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Dubai is one of the most family-friendly attractions in the world. While the city is full of amazing landmarks and attractions, a holiday that is only filled with sightseeing may not appeal to the kids. However, there is no need to worry when you are in Dubai. This Emirate city is home to some of the best kid-friendly attractions, including those that are specially designed for the little ones. On this note, we offer you information on some of the best kids’ activities in Dubai.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
The IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park not just in Dubai in the entire world as well. This temperature-controlled theme park is divided into five zones: Marvel, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, and Novo Cinemas. While the first three zones are where you would get to enjoy rides and attractions based on their themes, Novo Cinemas is where you can enjoy a luxurious movie experience. Then there is the IMG Boulevard, which has numerous shopping and dining options. The IMG World tickets would give you the chance to visit the Haunted Hotel, located at the IMG Boulevard.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located inside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a favorite amongst both kids and adults. The aquarium is home to more than 33,000 marine animals, include manta rays, tiger sand sharks, etc. You can take your time to walk through the aquarium tunnel admiring the different aquatic species. Once the aquarium ends, you enter the underwater zoo, where you get see an interesting variety of animals like otters, penguins, the king croc, etc. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo also offers some exciting experiences like snorkeling, shark diving, cage diving, scuba diving, etc.
Dubai Garden Glow
A part of Zabeel Park, the Dubai Garden Glow is a seasonal attraction that is loved by both locals and tourists. The highlight of the Dubai Garden Glow is the Glow Park, where you would find unique sculptures made with eco-friendly materials that glow in the dark. Apart from the Glow Park, it also has a Dinosaur Park, Art Park, Magic Park, and Ice Park. The Dubai Garden Glow has a different theme every year. This is the reason people love to visit this park multiple times, as you get to see something new during every visit.
Green Planet
Dubai is home to some unique and mind-blowing attractions, and the Green Planet is one of them. A vertical, indoor rainforest, the Green Planet is home to more than 3000 plants and animals. Here, you would be able to experience and learn about the importance of rainforests for our planet, and how each animal helps in sustaining it. Some of the experiences that you can have here include thunderstorm at the Green Planet and snorkeling with the piranhas. Your kids would also enjoy becoming a zookeeper for a day. Moreover, you can also enjoy overnight camping at this rainforest.
KidZania Dubai
Located in Dubai Mall, KidZania Dubai is an indoor theme park where education and fun come together. Spread around an area of 7000 square meters, KidZania is a mini-city, where kids can enjoy role-playing and at the same time earn some money (KidZania money). You would find more than 40+ role playing activities here. Kids can become pilots, firefighters, doctors, nurses, shopkeepers, etc. KidZania is also a great place to hold birthday parties and other celebrations. The best part is that parents can relax at the lounge with a drink when the kids have a great time.
Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark
Dubai has numerous theme parks and water parks. While almost all of these parks have a separate section for little children, most of them aim to attract older kids and adults. However, this is not the case with Legoland Dubai and Legoland Waterpark. Located inside the Dubai Parks & Resorts, Legoland Dubai and water park are made specially for kids between 2 and 12 years. From riding on some super cool rides to building their own raft with LEGO blocks, children are sure to have an amazing time here. These are two separate parks and require separate entry tickets as well. But as they are located next to each other, you can visit both on one day.
Children’s City Dubai
Located in Creek Park, Children’s City Dubai is the first educational city in Dubai. The main aim of this place is to impart knowledge and information to the children in a fun and entertaining way. The different exhibits and zones of Children’s City teaches the little ones about a variety of topics, including nature, human body sciences, human body exploration, space exploration, earth sciences, etc. The place also has a planetarium. There is also a cultural center, where kids would get to learn about local and international cultures. Apart from all this, Children’s City also hosts educational and entertainment programs almost every day. There is also a separate play section for toddlers here.
