15 Best Dubai Activities for Families
While Dubai is famous for its commercial towers and luxurious skyscrapers, the city is also renowned for its modern and thrilling amusement parks, scattered throughout the city. These parks, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and exciting attractions, rank among the top entertainment centers in the world. If you’re planning to explore the best family-friendly activities in Dubai during your holiday, stay with us as we introduce you to 15 Best Dubai Activities for Families
Dubai, with its wide range of theme parks, water parks, and even indoor skiing facilities in the heart of the desert, is an ideal destination for a fun-filled family vacation. The city, blessed with sunny weather and attractions suited for both children and adults, makes for an excellent choice for a family holiday. Below is a list of Dubai’s 15 Best Dubai Activities for Families to help you plan your trip in the best possible way.
1.Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild Wadi Water Park is located in the Jumeirah area of Dubai and is one of the most famous water parks in the world, attracting many tourists each year. Opened in 1999, this park is popular among visitors for its unique design and outstanding facilities. With around 30 types of attractions, including 17 thrilling water slides, three large pools, and a dedicated play area for children, Wild Wadi is designed to offer a fun experience for all family members, from the youngest to the oldest.
Situated outdoors near the Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful surrounding views. One of the special features of Wild Wadi is its design, inspired by famous Arabian stories, including characters like Juha (Nasreddin Hodja) and Sinbad, adding to its appeal.
Address: United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Jumeirah area, Jumeirah 2 district, Jumeirah Street, opposite the Burj Al Arab
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Phone: +97143484444
2.Legoland Water Park
Legoland Water Park in Dubai is one of the best options for family and children’s entertainment, as it is specifically designed for children under 12. Inspired by the world of Lego, this park offers an unforgettable experience for kids. The park consists of several diverse sections, each with its own unique theme. Kingdoms featuring medieval attractions, Miniland with Lego models of famous landmarks, and the Factory dedicated to the world of Lego production are just a few examples.
Sections such as Imagination and Adventure, which offer spaces for creative experiments and thrilling experiences, make it one of the best family-friendly attractions in Dubai. With a ticket to Legoland Water Park, you can enjoy activities such as driving Lego cars, scuba diving with a professional team, and flying on a special plane. Legoland Water Park offers a wide range of entertaining activities for both children and families.
Address: United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Palm Jebel Ali, Legoland Water Park
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Phone: +9718002629464
3.Atlantis Water Park
Atlantis Water Park, also known as Aquaventure, is one of the largest and most thrilling water parks in the world. Located at the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai, this park covers 42 hectares and offers a wide range of water slides and attractions. One of its famous slides, “Leap of Faith,” simulates a nine-story fall, taking you through a pool filled with sharks. The “Aquaconda,” the world’s longest water slide, and “Shark Attack,” where you pass through an aquarium full of fish and sharks, are among the best family-friendly attractions in Dubai.
For speed enthusiasts, “Shockwave” and “Poseidon’s Revenge” provide unforgettable experiences. There are also dedicated areas for children, such as “Splashers Lagoon” and “Splashers Island,” which offer a safe and fun environment for kids.
Address: Crescent, Palm Island, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily
Phone: +97144260000
4.Dubai Safari
Dubai Safari is an unforgettable experience in the golden deserts of the city, combining thrill and tranquility for visitors. On a Dubai Safari tour, you can enjoy dune bashing in a Land Cruiser, motorbiking, sandboarding, and even camel riding. These adventures take you to a different world where excitement accompanies you at every moment.
Dubai Safari is not just limited to desert activities; you can also experience the culture and traditions of Arab people. Traditional dance performances, local music, and a variety of Arabic cuisine enhance this exciting experience. Originally a practice in Africa for hunting wild animals, today Dubai Safari has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It takes place in several famous deserts, including Al Awir, Liwa, Al Lahbab, and Al Faya.
Al Faya Desert Address: United Arab Emirates, Al Faya Desert
Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Phone: +971528328261
5.Ski Dubai
Ski Dubai is a unique cultural and recreational attraction in the heart of the desert, offering a different experience of winter in the hot climate of Dubai. This ski resort, the third indoor ski slope in the world and the first in the Middle East, uses 6,000 tons of natural snow to create a snowy and cold environment in the tropical heat of Dubai. Ski Dubai is one of the top family-friendly activities in the city, featuring modern facilities and specialized infrastructure for ski and snowboard enthusiasts, as well as those looking for a winter fun experience.
