1. The Dubai Fountain
It’s time for the family to be all aboard for a magical adventure at The Dubai Fountain, at the foot of Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. This experience, sure to mesmerise visitors of all ages, presents a 30-minute show set to popular tunes. While you can set sail on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride for the best seats in the house, you can also stroll down the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, just nine metres away from the fountains – either will leave the kids delighted.
Sights & Attractions
2. KidZania
Situated inside Dubai Mall, this award-winning concept has been designed as an ‘adult experience’ scaled down in size. KidZania comes complete with paved streets, buildings and a functioning economy. Watch the kids play grown-up, taking on jobs that range from firefighters, chefs and doctors to radio jockeys, pilots or even perfumers creating their very own scents. The KidZania Space Centre is another highlight here. Designed to resemble a real-life space centre, children can learn more about astronauts and the universe with the help of virtual reality and simulated attractions.
Entertainment
3. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Go under the sea with your children at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located at Dubai Mall. With more than 33,000 aquatic animals including sand tiger sharks, there is plenty to keep the little ones entertained. It's an all-encompassing experience as you walk through a tunnel between the aquarium. Or if you want to get up close and personal with the fish, try the glass-bottom boat ride.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Sights & Attractions
4. Play DXB
Play DXB, an indoor amusement park in Dubai Mall, combines augmented and virtual reality to stunning effect. Try the fantastic Burj Drop experience, where you’ll propel down the side of the record-breaking Burj Khalifa. If that’s too tame for teens, try and survive a zombie attack at The Walking Dead Outbreak VR game, or navigate a spaceship to safety. Younger children and families also have plenty to enjoy.
Theme parks
5. Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts offers children – and the young at heart – theme park thrills galore at Motiongate and Legoland. Take a break from roller coasters and waterslides at Riverland, an entertainment and dining boulevard, with food options to suit every taste. While here, don't miss the chance to bounce into some lively activities at JumpX, the world's largest inflatable park, while kids will also love the space-themed indoor playworld Neon Galaxy. To make this your most fun-filled family holiday yet, stay inside the parks at either Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian-themed luxury resort, or at the Legoland Dubai Resort – both are situated right in the heart of the action.
Theme parks
6. IMG Worlds of Adventure
A day at IMG Worlds of Adventure, one of Dubai's most exciting theme parks, is sure to make the kids smile. Comfy footwear is a good idea – there's 28 football fields worth of space filled with attractions for the whole family to try. Thrilling rides here bring your favourite characters to life, from familiar friends like The Powerpuff Girls to the heroes of Marvel, making it a must-visit stop.
Theme parks
7. Jungle Bay Waterpark
It's the spot for the perfect splash of family fun: Jungle Bay Waterpark. Located in Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, this Aegean-inspired attraction will deliver child-friendly thrills in every corner. Everything is designed with the little ones in mind, and because there are no height, age or skill restrictions, every member of the family can partake in the aquatic adventures. From wide slides to purpose-built pools and from a family wave pool to the adrenaline-charged Whizzard's aqua tubes, there's something for everyone in the family. Adults can also unwind in comfortable cabanas while keeping a watchful eye on the kids.
Waterparks
8. Aquaventure World
Kids and adults alike are guaranteed an adrenaline rush at Aquaventure World waterpark in Atlantis, The Palm. Brave vacationers should check out the park’s thrill rides, one of which plummets you into a tube that twists through a shark lagoon, while another allows you to experience the thrills of cliff jumping. Little ones can keep cool at the tamer rides and Splashers Children’s Play Area. And when it’s time for a break from all the action, meander along the Palm’s calm waterways or catch a spot of sun on the private beach.
Waterparks
9. Wild Wadi Waterpark
Cool off at Wild Wadi Waterpark, with over 30 attractions perfect for the entire family. Ride a water roller coaster, take the plunge down gravity-defying slides, or simply float along the lazy river and admire the stunning backdrop with views of Burj Al Arab. Younger visitors get to enjoy a dedicated area complete with small slides, climbing frames and dumping buckets, designed just for little adventurers.
Waterparks
10. GLITCH
An entertainment destination in Al Ghurair Centre, GLITCH features over 30 different indoor games for all ages. Take on a ninja warrior-style course, zoom down a 10m-high slide or defy gravity on their climbing walls, there's something for everyone. Gather the family for a round of bowling or buckle up for SkySurf, the city's first roller glider experience where you can 'float' around the venue.
Entertainment
11. OliOli
Promising to 'engage and inspire' kids, OliOli is a fresh concept boasting a range of inventive and interactive activities for children. Aimed at two to 11-year-olds, the sprawling edu-tainment venue in Al Quoz is split into eight themed galleries. One of the highlights here is Toshi’s Net – a colourful hanging play area, handcrafted by Toshiko MacAdam, while other fun activities include launching cannonballs in the Water Gallery and tinkering in the Creative Lab. Birthday party packages are also available.