Dubai Museum
A holiday in Dubai with kids should not just be about visiting amusement parks. On the other hand, it is important for them to learn about the history, culture, and heritage of the place they are visiting. The best place for this is the Dubai Museum. Located inside the oldest building of Dubai, the Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum is the perfect reflection of the city’s past. You get to see a different side of the city, a far-cry from the glamour and glitz of modern Dubai. The exhibits of the Dubai Museum would show you how the Arabs lived and worked in the past. There is also an audio-visual, which would show you the growth of Dubai in the last few decades.
Oli Oli
Oli Oli is a play area in Dubai that aims at entertaining children while giving them the chance to explore their imagination, creativity, and curiosity. The place has 8 interactive galleries, spread over 2 floors. The kids get the chance to experience hands-on activities that would help them to learn new things while having fun. The exhibits and activities you would find at OliOli have been developed by educators, artists, and developmental psychologists, so you can be sure that a visit to Oli Oli would be good for your kids’ overall development. When the little ones feel hungry after all the exciting activities, take them to La Petite Treehouse Café, where they can indulge in some nutritious food.
Atlantis Aquaventure Water Park
The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is one of the biggest and the best waterparks in Dubai. It is located inside the premises of Hotel Atlantis, which is the crowning glory of Palm Jumeirah, the palm-shaped island. This water park is home to some of the iconic pools, slides and rides, etc. Rafting through the cruise tunnel, sliding on the 90-feet long slide, etc. are some of the fun things to do here. Poseidon’s Revenge, Aquacoda, Slitherines, Splasher’s Cove, Medusa’s Lair, Blackout, etc. are some of the popular rides here. With the ticket to Atlantis Aquaventure, you also get access to the 700-meter-long Adventure Beach.
Dubai Dolphinarium
The Dolphinarium is another indoor family-friendly attraction in Dubai. It is a great place for you to introduce your kids to the life, habitat, and behavior of the friendly and lovable dolphins. The most popular activity here is the Dolphin & Seal show, where you would find these super-intelligent mammals perform various tricks. If you want to have a more intimate experience, you must opt for the Majestic Dolphin Swim at the Dolphin Planet, where you would get to meet and interact with the in-house dolphins. Few other things to look forward at the Dubai Dolphinarium are Creek Park Bird Show, Mirror Maze, etc.
Ski Dubai
Dubai is home to some amazing wonders, and Ski Dubai is definitely on top of the list. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort that is located inside the Mall of Emirates. The highlight of the 4500 square meters’ park is the indoor ski slope, which is the third largest in the world. Here you would get to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, zorbing, and ziplining as well. The place also has a Snow Park, where you can enjoy some fun snow rides as well as play in the snow. You would also get to meet the in-house penguins here. When the cold gets too much, you can visit the café inside Ski Dubai to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate.
Desert Safari
Desert safari is one activity in Dubai that would be loved by all the members of the family. Here you get the chance to go to the desert and indulge in some marvelous adventurous activities, including dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, etc. In the evening, you would be entertained by the performances of Tanoura and belly dancers. Moreover, you would also get to enjoy a delicious barbeque buffet dinner. To give you and your kids a unique experience, you can opt for an overnight desert safari, where you would get to stay in a Bedouin-style tent in the desert for a night. The desert safari is a great way to learn about the culture and heritage of the Emiratis and have some fun as well.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Dubai with kids?
The best time to visit Dubai with kids is between November and March when the climate is pleasant. On the other hand, you would get some great deals and discounts for kids in Dubai during the summer season. However, you would have to spend time at an indoor attractions during the day, as the heat in the summer season is unbearable in Dubai.
Do kids need a UAE visa to visit Dubai?
Yes. All citizens (including children) of any country that requires a pre-approved visa to enter Dubai need to apply for a UAE visa if they want to visit the city or any other places in the UAE.
Do kids require entry tickets to visit Dubai’s attractions?
This would depend on the attraction you are planning to visit. Most attractions have a reduced rate for children up to the age of 12 and free entry for children up to the age of 5 years. It is important to check the website of the place to know more details about entrance tickets for children.
Conclusion
The places and activities mentioned above are just a gist of the things that you can do in Dubai with kids. With so many things to do in Dubai, a trip to the golden city with your little ones would be truly memorable.
