For half the year we’re desperate to get outside and sit in the fresh air.

The cooler weather provides the ideal opportunity to get the whole family out of the house and Dubai has loads of public beaches and parks where you can do just that.

Some are well-known, others less so, but all offer greenery or sand, the odd swing, slide or climbing frame and just the right amount of space to lay down your blanket and set up camp for the afternoon.

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These are the best spots for a picnic in Dubai. Time to lay down your rug and unpack your hamper… Cucumber sandwich and lemonade anyone?

Picnic in Dubai: Parks

Burj Park

Want to savour a picnic lunch while taking in stunning views of Burj Khalifa? Grab your basket and make a beeline to Burj Park. Featuring vibrant green lawns, you can sprawl on the grass here and people watch. If you’re not keen to pack your own food, you can grab a takeaway from a restaurant nearby or at Dubai Mall before enjoying a lunch outdoors.
Free. du, Virgin Dubai Mall, Dubai Downtown.

Al Barsha Pond Park

This 50-acre site has something to keep the whole tribe happy for hours on end. An oasis of green located in a predominantly sandy Al Barsha and set around the edge of a pretty, manmade lake this is a lovely little spot to while away an afternoon. Sporty kiddos can take advantage of the basketball courts and football pitches, little wannabe sailors can charter their own solar energy-powered boat around the water and mini cyclists can race their bikes around the cycling track.

The littlest family members will also appreciate the colourful playgrounds where they can swing, slide and climb to their heart’s content. Mums and dads can bring their own food, or grab some snacks from the small shop or café.
Free. Open Sun-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11pm. Opposite Al Barsha Mall, Al Barsha 2.

Al Khazzan Park

It may be one of Dubai’s oldest parks, but it is also the most forward-thinking. This pocket-sized little haven in the middle of Satwa has been given a total reboot and is now entirely solar-powered, making it the UAE’s first ‘zero-energy’ park. It incorporates a landmark water tower, which thankfully survived the makeover and also the rather chilled-out, Inn The Park, which serves great coffee, healthy breakfasts and an abundance of snacks, plus it has a cool library stocked with vintage Middle Eastern magazines. There’s also a shaded area next to the playground which is the perfect spot to set up your picnic and watch the little ones burn off some energy.
Free. Open Sat-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Fri 8am-11pm. Al Safa Street, Satwa (800 900).

Al Mamzar Beach Park

If you fancy escaping the comfy environs of primetime Dubai, we suggest you load the car with the kids and the ice box full of tasty treats and head up to this gorgeous setting that provides a wonderful juxtaposition of park and beach. For those whose kids have a tendency to drop their sarnies in the sand (making them a literal sandwich), secure a spot on one of the lawns and layout that picnic blanket, or alternatively grab a barbecue stand (there are more than 25 of them).

But if you want to feel the sun on your back and the sand under your feet, Al Mamzar has not one but four beaches where little ones can build sandcastles while older ones can shoot some hoops or play some footie or volleyball.
Dhs5 (per person), Dhs30 (per car). Daily, 8am-10pm. Al Khaleej Street, Al Mamzar.

Al Sufouh Park

This park might not be the biggest, or most well-known, in the city, but what it lacks in size and popularity, it more than makes up for in comfort. Beautifully maintained, the kids will have a whale of a time messing about in one of the playgrounds and once they’ve run out of energy, they can re-join the clan and graze on sandwiches in one of the plentiful shady picnic spots.

There’s a full-size basketball court where little all-stars can shoot some hoops, while the five-a-side football pitch is perfect for a mini-match with all the gang. With views of Media City’s skyline to one side and the Burj Al Arab to the other, this is also a great spot to come and dreamily stare into space as the world rushes by.
Free. Open Sat-Wed, 8am-10pm; Thurs-Fri, 8am-11pm. Al Sufouh park, Al Tarffah St.

