At one time or another many of us have marveled at images of Dubai’s futuristic skyline and read about the sheer opulence and extravagant luxury of that city. However, it’s probably not the first destination that springs to mind when planning a family vacation abroad with children. Right?
Wrong! Beyond the glitz and glamour, Dubai has many amazing and entertaining attractions designed specifically for children of all ages – from theme parks to water parks to desert dune-bashing like the Buggy Tours in Dubai that make it a fun-filled vacation destination for the whole family. Furthermore, many of the city’s hotels cater specifically to families, offering child-friendly amenities such as kids’ clubs and babysitting services.
So, let’s take a closer look at what you can see and do in Dubai on your next family vacation with your children.
Child-Friendly Places to Visit in Dubai
1. Dubai Parks and Resorts
All children (and most parents!) love spending the day at a theme park. It’s a fun day for the whole family with exciting rides and lots of things to do and see. Each park offers exciting rides, and interactive experiences designed for various age groups, so both young children as well as teens will find plenty to do and enjoy.
The complex has three separate theme parks: Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, and LEGOLAND Dubai. A must-visit is Motiongate, inspired by 5 major Hollywood studios, including Columbia Pictures, Lionsgate, and DreamWorks Animation. This theme park features much-loved movie characters, with 27 exciting (and some heart-stopping!) rides.
The complex also includes LEGOLAND Water Park, making it a hit with children who want to splash around and cool off after the thrill of the rides. The park has been specifically designed for kids aged 2-12 and their families. Here, the kids can slip and slide their way down one of the many water attractions, go on a splash safari, or build their own LEGO® raft.
2. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and is home to thousands of aquatic species that live in a 10-million-litre water tank. Here, kids can marvel at sharks, rays, crocodiles, penguins, and hundreds of other aquatic species while walking through the 48-meter-long underwater tunnel.
The Underwater Zoo also has many experiences where children can interact with the animals, including feeding and touching gentle Eagle Rays and Cow-nosed rays, going behind the scenes for a tour of the otters’ home, or joining mom and dad in a snorkeling cage underwater to get up close and personal with some of the sea creatures, including sharks.
3. Kite Beach
Kite Beach is a family-friendly beach with calm waters for safe swimming and a laid-back casual atmosphere. Entry to Kite Beach is free and there are plenty of activities for children, such as beach volleyball where the whole family can join in, skate parks, and playgrounds, as well as a wide variety of watersports equipment available for rent.
The beach is clean, with handy amenities such as bathrooms, restaurants, and nearby food trucks that offer quick snacks. While the kids are having fun, mom and dad can chill and relax and catch up on their suntan, or perhaps help the kids build a sandcastle or two.
4. Desert Safari and Camel Rides
For a taste of adventure outside the city, you can take your children on a family-friendly desert safari. There are tour operators who specialize in child-safe packages that include dune bashing (in safe areas), camel rides, falcon shows, and even thrilling sandboard rides down the dunes (fun for the whole family!).
5. IMG Worlds of Adventure
If your kids are fans of superheroes and cartoon characters (as most kids are), the IMG Worlds of Adventure is a must-visit. This massive indoor theme park is divided into different zones, including Marvel, Cartoon Network, and The Lost Valley (dinosaur-themed). Here, kids can go on thrilling rides, come face-to-face with their superheroes, visit the scary maze of corridors in the Haunted Town, or frolic in the inflatable playground in the Kids Zone.
FINAL THOUGHTS
These are just some of the family-friendly attractions available in Dubai. So, is it worth going to Dubai for your next vacation abroad with your children? Absolutely! Dubai’s many family-friendly theme parks and exciting attractions make it a fun-filled and magical destination for children.