One of the special experiences at Ski Dubai is seeing penguins. These lovable creatures, from the Gentoo and Emperor species, are displayed on the lower level of the ski resort, offering delightful moments for visitors. So, even if you’re not into winter sports, don’t miss out on Ski Dubai’s snowy entertainment and its penguins.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Mall of the Emirates
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Phone: +97144094000
6.Thrill Zone
Thrill Zone Entertainment Center is one of Dubai’s popular destinations for family fun. Located in the Oasis Centre shopping mall, it offers a variety of facilities, including a Jurassic-themed laser tag arena, a 7D cinema with adrenaline-pumping experiences, a spooky Jurassic Park, and a range of video games. The attractive and safe interior design of Thrill Zone makes it an ideal place for both children and adults.
In addition to the Thrill Zone attractions, adults can enjoy shopping for top brands at the Oasis Centre mall. At the end of the day, you can complete your enjoyment with a delicious meal or drink at one of the mall’s many cafés and restaurants. Nearby attractions such as the interactive children’s museum “Oli Oli” and Dubai’s ancient cemetery are also worth visiting.
Address: Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, between junction 2 and 3
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM
Phone: +971543448510
7.Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel
Ain Dubai Ferris Wheel, standing at 250 meters tall, holds the title of the world’s largest Ferris wheel. Located on Dubai’s Bluewaters Island, it is 115 meters taller than the famous London Eye, offering an unparalleled experience of viewing Dubai’s cityscape. Ain Dubai features 48 cabins or capsules that can simultaneously carry 1,750 passengers. Designed by Hyundai, these cabins are equipped with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and modern flooring. Each full rotation of the wheel takes about 38 minutes, giving passengers a 360-degree view of Dubai’s skyscrapers.
Note: Children under 12 years old can only board Ain Dubai with an accompanying adult over 21 years old, making this Ferris wheel a special and memorable family experience.
Address: United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Bluewaters Island
Operating Hours: 24 hours a day
Phone: +97144334363
8.Motiongate Theme Park
Motiongate Dubai is a gateway to the world of fantasy and Hollywood films, offering an exciting and unique experience for fans of cinema and beloved animations. This park, inspired by 13 famous Hollywood films and designed around three major studios like DreamWorks, Lionsgate, and Columbia Pictures, is part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts area. Motiongate Dubai is divided into five different sections, each featuring diverse attractions such as roller coasters, live shows, and thrilling games.
One of the most attractive areas is the park’s central studio, where visitors are taken behind the scenes of the filmmaking world. Animation fans can also enjoy the Smurfs Village and popular rides like the Madagascar roller coaster. With 27 rides and 15 shops, this park is an ideal destination for families and cinema enthusiasts alike.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM
Phone: +97148200000
9.Skydive Dubai
Skydiving in Dubai offers one of the most thrilling experiences for visitors, managed by Skydive Dubai. This company operates the largest skydiving school in the world and organizes jumps in two amazing locations in Dubai: Desert Drop Zone and Palm Drop Zone. The Desert Drop Zone is located outside the city along the Dubai-Al Ain highway and is perfect for beginners. The Palm Drop Zone, situated on the Palm Jumeirah, offers breathtaking views of Dubai, including the Burj Al Arab and Ain Dubai.
To skydive in Dubai, you must be at least 18 years old, and your weight and BMI must fall within the approved range. It is also recommended to eat a light and healthy breakfast before the jump and wear comfortable athletic clothing. Since the activity depends on weather conditions, you should check the weather before purchasing tickets.
Address: Dubai Marina, Al Seyahi Street, United Arab Emirates
Hours: Daily 6 AM to 11 AM
Phone: +97143778888
10.Mattel Play! Town
Mattel Play! Town in Dubai is one of the most attractive entertainment destinations for children, located in City Walk shopping center. This amusement park, with its spacious and stunning design, provides a perfect environment for children aged 2 to 18 to play and learn. Mattel Play! is known for its various sections and the presence of beloved cartoon characters, offering an exciting and educational experience for kids.
