Planning a day out with the family in the UAE? There are loads of incredible things to do in Dubai and beyond, from action and adventure to waterparks, soft play and more.
With spring break in full, well, swing, you’ll likely need some inspiration on all the brilliant things to do with kids in the UAE. This list will help you plan your next few family days out and decide where to go with the brood in tow.
And if you’re staying in Dubai for the upcoming Eid Al Fitr UAE public holiday, this is your guide to making sure it’s a holiday to remember.
You might also like: 7 free things to do with kids in Dubai
Whether you are after a waterpark, kid-friendly attractions or a cheap family day out (they do exist), here are some top family days out in the UAE.
JUMP TO:
- Family-friendly days out
- Family-friendly theme/adventure parks
- Family-friendly waterparks
- Kid-friendly animal encounters
- Cheap family-friendly days out
- Kids attractions that families love
Family-friendly days out
Al Barari Playground
For a fun family morning, pitch up early at Al Barari Playground. From there the kids can enjoy splashing about in the shallows, clambering up cargo nets and across rope bridges, navigating stepping stones and exploring pirate ships.
Mon-Thurs: Dhs45 for 2 hours. Fri-Sun: Dhs65 for 2 hours. Open Mon 2pm-11pm,Tue-Sun 8am-8pm Al Barari. albarariplayground.com (056 686 7439).
Aventura Parks
If climbing, balancing and zip-lining action is something that your kids love, then get down to Mushrif Park. Let them get back to nature as they safely explore the tightropes and rope bridges suspended high above the ground in the branches of trees.
Prices start from Dhs35. Open noon-9pm, Mon-Sun. Mushrif Park, Gate 1, Dubai, aventuraparks.com (052 178 7616).
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
An underwater, ocean-life-filled wonderland awaits at the Dubai Aquarium. It is a 10-million-litre aquarium tank boasting a spectacular tunnel before heading for the impressive underwater zoo to get up close to hundreds of sea creatures.
Prices start at Dhs169. Open Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 10am – midnight.
The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaiaquarium.com.
Dubai Miracle Garden
Nothing short of a blooming brilliant day out, the largest natural flower garden in the world really is something special. The 72,000 sq m space is home to some 150 million flowers and sculptures created from flora too.
Dhs95 (adults), Dhs80 (children aged three-12 years old), free (kids under three). Open Mon-Fi 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm. dubaimiraclegarden.com.
Expo City
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Expo City Dubai has brought the world’s biggest inflatable obstacle course to the city.
The whole family can look forward to a thrilling experience with a 300-metre obstacle course. This gigantic playground will allow you to bounce, zip down heart-pounding slides, jump and climb across tricky walls and other obstacles.
It’s important to know however, kids aged five and under need to be accompanied by an adult and there is a one-metre height limit for entry.
Dhs95. 3pm-11pm, until April 9
Jebel Jais Adventure Park
If you’re keen on a properly thrill-filled, outdoorsy family day out, RAK is where it’s at. At Jebel Jais Adventure Park you can’t help but have yourself a super-fun, adrenalin-charged time, thanks to an array of attractions including the likes of the Jebel Jais Flight (the world’s longest zipline), the Jais Ropes Course and self-guided Sky Maze or the Jais Sledder.
Timings and prices vary. Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah. visitjebeljais.com.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
One of the most beautiful, architecturally awe-inspiring buildings in the region also happens to be home to one of the coolest attractions for kids, too. The Louvre Abu Dhabi Children’s Museum is a space entirely dedicated to youngsters. Not only is all artwork displayed at the child’s eye level, but there are also loads of interactive exhibits and immersive mini-experiences, as well as hands-on activities, educational workshops and changing exhibits throughout the year.
Dhs63, free for under 18s and over 60s. Open Tues-Thurs 6.30pm-1am, Fri-Sun, 8.30pm-1am during Ramadan. Closed Mon. Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, louvreabudhabi.ae (600 565 566).
Ripe Market
This seasonal al fresco market celebrates all things local and homegrown (both food and small businesses). See a brilliant array of stalls and stands selling everything from fresh out-the-ground fruit to homeware and handmade jewellery, there are plenty of activities aimed at kids too, think pony rides and animal petting, storytelling sessions and live music on the grass.