Entertainment
12. Bounce Dubai
Kids (and adults) are in store for some challenging fun on over 100 interconnected trampolines at Bounce Dubai, one of the most-visited attractions in Al Quoz. Little ones can somersault their heart out at Mini Bounce while older children bounce off The Wall. The Slam Dunk gives everyone the chance to practise their basketball skills while getting some air, and the dodgeball court sets the stage for a thrilling, high-octane game. As an added bonus, everyone is guaranteed to sleep well afterwards.
Entertainment
13. Air Maniax
Energetic tots will fall in love with Air Maniax – a huge indoor inflatable adventure park in Al Quoz. With over 15 activities that the whole family can get involved in, you’ll never be bored. The park features a dedicated inflatable arena, a ‘Warrior Assault’ obstacle course, zip line and even laser tag. Toddlers have their own dedicated play zone. Serious about fun and games? The park uses high-tech wristbands so scores are recorded automatically, and pictures and videos can be instantly uploaded to social media for bragging rights.
Adventure
14. AYA
Step into AYA, located at WAFI City, and you'll feel like you've been whisked into anther world. This immersive, multi-dimensional space combines high-tech graphics, sounds and lights to create 12 distinct zones, each with their own story. Explore the blooming Flora, aquatic Tides and Falls with droplets that seem to defy gravity. Each area transforms while you are in there, and reacts to your presence, ensuring no two experiences are the same.
Entertainment
15. Wild Paint House
Get ready for a family-friendly artistic escapade at Wild Paint House. Tailored for all ages, this studio in Dubai invites parents and kids alike to immerse themselves in a colourful world of creativity, where there are no rules – just artistic freedom. With six activities – splat, spin, swing, pour, neon and graffiti – your children's imaginations can run wild as they create their own memorable pieces of art. Arrive at your reserved time slot, don a poncho or apron – or simply arrive in clothes you don't mind staining. After a brief introduction, your kids are free to experiment with the high-quality child-safe tempera paint.
Arts & Culture
- Warehouse 1 Al Marabea' St - Al Quoz - Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 - Dubai
16. illusion City
illusion City Dubai is packed with entertainment for all ages. This interactive museum boasts a curated collection of optical, auditory and tactile illusions, along with magic tricks and technological marvels. Even though you may have seen a few similar spectacles around the globe, this family attraction in Dubai promises many exclusively produced experiences that are sure to light up your social media feed.
Sights & Attractions
17. Aventura Parks
Step into nature-themed fun at Aventura Parks, Dubai’s largest zip line park and most popular outdoor high ropes course at Mushrif Park in the Mirdif neighbourhood. Situated amid a forest of Ghaf trees, thrill-seekers can choose from over 80 exciting challenges available for different ages and difficulty levels. There are six circuits spread across different tiers, from the ground to higher up in the trees. Aventura is just one of seven international tree-top parks by Aventura Amazonia, and there's over 35,000sqm of space for you to unleash your inner adventurer.
Adventure
18. Dolphin Bay
Splash alongside one of nature's friendliest mammals at Dolphin Bay in Atlantis, The Palm. Swimmers of all ages and capabilities are encouraged to connect with the sociable sea dwellers. It's one of the most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the world, aimed at educating visitors about the wild population and the importance of preserving their natural environment. At the end of the day, don’t be surprised if the kids claim they’ve made a new best friend.
Experiences
19. Kite Beach
The whole family can have fun at Kite Beach, now complete with a skate park, outdoor trampolines and a play area for the little ones. It’s the perfect place to have a swim, collect shells and then enjoy breakfast or lunch at famous burger spot Salt, or one of the many beach canteens along the running track. Parents can sit back and enjoy the kitesurf show and views of Burj Al Arab, while the children play in the sand. With showers, changing areas and WiFi, it has all the amenities you need for a stress-free beach day.
Beaches & Beach Clubs
20. City Walk
Among Dubai's most kid-friendly shopping districts, City Walk fuses entertainment, shopping, dining and more into one impressive experience. It's worth a visit just to walk around and enjoy the colourful ambience and charming cobbled streets. One of the highlights over here, though, is The Green Planet — an enclosed ecosystem recreating a tropical rainforest with more than 3,000 plants and animals. Your little ones can even play zookeeper for the day with special talks, guided tours and more.
Sights & Attractions
21. Dubai's desert
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the desert for an unforgettable memory of Dubai. Whether it’s sandboarding, camel riding, or going on a desert safari, this is an adventure the kids will love. Book a dining experience with one of the many tour operators like Arabian Adventures, Platinum Heritage or Sonara Camp and enjoy tasty dishes (with a separate children's menu) and a wide range of entertainment from archery to quadbiking. If you want your desert excursion to last all night, camp beneath the stars for a truly memorable experience.
Experiences
22. Dubai's parks
Take the kids out to explore Dubai’s lush green spaces and create memories to last a lifetime. The city’s parks have plenty of things to do for children of all ages. Head to Zabeel Park and check out the glow-in-the-dark garden, Dubai Garden Glow, or rent boats in the lake within. Another spot that young ones will love is Al Barsha Pond Park, with playgrounds, fountains and a jumping castle, as well as bikes and karts for hire for the older kids. Family barbecues can be held at various parks too, including Mushrif Park and Al Mamzar Park.
Experiences