Dubai with Kids: Kid-Friendly Places to Visit in Dubai for the First Time

Dubai has plenty of exciting and fun-filled attractions for the whole family. If you’re looking to craft a kid-friendly Dubai travel program, consider this list with attractions that please both kids and kids-at-heart.

Things to Know Before You Visit Dubai

Before we check out the Dubai attractions, here are a few things that you should know:

• Dubai is an Islamic city and the Emirate are deeply religious.
• Where there is no strict dress code in Dubai, it is necessary to dress appropriately in public places as a respect to the values and traditions of the people.
• Public display of affection as well as drinking and driving are illegal in Dubai and cause jail time, fines and even deportation.
• As per the new rule, children under the age of 18 years can visit Dubai visa-free from July 15^th to September 15^th, every year.

Places to Visit in Dubai with Kids

Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is located in Dubai Mall and is one of the largest aquariums in the world. It is home to more than 140 marine species, including sharks, manta rays, stingrays, etc. Apart from viewing the marine animals swimming around you through the acrylic tunnel, you can also take part in some of the experiences like shark diving, scuba diving, glass-bottom tour, etc. that would give you a closer look. Above the aquarium is the underwater zoo, where you would find some interesting animals like crocodiles, otters, piranha, catfish, and Humbolt Penguin. A visit to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is both fun and educational.

Timings: 10.00 AM to 12.00 AM (All Days)

Duration: 5-6 hours

Location: Ground & Level 2, The Dubai Mall, Financial Centre Road, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 135

Rules and Regulations

• Children under the age of 3 and pregnant women cannot be a part of several experiences like glass-bottom boat tours, shark diving, etc.

2. Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi Water Park is one of the oldest water parks in Dubai and is still quite popular among both locals and tourists. While the water park has some amazing thrilling rides and slides, what makes it stand apart from others is its unique theme, which is based on a character of an Arabian folklore, Juha. All the rides and slides are based on this theme. Adults and older kids would have a great time trying the thrilling slides that are nothing less than rollercoaster rides, while the little ones would have the time of their lives at the enormous pool and play area dedicated to them. One of the highlights of this water park is that it has a surf pool.

Timings:

10.00 AM to 6:00 PM (All Days)

Duration: 7 hours

Location: Jumeirah Road, Next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 280

Rules and Regulations

• Some of the attractions require the rider to be at least 11 meters tall.
• Always listen to the instructions provided by the lifeguard before trying any ride or slide.
• Visitors should wear appropriate swimwear.

3. KidZania Dubai Mall

If you want to go to a place where you can relax while your kids have the time of their lives, you cannot find a better place than KidZania Dubai Mall. A mini-city where children get the chance to try out a few adult occupations like being fire-fighters, doctors, shopkeepers, police, nurses, etc. They also learn to earn, count and manage money. In short, KidZania offers a fun learning experience, while it allows the parents to enjoy a cup of coffee at the adults' lounge. In other words, visiting KidZania is a win-win situation for both parents and kids.

Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM (Sunday to Wednesday), 10 AM to 11 PM (Thursday to Saturday)

Duration: 3 hours

Location: 2^nd floor, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 75

Rules and Regulations

• Children below the height of 120 cm should be accompanied by a parent or adult.
• You cannot get outside food or beverages inside KidZania.

4. IMG Worlds of Adventure

Known as the largest indoor theme park in the world, the IMG World of Adventure has spread around 1.5 million square feet area. The place is divided into five theme zones, which include Cartoon Network, Marvel Universe, The Lost Valley (Dinosaur Adventure), a movie theatre and IMG Boulevard. Each zone has rides, slides and other attractions that match the theme. So, you would get to enjoy rides and rollercoasters relating to shows and movies like Powderpuff Girls, The Avengers, Ben 10, etc. At IMG Boulevard, you can indulge in dining and shopping, and do not forget to visit the Haunted Hotel, which would definitely give you the creeps.

Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 11 AM to 10 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Duration: 8 hours

Location: E211, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, City of Arabia, Dubai

Price: AED 299

Rules and Regulations

• Guests should dress appropriately.
• Pets are not allowed inside the park, unless it is a guide dog, hearing dog or registered assistance dog.

5. Dubai Garden Glow

Dubai Garden Glow is a unique theme park where you would get to see glowing structures and installations made from recyclable items and energy-saving lights. The park opens around sunset time, making the entire place shine with colorful lights. Although the highlight of Garden Glow is the Glow Park, there are some other interesting zones or exhibits here, which include Dinosaur Park, Ice Park, and Art Park. Apart from this, you would also get to enjoy numerous activities, some of which are laser light show, street performances, stage shows, talking trees, taste hotspots, etc. The best part that Dubai Garden Glow has new and different installations every year, making each experience unique.