Sun 10am-7pm. Times Square (04 315 7000)
Sharjah Safari
Round up the gang, it’s time to go on safari. Sharjah Safari is an absolute must-visit before the weather gets too hot. Spread out over 800 hectares, the vast park has been designed to mimic a real African safari and is home to a staggering 120 different species, with more than 1000 animals and birds in total (including giraffes, gazelles, lions, elephants, flamingos, rhinos and crocodiles).
From Dhs40 for adults, Dhs15 (for kids three-12). Open daily 8.30am-6.30pm. Al Bridi Nature Reserve, Sharjah @shjsafari.
Wavehouse
Wavehouse brings together live music, gaming, bowling, dining and a wave machine all in one place, giving you more options for those day-to-night outings with the brood. Located in The Avenues and overlooking Aquaventure Waterpark, it blends grown-up time with family activities so that you can spend the day with the kiddies without jumping into a ball pit. For youngsters and adults seeking a good strike, a ten-pin bowling alley awaits complete with visual 3D mapping projections (and super plush couches).
Open daily noon-midnight. The Avenues, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, atlantisthepalm.com (04 426 2000).
Family-friendly theme/adventure parks
Action Park
This indoor and outdoor adventure park opened at the end of 2019, bringing with it the city’s second Smash Room and a super cool paintballing arena. The high-octane destination, which can be found at The Last Exit on the way to Abu Dhabi from Dubai, also features a converted, open-top London-style bus that serves up refreshing drinks and snacks.
Prices start from Dhs59. Open Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri- Sat 10am-1am. The Last Exit, Sheikh Zayed Road, actionpark.ae (04 235 8893).
Air Maniax
Air Maniax’s inflatable zones are loved by kids of all ages – and adults too. Older children will love the challenging obstacle courses, zip lines and laser tag games, while the littlest bouncers have their own dedicated toddler area to go crazy in.
Prices start at Dhs85. Opening times Abu Dhabi: Sun-Thu 10pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 10pm-midnight. Opening times Dubai: Mon-Sun 9am-10pm. Abu Dhbai &Al Quoz 1, Floor 1, Marina Mal, Al Marina, Dubai, airmaniax.com (04 348 8981).
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, this huge theme park is a big hit with fans of fast cars or thrill-seekers in general. The major attraction is Formula Rossa, which reaches speeds of 240km an hour and heights of 52 metres, so you’ll certainly get a great view of the island while you’re up there too. There are other adrenaline-fuelled rides, but if being twisted upside down and thrown along at high speeds isn’t really your thing, there are also loads of gentler rides, plus big displays showcasing Ferrari cars and explaining the history of the company.
Dhs345 (park entry). Open Wed-Sun noon-7pm. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Island (02 496 8000).
IMG World of Adventures
One of the biggest indoor theme parks on the planet features three zones – The Marvel Zone for diddy superhero fans, The Lost Valley where you can spot a dinosaur or two and The Cartoon Network Zone where favourite, colourful characters like the Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10 are hanging out.
Dhs365 (general admission), free (kids under 1.05m in height). Open Mon-Thu noon-10pm, Fri-Sun noon-11pm. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Dubai, imgworlds.com (600 500 962).
LEGOLAND
The Legoland extravaganza at Dubai Parks and Resorts has successfully brought Lego to life with more than 40 rides, shows and attractions on six themed lands crammed with 15,000 Lego models and more than 60,000 Lego bricks. Start off at the factory where you’ll get a guided tour and find out how Lego bricks are made, before moving onto Lego City where you can learn to drive an electric car and fly a Lego plane. If you want to extend the fun (and really impress the kids), book into the LEGOLAND Hotel for the night.
From Dhs295 (online booking), Dhs330 (on the door), free (kids under three). Open daily 10am-7pm. Dubai Parks And Resorts, Jebel Ali, Dubai, legoland.com/dubai (04 820 0000).
Motiongate
With two of the fastest rides in Dubai – The Madagascar Mad Pursuit and The Bullet Train – as well as plenty of tamer rides and an entire indoor area housing four themed zones – Kung Fu Panda, How to Train your Dragon, Shrek and Madagascar – there is something for everyone, all year-round at this cool theme park.
From Dhs295 (day ticket). Open Sun-Thu 11am-8pm, Fri-Sat 11am-9pm. Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, motiongatedubai.com (04 820 0000).
