Top 10 Things to Do in Dubai with Kids

Dubai is a treasure trove for families seeking a blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. From the aquatic wonders at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo to the playful escapades at LEGOLAND Dubai, the city offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to all ages. This blog post will guide you through Dubai's best family-friendly spots, ensuring your trip is packed with memorable experiences that both kids and adults will cherish. Whether it's exploring the vast Dubai Miracle Garden or enjoying a day at the beach, Dubai promises fun for the entire family.

1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Delve into the aquatic splendor at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, one of the world’s largest indoor aquariums, housed in The Dubai Mall. Here, families can marvel at the 10-million-liter tank which provides a home to thousands of aquatic animals, including over 140 species of fish, sharks, and rays. The underwater zoo allows you to walk through tunnel environments, giving an immersive experience of life under the water. Interactive feeding sessions, behind-the-scenes tours, and glass-bottom boat rides offer an engaging experience, making learning about marine life exciting and interactive for children.

Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 12 AM

Tickets: Starts at AED 120

Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com

Review: "An enthralling experience for kids and adults alike with the shark feeding encounter being a highlight!" - Emma T.

Advance Booking: Recommended

2. Legoland Dubai

Legoland Dubai provides a vibrant and interactive amusement park where children can engage in activities that stretch their imagination and creativity through building and playing. Designed specifically for families with children aged 2-12, it features over 40 LEGO-themed rides, shows, and building experiences. The park is split into six themed lands, each offering unique experiences from adventurous rides and building workshops to water slides and a miniature model of Dubai’s iconic skyline built from LEGO bricks.

Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM

Tickets: Starts from AED 275

Website: https://www.legoland.com/dubai

Review: "Perfect for families, especially those with young children. The park is clean, well organized, and the staff are very helpful." – Dana S., Tripadvisor

Advance Booking: Yes

3. KidZania Dubai

KidZania Dubai is a unique city built to scale for children, complete with buildings, paved streets, vehicles, and a functioning economy. Here, children can role-play in over 100 professional roles, including fireman, doctor, police officer, and more. This interactive environment, designed to educate and inspire children from 4 to 16, blends reality with entertainment. By performing tasks, children earn 'KidZos' money that they can spend or save at KidZania’s bank or shop within the mini-city.

Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 10 PM

Tickets: Starts from AED 185

Website: https://dubai.kidzania.com

Review: "A brilliant concept where kids learn about different professions in a highly interactive manner." - Linda Green

Advance Booking: Recommended

4. Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark offers an exhilarating escape from the heat with over 30 rides and attractions themed around the tale of Juha, a character from Arabian folklore. Located in front of the stunning Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi provides heated and cooled wave pools, water slides, and two artificial surfing machines. Families can also relax along the lazy river or rent a private cabana for a comfortable day out. Special children's areas ensure that the park caters to all ages, making it a thrilling day for everyone.

Location: Jumeirah Street, Next to Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah 2, Dubai

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM

Tickets: Starts from AED 299 for general admission

Website: https://www.jumeirah.com/en/stay/dubai/wild-wadi-waterpark

Review: "Our family loved the variety of rides suitable for all ages. The wave pool was a big hit!" - Susan Meyers

Advance Booking: Recommended to secure entry

5. Dubai Miracle Garden

Step into the world’s largest natural flower garden at Dubai Miracle Garden, which features over 50 million flowers and 250 million plants. The garden showcases elaborate floral displays including a floral castle, an Emirates A380, and numerous figures such as animals, stars, and hearts made entirely from flowers. This picturesque spot offers countless photo opportunities and a whimsical experience for families to enjoy nature’s beauty on a grand scale.

Location: Al Barsha South 3, Barsha, Dubailand Area, Dubai

Opening Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM, closed during the summer months

Tickets: AED 55 for adults, AED 40 for children

Website: https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com

Review: "A floral wonderland that captivated our kids from start to finish. Highly recommended for a family outing!" - Emily Clark

Advance Booking: Not necessary but advisable on weekends

6. IMG Worlds of Adventure

As the world’s largest indoor theme and amusement park, IMG Worlds of Adventure provides a thrilling escape with four adventure zones including Marvel and Cartoon Network-themed areas. The park is packed with rides, movie theatres, and dining options, making it an ideal spot for families looking to enjoy a day of entertainment and adventure regardless of the weather outside.

