For all Dubai’s world-class theme parks, next level water parks, incredible sports centres and mind-blowingly good venues, sometimes you just want to make the most of the great outdoors and the cooler weather, without splashing any cash.

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With exactly that in mind, read on for our round up of Dubai’s best free playgrounds for every family to enjoy before the soaring heat arrives.

The best (free) playgrounds in Dubai for families

Al Barsha Pond Park

This pretty, flower-filled park has something for everyone and that’s part of the reason we love it. There are basketball, football and tennis courts for sporty types (ideal for an adults vs children challenge), plenty of shady areas for picnicking and general chill time, grassy open spaces for frolicking and kite flying and a cycle track for bike enthusiasts both old and young. The man-made central lake, with its for-hire pedalos and solar powered boats is a major draw and of course, there are free kids playgrounds, too.
Open Sun-Thurs 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11pm.

JLT Park

One of the best free playgrounds for families in Dubai, set amidst JLT’s towering skyscrapers. Well worth a visit even if you don’t live in the immediate vicinity, JLT Park houses three separate play areas each intended for a different age group: the younger set will be amused for hours thanks to the swings, slides and toddler friendly rides, while older children can challenge themselves to scale the giant black spider’s web climbing frame or take flight on a zip line. Amenities include baby changing facilities and toilets and there are myriad dining options nearby.
Open 24 hours. Cluster P, Jumeirah Lake Towers.

The playground at Dubai Creek Harbour

If you’re yet to hit up the outdoor playground at Dubai Creek Harbour then consider next weekend’s family entertainment sorted. Stretching out along the waterfront, the crowning glory of the space (for kids at least) is the bright and colourful 350-metre Arabia-themed Creek Play installation. Made up of individual, interconnecting capsules each one boasting a different surprise (ball pits, swings, slides, climbing walls and the like) this free playground is a playdate winner.
Creek Play, Dubai Creek Harbour.

Sustainable City Park, Sustainable City

Diminutive but delightful best describes the park within Sustainable City. With plenty of shady areas, a duck pond, small donkey and goat enclosure, car tire swings, climbing frames made from up-cycled materials, resident ice cream van and a mini maze, there’s a whole lot to love about this place. Once the kids are tired out, head for the cute plaza area with its clutch of restaurants and cafes to refuel.
The Sustainable City, Al Qudra Rd, Dubai, thesustainablecity.ae (04 347 5955).

The Block, Dubai Design District

There’s no shortage of reasons to visit uber trendy, hipster favourite d3 (Akiba Dori’s Tokyo-style pizza for one), but when you’ve got the kids in tow, family-friendly, eco-friendly waterfront spot The Block tops the list. With a skatepark, open air basketball and volleyball courts, climbing walls, large patches of green grass, urban beach, funky vibes and music pumping from al fresco speakers, this is playground fun with a side of cool.
Open daily, 9am-10pm, Dubai Design District

Town Square Park

We’re big fans of Town Square Park due in no small part to its community feel, large grassy area, well-equipped playground complete with climbing structures, slides, swings and high climbing nets and water features that few children seem to be able to resist skipping through. While attractions such as the choo choo train, merry-go-round and main splash pad come at a cost, there’s loads to do here without spending a dirham (regulatory ice cream withstanding).
Free entry. Open Mon-Thurs, 10am-9pm, Fri-Sat, 10am-10pm. Al Quadra Road.

Umm Seqeim Park

As Dubai’s free parks and playgrounds go this one is location goals. Otherwise known as Burj Beach Park thanks to the Burj Al Arab views, this small but sweet space has a decent playground area and charmingly old-Dubai-style café. Due to the aforementioned brilliant location (it’s bang opposite the beach), you can spend the morning building sandcastles and collecting shells by the water’s edge then head here for a picnic and playtime.
Open 8am-10pm. Note that the park is only open to women and children during the week. All family members are welcome at the weekend. Umm Suqeim

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