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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 30 May, 2023

By many standards Dubai is an exceptional place – when they do something here it’s usually either the biggest in the world, or a world first. Perhaps not surprising then that few, if any, cities can rival Dubai for a family holiday.

Hotels are exceptionally family-friendly, with plenty of bed and bedroom configurations, kids’ meals, space for play and facilities galore (including kids’ clubs). Then, there’s a prevalence of good weather, golden sand beaches and waterparks – a heady mix for any kid.

Even a trip to the shopping mall – usually an occasion of dread for the little nippers – can yield skiing, ice skating, giant aquariums, waterfalls, cinemas, oversized toy shops and more in Dubai’s mega shopping malls slash entertainment centres.

Last, but not least, there there are a ridiculous number of specialist family attractions and activities on offer. Here’s our round-up of some of the best.

Aquaventure Waterpark

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Aquaventure Waterpark

Colossal marine and waterpark located at Atlantis The Palm, featuring adrenalin-pumping slides, including 12 new slides added at Trident Tower. Heaven for kids and big kids; only the bravest dare to try the near-vertical ‘Leap of Faith’ waterslide.

Adult price: £70

Best for ages 6+

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Camel Racing at Al Marmoom

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

aerial view of camels racing

Get a fascinating insight into Emirati culture, tradition and rituals by watching a camel race – a popular sport in Dubai since the 7th century.

Best for ages 6+

Duration: Half day

When: Oct-Apr

Frequency: Selected dates

Aqua Fun

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Aqua Fun

The name says it all – 110 inflatable games and challenges floating on water offering hours of energetic fun for kids and adults alike. The world’s largest inflatable waterpark at 2,700 sq m is 25m off the beach at the Jumeirah Beach Residence. Open all year round.

Adult price: £35

Min age 6

Best for ages 6+

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Dubai Fountain

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai Fountain

Set in the 30-acre Burj Lake, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa next to Dubai Mall, this Bellagio-esque, 5-minute light, sound and water spectacular sees jets of water shoot up to 140m into the air, synchronised to music. It takes place every 30 minutes from 6pm, over an area covering 2 football pitches. Head to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk for the best view.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: 5 minutes

When: Daily from 6pm

Frequency: daily

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Global Village

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Colorful Entrance to Global Village with crowd in Dubai, UAE. Brightly colouredl lights and highly detailed pavilion facades have helped make Global Village one of Dubai's most popular attractions

A family-friendly journey around the world in one evening, full of shopping, food and entertainment. Pick up honey from Yemen, kaftans from Morocco, Thai food from the floating market, and go for a spin on the fairground rides. Good – if slightly kitsch – fun.

Adult price: £5

Best for ages 6+

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IMG Worlds of Adventure

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

IMG Worlds of Adventure

A monstrously large indoor amusement park, with five entertainment zones: two original concepts ‘IMG Boulevard’ and a dinosaur-themed ‘Lost valley’, and zones for international brands Marvel and Cartoon Network featuring the well-known characters and heroes. The fifth zone is a 12-screen cinema complex.

Adult price: £45

Best for ages 4+

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Laguna Waterpark

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Laguna Waterpark

This small (by Dubai’s standards) waterpark – the newest of the bunch – is on the waterfront at La Mer, so also comes with a beach. Better for older, water chute-loving kids and infinity-pool-loving adults.

Adult price: £37

Best for ages 4+

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Legoland Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Legoland Dubai

The Dubai outlet of this popular theme park – packed with jaw-dropping Lego constructions and over 40 Lego-themed rides – is a great day out for kids 2-12. The air-conditioned indoor mini-land has Lego models of all Dubai’s top landmarks.

Adult price: £55

Best for ages 4+

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Motion Gate

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Motion Gate

This mega-theme park is inspired by Hollywood, with zones, shows, rides and characters themed around blockbuster movies such as Shrek and Madagascar for little ones –  there’s even a full-blown Smurf’s Village on-site – and Hunger Games for older children. There’s even an on-site, working movie studio for behind-the-scenes tours.

Adult price: £40

Best for ages 4+

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Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Wild Wadi Waterpark Dubai

An extraordinary waterpark inspired by Arabian myths/legends (Sinbad and Juha) popularised in children’s stories, with crazy rides & surfing. Situated in the area of Jumeirah, next to the Burj Al Arab and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Adult price: £46

Best for ages 4+

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Dubai’s extraordinary shopping mega-malls

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai’s extraordinary shopping mega-malls

Dubai’s extraordinary malls are a shopper’s heaven but so much more. They’re entertainment hubs, with cinema complexes, ski slopes, ice rinks, giant aquariums and regular live events.

Best for ages 4+

Duration: -

Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai Garden Glow

An outdoor park featuring over 500 different displays and sculptures, illuminated by millions of lights. Highlights include famous monuments like the Taj Mahal, a Dinosaur Park with life-sized dinosaur models, the Underwater World, and the Magic Park, with interactive exhibits and optical illusions.

Adult price: £15

Best for ages 4+

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Dubai Safari Park

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Dubai Safari Park

This 119-hectare wildlife sanctuary is home to over 3,000 animals from around the world, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants. Visitors can take a safari tour, watch animal shows, and explore the park’s various global habitats. Great for learning about the local desert wildlife too.

Adult price: £17

Best for ages 4+

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Price from: £15+
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Dubai

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Burj Khalifa rising above Dubai downtown cityscape high angle view view at sunset. United Arab Emirates modern architecture and travel abstract

A desert city playground with a unique combination of Arabian culture, mega-malls and audacious architecture in a setting of year-round sun, sand and sea. Great family hotels and a ridiculous number of family attractions too.