Hi, I’m Scott J. Tanner, a slightly obsessed travel planner who has walked Dubai’s malls, beaches and desert camps with more kids than I can count. Over the years I’ve helped friends, my own family and even a few strangers in hotel lobbies map out their perfect Dubai with kids trips, and this guide is the version I wish someone had handed me on my very first visit.
Why Dubai Is Great For Families
Dubai is one of those places where parents and kids can like totally different things and still have an amazing day together. You get smooth infrastructure, super clean public spaces, easy English signage and a feeling that the whole city is built around comfort in the heat, which matters a lot when you’re pushing a stroller.
Quick Look At Family Activities
Before we dive deep, here’s a snapshot of how I usually match activities to ages, energy levels and the weather. It’s a simple table you can keep open while you plan each day with your kids.
| Age Group | Top Areas & Attractions | Indoor / Outdoor | Best Time In The Year | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–4 years | Dubai Mall Aquarium, OliOli, The Green Planet, hotel pools, calm beaches | Mostly indoor with short outdoor breaks | November–March for stroller walks | 2–4 hours per activity, naps are king |
| 5–9 years | LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate, Aquaventure, fountain shows, desert camp | Mix of indoor rides and outdoor water play | October–April for parks and desert | Half or full day in theme parks |
| 10–13 years | Big water slides, Burj Khalifa views, zip lines, VR parks, kayak trips | More outdoor, evenings for city walks | October–April, late afternoons in summer | Full day for parks, evenings for city |
| Teens | Desert safaris, city sky views, malls, beach clubs with family sections | Flexible, they handle heat better | Year-round with smart timing | Full days with slower mornings |
| Multi-age families | Dubai Parks & Resorts, Aquaventure, Dubai Mall + fountain combo | Balanced mix of indoor and outdoor | Cooler months best, but doable all year | Plan anchor activities plus flexible time |
If your kids span different ages (like my sister’s crew of four), focus on these multi-age options first, then sprinkle in a couple of special treats for each child so everyone feels seen.
When To Visit Dubai With Kids
The sweet spot for a family trip is usually from November to March, when the air feels soft, evenings are perfect for outdoor walks and you can comfortably enjoy beach time without checking the UV index every two minutes. If you come in warmer months, just flip the day: early mornings and late evenings outside, long midday breaks indoors.
On very hot days I like to chain together indoor stops: breakfast in a mall, aquarium or science-style play space, a lazy lunch, then a quick dip in the pool before a cooler desert or marina outing after sunset. Think of your day like a wave: energy up, rest, then one more gentle adventure.
Where To Stay With Kids
You can make almost any Dubai area work with kids, but a few neighborhoods make life noticeably easier. I’ve stayed all over the city with friends who had toddlers, tweens and even grumpy teenagers, and these three zones keep coming back in my notes as the most practical.
Downtown Dubai
Stay here if you want to be near Dubai Mall, the fountain shows and easy Metro access. You get quick walks to the aquarium, kid-friendly restaurants and those “wow” views that make kids feel like they’re in a real-life movie. It’s great for shorter trips when you want to see a lot in just a few days.
Dubai Marina & JBR
This zone has a holiday feel: tall towers, a marina walkway, beach clubs and loads of casual food. My own favourite routine here is simple: beach in the morning, nap time, then a sunset stroll along The Walk at JBR. It’s like a giant outdoor living room for families.
Palm Jumeirah
Pick the Palm if your dream is a resort holiday with water parks, kids’ clubs and big pools right at your doorstep. Getting into the city takes a bit longer, but if your children mainly want slides, lazy rivers and beach time, this is probabaly where they’ll be the happiest.
Big Ticket Family Attractions
Theme Parks For All Ages
Dubai’s theme parks are where your kids will start asking, “Can we come back next year?” before the day is even over. The big cluster sits at Dubai Parks and Resorts, which groups several parks in one area, and it’s built for families who want a full day of rides, shows and character meet-and-greets without complicated transfers.
- LEGOLAND Dubai – Best for younger kids (roughly 3–10). Think gentle coasters, driving school, boat rides and hands-on building zones where kids’ imagination does the real work.
- LEGOLAND Water Park – A fun add-on if the weather is warm. Slides, splash areas and a lazy river where you can build your own LEGO raft together. It’s a nice mix of cooling off and creative play.
- Motiongate Dubai – Better for older kids and teens who recognize movie brands. You’ll find DreamWorks, Smurfs and other film worlds with rides that range from cute to properly thrilling, all still very family-friendly.
Water Parks To Beat The Heat
On my very first Dubai trip with friends and their kids, one day at a water park completely reset everyone’s jet lag. These parks are designed for families, with lifeguards everywhere, shaded areas and slides that go from gentle to “I’m definitely screaming on this one” level (usually for the parents, if we’re honest).
- Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis – Massive, with record-breaking slides, a long lazy river, kids’ splash areas and access to a private beach. Great for mixed-age families as everyone finds their zone.
- LEGOLAND Water Park – Scaled right for little ones, with shallower pools, lots of shade and LEGO-themed play everywhere. It feels playful rather than overwhelming.
- Wild Wadi (near Burj Al Arab) – Classic Dubai water park feel, nice if you’re staying nearby and want a day of slides plus skyline views.
Aquariums, Animals And Rainforests
If your kids love animals or anything under the sea, Dubai has several immersive spots that are both fun and quietly educational. I still rememeber the look on my nephew’s face the first time a shark glided over his head in a tunnel – pure wonder, the kind you can’t fake even for photos.
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (Dubai Mall) – Huge tank visible right from the mall, plus a paid section with a tunnel, glass-bottom boats and animal talks. Easy to pair with shopping or the fountain show.
