When it comes to summer holiday fun for families, Dubai sets the standard.

An endless array of child-friendly attractions, experiences and activities await, with something to please every age and preference. If you’ve already booked your stay in Dubai, read on to discover the delights on offer. If you’re still to plan your summer getaway, don’t delay. Now’s the perfect time to take advantage of a host of phenomenal kids go free deals, allowing you to embrace the wonders of this spectacular destination for less.

To whet your appetite, here’s our top 10 things to do on a Dubai family holiday this summer:

1. Waterpark Thrills

There’s no better place to spend summer days in Dubai than in one of the sensational waterparks. For record-breaking slides, Atlantis Aquaventure, the world’s largest aquapark, is the place for you. Here you’ll find 105 attractions, including Odyssey of Terror, the world’s tallest waterslide; Shockwave, the world’s longest waterslide, and Leap of Faith, which sees you plunge through a lagoon filled with sharks. It’s also home to Splashers Lagoon and Cove, where you’ll find 16 attractions for younger children. Wild Wadi Waterpark is another option, offering the high-speed Jumeirah Sceirah, the thrilling Tantrum Ally and Juha’s Dhow & Lagoon, an aquatic playground for little ones. LEGOLAND® Water Park is ideal for children aged 2 to 12, or for fun in the sea, head to Jumeirah Beach Residence, where you’ll find AquaFun, the world’s largest inflatable aqua park, with more than 110 obstacles.

2. Dubai Parks and Resorts

If it’s excitement you’re seeking during your family summer holiday in Dubai, look no further than Dubai Parks and Resorts, the largest theme park destination in the region. You’ll discover movie magic and 27 rides at MOTIONGATE™ Dubai, be treated to more than 40 building-themed experiences at LEGOLAND® Dubai and get to explore a space-themed playground at Neon Galaxy. Unique shows and stunts, as well as enticing dining and shopping venues await at Riverland™Dubai, while Real Madrid World offers a football-themed attraction that’s a winner with every visitor. Dubai Parks and Resorts is also where you’ll find LEGOLAND® Water Park.

3. IMG World of Adventures

For a welcome break from the summer sun, why not pay a visit to Dubai’s largest temperature-controlled indoor theme park? IMG World of Adventures boasts six action-packed zones filled with adrenaline-fuelled rides and exhilarating attractions. Step into the Marvel Universe for an epic superhero adventure featuring comic book favourites such as Spider-Man, Captain America, The Hulk, Iron Man and Thor. Animated action awaits in the Cartoon Network zone with experiences themed around shows such as The Amazing World of Gumball, Adventure Time, The Powerpuff Girls and Ben 10. Immerse yourself in a prehistoric world of wonder with a trip back in time to the Lost Valley - Dinosaur Adventure, or brave the scares at The Haunted Hotel. IMG Kids Zone offers a colourful inflatable playground for little ones to enjoy, while a smorgasbord of shopping and dining delights are on the menu on IMG Boulevard.

4. Discover Atlantis, The Palm

Atlantis, The Palm is an epic ocean-inspired mega resort, bursting with incredible family-friendly attractions. If you’re looking for a place to stay for your Dubai summer holiday, you can’t beat this extraordinary hotel, with Destination2 offering a host of exceptional deals. You’ll have access to Atlantis Aquaventure, The Lost Chambers Aquarium, home to more than 65,000 marine animals, a 1.4km private beach and a whole lot more. Playgrounds, The Zone for teenagers, Atlantis Explorer’s Club for children and the Awaken Spa and Fitness Centre for grown ups also await. You can discover Wavehouse, featuring a wave machine, climbing centre, bowling alley and retro games zone, and dine in a multitude of innovative restaurants. If you’ve already booked elsewhere, you don’t have to miss out. Day visitors are welcome to buy tickets to enjoy Atlantis Aquaventure, The Lost Chambers Aquarium and a raft of other attractions at Atlantis, The Palm.

