Dubai is one of the best family-friendly destinations in the world, offering exciting attractions, beautiful beaches, thrilling theme parks, fascinating wildlife experiences, and unforgettable desert adventures. Whether you are travelling with toddlers, young children, or teenagers, there are plenty of things to do in Dubai with kids.
From exploring the underwater world at Dubai Aquarium to experiencing the Arabian desert on a family-friendly safari, Dubai offers activities for every age and interest.
If you are planning a family holiday, here are the top 10 things to do in Dubai with kids to add to your itinerary.
1. Enjoy a Dubai Desert Safari with Kids
A Dubai desert safari is one of the most memorable experiences for families visiting the UAE. Away from the city’s skyscrapers, you can explore the golden dunes and experience traditional Arabian hospitality.
Families can choose from morning, evening, and private desert safari experiences. Depending on your selected package, activities may include dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, sunset photography, henna painting, traditional entertainment, and a BBQ dinner at a desert camp.
For families with younger children, a private or family-friendly safari can be a comfortable option because you can enjoy the experience at your own pace.
Family-Friendly Desert Safari Activities
- Camel rides
- Sandboarding
- Desert photography
- Sunset views
- Henna painting
- Traditional Arabian camp
- BBQ dinner
- Live entertainment
- Stargazing
A desert safari is a great way to combine adventure, culture, and relaxation in a single family experience.
2. Explore Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located inside Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an exciting attraction for children who love animals and marine life.
Kids can see thousands of aquatic animals, including sharks, rays, and different species of fish. The large underwater tunnel provides an immersive experience as marine life swims around and above visitors.
The attraction is also convenient to combine with other activities at Dubai Mall, making it an easy addition to a family itinerary.
Best for: Young children, animal lovers, and families looking for an indoor activity.
3. Spend a Fun Day at LEGOLAND Dubai
LEGOLAND Dubai is designed with families and younger children in mind. The theme park features LEGO-themed rides, attractions, play areas, and interactive experiences.
Children can explore different themed zones, enjoy family rides, and take part in hands-on activities. It is particularly suitable for families with children who enjoy LEGO and imaginative play.
Parents can also combine their visit with LEGOLAND Water Park for a full day of family entertainment.
4. Cool Down at LEGOLAND Water Park
Dubai’s warm climate makes a waterpark an excellent choice for a family day out.
LEGOLAND Water Park offers LEGO-themed water attractions, splash areas, slides, and pools designed for families. Younger children can enjoy dedicated play areas while older kids can try more adventurous slides.
It is an especially good option during the warmer months when families want to spend the day somewhere fun and refreshing.
5. Visit Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts is another excellent destination for families. The entertainment complex features multiple attractions and theme parks, providing plenty of options for children of different ages.
Families can spend several hours exploring rides, themed areas, entertainment, and dining options.
If your children enjoy movies, characters, interactive attractions, or thrilling rides, this destination can easily become one of the highlights of your Dubai holiday.
6. Experience the Snow at Ski Dubai
Want to take your kids somewhere completely different from the desert heat?
Head to Ski Dubai.
Located inside Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai gives families the opportunity to experience real snow in the middle of Dubai. Children can play in the snow and enjoy winter-themed activities while parents escape the city’s outdoor heat.
It is an excellent indoor attraction for families looking for something unusual and memorable.
Tip: Combine Ski Dubai with shopping and dining at Mall of the Emirates to make the most of your visit.
7. Spend Time at a Family-Friendly Beach
Dubai is famous for its beautiful coastline, and spending time at the beach is one of the simplest things to do with kids.
Children can play in the sand, swim, build sandcastles, and enjoy outdoor games while parents relax by the water.
For a more comfortable experience, plan your beach visit during the early morning or later afternoon, particularly during the hotter months.
Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, hats, water, and comfortable beachwear.
8. Visit Dubai Miracle Garden
Dubai Miracle Garden is a colourful attraction that can be especially enjoyable for families. The garden features enormous floral displays arranged into creative shapes and structures.
Kids can walk around the different displays, take photographs, and enjoy the outdoor surroundings.
Because it is an outdoor attraction, it is best to check seasonal opening dates and visit during comfortable weather.
Best for: Families who enjoy photography, nature, and relaxed outdoor activities.
9. Explore Kid-Friendly Indoor Attractions
Dubai has numerous indoor attractions designed to keep children entertained, making them particularly useful during hot afternoons.
Depending on your children’s ages and interests, you can choose from interactive play centres, educational attractions, creative activities, and entertainment venues.
An indoor activity can also provide a welcome break after spending the morning sightseeing.
Why Choose Indoor Activities?
- Protection from the heat
- Comfortable environment
- Activities for different age groups
- Educational and interactive experiences
- Convenient options inside major malls
When planning a family itinerary, keeping at least one indoor activity available is a smart idea.
10. Watch the Sunset in the Dubai Desert
Not every family activity needs to be fast-paced.
Watching the sunset over Dubai’s desert dunes can be a peaceful and beautiful experience for the whole family. The changing colours of the sky and golden sand create excellent opportunities for family photographs.
You can combine sunset viewing with a desert safari, camel ride, traditional camp experience, or dinner under the stars.
