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Things to do in Dubai with kids

 

Dubai is much more than its breakthrough architectural masterpieces and ever-glowing ambience; it exudes a distinctive vibe that appeals to all age groups and preferences. So if you’re considering a Dubai holiday with kids, you can be rest assured that you’ll never run out of ideas or activities to keep your little ones smiling here throughout.  

Looking for more inspiration on how to engage your kids once in Dubai? From the most unique cultural attractions and laid back beaches to the coolest of its kind amusement venues and endless array of entertainment options, here is a list of top things to do in Dubai with kids.

If you are going soon you will want to check out 11 travel tips for Dubai. It will save you time, energy and sanity.

 

Spend a whole day in the Dubai Mall 

The Dubai Mall is one of the city icons, hard to miss on any Dubai holiday. But if you’re of a notion that this is just for shoppers (with its over 1200 outlets), the reality is that it’s for all with many attractions and experiences that would keep your kids asking for more. And here are some of the most unmissable when you visit here with your little ones. 

• Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: Take your curious smaller ones to this giant, one-of-its-kind aquarium and they would for sure be fascinated to discover its giant 10-million-liter tank filled with over 33, 000 marine creatures.  It allows them to see many rare and endangered underwater species up-close and even take part in many distinct experiences such as dive with sharks, cage snorkeling, and glass bottom ride. And don’t miss the exciting exhibits at Underwater Zoo, mainly the king crocs which weighs more than 750 kilograms.

• KidZania Dubai: Traveling with kids from 2 to 16 years? Your Dubai trip is incomplete without visiting this kid-exclusive attraction. This is a miniature-sized metropolis where your enthusiastic kids will be able to enact their favorite adult jobs for a few hours.

• VR Park Dubai: Joined by your gaming enthusiasts? Let them enter this immersive world of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Here, they will get to make the most of its innovative rides and experiences including Burj Drop, Dubai Drone, VR Balloon, Dune Bash and more.
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• Dubai Fountain Show: Regardless of age, this experience (outside of the Dubai Mall and set against the tallest of its kind Burj Khalifa) is definite to entice kids and adults alike. This extravaganza is a perfect synchronization of light, music, and water. This is a free Dubai sight and it takes place every day after 18:00 hrs every 30 minutes.

 

 

Hit Dubai’s pristine beaches and parks 

The city may be best identified for its glitzy demeanor but it boasts of many lovely parks and pristine beaches sprinkled with greenery and quietude. So if you wish to break away from all, make your way to one of its parks such as Jumeirah Beach Park, Zabeel Park, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Safa Park, and Mushrif Park. They all come with kids’ play areas, BBQ spots and other recreational facilities. 

Desert Safari 

This is another activity which lets you escape from the urban congestion. But this trip to the vast expanse of Arabian Desert sands is a quintessential Dubai adventure which gives you a slice of the region’s authentic culture, heritage and traditions. More than that, it has everything to keep your smaller tykes hooked for some time.

Choose from morning, evening or overnight desert safari. Dependent on your choice, your desert safari includes 4X4 dune bash, camel ride, sandboarding, quad biking, falconry, Shisha smoking, henna tattooing, BBQ dining, and traditional shows like belly dance and Tanura show. 

Visit some of the best waterparks in Dubai

Whether you wish to take to some exciting water rides / slides or want to make a splish-splash in Dubai’s real water, there are tons of options to experience unmatched aquatic fun both from land and water. 

Feel the rush of a lifetime as you enjoy some of the region’s most heart-racing rides and attractions at Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park, Wild Wadi Park etc.

If these aren’t enough, don’t be afraid to sign up for activities like banana boat ride, jet skiing, kayaking, wakeboarding etc. They all are super exhilarating, incredibly safe, and most of all, introduces you to the Arabian Gulf coastline like no other. 

Go on an exciting Dubai cruise 

Dhow Cruise, Speedboat Tour & Wonder Bus Tour 

A cruise along Dubai’s waters is one of the most exciting things to do with kids while in Dubai. And a sure-fire option is a dhow cruise which sails you down Dubai Creek or Dubai Marina in a refurbished traditional Arabian vessel.

This relaxed cruise gives you closer views of stunning city skyline and the whole experience is enhanced by buffet dining and traditional shows onboard.

Want to add more fun and thrill to your cruise? Take a speed boat tour aboard a RIB; it guarantees you amusement and adventure like no other.

Another must-try for kids is Wonder Bus Tour which takes you on a sightseeing adventure from both land and water. 

Watch an entertaining show 

 

Visit any part of the year – there will be events and shows galore to pique every age and interest. Now if you’re not sure about Dubai’s events calendar, be sure to watch some of its permanent shows.

One of the must-sees among them is La Perle by Dragone show which is a source of pure entertainment with its compelling blend of brilliant performers, nerve-wracking acrobatic acts, amazing music, stunning costumes and more.

There is also the dolphin show at Dubai Dolphinarium; this 45-minute session with gorgeous dolphins and wonderful seals are super fun. 

 

Enjoy skiing and other snow activities in Dubai

Dubai is characterized by year-round sunshine. The outdoors becomes oppressive during summer months. So if you fancy a snow-filled alpine environment in Dubai, just enter Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates. This indoor ski resort is the first of its kind in the Middle East and it caters to every skill level, with its slopes of diverse levels.

You can also make the most of its massive snow park which spans over 3000 square meters and enhanced with exclusive snow themed rides, slides, ice cave and more. Add to these experiences such as Penguin Encounter.

Spend some time at  the Museum of Illusions 

Let your little ones discover the impossible at Museum of Illusions which is also the largest of its kind! It’s where your younger ones will get to enter the mind-bending world of illusions. Take a look at its over 80 interactive exhibits that would create a sense of awe and dilemma.

From the Chair Illusions and Mirror of Truth to Anti-Gravity Room, Kaleidoscope and the daring Vortex Tunnel, these displays are sure to challenge your awareness and knowledge about science and realism. 

Have absolute fun at Dubai Parks and Resorts 

A trip to the region’s first of its kind Dubai Parks and Resorts is a complete package for theme park lovers of all age groups. After all, it comprises three theme parks and a water park, all packed with the widest array of rides, games and exciting.

Take your love for Hollywood-inspired rides to next level at its Motiongate Dubai. Bollywood Parks is another exciting park here and this is especially for those who adore Hindi movies and its iconic characters like Don, Krrish etc. Finally, LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park are the ultimate venues for families with kids from 2 to 12 years. They form the Middle East’s first LEGO themed attraction. 

Visit Green Planet

This is one of Dubai’s most wondrous sights as it delivers a fascinating rainforest kind of setting in a cool, controlled ambience.  In other words, a visit to Green Planet at Dubai’s City Walk is like straight walking into Amazon rainforest.

Not to mention, you kids will get to explore a wide array of plant and animal species and even participate in several unique and refreshing experiences. The Bat Cave Adventure, Australian Walkabout, Bird Encounter, Reptile Encounter, Sloth Encounter, and Sugar Glider Encounter to name a few. 

Conclusion 

So there you have our top suggestions to spend your holiday in Dubai with kids! So depending on your duration of Dubai visit, try to incorporate some of these cool experiences and we’re certain that your kids of all age groups will enjoy every bit of their much-awaited vacation. 

 

Pictures of Dubai

Do you need a little more inspiration? Here are some iconic pictures of Dubai.

Thanks to Neha for her amazing guest post! If you want more information check her out at www.dubaiwikia.com

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