Creek Park

This huge green space on the edge of Dubai Creek has acres of lawn, botanical gardens and several play areas for the kids making it perfect for an afternoon stroll or a lunchtime picnic. But there’s more for little ones to discover with mini golf, a go-kart track and an indoor edutainment centre called Children’s City. And if you’ve got a head for heights, you can take it all on from the 2.3km long cable car ride that hangs 30m in the sky.
Dhs5. Open Mon-Fri 9am-8pm, Sat-Sun, 2pm-8pm. Um Hurair 2 (04 336 7633).

Hatta Hill Park

It’s a bit of a drive admittedly, but once you’re there you’ll thank us. Set up camp, well a picnic blanket anyway, and enjoy some al fresco dining with a spectacular view. Built in 2004 the park provides a green space over a mountain – really – and is hugely popular with families looking to enjoy a picnic or a barbecue.

And for the little ones who have eaten their food without complaint, there is a children’s play area, running track and sports fields. Don’t miss a hike up to the tower where you can lap up the breathtaking vistas of the magnificent Hajar Mountain range and Hatta village.
Free. Open Sun-Thu, 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat, 8am-midnight. Hill Park, Hatta (050 226 2581).

JLT Park

Not many parks can claim to have started life as a lake, but when it was decided that the water needed to go and grass needed to replace it, the lake was filled in and this family-friendly haven came to be. Kids can run around safely kicking balls, flying kites, playing tag or just practicing their cartwheels, but when winter arrives, so does a mini funfair that takes the fun up a notch. Oh, and once the sun sets on a fun day of fresh air, hang around, snuggle up under and blanket and watch a family film at JLT’s Cinema Under the Stars. Pass the popcorn.
Free. Open daily 24 hours.

Mushrif Park

Not to be confused with the rebranded Abu Dhabi park that bore the same name (make sure your sat-nav gets it right), this Al Khawaneej Road venue is notable for several things, not the least the replica models of traditional houses from the Arabic and Western worlds that can be found in its International Village. Although not as green as other such spots in Dubai, this desert park has plenty to offer families thanks to the swimming pool, barbecue areas, playgrounds, and Winners Equestrian Centre. Plus, the sky-high adventure playground Aventura Parks opens up a whole new world of tree-top challenges that little ones with a head for heights will love.
Dhs3 (per person), Dhs10 (per car). Open Sun-Wed, 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat, 8am-11pm.

Safa Park

One of Dubai’s originals is still one of its best. Come the weekend you’ll be hard-pressed to find a spot on the grass despite the huge size of the park – still vast in spite of having been shrunk to accommodate the Dubai Canal. But a midweek visit means you’ll have the whole place to yourself – virtually any way. A majority of the space is taken up by perfectly manicured lawns, which lends itself perfectly for kite-flying on a windy day, a kickabout with a football for little soccer buddies or an opportunity for energetic tots to simply hare around wearing themselves out and making bedtime that much easier for mums and dads. It’s a winning situation all around.
Dhs3. Open Sun-Thurs 8am-11pm, Mon-Wed (and public holidays) 8am-10pm. Al Wasl.

Town Square Park

Although well known and loved by Dubailand residents, Town Square Park doesn’t always get the attention it deserves from those living a little further afield. A gem of a hangout for families, the park site encompasses a large field for running about in, an excellent playpark, a spacious splash pad area, a mini choo-choo train, an old-fashioned carousel and a range of dining options, from pop-up stalls and street food trucks to the Mediterranean-style caya with its appealing outdoor terrace.
Sun-Wed 11am-9pm and Thu-Sat 11am-10pm. Town Square Sales Centre (800 674262).

Umm Suqeim Park

It might not be one of the biggest parks in Dubai, but it certainly has one of the best locations. With Burj Al-Arab towering above it and the gorgeous seascape of the Gulf viewable throughout, you’ll be glad you decided to head here for a lazy afternoon. This is definitely one for families with young children given that so much of the space is given over to play areas, including some super cute toddler swings. If all that play time has left you all hungry and craving caffeine you can head to the nearby Leens Casual to Gourmet for a hearty breakfast.
Free. Open daily 8am-10pm.

