Dubai is one of the best family holiday destinations in the world. The city was practically built with families in mind — from enormous indoor theme parks and water parks to beaches, aquariums, and wildlife encounters. Children love it here, and parents do too. This guide covers the very best things to do in Dubai with kids.

Theme Parks in Dubai

  • IMG Worlds of Adventure: One of the world’s largest indoor theme parks with Marvel, Cartoon Network, dinosaur, and Bollywood zones. Tickets from AED 299.
  • Motiongate Dubai: A Hollywood-inspired theme park with DreamWorks and Sony Pictures rides. Great for older children. Tickets from AED 275.
  • Legoland Dubai: Dedicated Lego theme park aimed at children aged 2 to 12. Tickets from AED 245.

Water Parks

  • Aquaventure Waterpark (Atlantis The Palm): One of the world’s top water parks with over 105 rides including the near-vertical Leap of Faith slide. Tickets from AED 325.
  • Wild Wadi Waterpark: Over 30 rides and attractions next to the Burj Al Arab. Great for older children. Tickets from AED 285.
  • Laguna Waterpark (La Mer): Smaller and more relaxed — great for younger children. Tickets from AED 150.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Located inside Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. Children can walk through a 48-metre underwater tunnel with sea life swimming above and around them — a genuinely magical experience. Tickets from AED 130 per person.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Dubai Safari Park: A large, modern wildlife park with over 2,500 animals. Safari bus tours run through animal habitats. Tickets from AED 60 per adult and AED 30 per child.
  • Green Planet Dubai: An incredible indoor tropical rainforest biodome housing over 3,000 plants and animals including sloths and tropical birds. Tickets from AED 90.

Kid-Friendly Indoor Activities

  • KidZania Dubai: A miniature city where children role-play adult jobs. Very popular and educational. Tickets from AED 130 per child.
  • Dubai Ice Rink: An Olympic-sized ice skating rink inside Dubai Mall. AED 50 to AED 80 per person.
  • Ski Dubai: An indoor ski resort with real snow inside Mall of the Emirates. Prices from AED 180 per person for the snow park.

Tips for Families Visiting Dubai

  • Book popular attractions online in advance — queues can be long at theme parks.
  • Visit theme parks on weekday mornings for shorter wait times.
  • Keep children hydrated, especially outdoors — the heat is deceptive even in winter.
  • Most malls and attractions have excellent baby facilities — feeding rooms and pushchair-friendly access.
  • Family packages at attractions often offer better value than buying tickets individually.

Final Thoughts

Dubai is genuinely one of the world’s great family destinations. The range and quality of family attractions is extraordinary. Dubai Travel Club recommends building your family itinerary around a mix of theme parks, a beach day or two, a desert safari, and some time exploring the older parts of the city. That combination gives children a holiday they will talk about for years.