Timings: 4 PM to 11 PM (Saturday to Thursday) and 4 PM to 12 AM (Friday)

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Zabeel Park Gate 6 & 7, Zabeel Area, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 65

Rules and Regulations

• Pets are not allowed inside Garden Glow.
• Visitors must strictly adhere to the no-smoking policy.

6. Dubai Dolphinarium

A one-of-a-kind experience that you would find in Dubai is a visit to the Dubai Dolphinarium. While you can go anytime during the day till the closing hour to see the bottlenose dolphins and fur seals, something you should not miss is the Dolphin and Seal Show. During the show, you would get to see the antics and skills of warm and friendly marine animals. You would have a great time watching them perform acrobatics, sing, dance, paint and juggle. If you want, you can also get the chance to touch, play and take pictures with the dolphins. The Dolphinarium is also home to 20 species of exotic parrots. There are also some amazing activities for kids here.

Timings: 10 AM to 7:30 PM (Sunday Closed)

Duration: Depending on the show ticket you selected

Location: Inside Creek Park Gate 1, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 110

Rules and Regulations

• Nothing should be thrown inside the Dolphinarium pools.
• Children should always be accompanied by parents or guardians.

7. Ski Dubai

One would never associate a ski park with the hot, desert city of Dubai. However, this is a reality in Dubai as it is home to the largest ski park in the world. Ski Dubai is a snow-covered 3000 square meters area, with five levels of ski slopes, which are perfect for both snowboarding and skiing beginners and experts. Other than this, the snow area in the park is great for playing in the snow, having a snow fight and tobogganing. Little children would definitely have a fun time meeting the cute snow penguins of Ski Dubai. One thing you must definitely do here to complete your experience is to have a mug of hot chocolate at the Avalanche Cafe while viewing the white paradise and its activities.

Timings: 10 AM to 11 PM (Sunday to Wednesday), 10 AM to 12 AM (Thursday) and 9 AM to 12 AM (Friday and Saturday)

Duration: 6 hours

Location: The Mall of Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 275

Rules and Regulations

• Children under the age of 2 are not allowed inside Ski Dubai
• Children under the age of 14 should always be accompanied by a person above the age of 16

8. Dubai Ice Rink

Another attraction that adorns the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Ice Rink. Yes, it is hard to believe that a massive, Olympic-sized ice skating rink is located inside a mall. However, this is true! It is one of the favorite places for the locals of Dubai, although tourists are equally attracted to this place. Skating in the ice rink is a fun activity for kids and adults, and you can also take up classes if you want to learn and master it. Make sure not to miss the disco ice dance party that happens every night. With a DJ playing some popular tunes, you would have a gala time dancing and gliding over the smooth ice.

Timings: 10.00 AM to 12.00 AM (All Days)

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Ground Level, Dubai Mall, Financial Road Centre, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 95

Rules and Regulations

• Do not eat, drink or litter on the ice.
• Do not skate under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• While wearing warm clothes is necessary, do not wear things that would cause hindrance to you while skating?

9. Dubai Desert Safari

Let not your Dubai holiday be only about theme parks and water parks. On the other hand, it is important to introduce your kids to some cultural experiences as well. In this case, the desert safari would be something you should not miss in Dubai. During the desert safari, you and your kids would get to experience some wonderful adventures like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding and quad biking. On the other hand, you would have a fun time dressing up as Arabs, getting your henna painted and watching the Tanoura and belly dance performances. At the end of evening, you return home after a delicious BBQ dinner at the desert.

Timings: 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Duration: 6 hours

Price: AED 260

Rules and Regulations

• Pregnant women and children under the age of 5 should not go for dune bashing.
• Listen to the instructions carefully before trying any adventurous activity in the desert.

10. Dubai Miracle Garden

Another attraction that would impress people of all ages is the Dubai Miracle Garden. You would find more than 50 million flowers and 250 million plants spread around the 72,000 square meters area of the park. The largest flower garden in the world is unique as the flowers are arranged in some beautiful ways. Floral houses, cars, buildings, Burj Khalifa, castles, etc. are some of the beautiful highlights of the park. You would also have a great time walking under the beautiful flower canopies. The Dubai Miracle Garden is so inspiring and stunning that you would definitely be in awe of the place and would not be able to stop clicking pictures.