Sky Zone
Sky Zone is an indoor trampoline park where little adrenaline junkies can work their way around the various areas which include a foam zone, dodgeball arena and zip line.
From Dhs49 (60 minutes). Mon-Thurs, noon-10pm, Fri-Sat, 10am-11pm, Sun-10am-10pm. Persia Court, Ibn Battuta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, skyzone.ae (800 759 9663).
The Arcade by Hubzero
This fully immersive, virtual reality gaming park is located at Al Khawaneej. It offers more than 50 cool video games including artificial intelligence, virtual reality and motion capture options, all housed in a funky space where graffiti adorns the brick walls.
Free entry. Open Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight, Al Khawaneej Walk, Dubai, dxbvenues.com.
VR Park
VR Park is home to a host of virtual reality games for kids of all ages, meaning they can challenge reality and learn at the same time. Among the 18 separate attractions (within which there can be multiple games) found inside VR Park, you’ll be taken to distant planets and visit both the far-flung future and the not-so-distant world of a fully virtualised Dubai, thanks to a series of games specially designed with some of the world’s top VR production houses.
Free entry, pay per attraction. Open Sun-Thurs 10am – 11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, vrparkdubai.com
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi
This immersive indoor theme park has 29 rides all based around the most popular Warner Bros. stories. Kids will be in their element, and they’ll even be able to meet some of their favourite characters. This theme park is 1.53 million square feet and some of the highlights include getting to chomp down on a Bronto burger in Fred Flintstone’s favourite diner, and exploring Gotham City with Batman in the Knight Flight ride.
From Dhs345. Open daily 11am-6pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, wbworldabudhabi.com.
Family-friendly waterparks
Aquaventure Waterpark
This huge waterpark is splashing fun for all the family, from the tiniest tots up to the biggest kids. There are loads of cool rides offering varying levels of terror. The younger kids’ area allows little ones to roam around, as they make their way up, over and through the giant wet pirate ship and try to avoid the enormous bucket that dumps out water periodically. Older kids and adults meanwhile can tackle those 28-record-breaking waterslides.
Prices vary. Open daily 9.45am-6pm. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, (04 426 2000).
LEGOLAND Water Park Dubai
You’ll find aqua fun for the whole family at this water park. The Joker Soaker kids’ area has the perfect mix of tumbling buckets of water, water shooters and slides and the lazy river is a great way to chill out and stay cool.
From Dhs295 (online booking), Dhs330 (on the door), Free (kids under three). Mon-Thurs10am-6pm, Fri-Sun 10am-7pm. Dubai Parks and Resorts, Jebel Ali, Dubai, legoland.com (04 820 3123).
Wild Wadi
With more than 30 rides, a wave simulator and a lazy river, Dubai’s original waterpark has a lot going for it. The park’s main attraction is the Jumeirah Sceirah, which has two 32-metre-high tandem slides and whizzes you downwards a speed of 80kph.
General admission from Dhs295 (adult over 1.1m), Dhs245 (child under 1.1m). UAE residents’ rates from Dhs215 (adult over 1.1m), Dhs195 (child under 1.1m). Open Mon-Sun,10am-6pm. Umm Suqeim, (04 348 4444)
Yas Waterworld
Yas Waterworld boasts more than 40 slides, rides and attractions. A day here will have you sliding through a giant snake, plunging from the top of a mountain and screaming yourself hoarse on the Bandit Bomber rollercoaster. You can recover afterwards on one of the poolside sun loungers, have a go at surfing on the world’s largest sheet wave and watch a film in a 5D cinema.
From Dhs295 (adults), Dhs225 (junior), free (children under the age of three). Open daily 11am-6pm. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, yaswaterworld.com (02 414 2000).
Kid-friendly encounters
Aquaventure
Swim (and interact) with the fishes at Aquaventure’s Dolphin Bay Lagoon. Kids can learn how the professionals take care of the marine mammals and get a close-up look at them too. The experience is open to anyone eight and up.
From Dhs575. Daily. Atlantis The Palm. aquaventureworld.com (04 426 0000).
Dubai Safari
If you (or your child) loves animals and animal encounters, there’s no better place to visit than Dubai Safari, which is home to 3,000 animals. From elephants to bears and even the Arabian Wolf, you’ll find something that catches your fancy.