For parents, it is a chance to slow down and enjoy the scenery. For children, it can be an exciting introduction to the natural side of Dubai.
How to Choose the Best Things to Do in Dubai with Kids
Dubai offers so many attractions that choosing what to visit can sometimes be difficult. The best activities depend on your children’s ages, interests, and the time of year you are visiting.
Consider Your Children’s Age
Activities suitable for teenagers may not be ideal for toddlers. Check age and height requirements before booking theme parks, rides, or adventure activities.
Consider the Weather
Dubai can become extremely hot during summer. Indoor attractions, malls, aquariums, and waterparks can be better choices during the hottest parts of the day.
Mix Adventure with Relaxation
Avoid filling every day with major attractions. Combine exciting activities such as theme parks or desert safaris with relaxed experiences such as beaches, sunset viewing, or family dinners.
Book Popular Attractions in Advance
Popular family attractions can become busy, especially during weekends, holidays, and peak tourist seasons. Booking ahead can help you plan your schedule and avoid unnecessary waiting.
Best Family-Friendly Dubai Itinerary
If you have several days in Dubai, you can combine different types of experiences rather than visiting similar attractions every day.
Day 1 – Dubai Mall & Aquarium
Start with Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, explore Dubai Mall, enjoy family dining, and finish the day with views of Downtown Dubai.
Day 2 – Theme Park Adventure
Spend the day at LEGOLAND Dubai, LEGOLAND Water Park, or another family-friendly theme park.
Day 3 – Beach & Indoor Fun
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the beach before spending the afternoon at an indoor attraction.
Day 4 – Dubai Desert Safari
Finish your family trip with a Dubai desert safari. Enjoy dune scenery, camel riding, sunset photography, traditional Arabian hospitality, and a delicious dinner.
Why a Desert Safari Is Great for Families
A desert safari offers something different from Dubai’s modern attractions.
Instead of spending another day inside a shopping mall or theme park, families can experience the natural landscape of the Arabian desert.
Depending on the package, children and parents can enjoy:
- Scenic desert drives
- Camel rides
- Sandboarding
- Sunset photography
- Traditional Arabian experiences
- Henna painting
- BBQ dinner
- Live entertainment
- Desert camp activities
For families who prefer privacy and flexibility, a private desert safari can be an excellent choice.
Tips for a Dubai Family Holiday
Before heading out to explore Dubai with children, keep these simple tips in mind:
Stay hydrated: Carry plenty of water, especially when spending time outdoors.
Dress comfortably: Lightweight clothing is useful for Dubai’s warm weather, while modest clothing is recommended when visiting public and cultural places.
Plan around nap times: Families travelling with toddlers should avoid scheduling too many activities in one day.
Use sunscreen: Sun protection is important during outdoor activities.
Keep snacks available: Having familiar snacks can make long sightseeing days easier with younger children.
Check age restrictions: Some rides and adventure activities have minimum age or height requirements.
Leave room for rest: A relaxed itinerary is often more enjoyable than trying to see everything in a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Dubai with kids?
There is no single best activity because it depends on your children’s ages and interests. Dubai Aquarium, theme parks, waterparks, beaches, Ski Dubai, and desert safaris are all popular family options.
Is a Dubai desert safari suitable for children?
Yes, many desert safari packages are suitable for families. However, parents should choose activities according to their children’s ages and comfort levels. A private safari can provide additional flexibility for families.
What can toddlers do in Dubai?
Toddlers can enjoy aquariums, soft-play centres, family-friendly beaches, selected theme park attractions, indoor entertainment venues, and gentle desert experiences such as camel viewing and short rides.
What can teenagers do in Dubai?
Teenagers can enjoy theme parks, waterparks, desert safaris, sandboarding, shopping, adventure attractions, and other outdoor activities.
What should families do in Dubai during summer?
During the hottest months, prioritize indoor attractions, aquariums, shopping malls, indoor entertainment, waterparks, and activities during the cooler parts of the day.
How many days are enough for Dubai with kids?
Around 4–7 days can provide enough time to experience several major family attractions without making the itinerary too rushed. The ideal length depends on your interests and travel schedule.
Final Thoughts
Dubai is packed with experiences that can keep the entire family entertained. From world-class aquariums and theme parks to beautiful beaches and exciting desert adventures, there are countless things to do in Dubai with kids.
The key is to create a balanced itinerary. Combine indoor attractions with outdoor experiences, exciting adventures with relaxing activities, and modern entertainment with opportunities to discover Dubai’s Arabian heritage.
And if you want your children to experience something beyond the city’s skyscrapers and shopping malls, make a Dubai desert safari part of your family adventure. Watching the sunset over the dunes, riding a camel, enjoying traditional Arabian hospitality, and sharing a meal beneath the desert sky can become one of the most memorable experiences of your Dubai holiday.
Ready for a Family Desert Adventure?
Make your Dubai family holiday even more memorable with a comfortable and exciting desert experience. Choose a family-friendly safari package and discover the beauty of the Arabian desert with Eureka Tourism.
Book your Dubai desert safari today and create unforgettable family memories.
