From desert adventures to zero-gravity centres, there are plenty of things to do in Dubai with kids. In case you’re overwhelmed with choices to keep them entertained, we wanted to pick out a few unique attractions that will make your visit one to remember.
Read on to find out our top picks for things to do in Dubai with kids…
Go skiing
Yes, you read that right. Ski Dubai is the first indoor snow and ski resort in the Middle East. This really is the best (and only) skiing, tobogganing and skateboarding in town. If your little ones are aged 2 or over, they can hit the slopes. You’ll even find penguins waddling around here too. You don’t have to be mega-active to enjoy Ski Dubai, if you’d prefer to take things easy, just do some sightseeing from the chairlift. Or enjoy a hot chocolate to warm up, the temperature here is -4oC! You’ll find Ski Dubai in the Mall of the Emirates.
Ski Dubai Tickets
Blue & Green Route, Stop: Mall of the Emirates
Have a picnic in the desert
Sign up to one of the 4x4 desert safaris to see the vast landscape and the ancient Bedouin culture. Many tours offer additional extras such as camel rides and sand skiing. With desert safaris, barbecues and picnics often come included in the price. Or if you’d prefer to do things your way, why not just hire a 4x4 vehicle and simply venture out into the sands under your own steam. Drive towards Hatta and then pull off the road somewhere to lay out the picnic and relax.
Desert Sunset Adventure with Deluxe Bus Tour Tickets
See a dinosaur
Dubai doesn’t do things by halves, and the Dubai Mall makes a grand statement by having a full-size diplodocus skeleton in its main atrium. Nicknamed DubaiDino, it’s worth coming along early to see the skeleton without the crowds – the mall opens at 8am and the shops don’t open until 10am. The skeleton is more than 155 million years old and is 24 metres (78 feet) long. About 90% of the fossil’s bones are original, which makes it quite special, the last similar skeleton discovered had only 30% of the original bones.
Red & Green Route, Stop: The Dubai Mall
A home from home
Drive out to Mushrif Park, the largest park in Dubai, and take the kids to the International Village. There are 13 child-sized houses from around the globe, all just waiting to be explored. Each one contains traditional elements from the country it represents. While they play house, you can relax under the trees. The park also has play areas, BBQ facilities and bicycle tracks. While you’re here, you can show the little ones the traditional Bedouin lifestyle at the horse and camel riding areas too.
Feed the turtles
Every year Hawksbill and Green Turtles come to certain beaches in Dubai to lay their eggs. It is strictly against the law to interfere with the turtles in the wild, but you may be able to show the kids some turtles by visiting the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. The Project cares for sick and injured turtles found in the region, and so far, has released over 550 sea turtles back into the ocean. You’ll find a holding pen next to the Wharf Restaurant, at the Mina A’Salam pool, and keepers come down to the pen every day. There are also scheduled sessions when members of the public can feed the turtles too, at 11am every Wednesday and 1pm on Fridays.
Green Route, Stop: Souk Madinat
Listen to a story
The Old Library isn’t just a place to come and borrow books, there’s also a story telling session here every week for the little ones. Come on over on Sunday mornings between 10.30am and 11.15am, or 11am to 11.45am in July and August. You’ll find a group of toddlers in awe as the resident storyteller holds them spellbound. It’s a good idea to book your place though as this one’s becoming very popular with the locals and tourists. You’ll find the library inside the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre complex, on the roof of the Second Level of the Mall of the Emirates.
Blue & Green Route, Stop: Mall of the Emirates
Learn to fly
iFLY Dubai may be a little on the pricey side, but if you’re looking for a special treat with a difference, this one’s unique. Anyone from 3 years old and up can have a go. All you need to do is don the skydiving equipment, then step into the wind tunnel. You’ll be whisked up to around three metres in the air, and an instructor will be on hand at all times if you need anything. Apparently, the experience is very similar to skydiving. You’ll find iFLY Dubai at the City Centre Mirdif.
Sightsee with Big Bus Tours
There’s no doubt about it, the landmarks in Dubai are some of the greatest in the world and paying them a visit is a rite of passage for everyone travelling to the emirate. One of the easiest and most entertaining ways to take in the sights is to hop on one of our bus tours. With the freedom to hop off as much as you like to explore it all at your own pace, it’s perfect for when the kids want to stretch their legs or to snap a family photo in front of one of Dubai’s landmarks.
Dubai with kids is an excellent experience guaranteed to create memories that will last a lifetime. Tire your little ones out during the day with any of our suggested fun-filled activities, then make the most of the Dubai Nightlife when they’re safely tucked into bed…