Dhs50 (adults); Dhs20 (3-12 year olds) for a day pass. 9am-5pm. Al Warqa 5. dubaisafari.ae (800 900).
Dubai Butterfly Garden
Arguably the world’s largest covered butterfly garden, this must-visit animal encounter has more than 15,000 butterflies of 50 different varieties flitting about the place. Kids can learn all about the different stages of a butterfly’s life and how they evolve. And they can experiment with their photo-taking skills; with such pretty subjects the result is bound to be winning.
From Dhs55. Sat-Fri, 9am-6pm. dubaibutterflygarden.com (04 4228902).
Green Planet
Give your child the gift of being a zookeeper for a day – the experience at Green Planet will get them up close and personal with the many denizens of the bio-dome and they’ll get to shadow a biologist for the day. (There’s no cap on age when it comes to the experience. We are just saying.)
Dhs410. Daily, 3pm-6pm; 8.30am-11.30am (additional session on weekends). City Walk – Al Wasl. (800 7699).
JA Hatta Resort
Introduce your kids to animals in a safe and secure space at JA Hatta Resort, which allows dogs as guests, has deer in an enclosure and peacocks running free. There are also horses (they can ride) and rabbits (they can feed).
Free for hotel guests. Hatta Oman Road Hatta Roundabout 9277. jaresortshotels.com (04 809 9333)
Sustainable City Equestrian Club
Has your teen been pestering you for a pony? How about teaching them about the four-legged beauties by first learning to ride. Get them to saddle up or the 30 minute lessons for beginners and canter their way to the 45-minute sessions for intermediates. There are also grooming and stable management classes.
From Dhs1,700 (ten 30-minute classes). Daily. Dubai Sustainable City. sustainablecityequestrianclub.com (04 557 6611)
Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Turtles may have thick shells but they are still vulnerable creatures. The Hawksbill turtle, native to the Middle East, is critically endangered. Kids can see the recovery process and even help feed these amphibians on the daily at 11am at Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary.
Daily, 11am. Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary. jumeirah.com (04 3665 000).
Cheap family-friendly days out
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Sometimes we forget the joys of what we have on our doorstep. How long is it, for example, since you and the family spent the day wandering Abu Dhabi corniche? This beautiful waterfront has family-friendly things to do such as barbecue pits, badminton courts and a concrete maze. Lake Park has plenty of fountains, bridges and walkways for exploring, the giant sundial in Recreation Park always proves popular and at Family Park you can explore and hire bikes.
Free. Off Corniche Road.
Global Village
Work (or indeed walk) your way around the world at the brilliant funfair-style theme park that is Global Village. As well as being home to a whole host of fairground rides, adventure zones and arcade games, Global Village has cultural clout, too: shop for authentic trinkets, accessories, homeware and more, take in live performances and munch on food from far-flung corners of the globe thanks to the numerous kiosks and street food stalls.
Dhs27, Free for children below three and senior citizens aged 65 or above. Open from October 2022 to April 2023. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, globalvillage.ae.
The Desert Lakes
Pack up a picnic, throw some outdoorsy games in the back of the car, make sure your phone is fully charged (these pools of water look great on the ‘gram) and ponder what you and the family want from your lake day out.
Free. Al Qudra, Dubai.
Have a beach day
Whether your idea of the perfect family beach day involves surfing, swimming and stand-up paddle boarding or centres firmly around sandcastle building and ice cream slurping, you’ll have no trouble finding a sandy strand to fit your needs in the UAE. From serene spots such as Dubai’s Al Sufouh Beach (the vibe is calm and the Burj Al Arab views excellent) and Mirfa Beach in Abu Dhabi to large sandy enclaves jam-packed with things to do, see and eat (JBR Beach in Dubai and Al Hudayriat Island in the capital spring to mind), the country we’re lucky enough to call home has a string of magnificent beaches that are either free to enter or cost mere dirhams to do so.
Various locations, Dubai.
Town Square Park
Nothing beats a family park day and there are masses of brilliant parks in the UAE, but if you’re after somewhere to spend a good few hours, Town Square Park is a top pick. The massive playfield makes for an ideal base from which to set up camp, there’s a decent-sized playground with enough apparatus to appeal to all ages and a fun splash zone for cooling off.
