops, entertainment, and dining for the whole family.
Is there a place to enjoy outdoor activities with kids in Dubai?
Dubai Parks and Resorts, which includes Motiongate and Legoland, is ideal for family outdoor adventures.
What are the best places for family dining in Dubai?
The Walk at JBR and Global Village offer diverse dining options suitable for families.