Children can enter their dream world and experience different roles, such as firefighter, police officer, and architect, while learning new skills. This amusement park is specially designed for children, and nearby attractions like Hub Zero and the Green Planet can also be enjoyed.
Address: Al Safa Street, Dubai
Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 9 AM to 8 PM – Thursday 9 AM to 10 PM – Friday 10 AM to 10 PM
Phone: +971800637227
11.Zip Line
Jebel Jais Zip Line, located in the mountains near Ras Al Khaimah, is the longest zip line in the world and one of the top family attractions in Dubai. This zip line, stretching 1,500 meters and reaching speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour, takes you across a distance equivalent to 31 football fields at a thrilling speed. The zip line is located at an altitude of about 1,700 meters above sea level, offering an unforgettable and exhilarating experience.
Zip lining is an exciting recreational activity where participants glide down a stretched metal cable from a certain height. It is done with safety harnesses and special clips, usually in areas with beautiful natural scenery like mountains, tall trees, or valleys. The movement on the zip line is powered by gravity and angular speed, giving participants an experience full of excitement and freedom at great heights.
Address: 130 kilometers northeast of Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah
Hours: 9 AM to 5:40 PM
Phone: +971565076366
12.Palm View
Palm View Dubai, located within the Palm Jumeirah complex, is a luxurious tower and an architectural masterpiece, regarded as one of Dubai’s top tourist attractions. The tower is situated inside Nakheel Mall, and access to it is through the shopping center. By entering the mall and ascending to the 52nd floor, you will step into a world of astonishing experiences. On the 52nd floor, there is an interactive theater that realistically and engagingly showcases the history of Palm Jumeirah Island. This theater allows you to interact with the surrounding beauty of Palm Jumeirah and the Persian Gulf from great heights.
With the purchase of a Palm View Dubai ticket, you can also enjoy a 360-degree display, providing views of the natural landscapes and incredible surroundings. Using this display, you can appreciate the view of the Palm Jumeirah and distant vistas of the Persian Gulf.
Address: Palm Jumeirah, 52nd Floor, Palm Tower, Dubai
Hours: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
Phone: +9718008438439
13.Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
If you plan to visit Dubai, don’t miss the Dubai Mall Aquarium. With numerous attractions, this aquarium captures the attention of every visitor. Since it is located inside Dubai Mall, you can enjoy shopping at the mall while visiting the aquarium. By purchasing a ticket to the Dubai Mall Aquarium, you gain access to the aquarium tunnel and the underwater zoo.
The Dubai Mall Aquarium has a 270-degree tunnel, offering a unique underwater experience. Visiting this tunnel allows you to observe sea creatures up close. The tank lighting changes according to the time of day, allowing you to clearly see various views, from dense forests to rocky shores and oceanic creatures. In the underwater zoo, you will encounter a variety of animals, including dangerous piranhas, giant catfish, playful otters, and penguins.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Mall
Hours: Saturday and Sunday 10 AM to 11:15 PM – Monday to Friday 10 AM to 10:15 PM
Phone: +971800382246255
14.IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of the largest and most exciting indoor amusement parks in Dubai, opened in August 2016, covering an area of 140,000 square meters. The park hosts up to 200,000 visitors daily and offers a wide variety of attractions for all age groups. IMG features adrenaline-pumping roller coasters for adults and beloved Marvel and Cartoon Network characters for children, making it one of the best family-friendly destinations in Dubai. You can also enjoy other facilities such as cinemas, restaurants, and various shops within the complex by purchasing tickets.
Address: E311, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Opening hours: Friday & Saturday: 12 PM – 11 PM; Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Phone: +971 4403 8888
15.Hub Zero
Hub Zero in Dubai is one of the most modern amusement parks in the world and a paradise for video game lovers, virtual reality enthusiasts, and tech fans. This park offers a unique experience with the latest electronic devices and artificial intelligence, featuring a variety of action, sports, and themed games for all ages.
From nostalgic games like Atari and Sega to the latest PlayStation titles, all are available with advanced design and technology. Visitors can also enjoy laser tag battles, 7D cinemas, and 5D tunnels. The two-story park, located in a luxurious building, is also close to cafes, restaurants, and other attractions like The Green Planet Dubai, ensuring a memorable day with the family.
Address: City Walk, Al Wasl Street, Dubai
Opening hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Phone: +971 800 637 227