Free entry. Open Sun-Wed, 11am-9pm, Thurs-Sat 11am-10pm Al Quadra Road. nshama.ae
Kids attractions that families love
BOUNCE
X Park is a brilliant way to find your inner Spider-Man and jump around its many obstacles and pipes will certainly work up a sweat. Kids meanwhile can unleash all their pent-up energy in the parkour zone.
From Dhs55 (locations vary) bounce.ae
Chaos Karts
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If the love for Mario Kart runs in your family, Chaos Karts is the perfect place to take the family. Guests can get behind the wheel of karts, and enjoy several races– which lasts about 20 minutes – all varying in design, complete with music and kart powers to help racers battle it to the finish line. The Dubai branch in Al Quoz will be the second in the world, with the original based in Manchester, England.
Riders will need to be aged 9 and above or be at least 1.30m tall to get stuck in.
From Dhs140. Open from Sun Apr 7, 10am-10pm (Sun–Thurs); 10am-midnight (Fri and Sat). 6A St – Al Quoz.@chaoskartsuae. chaoskarts.ae
Cheeky Monkeys
A world of colour and fun awaits little explorers at the Cheeky Monkeys soft play centres. Innovative neon-lit slides, mini zip lines, brilliant dressing-up areas and enormous ball pits provide endless entertainment that energetic tots love. Plus, there’s a café serving hot kid-friendly meals and Starbucks coffee for the mums and dads.
Dhs63 (first hour, Dhs35 (subsequent hours). Times vary. Various locations including J3 Mall and Arabian Ranches 2 in Dubai and Al Forsan Village, Abu Dhabi, cheekymonkeys.com (04 276 0011).
EKart Zabeel
An electric track is on the rooftop of The Dubai Mall Zabeel – if you’re looking for karting in the open air, this is for you. Challenge your friends and family to see who has superior driving skills, all with the stunning Dubai skyline in the background. EKart Zabeel is the UAE’s first high-end electric karting experience, providing super-fast fun. It’s also environmentally friendly as there are no on-site emissions.
From Dh95. Open Mon-Thurs, 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun, 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall Zabeel, Downtown Dubai, ekartzabeel.ae.
KidZania
There’s just something fun about pretending to be a doctor, a fireman, a chef or a builder. KidZania is a magical world of make-believe where children can role-play more than 40 professions and earn their own KidZania money, which they can then spend in the on-site shop.
Dhs110 (toddler aged two-three). Dhs195 (economy ticket, children aged four-16), Dhs260 (premium ticket, children aged four-16), Dhs80 (adult aged 17 plus). Open Mon-Sun 10am-11pm. Yas Mall, ground floor, Abu Dhabi. The Dubai Mall, Dubai, kidzania.ae.
Oli Oli
With eight galleries and more than 40 exhibits inspired by the work of leading educators, artists and development psychologists, this fabulous indoor space is all about positive play and the power of imagination.
Dhs139(standard visit, 1 child aged two-16 and 1 adult), Dhs69 (standard visit, 1 toddler aged 12 months – 23 months and 1 adult). Open Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm, Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 9am-7pm. Al Quoz 1, Dubai, olioli.ae (04 702 7300).
The Green Planet
Imagine a rainforest right in the heart of Dubai, with colourful flora and exotic birds, animals and insects all existing in an ecosystem expertly put together by botanists, zoologists and scientists – and you’ve got The Green Planet. The indoor bio-dome houses over 3,000 plants and animals including sloths, bats and snakes.
From Dhs155 (online ticket purchase). Kids under two go free.
Open daily 10am-6pm. City Walk, Al Safa Street, Dubai, thegreenplanetdubai.com.
Woo-hoo
This centre aimed at kids up to the age of 12 is a blend of education, discovery, development and play across 10 themed galleries. Each gallery hosts cool interactive exhibits designed to spark children’s curiosity, imagination and innovation whilst delivering clear learning objectives.
Dhs110 (1 child and 1 adult), Dhs60 (1 toddler aged 12 months- 24 months), Dhs30 (1 infant aged 0-11 months and 1 adult). Open daily 10am-6pm. Al Quoz, woo-hoo.ae (800 966 466).
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The theme parks are calling your name
