Dubai Travel Guide
Dubai Family Itinerary
The best things to do with kids in Dubai
Dubai is an outstanding family destination — but only if you plan around two realities: the heat and the distances. The city has more world-class children's attractions than almost anywhere on earth, but they are spread across a city the size of a small country. This guide shows you how to do it right.
The most important rule for families in Dubai
All outdoor activities must happen before 11am or after 5pm from May to September. The midday heat (38–48°C) is genuinely dangerous for children. Even October–April, mornings are always better. Plan your day around this — not the other way around.
Best family attractions
Aquaventure Waterpark
Atlantis, Palm Jumeirah
AED 350–400/person
Ages: All ages
Buy tickets online the day before to skip the gate queue. Go early — headline rides get 45-min queues by noon. Reef shoes essential for hot walkways.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
City of Arabia
AED 250–325/person
Ages: 4+ years
The world's largest indoor theme park. Marvel and Cartoon Network zones are the highlights. Full day activity — plan nothing else. Quieter on weekdays.
Legoland Dubai
Dubai Parks & Resorts
AED 220–295/person
Ages: 2–12 years
Perfect for ages 2–12. Older kids may find it underwhelming. Arrive when it opens — rides are shortest then. Combo tickets with Motiongate save money.
Ski Dubai
Mall of the Emirates
AED 180–350 (2hr slope access)
Ages: 3+ years
Real snow in Dubai — kids genuinely love it. The Mall provides all snow gear included in the price. Stay 2 hours minimum. Book 1–2 days ahead on weekends.
Dubai Frame
Zabeel Park
AED 50/person
Ages: 5+ years
Best value attraction in Dubai. The glass floor walkway 150m up is thrilling for older kids. Takes 45–60 minutes. Book online to avoid queues.
KidZania Dubai
Dubai Mall
AED 160–200/child
Ages: 4–14 years
Role-play city where kids do adult jobs and earn KidZos (their currency). Book a morning session — energy levels stay higher. Adults AED 50–80.
Sample 5-day family schedule
Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis
Full day, arrive at 10am opening
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Full day — the world's largest indoor theme park
Old Dubai Cultural Day
Dubai Museum + Abra + Gold Souk — older kids love the market experience
Ski Dubai + Mall of the Emirates
Morning slopes, afternoon mall — all under one roof
KidZania + Burj Khalifa
Morning at KidZania, sunset at the Burj — unforgettable end to the trip
Practical family tips
Book all theme park tickets online 1–2 days in advance — gate prices are always higher and queues are longer.
Most Dubai malls have excellent free play areas — Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, and Ibn Battuta all have dedicated kids zones.
Halal food is universal in Dubai — no worries about dietary restrictions for most families. Kid-friendly menus are standard.
Taxis and Careem (Uber equivalent) are the easiest way to get between attractions. The Metro has air-conditioning but limited coverage for theme parks.
Dubai Aquarium inside Dubai Mall is free to view from outside — pay (AED 60–120) only for the tunnel walkthrough if kids are keen.
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