Dubai has a reputation for luxury brunches and supercars, but it is also one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. It is safe and clean, the beaches are calm, the malls are packed with play areas, and there are free shows, wildlife, and huge indoor attractions to escape the heat. Here are 21 fun things to do in Dubai with kids, from toddlers to teens, plus the practical tips parents need before they go.
What Families Need to Know Before Visiting Dubai
- When to go: November to March is the best time to visit Dubai with kids, with warm, sunny days that are comfortable for the beach and outdoor activities. July and August are extremely hot and humid, often around 45°C (113°F), so plan mostly indoor days if school holidays mean you must travel then.
- Car seats: UAE law requires young children to use a child seat, and most regular taxis do not carry them. Use a ride-hailing app that lets you book a car with a child seat, or bring your own.
- Layers: Malls and attractions are heavily air-conditioned, so bring a light sweater even in summer.
- Free for little ones: Many attractions let under-threes in free, and the Dubai Metro is free for young children. Keep a photo of your child's passport on your phone, as you may be asked to prove their age.
- Stay connected: You will use your phone for maps, ride-hailing, and tickets. An egoViet UAE eSIM connects the moment you land, so you avoid expensive roaming fees.
Classic Dubai Experiences for the Whole Family
1. A Desert Safari
Dune driving, sandboarding, camel rides, cultural performances, and dinner under the stars keep kids of all ages engaged. Many operators offer shorter trips for younger children who tire quickly.
2. The Dubai Frame
This 150-meter-tall picture frame has a glass-floored bridge at the top and views of both old and new Dubai. For families with younger children, it offers great views at a much lower price than the Burj Khalifa, and it sits in Zabeel Park, with playgrounds to run around in afterward.
3. The Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building is best for older children who can appreciate the scale. Children's tickets cost less, and infants go free but still need a booking.
4. An Abra Ride on Dubai Creek
For a few dirhams, cross the creek on a traditional wooden water taxi, then explore the spice and gold souks. Hold on to toddlers, as the boats have low sides and no seatbelts.
5. Global Village
This seasonal festival park, usually open from October to May, has pavilions from around 90 countries, rides, street food, and live shows. It opens in the afternoon and runs late, so it avoids the worst of the heat.
A note on animal attractions: Before booking activities with animals, such as camel rides or falconry shows, check that the operator is responsible and transparent about animal welfare.
Indoor Activities to Beat the Heat
6. OliOli
An interactive play museum in Al Quoz for children aged around two to eleven, with hands-on galleries where kids can launch rockets, build, experiment, and climb a giant handwoven net playground.
7. The Green Planet
An indoor tropical rainforest in City Walk, with sloths, free-flying birds, and reptiles, all under one air-conditioned dome. Allow about two hours.
8. The Museum of the Future
Best for children aged ten and up, this museum imagines life in the year 2071, starting with a simulated trip to a space station. Tickets sell out quickly, so book well ahead.
9. IMG Worlds of Adventure
One of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, with superhero zones, animatronic dinosaurs, and cartoon-themed rides. Check height restrictions before you go, as many of the bigger rides require children to be at least 1.2 meters tall.
10. KidZania
Inside the Dubai Mall, this miniature city lets children aged around four to fourteen try out jobs from firefighter to pilot, earning their own currency. Parents can relax nearby while the kids work.
11. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Also in the Dubai Mall, the giant aquarium tank is free to view from the mall, and a ticket gets you through the tunnel and into the zoo, with penguins, otters, and crocodiles.
Free and Low-Cost Activities
12. The Dubai Fountain
The world's largest choreographed fountain dances to music every evening at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. Watching from the promenade or the bridge to Souk Al Bahar is free.
13. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Watch flamingos with the city skyline behind them, just minutes from Downtown. The bird hides are free to visit. Check opening hours before you go.
14. JBR Beach
A clean public beach with lifeguards, showers, gentle entry into the water, and buggy-friendly paths along The Walk, lined with cafés and shops.
15. Dubai Marina Walk
A pedestrian promenade around the marina, lined with yachts and skyscrapers. It is free, buggy-friendly, and prettiest at dusk. For a cheap boat trip, hop on the public Dubai Ferry.
16. Kite Beach
A local favorite with a free playground, a skate park, food trucks, kitesurfers to watch, and views of the Burj Al Arab.
The Best Activities for Toddlers
17. LEGOLAND Dubai
At Dubai Parks and Resorts, about 45 minutes from the city center, LEGOLAND has gentle rides, building workshops, and a driving school, and it is ideal for children aged around two to twelve. A LEGOLAND waterpark next door has splash areas and gentle slides for younger children.
18. Indoor Soft Play
Dubai's malls and Dubai Parks and Resorts have large, air-conditioned soft-play centers with separate areas for toddlers, perfect for burning off energy during the hottest hours of the day.
19. A Family Beach Club
Several beach clubs and hotels on Palm Jumeirah and along Jumeirah sell day passes with access to family pools, kids' pools, and a stretch of beach. Many passes can be redeemed against food and drink.
The Best Activities for Teens
20. Aquaventure World
The huge waterpark at Atlantis The Palm has more than 100 slides and attractions, including the near-vertical Leap of Faith, which shoots riders through a clear tunnel inside a shark lagoon. Plan a full day.
21. Indoor Skydiving and Ski Dubai
Teens can feel the rush of freefall in a vertical wind tunnel, with a trained instructor guiding each flight, at iFLY Dubai. Or head to Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates, an indoor ski resort with real snow, where snowsuits and boots are included in the ticket. Younger kids can try tubing and tobogganing in the snow park.
Plan Your Family Trip
For more ideas, see our list of must-see tourist places in Dubai and our Dubai travel guide. Traveling around Europe with kids too? Read our guide to family travel in Europe. Prices and opening hours change often, so check the official website of each attraction before you go.
FAQs: Things to Do in Dubai With Kids
Is Dubai good for families?
Yes. Dubai is very safe, clean, and well organized, with calm beaches, family-friendly hotels, and plenty of indoor attractions for hot days.
What is free for kids in Dubai?
The Dubai Fountain, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, the public beaches, Kite Beach's playground, and the Dubai Marina Walk are all free. Many attractions also let under-threes in for free.
Which part of Dubai is best for families?
Dubai Marina and JBR are popular with families because you can walk from your hotel to the beach, shops, and restaurants. Palm Jumeirah and Jumeirah are good for beach resorts.
What should children wear in Dubai?
Children can wear normal holiday clothes, including shorts and swimwear at the beach. Adults are expected to cover their shoulders and knees in malls and public places.