Things to do in Dubai with Family

Dubai offers multiple family-friendly attractions. You can therefore select it as your next destination for family vacation. When planning a trip to Dubai with kids, be sure to include a mix of educational activities and pure fun pursuits to make the most of your time together.

Best Family-Friendly Attractions in Dubai

1. Cultural Attractions

Dubai has plenty of cultural and educational experiences suitable for families. A ride along Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat introduces kids to the city's heritage, with stops at historic sites like the textile and gold souks. Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding organizes activities like Arabic cooking classes and guided mosque tours.

The Shindagha Historic District allows you to explore traditional Emirati houses, shop for handicrafts, and get around by miniature train. Nearby Dubai Creek Park offers bicycling, picnics, and viewing flamingos. Children's City is an interactive museum complex perfect for young explorers.

Don't miss the Dubai Miracle Garden, with elaborate landscapes and structures all made from flowers. At the innovative Etihad Museum, kids can discover the UAE's fascinating history. Take a dhow cruise Dubai at sunset to see old and new Dubai from the water.

2. Amusement Parks and Waterparks

Dubai has world-class amusement parks and waterparks perfect for thrilling family fun. Anyone searching for things to do in Dubai with kids can visit them. At Wild Wadi Waterpark next to Burj Al Arab, scream your way down adrenaline-pumping slides like the Jumeirah Sceirah and Tantrum Alley. Float lazily along the Lazy River or let little ones play safely at the Kids Adventureland. Nearby Laguna Waterpark at La Mer Beach offers splash pads, waterslides, and a wave pool with ocean views.

For indoor entertainment when you need to escape the heat, visit IMG Worlds of Adventure. This enormous theme park has rides based on Cartoon Network and Marvel characters that will delight kids and adults alike. Get your adrenaline fix on roller coasters like Velociraptor and Thor: Thunder Spin or opt for 4D cinema experiences. Just steps away is IMG Worlds of Legends with immersive zones recreating global legends and children's stories.

At Dubai Parks and Resorts, you'll find three world-class theme parks: Motiongate Dubai has adrenaline-pumping rides and interactions with superheroes like Iron Man and the Hulk. Bollywood Parks brings the magic of Bollywood films to life through action-packed rides and colorful dance performances. Legoland Dubai and its attached Legoland Water Park offer over 40 interactive rides, shows, building workshops, and more based entirely on those iconic little Lego bricks.

3. Shopping and Dining

Beyond the world-class rides, Dubai's malls provide plenty of family entertainment. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in the Dubai Mall is home to thousands of aquatic animals including sharks and stingrays. VR Park Dubai is one of the places to visit in Dubai with family at night. It offers virtual reality experiences, motion simulators, and games for all ages. Cool down at the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink or catch the dancing Dubai Fountain shows right outside.

The sprawling Mall of the Emirates contains Magic Planet - an indoor amusement park with arcade games, bumper cars, bowling alley, and more. Ski Dubai here offers indoor skiing and snowboarding lessons for kids. Shop 'til you drop for the latest fashions at the hundreds of stores.

Dining in Dubai malls is also an experience, with unique restaurants like Rainforest Cafe with animatronic jungle animals or Kitchen6 specializing in miniature desserts. Stop by the Local House, Sweet Factory, or Candylicious for sweets the kids will love.

4. Beach Time Fun

Dubai has pristine beaches with plenty of kid-friendly amenities. Jumeirah Beach Park stretches 1.7 kilometres with lifeguards, showers, playgrounds, barbecue pits, and space to run around. La Mer Beach is equally popular with its aquatic play area, climbing towers, trampolines, and seaside dining.

For water sports, Jumeirah Beach offers banana boating, parasailing, and kayaking suitable for families. Just off Kite Beach, check out water zorbing where you walk inside a transparent plastic ball on the ocean surface. Many hotel beaches have kids' activity centres and pools perfect for little ones.

5. Desert Escapes

A desert safari is a memorable family experience in Dubai's vast sandy landscapes. Kid-friendly operators like Platinum Heritage offer dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles, camel rides, henna tattoos, and traditional Arabic meals under the stars. Overnight desert camps like Bab Al Shams Desert Resort provide dedicated children's activity areas with trampolines, archery, giant slides, and more amusement.

For a unique view over Dubai's iconic skyline, take the family on a seaplane adventure. Seawings offers tours where kids get special goodie bags and certificates. XLine, the world's longest urban zipline at Kite Beach, allows kids as young as five to "fly" safely harnessed alongside parents for an adrenaline rush.

6. Live Entertainment & Events

Dubai offers many family-friendly live events and entertainment. Anyone seeking indoor activities in Dubai with family can attend them. Dhow cruise Dubai Marina dinners combine sightseeing with entertainment like singing, dancing, and magic shows. Hotels like Atlantis the Palm have underwater theatre shows. La Perle's acrobatic performances showcase incredible stunts and special effects.

The lively Global Village has carnival rides, multicultural pavilions, live music, and fireworks. Watch parades, concerts, and the dazzling IMAGINE show at Dubai Festival City. At Motion Gate Dubai, kids can meet superheroes. Catch a thrilling water sports festival like Surf's Up at Kite Beach. There are even seasonal events like Dubai Summer Surprises with months of deals, entertainment, and prizes.

7. Staying Active Outdoors

Beyond beaches, Dubai has many outdoor spaces perfect for active kids to play and explore. Safa Park contains lakes, an amphitheatre, carousels, giant slides, a climbing wall, and trampolines. Mushrif Park boasts cycling tracks through the desert landscape.

Walk along Dubai Canal with waterfront parks showcasing Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel. Let kids play on the adventure rope courses at The Outlet Village. At Dubai Miracle Garden, the flower-themed displays inspire endless family photo ops.

For alpine scenery without leaving Dubai, visit the Hatta region with the Hatta Hills Mountain bike trail, Hatta Wadi Hub adventure park, and Hatta Kayak experience. At Jumeirah Beach Park, bike rides, volleyball, tennis, and water sports offer non-stop activity.

Final words

With endless options from theme parks to world-class shopping to desert adventures, Dubai truly is a family paradise. Use this guide to explore the city's best family-friendly activities and attractions for an unforgettable Dubai vacation. The combination of indoor and outdoor experiences will keep the whole family entertained, making memories to last a lifetime.