Dubai with Kids: The Complete Family Guide

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm features over 30 water rides and attractions for children and adults alike, with ticket prices currently at 320 AED for adults and 270 AED for children. The park is open daily from 10 AM to sunset.

Located on Crescent Road, Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure features thrilling rides like the Leap of Faith slide, which plunges through a clear tunnel surrounded by sharks. Younger children will enjoy the Splashers Children’s Play Area, with smaller slides and shallow pools. The sound of rushing water and excited laughter fills the air, while the scent of sunblock and salty sea breeze mixes around the park.

Families should arrive early to avoid queues and bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen. Lockers are available for rent at around 50 AED. Food outlets inside serve kid-friendly options like fries and sandwiches, but you can also bring your own snacks to save on costs.

For more family-friendly water activities in Dubai, check out our guide to Best Family Activities in Dubai.

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, located inside The Dubai Mall, features over 33,000 aquatic animals, including 300 sharks and rays, with tickets starting at 135 AED for adults and 110 AED for children. It is open daily from 10 AM to midnight.

The 48-meter-long walk-through tunnel has a close-up view of marine life swimming overhead and beside you. Children often press their faces to the glass, mesmerized by the movement of colorful fish and the slow glide of rays. Nearby, the Underwater Zoo includes exhibits with King Croc, piranhas, and tropical birds, providing an educational visit.

Options like the glass-bottom boat ride or a shark feeding session provide interactive moments but require separate tickets priced around 250 AED. The aquarium smells faintly of chlorine, and the ambient lighting mimics underwater conditions, adding to the atmosphere.

Learn more about marine attractions in Dubai in our family activities guide.

For official details see the Dubai Aquarium website.

IMG Worlds of Adventure is an indoor theme park featuring four themed zones with rides and attractions priced at 345 AED for adults and 295 AED for children. The park is open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM.

This climate-controlled park on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road features Marvel superheroes, Lost Valley dinosaurs, Cartoon Network characters, and IMG Boulevard zones. The roar of animatronic dinosaurs blends with laughter and music, while themed restaurants provide meals like burgers and pizzas with décor matching the zones.

The park is especially useful during Dubai’s hot months. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, with family packages available. Allow 4-5 hours to cover the main zones at a relaxed pace.

Check out our detailed guide to Dubai Parks and Resorts for additional theme park options.

Kite Beach is a free-access public beach on Jumeirah Beach Road with a children’s play area, skate park, trampolines, and food trucks open daily from early morning to sunset.

The air here carries the salty tang of the Arabian Gulf mixed with the aroma of fresh juices and grilled snacks from nearby kiosks. Kids can run barefoot on soft white sand while parents relax on shaded benches. The sound of kitesurfers’ sails snapping in the wind adds to the lively scene.

Facilities include clean restrooms, showers, and lifeguards on duty. Families can rent paddleboards or kayaks for around 100 AED per hour. The beach is about a 15-minute drive from Downtown Dubai or easily reachable by taxi.

See more outdoor options in our Best Family Activities in Dubai guide.

Dubai Parks and Resorts include Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and LEGOLAND Dubai, with combined ticket prices starting at 320 AED per person. The parks operate from 10 AM to 8 PM daily.

Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, this entertainment complex focuses on themed rides and shows. Motiongate features attractions based on Hollywood films such as Shrek and Ghostbusters. Bollywood Parks presents live dance and music performances, while LEGOLAND Dubai is designed for children aged 2-12 with over 40 rides and interactive activities.

The parks are spacious, with shaded seating and multiple dining options. Stroller rentals are available for 50 AED per day. Consider allocating a full day here to cover at least two parks.

For more details, visit our full guide to Dubai Parks and Resorts.

Dubai Miracle Garden is open from November to April, with entry tickets priced at 60 AED for adults and 45 AED for children. It operates daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

Located on Al Barsha South 3, this garden features millions of flowers arranged in themed displays like hearts, animals, and castles. The scent of fresh blossoms is strong in the cooler morning air, and shaded benches provide spots to rest. Children enjoy spotting the floral sculptures and the butterfly garden.

Midday temperatures can be high, so morning or late afternoon visits are preferable. Food trucks inside offer snacks, and stroller access is available.

More about family-friendly outdoor attractions can be found in our Best Family Activities in Dubai guide.

For official updates, see the Dubai Miracle Garden website.

Green Planet is an indoor tropical rainforest in City Walk housing over 3,000 plants and animals, open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Tickets cost 130 AED for adults and 110 AED for children.