Zabeel Park

The region’s first technology-driven park is enormous, spread as it is over an area equivalent to the size of 45 football pitches. The dedicated play area is heaps of fun for kiddos of varying ages with obstacle courses, slides and climbing frames – nothing like a few physical challenges to tire them out. Plus, there is a wide range of sporting activities on offer, including a full-size cricket ground, as well as a Panoramic Tower that’s worth a visit to get a great view of the surrounding area. Little Jurrasic fans will also appreciate the Dinosaur Park where massive life-like models of dinosaurs are on display and Dubai Garden Glow, which is worth keeping tiny tots up past bedtime for as it comes into its own once the sun has gone down.
Dhs5. Mon-Thu 8am-10pm; Fri -Sun 8am-11pm. Zabeel District.

Picnic in Dubai: Beaches and lakes

Al Qudra Lake

In the mood for a bit of a drive? Set your sights on man-made oasis Al Qudra Lakes. You can enjoy a private picnic here as you take in stunning wildlife, including ducks, swans, eagles, flamingos, falcons and more. If you’d like to get moving while you are here, a cycling track is also available, perfect for stretching your legs.
Free. 24/7. Al Qudra, Dubai.

Black Palace Beach

This beautiful beach of many names (some call it Al Sufouh Beach, others Secret Beach, but we rather like the Black Palace title) holds well-deserved legendary status among long-time Dubai residents. Why, you may wonder? Well, this is the perfect spot for a beachy picnic and feel like you’ve gone off the beaten track, but wish to do so without sacrificing those Burj Al Arab views.
Turn right into the slip road after the bus stop on Al Sufouh Road (just before Hessa Street and about 500m before Dubai Media City).

JBR

There are options aplenty at Dubai’s busiest beach. From sunrise until sunset (and beyond) this stretch of coast – and the busy promenade behind it – throngs with activity, people and possibilities thanks to the children’s play areas, inflatable Aqua Park, sun-loungers for hire and restaurants, cafés and beach clubs galore. Arrive early and snag yourself a prime spot on the sand for your sandwiches, then spend the day admiring the superb Ain Dubai views.
The Beach, opposite JBR.

Jumeirah Open Beach

Spanning quite the distance from Dubai Marine Beach Resort all the way up to the swanky Four Seasons Resort, this is a lovely chilled beach – ideal for enjoying a few hours on the sand with a cool box of goodies. If you’re keen on some land-based activity, hit the smooth track that runs parallel to the beach (we’ll leave it up to you whether you run, walk, skate, blade or simply meander along it).
Near Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road.

Jebel Ali Public Beach

Picturesque, peaceful and far less built up than many of Dubai’s beaches. When all you want to do is chuck your towel on the sand, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and tuck into your packed lunch, Jebel Ali Beach should be your go-to. Amenities are limited but there is a small kiosk selling snacks, ice creams and cold drinks (read: the essentials) and from time-to-time pop coffee or food trucks appear.
Mina Jebel Ali.

Kite Beach

Trendy cafés and gourmet food shacks; a skate park, hanging rope obstacle course, human slingshot experience, long swathes of sand, running track, options to go paddle boarding, water skiing, kayaking and of course kite surfing – consider that list just a taste of things to do at this fab beach hub. Brilliant for adults, kids and everyone in between, Kite Beach may have grown its offerings at pace over the last few years but a real sense of character remains.
Street 5a, behind Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim.

Mercato Beach

All the neighbourhood feels. Sure, this isn’t the most spectacular beach in town but when old-school beach holiday activities are on the agenda – picnicking, rock pooling, sand castle building, shell collecting and shoreside paddling – Mercato’s your beach. Technically part of Jumeirah Open Beach, this is a quieter section of sand we’re rather fond of.
13a Street, Jumeirah 2.

Sunset Beach

This wide stretch of milky-white sand is often deserted in the early morning (it’s great for a pre-work stroll) and tends to remain if not exactly quiet, then certainly calm, throughout the day. Keen surfers often cite Sunset Beach, also known as Public Beach, as a top spot, fishing is popular, families are well catered for thanks to a children’s playground and clutch of BBQ areas and there’s even a pop-up library and free Wi-Fi (our kinda place). As the name suggests, you should of course stick around for sunset.
2C Street, Umm Suqeim.

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