Dubai is the ultimate holiday destination for children and families.

This spellbinding emirate is an absolute wonderland for youngsters and teenagers, offering fun and excitement across theme parks, water parks, aquariums, wildlife attractions and gaming venues. Visitors of all ages will be wowed by the delights that await in Dubai. You’ll enjoy sun-drenched days and discover pristine beaches. There’s also an abundance of thrilling outdoor activities and unforgettable adventures to be had. Every minute will be filled with pure delight as your children’s imaginations run wild and you make magical memories that will be cherished forever. What’s more, you’ll get to choose from an array of child-friendly hotels and resorts, filled with phenomenal features designed to please both kids and grown ups. If you’re looking for a dream family holiday destination, you can’t beat Dubai. Here are some ideas for things to do and attractions to visit during your stay.

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Waterparks

Kids love waterparks, and there’s no better place for aquatic mayhem than Dubai. Indeed, it’s home to Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, the world’s largest, which boasts more than 105 record-breaking slides and attractions. These include Odyssey of Terror, the world’s tallest waterslide; Shockwave, the world’s longest waterslide, and Leap of Faith, which plunges you through a shark-filled lagoon. Younger children can also join in the fun, with 16 attractions to enjoy at the adjoining Splashers Lagoon & Cove. Another option is Wild Wadi Waterpark. Here, the high-speed Jumeirah Sceirah and thrilling Tantrum Ally are among the rides that await, while Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon is an action-packed aquatic playground for little ones. LEGOLAND® Water Park is a great choice for kids aged 2 to 12, or for excitement in the sea, AquaFun - the world’s largest inflatable aqua park - offers more than 110 obstacles in the waters off Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Theme Parks

You can’t beat a day at a theme park during your holiday, and in Dubai you’re got plenty to pick from. Dubai Parks and Resorts is one such place, with six spectacular parks and even more to come. You’ll find movie magic at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, family fun based on the famous building blocks at LEGOLAND® Dubai, a colourful space-themed indoor multi-level playground at Neon Galaxy, and inflatable action at JumpX. Shows, stunts, dining and shopping are on offer at Riverland™Dubai, while Dubai Parks and Resorts is also home to LEGOLAND® Water Park. That’s not all, however, as new for 2024 is Real Madrid World, an immersive football-themed attraction that’s sure to be a winner with every visitor. Another destination for theme park lovers is IMG Worlds of Adventure. Here you’ll find rides and experiences themed on all your favourite Marvel and Cartoon Network shows and characters, with all the action indoors.

Gaming

If you’re visiting Dubai with a gamer, you’ll be glad to know the city of superlatives is switched on when it comes to state-of-the-art attractions. Prepare to be wowed by the power of virtual reality (VR) at Play DXB, with branches in Dubai Mall and Dubai Hills Mall. At Dubai Mall you can fight zombies, fly a spaceship and experience what it’s like to propel down Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. If you head to Dubai Hills Mall, you can hit the road on a high-speed VR motorcycle, ride-on hungry hippos or to enjoy a whole host of other exciting arcade games. GLITCH, in Deira’s Al Ghurair Centre, is another option for gaming fun. This pulsating indoor entertainment destination offers more than 30 different experiences. These include retro video games, VR thrills, a ninja warrior-style obstacle course, an eight-lane bowling alley, a gravity-defying climbing wall and a high-flying roller glider ride.

Wildlife Parks

A world of complete animal magic awaits in Dubai with a multitude of wild wonders to discover. A visit to The Lost Chambers Aquarium, at Atlantis, The Palm, takes you to an immersive marine kingdom with more than 65,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, groupers and jellyfish. If you wish to get close to the sealife, there are opportunities to scuba dive or snorkel amongst the fish, The Palm. Splashing animal encounters can also be found at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, with inhabitants such as a saltwater crocodile and a family of otters. Snap-happy reptiles await at Dubai Crocodile Park, which is home to 250 Nile crocodiles, and The Green Planet Dubai offers a taste of rainforest life, with animals to see including a sloth, anteater and armadillo.

Great Outdoors

With an abundance of sunshine, you’ll want to spend as much of your Dubai holiday as possible outside. Therefore, you’ll be glad to hear there’s no end to the outdoor activities for children to enjoy. Camel rides, sandboarding, horseback treks, jeep safaris, quad biking and bedouin camping experiences are some of the delights to discover in Dubai’s desert, while the pristine beaches offer sandcastle building, pedalos, banana boats and jet-skiing. Take to the water in a kayak at Hatta Dam, in the Hajar Mountains, or visit Dubai Miracle Garden for spellbinding floral displays, including a recreation of an Airbus A380 superjumbo and a Smurfs village. If you’re a family with energy to burn, why not head to Mushrif National Park? Here you’ll find 20km of mountain bike trails, along with Aventura, Dubai’s largest zipline park featuring six high-rope circuits and 80 obstacles for different ages and abilities.

