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Filled with theme parks, beaches, museums, soft play, and more, Dubai is the perfect place for families. 

Whether you’re in need of some inspiration on things to do over the weekend, you’ve got family visiting from overseas and you want to show them the sights, or you’re planning a staycation; read on to discover the best places to visit in Dubai with family.

                                                                                                    Image credit: The Green Planet

1. The Green Planet 

Loved by kids and adults alike, the Green Planet should be at the top of your list if you’re planning a day out with the kids! Located in the open-air City Walk, The Green Planet is home to more than 3,000 different types of animals and plants. 

Head to the ‘Creatures of the night’ section to visit wallabies, kookaburras, and geckos; or book onto a close-up encounter for a family day out to remember, where you can interact with toucans, armadillos, and more.

Where: The Green Planet - City Walk - Al Wasl, Dubai

Image credit: Dubai Miracle Garden 

2. Dubai Miracle Garden 

Typically open between September and April, you’ll struggle to find anywhere in Dubai quite as pretty as the Miracle Garden! One of the best places to visit in Dubai with family, kids will love the pretty floral clock, giant teddy bear, and various other statues that are made from thousands of fresh flowers. 

Make sure you set some time aside for the Smurfs Village, where you’ll get to wander down winding pathways lined with mushroom-shaped houses; and Lake Park, which is the perfect spot for a picnic. 

Where: Dubai Miracle Garden - Street 3, Al Barsha, Al Barsha South, Dubai

Image credit: Dubai Parks and Resorts

3. Dubai Parks and Resorts 

Why choose one theme park when you can choose five?! The largest integrated theme park destination in the whole of the Middle East, enjoy over 100 rides, several family-friendly live shows, and much more. 

Visit the Smurfs at Motiongate, bounce around the world’s largest inflatable park at Riverland, or tour the factory at LEGOLAND and earn your very own LEGOLAND driving licence! One of the best places to visit in Dubai with family, one day simply isn’t enough, and you’ll all be desperate to visit again. 

Where: Dubai Parks and Resorts - Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

Image credit: The National News 

4. AYA Universe 

Nestled inside WAFI Mall, AYA Universe is a digital entertainment park that has 12 different rooms just waiting to be explored. 

One of the best family activities in Dubai, spend an afternoon experiencing the cutting-edge technology, sensors, and LED lights that recreate everything from upside down waterfalls, through to bio-luminous gardens. AYA Universe is especially great for older kids, and anyone who loves a great photo opportunity! 

Where: AYA Universe - AYA Dubai First Floor, WAFI Mall, Oud Metha Road - Umm Hurair 2 Dubai

Image credit: Visit Dubai

5. Dubai Fountain Show 

Nestled in the heart of downtown Dubai, the fountain show is easily one of the best family activities in the city. Set sail on the lake between 6pm-11pm, and enjoy a captivating performance set to both classic and contemporary Arabian music, with over 6,600 super lights, and 25 colour projectors. 

For a real treat, enjoy a stroll down the floating boardwalk, where you’ll get to stand just 9 metres away from the fountains. One of the most impressive things to do in Dubai, it’s one you won’t want to miss if you’ve got family visiting from overseas!                                                                                                                                 

Where: Dubai Fountain Show – Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai

Image credit: Aquaventure Waterpark 

6. Aquaventure Waterpark 

On those blisteringly hot Dubai days, why not gather the whole family together and visit a water park? There are several dotted throughout the city, but one of the best has to be Aquaventure Waterpark, which features dedicated areas for little ones, as well as older kids. 

Whether your vibe is more high-speed slide or lazy river, Aquaventure truly offers something for everyone, with four different zones to explore, alongside a pristine beach where grownups can relax and get lost in a good book. 

Where: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, Dubai

Image credit: OliOli 

7. OliOli 

A play museum for children, you’re guaranteed a great day out with the family, here. Discover eight interactive galleries and 45 exhibitions, where kids are encouraged to wander around, and immerse themselves in creativity and curiosity. 

Not only that, but OliOli features a huge indoor play area little ones will want to spend all day in, as well as an on-site café, where you can all enjoy a bite to eat. 

Where: OliOli - 62 4 A Street, Al Quoz, Al Quoz 1, Dubai

Image credit: get your guide

8. Desert Safari, Quad bikes, Camel rides, at the Al Khayma Camp

If you’re a family of thrill-seekers, and you’re wondering what to do in Dubai with the kids (3+ years), then you won’t beat a day trip to Dubai's desert terrains, where the whole family can enjoy desert sports like dune bashing, sandboarding and quad biking as well as Henna painting, dancing, a fire show and much much more.

A day in the desert wouldn’t be complete without experiencing a camel ride where you can take in the amazing desert views and watch the breathtaking sunset. All followed by a delicious camp BBQ dinner and entertainment.