- The Green Planet – An indoor tropical bio-dome where kids walk among birds, sloths and lush greenery. It feels like stepping into a mini rainforest inside the city.
- Dolphin and sea-life experiences at resorts like Atlantis – These are premium experiences, but for animal-mad kids they can be a huge highlight, especially when combined with Aquaventure.
Sky Views And City Icons
Even young kids feel the thrill of going “up, up, up” in the elevator to look over the city. Iconic spots like Burj Khalifa or observation decks on the Palm offer 360-degree views and great chances to talk about cities, the sea and how people built all this in the desert. Keep visits shorter with small children and book ahead to avoid queues.
Free And Low-Cost Fun
Not every day has to be about big ticket attractions. Some of my calmest memories in Dubai are just walking the marina at night or letting the kids dig in the sand while we sip coffee. The city has plenty of ways to stretch your budget while still giving kids adventures.
- Public beaches – Places like JBR Beach and Kite Beach offer soft sand, lifeguards and play areas. Look for shaded spots, bring a small beach tent and take regular breaks to drink water.
- Dubai Fountain shows – Free, musical and surprisingly emotional for kids. I like to arrive a bit early, find a good viewing spot and turn it into a mini family ritual.
- Marina and creek promenades – Evening walks here feel safe and lively, with buskers, boats and lights. It’s a nice low-energy activity after a busy day.
- Parks and playgrounds – Many neighborhoods have modern, well-maintained play areas where local and visiting kids mix. Great for burning off extra energy.
Desert Adventures For Kids
A kid-friendly desert experience is often the moment a Dubai trip turns into a core memory. Picture gentle dune drives, short camel rides and a dinner camp with music, sand to play in and a sky full of stars. When I take families, I always choose operators that clearly mark family-oriented safaris with softer driving and options to skip anything too intense.
Pack a light jacket for kids in cooler months, as desert evenings can feel surprisingly fresh. Closed shoes, a small torch for fun and a simple rule – no running down very steep dunes – usually keep the outing safe and full of laughter instead of scraped knees.
Indoor Play And Learning Spaces
Dubai’s indoor play spaces are lifesavers in the middle of the day, and they’re more than just places to jump around. Many combine hands-on science, art and problem solving in a way that keeps kids busy and secretly learning. I like to use them as the “anchor” in a hot-season itinerary, then build the rest of the day around that cool block of time.
- OliOli – A children’s museum with exhibits that invite kids to touch, build, splash and experiment. It’s especially good for primary school age, but curious toddlers love it too, and parents get lots of photo moments.
- KidZania (Dubai Mall) – A mini city where kids “work” different jobs, earn play money and learn how cities function. Great for children who enjoy role-play and following small missions.
- VR and gaming zones – For older kids and teens, VR parks and gaming arenas give that futuristic Dubai feel. I treat these as short bonuses rather than the whole day’s plan.
Getting Around The City As A Family
Moving around Dubai with kids is easier than many big cities I’ve visited. The Metro is clean, air-conditioned and clearly signed in English, taxis are plentiful and rideshare apps work smoothly. I often plan days so that long rides happen when kids are more likely to doze off, turning the car into a mobile nap zone.
- Metro – Great for getting between major hubs like the airport, Downtown, Dubai Marina and some malls. Avoid peak commuting hours with small children if you can, just for extra space and comfort.
- Taxis and ride-hailing – Ideal when kids are tired or you’re carrying beach bags, strollers and all the snacks. Most drivers are used to families and patient with short stops.
- Strollers – Malls and promenades are very stroller-friendly. I like a lightweight model that’s easy to fold for taxis and escalators and still gives kids a shaded rest spot.
Practical Tips For Parents
After many trips, I’ve noticed the same small habits keep families relaxed and happy here. Think of this as your quiet checklist from “Scott” in your pocket, backing you up when you’re juggling tickets, snacks and that one favorite toy in a backpack. A few tiny adjustments can turn a busy day into a smooth, memorable one.
- Plan one star activity per day. Make that your non-negotiable, whether it’s a water park, aquarium or desert safari. Everything else is optional and counts as a bonus, which takes pressure off the whole family.
- Use indoor “cool-down” blocks. Rotate between outdoor walks, indoor attractions and pool time. Dubai rewards families who respect the sun and heat, especially with smaller children.
- Pre-book popular attractions. For big sights like observation decks or Aquaventure, booking ahead saves time and sometimes money. Less queuing means fewer chances for tired meltdowns.
- Carry simple snacks and water. You’ll find plenty of food options, but having a small stash you trust makes transitions and delays much easier, especially with little kids.
- Dress for comfort and respect. Light, breathable clothes, hats and closed shoes for bigger outings work well. I also keep a thin scarf or extra layer for blasting air-conditioning in some places.
- Set a nightly “planning check-in”. After the kids sleep, spend 10–15 minutes laying out clothes, checking tickets and confirming transport. Future-you – and your children – will thank you in the morning.
Sources
If you want to double-check details like ticket prices, seasonal opening hours or new exhibits, these official and well-maintained pages are a great next step after this guide. I use them myself when I update my own notes and future routes for families.
- Visit Dubai – Things To Do With Kids – Official city tourism page listing many of the main family-friendly attractions, from aquariums to theme parks and desert experiences.
- Dubai Parks and Resorts – LEGOLAND Dubai – Up-to-date information on rides, shows and combined park options inside this large family entertainment area.
- Aquaventure World – Official Waterpark Site – Details on slides, kids’ zones, dolphin experiences and combo tickets with the aquarium and other activities.
- Dubai Travel Planner – Dubai Activities For Kids – A long-running, practical guide by a Dubai-based family travel writer, packed with examples and seasonal tips.
- Wikipedia – Dubai – Background on the city’s history, geography and growth, useful if your kids ask bigger questions about how this modern city came to be.