This bio-dome recreates a humid rainforest environment filled with birds, reptiles, and exotic plants. Sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves surround visitors. Walkways wind through the lush greenery, with interactive stations where children can learn about ecosystems and animal care.

Animal encounters with sloths and bats are scheduled throughout the day. The climate inside is warm and moist, so light clothing is recommended.

For more indoor family activities, see our Best Family Activities in Dubai.

The Dubai Fountain Show runs every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM on Burj Khalifa Lake, providing free, choreographed water, light, and music displays accessible from the Dubai Mall promenade.

The fountain jets shoot water up to 150 meters high in sync with music ranging from classical to contemporary Arabic songs. The evening air carries the scent of nearby cafés and the faint hum of the city. Crowds gather along the promenade for clear views, often snapping photos or recording videos.

For a different perspective, the Lake Ride boat costs 65 AED per person and lasts 12 minutes, offering closer views of the fountains. Arrive 20 minutes before showtime for a good spot.

Official information can be found on the Burj Khalifa website.

Ski Dubai, inside Mall of the Emirates, features indoor snow activities including five ski slopes and a snow park, with tickets starting at 210 AED for children and 240 AED for adults. It is open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM.

This winter-themed attraction contrasts sharply with Dubai’s desert climate. Inside, temperatures hover around -1°C. Children can try skiing or snowboarding on beginner slopes or enjoy the snow park with tubing and tobogganing. The penguin encounter is a crowd favorite, with scheduled shows and feeding sessions.

Warm jackets and boots are provided. The smell of snow and waxed skis is distinct. Mall of the Emirates is accessible by metro (Mall of the Emirates Station) or taxi.

Read more about indoor attractions in Dubai in our family activities guide.

Dubai Garden Glow is an evening attraction featuring illuminated art installations and themed parks such as Dinosaur Park and Ice Park. Tickets start at 70 AED, and it is open from 4 PM to 11 PM daily.

Located in Zabeel Park, this attraction transforms after dusk with colorful lights and interactive displays. Children are often fascinated by glowing sculptures and the soundscape of ambient music and occasional live performances. The air cools down in the evening, making it comfortable for walking.

Food stalls offer snacks and refreshments. The park can be explored in 2-3 hours. Strollers are allowed but some pathways can be uneven.

For more on outdoor nighttime activities, see our Best Family Activities in Dubai.

A family-friendly Desert Safari includes dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and a traditional BBQ dinner, with prices starting at 170 AED per person. Tours usually run from late afternoon until after sunset.

Pickups are generally from central Dubai hotels between 3 PM and 4 PM. The drive to desert camps takes about 45 minutes. The thrill of dune bashing comes with the sound of engines and shifting sand beneath the vehicle. Camel rides and sandboarding provide hands-on fun for kids.

Evening entertainment includes belly dancing, Tanoura shows, and henna painting. The BBQ dinner features grilled meats, salads, and vegetarian options. The desert air cools sharply after sunset.

Read our full guide on Desert Safari for details and booking tips.

Al Noor Island in Sharjah features a butterfly house, art installations, and playgrounds, with entry costing 40 AED for adults and 25 AED for children. It is open daily from 9 AM to 11 PM.

A 20-minute drive from Dubai along Al Wahda Road leads to this quiet park on Khalid Lagoon. The island’s pathways wind through landscaped gardens with sculptures and a pavilion. Children enjoy the butterfly house where colorful butterflies flutter nearby, and the playground with slides and swings.

The air carries floral scents and sounds of water fountains. Benches and cafés provide places to rest and refresh. It’s a good spot for a slower-paced outing away from the city noise.

Learn more about Sharjah’s family attractions in our Al Noor Island guide.

Emirates Park Zoo, about 45 minutes from Dubai in Abu Dhabi, features over 1,700 animals and interactive experiences such as giraffe feeding. Tickets cost 40 AED for adults and 35 AED for children.

Located on Al Bahia Road, this zoo has big cats, elephants, primates, and birds. The sounds of animal calls and rustling leaves accompany your walk along shaded trails. Feeding sessions for giraffes and other animals happen several times daily, providing hands-on moments for children.

Facilities include picnic areas, cafés, and playgrounds. The zoo is open from 9 AM to 8 PM. Combine your visit with a half-day tour of Abu Dhabi’s landmarks for a full family outing.

For more on Abu Dhabi day trips, see our Abu Dhabi Grand Mosque tour guide.

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