For convenience, you will be transported to and from the event in a fully air conditioned 4 x 4, with an English speaking driver and plenty of water to keep everyone hydrated.

Where: Al Khayma Desert Camp

Image credit: Lonely Planet 

9. Day at the beach 

Sometimes all you want is a day at the beach – especially if you’ve got family visiting from overseas. Luckily, Dubai has plenty of options for that! 

The Beach, JBR may be one of the busiest in the city, but it’s also one of the best. Stop off for a treat at one of the ice cream huts, channel your inner adrenaline junkie at the inflatable Aqua Park, or simply enjoy splashing around in the shallow waters. 

Alternatively, if you and the family love watersports, then head to Kite Beach for paddle boarding, kayaking, and more; or Sunset Beach, which is lined with some of the best cafes and restaurants in the city – not to mention, as the name suggests, it’s the best place to watch the sun set.

10. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo 

Home to thousands of different underwater species, Dubai Aquarium is easily one of the best things to do with kids in Dubai. Book onto a special encounter and get up close and personal with stingrays, crocodiles, penguins, and more. 

Marvel at the 300 sharks and rays that swim around the vast 10-million litre tank, with the aquarium tunnel making you feel like you’re right at the bottom of the sea! 

Where: Dubai Aquarium – Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Image credit: Visit Dubai 

11. The Desert Lakes 

Want to get outside of the city without spending too much money? Then a trip to the desert lakes is a must! There are several to discover, including Moon Lake, with its crescent shape, which is near Love Lake, which is a beautifully styled two interlinking hearts design. 

Pink Lake is also popular, due to its – you guessed it! – pink waters, as well as Salt Lake, all of which can be found right in the heart of the desert. Pack a picnic and some games, and you’ve got a great family day out.

                                                                                                    Where: Al Qudra Lakes, Dubai

                                                                                                            Image credit: Trip Advisor

12. The Arcade by Hub Zero 

Loved by parents just as much as kids, one of the best things to do with kids in Dubai has to be a trip to The Arcade by Hub Zero. Located at Al Khawaneej, you’ll get to have a go at more than 50 different video games – from Mario Kart, through to Justice League, and more. 

Fully immerse yourself in virtual reality and artificial intelligence, with an edgy backdrop of bright lights and graffitied walls. The best part? You’re guaranteed to be the coolest parents around if you treat your kids to a day out here. 

Where: The Arcade by Hub Zero - Al Khawaneej Walk, Al Khawaneej, Dubai

                                                                                                            Image credit: Ekart Zabeel

13. Ekart Zabeel 

Situated on the roof of The Dubai Mall Zabeel, spend the day racing against the whole family in a bid to find out who’s the best driver. 

One of the best things to do in Dubai with family, enter the arena to get suited up in a jumpsuit, before competing for the fastest lap times. Be warned: it can get pretty competitive, but the great thing is, that the go-karts are electric, meaning there are no on-site emissions. And, when you’ve finished, you can head into the mall for a bite to eat before heading home. 

Where: Ekart Zabeel – Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road, Dubai

Image credit: USA Today

14. Museum of Illusions 

Be prepared to have your mind boggled at the Museum of Illusions, as you discover a variety of optical illusions – from tilted rooms that make you look like you’re upside down, through to vortex tunnels that’ll have you convinced the floor is moving. 

The museum’s relatively small, so you’ll only need to spend an hour or two here. However, it means you’ll have the rest of the day free to explore the charming alleyways of Al Seef, which is also home to some of the best food in Dubai! 

Where: Museum of Illusions – Al Seef Street, Dubai

Image credit: Bounce

15. Bounce Trampoline Park 

We couldn’t finish our list of things to do in Dubai with kids and not mention Bounce Trampoline Park! The largest freestyle trampoline park in the city, there’s over 3,000 square-metres of trampolines to bounce around on, making it easily one of the best family activities in Dubai. 

For small kids, MiniBounce is the place to be, whereas daring teenagers can have a go flipping at The Wall, or shooting hoops at Slam Dunk. 

There are eight Bounce locations across the UAE, with Dubai’s Al Quoz back where it all began! 

Where: Bounce Al Quoz - Building #32, 4B Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai

There’s no shortage of things to do in Dubai with family, from thrill-seeking activities, through to educational trips, and fun days outside of the city. So, whether you’re planning an afternoon out with the kids, or want some ideas on what to do with family who are visiting, hopefully our list has gotten you inspired! 

Alternatively, if you’re looking to plan a family holiday overseas, we can help with that too! Whether you’re considering the benefits of a cruise, or want to book flights and hotels, browse and book with us, and you’ll get the best deals.