Attractions in Dubai for Families

Dubai, the pearl of the Middle East, is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with an ancient culture and a modern outlook. It is known for its iconic skyline, world-class shopping malls, and luxurious attractions, making it the perfect destination for families looking to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

Dubai has been a hub of commerce since the 18th century, when it was originally a fishing village. Over time, its importance as a trading port has grown, and it is now a global business and financial centre. The city is home to a variety of cultures, with over 80 percent of its population coming from other countries. It has a youthful vibe, with a median age of just 31. The city has a desert climate, with hot summers and mild winters.

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, with incredible malls like the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates offering designer brands, luxury items, and local souvenirs. The city also boasts some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers and most luxurious hotels, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. Visitors can experience the traditional side of Dubai by visiting the Deira Souk or taking an abra ride down Dubai Creek.

The city also offers plenty of attractions for families. From theme parks and zoos to aquariums and adventure activities, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. Here’s a look at some of the top attractions in Dubai for families.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Wild Wadi Waterpark is a perfect day out for families and one of the top attractions in Dubai for children. Located on Jumeirah Beach, Wild Wadi Waterpark features over 30 thrilling rides and slides for all ages and abilities. From the world’s tallest free-standing slide, Master Blaster, to the gentle river rapids ride, there’s something to keep everyone entertained. The park also has a dedicated kids’ area with water play areas and smaller slides.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the city. Located in the Dubai Mall, this incredible aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures from all over the world, including sharks, stingrays, seahorses and giant groupers. Visitors can explore the depths of the ocean from a glass-bottomed boat or take a tour of the 10 million-litre tank in an acrylic walkway tunnel. The Underwater Zoo features exotic animals from across the world, including penguins, otters and giant spiders.

Legoland Dubai

You don’t need to be a Lego fan to enjoy Legoland Dubai – it’s fun for all ages. This indoor theme park is home to over 40 rides, shows and attractions built out of millions of Lego bricks. Highlights include Miniland, where you can explore miniature versions of some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks made out of Lego bricks; Lego Technic; and an interactive 4D cinema. There’s also plenty of rides for younger visitors such as Duplo Valley and Imagination Centre.

Dubai Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is an amazing 72 million-square-metre flower garden located in Dubailand. It features over 45 million flowers blooming in vibrant colours across 14 themed gardens, including romantic hearts, a butterfly dome and a replica of the Emirates A380 aircraft made entirely out of flowers. It’s perfect for families looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for an afternoon.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates that offers year-round skiing and snowboarding fun. With five runs ranging from beginner to advanced level, plus tobogganing runs, snow caves and an Olympic-sized ice rink, Ski Dubai is great for families looking to experience winter sports in the desert heat. The resort also offers special experiences such as ski lessons and penguin encounters.

Desert Safari

A desert safari is one of the most popular activities in Dubai for families looking to experience the beauty of the desert up close. Explore the golden dunes on a 4×4 jeep or camel ride before settling down for an Arabian-style BBQ dinner under the stars. You can also take part in a range of activities such as sandboarding, camel riding and henna painting while enjoying traditional entertainment such as belly dancing and Tanoura performances.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks located in Dubai’s City Walk area featuring five themed zones: Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure; Marvel; Cartoon Network; IMG Boulevard; and The Haunted Hotel. With over 20 exhilarating rides and attractions, plus live shows and interactive experiences, this attraction has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.

Popular Tours

Visiting popular attractions in Dubai is just one way to enjoy your time here; opting for guided tours can provide an even more immersive experience. Here are two popular tours that will give you a more detailed look at this incredible city:

Half-Day City Tour

A great way to get acquainted with Dubai is by taking a half-day city tour with an experienced guide who will introduce you to some of its most famous landmarks. This tour takes you around some of Dubai’s iconic sites such as Jumeirah Mosque, Jumeirah Beach, Bastakia Quarter, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Hotel and Sheikh Mohammed Centre For Cultural Understanding. You will also have time to browse around the souks in Deira or visit Palm Jumeirah.

Morning Desert Safari

Experience one of Dubai’s most unique attractions: the desert safari! Take an early morning desert safari to enjoy amazing views of the sunrise over the golden dunes before going on a thrilling 4×4 drive across the sand dunes. You’ll also enjoy camel rides and sandboarding before having breakfast at a Bedouin camp complete with traditional Arabic hospitality.

There are plenty more attractions in Dubai for families looking for an unforgettable holiday experience. From theme parks and waterparks to aquariums and desert safaris, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained during your stay in this incredible city.