Best Time To Visit

Serving up great weather all year round and an average of 8 to 10 hours of sunshine each day, Dubai is an amazing destination for a family getaway whatever the season. If energetic outdoor activities top your holiday agenda, then November to April is a great time to visit. During this period, you’ll enjoy average temperatures of 25°C, ideal for adventures and exploration. Between May and October, temperatures rise to around 30°C and can sometimes hit 45°C during the height of summer. This time of year is great for experiencing the many indoor family-friendly attractions Dubai has to offer, or keeping cool at one of the many fabulous waterparks. All of the major venues, including shopping malls, museums, restaurants and hotels, are air-conditioned, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable during your days out.

“Dubai is a dream come true for children and families with endless activities and attractions to please all ages.

“From theme parks and animal encounters to gaming action and outdoor adventures, this incredible destination really does have it all.

“You’ll get to enjoy record-breaking waterslides and movie-themed rides, and return home with holiday memories that will be treasured forever.

“One way to make the most of your experience is to buy a Dubai Pass or a Go Dubai Pass. Both offer savings on admission to various different attractions, tours and activities, so it’s worth doing a bit of research to see which suits you best.

“You can also benefit from complimentary waterpark access, depending on which hotel you choose to stay at, so it’s well worth keeping an eye out for.”

Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites

Enjoy a luxury holiday experience like no other at this imposing ultra all-inclusive 5-star escape on the famous Palm Jumeirah. Chill out and relax beside a sparkling swimming pool, catch some rays on the private sandy beach and marvel at the jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and the Arabian Gulf. You’ll savour culinary delights in an impressive range of stylish restaurants and stay in an opulent room or suite featuring a plethora of wonderful facilities. The resort’s exceptional amenities include a jungle gym, tennis courts, a beauty salon, a spa, a kids club and a fitness centre.

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Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

Escape to a 5-star palatial paradise on the serene west crescent of Palm Jumeirah with a stay at this opulent beachside sanctuary. Here you’ll discover impeccable levels of service and hospitality, as well as immaculate accommodation and exceptional dining experiences. Blissful days can be spent on the pristine sands of the private beach, lazing poolside or being pampered in the tranquil surrounds of the spa. Other splendid features include a private cinema, gym, shopping destination and a kids club with indoor and outdoor play area and a mini waterpark.

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NH Collection Dubai The Palm

Sun-drenched sophistication awaits at this chic retreat located in a prime spot close to the golden sands of Palm West Beach and the retail delights of Nakheel Mall. The hotel’s stunning rooftop infinity pool is an ideal spot for relaxation, recuperation and spellbinding views, while other delights include a spa, gym and children’s club. A choice of enticing dining venues are also provided, while you’ll be able to rest easy in your plush room, suite, studio or apartment, all of which come equipped with a host of essential amenities.

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The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort

Fun in abundance awaits at this haven of 5-star luxury set beside the pristine sands of Jumeirah Beach. Opportunities for relaxation, recreation and rejuvenation await, with amenities including a fabulous waterpark, a serene spa, lagoon-style swimming pool and a state-of-the-art gym. You’ll also be able to soak up the invigorating Arabian sunshine on the private beach, or enjoy water sports such as paddle boarding and kayaking. A host of alluring restaurants provide endless dining options at mealtimes, while you can rest and recharge your batteries in the sumptuous living spaces.

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Lapita, Dubai Parks & Resorts

It’s excitement all the way at this Polynesian-inspired 5-star resort. Located on the doorstep of attractions including LEGOLAND® Water Park and MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, you’ll always be close to the action and excitement during your stay. The hotel itself features exquisite rooms, suites and villas, wonderful restaurants serving a plethora of gastronomic treats and a range of excellent leisure amenities. These include glistening swimming pools, a lazy river, a space-themed adventure park for children, a kids club, fitness centre and a spa.

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Hilton Dubai The Walk

Set in the heart of Jumeirah Beach Residence, a stay at this spectacular abode puts you in a prime spot to discover a whole host of shopping, dining and entertainment attractions. You’ll find stylish, modern accommodation with options for all needs and a fabulous choice of unique dining and socialising venues, including a sublime rooftop lounge offering stunning waterfront views. Leisure features that await include swimming pools for adults and children, a kids club, spa, fitness facilities and the use of a private beach.

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