Location: E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Opening Hours: 11 AM - 8 PM

Tickets: Starts from AED 285 for residents

Website: https://www.imgworlds.com

Review: "Every corner of the park offers something new. The rides are fantastic and perfect for teens as well." - Mark Jennings

Advance Booking: Recommended, especially during school holidays

7. The Green Planet

Nestled in the heart of City Walk, The Green Planet is Dubai's unique biodome inviting you to explore the wonders of a tropical rainforest. This immersive attraction houses over 3,000 species of plants, animals, and birds, providing a close-up view of nature's most fascinating ecosystems. The Green Planet's design simulates a real rainforest environment with a large artificial tree, interactive experiences, and encounters with exotic species like sloths and toucans.

The Green Planet offers a unique opportunity to learn about tropical biodiversity in a city more famous for its skyscrapers and deserts. It's an educational and fun experience for all ages, making it a perfect family day out.

Location: City Walk Al Wasl Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Opening Hours: 10 AM - 6 PM daily

Tickets: Starts from AED 110

Website: https://www.thegreenplanetdubai.com/en

Review: "A gem in Dubai. Perfect for families or anyone interested in nature. The interactive setup and the variety of species make it a memorable visit." - bexboop83, Tripadvisor.

Advance Booking: Recommended to ensure entry, especially during weekends and holidays.

8. Aquaventure Waterpark

Located at Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark is one of Dubai’s most exciting attractions, offering thrilling water slides, a shark-filled lagoon, and a lengthy lazy river. The park also features a dedicated water play area for younger children and private beaches for family relaxation.

Location: Atlantis The Palm, Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Opening Hours: 10 AM - Sunset

Tickets: Starts from AED 289

Website: https://www.atlantis.com/dubai/atlantis-aquaventure

Review: "Best water park we’ve visited. Great fun for the entire family with world-class water slides." - Jessica H.

Advance Booking: Highly recommended

9. Dubai Opera

For a cultural outing, visit Dubai Opera to enjoy family-friendly performances in a stunning architectural setting. The venue hosts a variety of shows from ballets and operas to musicals and family shows, providing cultural enrichment for all ages. The building's architecture is also a spectacle in itself, featuring a glass rooftop that resembles a traditional sailing vessel, making it a significant landmark in Dubai’s urban landscape.

Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

Opening Hours: Varies by show

Tickets: Prices vary based on performance

Website: https://www.dubaiopera.com

Review: "A phenomenal experience watching a family-friendly show. The architecture and acoustics are impressive!" - Natalie P.

Advance Booking: Essential to secure the best seats

10 Dubai Fountain Show

Experience one of Dubai’s most captivating attractions, the Dubai Fountain Show, located on the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. This world-renowned performance features water jets that shoot water up to 500 feet in the air, synchronized with classical, Arabic, and world music. Each evening, the fountain has several performances, making it a flexible and mesmerizing activity for families to enjoy together.

Location: Fashion Parking, Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

Show Times: Every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM

Tickets: Free public viewing; VIP Tickets available for closer views

Website: https://www.thedubaimall.com/en/entertain-detail/the-dubai-fountain-1

Review: "An enchanting display of light and water. The kids were thrilled, and it's a perfect evening outing." - James O'Connor

Advance Booking: Not required for public viewing, but recommended for VIP experiences

Dubai provides a diverse array of family-friendly activities that cater to all interests, from thrilling theme parks and interactive science centers to cultural experiences and nature explorations. These top 10 activities in Dubai are designed to ensure families have memorable experiences that are both fun and educational. Each Location is equipped to provide unique learning opportunities, making every visit enriching for both children and adults. By planning ahead and considering the best times to visit each attraction, families can make the most out of their trip to this vibrant city.

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