Best things to do in Dubai with kids

Beyond the glitz and glam, Dubai has a super family-friendly feel. It’s a great place to visit with the kids, with tonnes of activities that specifically cater to the little ones. From educational complexes to splashing around aquaparks, a day won’t go by where you’ll have to hear those dreaded two words – “I’m bored”.

Pack up the tots and make memories to last a lifetime – here are seven things to do in Dubai with kids.

If you are planning to go in Dubai, here are the best thing you should do.

1. Kite Beach

Forget the Palm, it’s all about Kite Beach. The child-friendly beach has every amenity you could need for a stress-free day, including showers, Wi-Fi, changing areas, and plenty of beach canteens. The little ones will love it here, with plenty to keep them entertained – paddling in the sea, combing the sand for shells, bouncing on trampolines, and running around the kids’ play area. There’s even an outdoor skate park, and the older kids will be pleading for a go on the adventure course at Wire World. After a jam-packed beach day, parents can finally relax in one of the seafront cafes, enjoying the view of the famous kite show and the Burj Al Arab.

2. Dubai Aquarium at the Burj Khalifa

Take the little ones to experience high highs and low lows, from the highest level of the Burj Khalifa to the underwater Dubai Aquarium tunnel. As educational as it is fun, the aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals of 140+ species, including the snappy king crocodile and mighty sand tiger sharks. As you walk through the tunnel, the animals swim around you for a truly unforgettable experience. And if the little ones are up to the height, you can take them up the fastest elevator in the world to level 124 for panoramic views of the city skyline and surrounding desert lands.

3. Motiongate Theme Park

Create movie magic of your own in this Hollywood-inspired theme park. The kids (and the young at heart) will have a blast exploring the rides and attractions that are based on some of the most iconic films of recent years. There are five worlds to immerse yourself in – Studio Central, DreamWorks, LIONSGATE, Columbia Pictures, and Smurfs Village.

Studio Central transports you to the Golden Age of Hollywood, recreating the movie sets of New York City. DreamWorks world is made up of four lands based on Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar, and Shrek, while LIONSGATE world is all about action-fuelled attractions and entertainment. Columbia Pictures will be a big hit with superhero fans, while the little ones will particularly love running around the magical Smurfs Village.

4. Legoland

The grown ups will be just as impressed as the kids with Dubai’s Legoland. There are over 40 Lego-themed rides across the six main areas of Legoland. Adventure Land is for thrill-seekers with underwater submarine adventures, while the kids can also build and race Lego cars in the Imagination zone. Other areas journey you through quests to save the King’s castle in Merlin’s Challenge, expand imaginations in Lego city, and give an insight into how Lego is made in the Factory.

We have a feeling the parents might be more excited about this than the kids, but Miniland is a hugely impressive sculpture of Dubai’s skyline and key landmarks, made up of 20 million Lego bricks. Most of the park is air conditioned, but you can head to the Lego-themed water park to cool off from the Dubai heat. It’s a super fun experience for the whole family, although Legoland suggests it's best suited to kids aged between 2 and 12.

5. KidZania

KidZania proves to kids that learning can be fun in their scaled replica of a real city. Located in Dubai Mall, the complex aims to develop real life skills that can’t be taught in the classroom by administering jobs for the children to take on. It’s complete with paved streets and buildings, with the kids taking on the roles of doctors, pilots, chefs, firefighters, and more. Not only does this help children to gain an appreciation for real-life jobs, but the complex also teaches them about money and the economy in a fun, interactive way.

6. Aquaventure Waterpark

There are few places more fun than a waterpark, and although Dubai has several, Aquaventure takes the top spot. Both the grown ups and the kids are guaranteed a good time here, with over 105 slides to choose from. It’s the biggest waterpark in the world and there’s a huge variety of things to do. When you’re not zipping down a thrilling waterslide, you could be cliff jumping, taking the plunge into the shark safari, or even snorkelling with sharks and manta rays. The younger daredevils have a choice of tamer, but still exciting rides in the Splashers Children’s Play Area. And after all that excitement, some down time on the 1km of private beach is a must.

7. Venture into the desert

There are lots of things to do in Dubai with kids, but we think taking them to the desert is an adventure they’ll never forget. Let them experience the other side of Dubai, beyond the skyscrapers and sparkling beaches. The Dubai desert is full of child-friendly activities, the little thrill-seekers will love a desert safari, riding camels, sandboarding down the dunes, playing archery, or quad biking. If you don’t want the fun to end, you can camp beneath the stars for a family memory that’ll last a lifetime.