5. Magnificent Malls

While a trip to the shops might not be at the top of your agenda for your family summer holiday, Dubai’s spectacular malls offer much more than just retail therapy. Attractions at Dubai Mall, including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and Dubai Ice Rink. You’ll embrace scares aplenty at Hysteria and explore an interactive mini city at KidZania. Dubai Mall also features cinemas, trampolining, soft play, sports and a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton. The newly opened Chinatown is home to Chinese retail brands and authentic Asian dining and wellness experiences, while At the Top, Burj Khalifa offers views from the heights of the world’s tallest building. Alternatively, Mall of The Emirates serves up fun on the slopes at Ski Dubai, 10-pin excitement at Yalla! Bowling and the latest movie releases at Vox Cinemas. What’s more, all Dubai malls are fully air-conditioned, ensuring you’ll stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest summer day.

6. Adventure Activities

For families with a thirst for action and adrenaline-fuelled escapades, Dubai has plenty of options. Thrillseekers aged 12 and over can fly more than 170 feet above the ground, at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour on XLine at Dubai Marina, the world’s longest urban zipline. Sky Views Observatory, atop Address Sky View hotel offers visitors more than 120cm tall the chance to ride down a glass Sky Slide on the exterior of the building. Those brave enough, can also experience the Edge Walk, on a ledge high above the city. Alternatively, opportunities for adventure can be found back on the ground, amidst the rolling terracotta sands of the desert. Gliding down the dunes on a sandboard offers fun for all ages, while you can take in the majestic scenery, seek out native wildlife and enjoy a range of activities during an exhilarating 4x4 desert safari.

7. Immersive Experiences

While Dubai in itself will leave you spellbound, some of the immersive attractions that await families this summer promise to thrill the senses and completely enchant. AYA Universe, an experimental digitally-created light and sound park, is one such place, located in Wafi City Mall. Here you’ll be transported to a realm of 12 vibrant worlds, where you can play amidst luminous gardens, explore mysterious galaxies and dance across glistening rivers. Another attraction that will mesmerise visitors or all ages is the Museum of Illusions Dubai. Located in the Heritage Area at Al Seef, the one-of-a-kind destination features more than 60 exhibits. The museum’s interactive displays, visual tricks and optical illusions are designed to fool the mind and engage, educate and inspire creativity in all who visit.

8. Gaming and VR Fun

If your young holiday companions are having withdrawal symptoms from leaving their computer consoles at home, why not treat them to a gaming experience to remember. Play DXB, in Dubai Mall, offers virtual reality (VR) thrills galore, allowing you to fight zombies, take the controls of a spaceship or discover what it’s like to propel down the Burj Khalifa. A separate Play DXB venue in Dubai Hills Mall offers high-speed VR motorcycle rides, ride-on hungry hippos and a myriad of other arcade games. Other options for gaming fun are Magic Planet at The Mall of The Emirates, and GLITCH in Deira’s Al Ghurair Centre, which features more than 30 pulsating experiences. These include retro video games, Virtual reality experiences, a gravity-defying climbing wall, a high-flying roller glider ride, a ninja warrior-style obstacle course and an eight-lane bowling alley.

9. Rainforest Spectacle

A must-visit destination for any animal-loving families to visit during their summer holiday is The Green Planet Dubai. This indoor oasis offers visitors an enthralling taste of life in a rainforest and the chance to discover some of the incredible wildlife that call this habitat home. More than 3,000 species of plants and animals await in this tropical realm, with a sloth, anteater, armadillo and porcupine among the captivating creatures to be found. Other Green Planet residents include an array of insects, lizards, snakes and birds. The attraction continues outside with a fabulous Nature Park. Here you can wander amidst nine colourful botanical gardens representing various locations around the world, discover larger-than-life animatronic bugs and refuel in the Nature Cafe. Little ones can enjoy endless fun in the soft play area and explore the treehouse adventure trail, with skyline walks, viewing platforms and slides.

10. Cultural Wonders

In contrast to the theme parks, water parks, gaming zones and adrenaline-fuelled activities, there’s an authentic side to Dubai that’s well worth exploring. A scenic Abra boat ride across Dubai Creek offers a unique way to experience Dubai’s historic quarter. A visit to an authentic souk also provides an insight into everyday life in the city, as well as giving you the opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Another option is a shopping trip to the Al Seef neighbourhood, where you’ll find a delightful mix of traditional stalls and modern stores. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a wonderful place to delve into the city’s history, heritage and customs. Located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, in Bur Dubai, the venue offers activities, guided tours of nearby landmarks and a taste of traditional Emirati cuisine.