Timings: 9 AM to 9 PM (Sunday to Thursday) and 9 AM to 11 PM (Friday and Saturday)

Duration: 4 hours

Price: AED 140

Rules and Regulations

• Food and beverages should not be bought inside the park. Barbecue is also not allowed in this park.
• Flower picking is an absolute no-no. Always walk through proper walkways and passages.

11. Atlantis Aquaventure

The Atlantis Aquaventure is a part of Hotel Atlantis the Palm and includes a water park, an aquarium, a beach, and an amazing dolphin encounter. The Aquaventure Waterpark is the largest in the UAE with thrilling rides slides for the adventurous and various pools and other attractions for those who want to relax and have fun. They also have a dedicated pool and play area for children. When you want to take a break from the water park, you can make a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, the Sea Lion Point and the Dolphin Bay. You can also lounge at the private beach here and order some cocktails while your kids have fun making sandcastles.

Timings: 10 AM to Sunset

• Aquaventure Waterpark: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (All days)
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All days)
• Dolphin Bay: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (All days)
• Sea Lion Point: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (All days)

Duration: 8 hours

Location: The Crescent, Palm Island, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 354

Rules and Regulations

• Kids under the height of 1.2 meters should always be accompanied by adults.
• One must strictly adhere to the dress code of Aquaventure.

12. Dubai Parks & Resorts

Dubai Parks & Resorts is a mega theme park that houses three theme parks and one water park. Apart from this, there is a centrally-located boulevard, the Riverland, which is a hotspot for shopping and dining. Moreover, if you want to enjoy all the parks and the jolly ambiance of the hotel, you can also book yourself at the luxury Lapita Hotel, which is a Polynesian-themed hotel, located in the premises of the park. Each of the amusement parks has a unique theme and together they offer more than 100 rides and attractions.

Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE

Rules and Regulations: It is important to adhere to the rules and height restrictions for every ride at each of the parks.

Here is some information on each of theme and water parks of Dubai Parks & Resort:

Motiongate Dubai: With zones that bring rides and attractions belonging to movies of legendary Hollywood film studios like DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate into life, Motiongate Dubai is a dream come true for any Hollywood fan.

Timings: 11 AM to 8 PM

Duration: 10 hours

Price: AED 275

Bollywood Parks Dubai: Enjoy the rides and attractions relating to some of the most iconic Bollywood movies like Sholay, Don, Krrish,  Lagaan, etc. at Bollywood Parks Dubai. You should also take this chance to see Jaan-E-Jigar, a Broadway-style Bollywood musical.

Timings: 2 PM to 11 PM

Duration: 9 hours

Price: AED 175

Legoland Dubai: A theme park that is dedicated to children between the age of 2 and 12 years. Your kids would have a great time enjoying the 40 rides, shows, and attractions that are based on the Lego theme.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM (Saturday to Wednesday) and 10 AM to 8 PM (Thursday and Friday)

Duration: 7 hours

Price: AED 275

Legoland Water Park: Attached to Legoland Dubai is the Legoland Water Park, which is a water park, based on the Lego theme. Apart from enjoying the rides and pools, you can build your own raft using huge Lego blocks.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Duration: 7 hours

Price: AED 275

13. Bounce Dubai

When you are traveling with kids, it is important that you engage them in physical activities to use up their never-ending energy. And what would be a better way than letting them jump around as much as they want? Bounce Dubai is an indoor trampoline park where there hundreds of interconnected trampolines for kids and adults to jump around. Apart from this, you must also check out Trampoline Walls and the Fun Zone. This park is fun, safe and the best way to spend time when the heat of Dubai gets too much to explore the outdoor areas of the city.

Timings:

Sunday to Wednesday: 10 AM to 10 AM

Thursday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Friday: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Saturday: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Duration: 2-3 hours

Location: Building No. 32, 4B Street, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 170

Rules and Regulations

• Only one person should jump on one trampoline at a time.
• Do not jump on the padding.
• Attempt jumping as per your skill level only.

14. Laguna Water Park

A beachfront water park, Laguna Water Park is one of the most kid-friendly water parks you would find in the UAE. The park is divided into four zones, which are Splash, Relax, Surf, and Slide. There are plenty of pools, slides, and flumes to enjoy here. However, the highlight is that the park has two attractions that you would have never seen in any other water park: the 180^o surf park and the infinity pool. Aside from all this, Laguna Water Park also has food kiosks, a lounge pool, a children's zone, and a store. It is a great place to relax and unwind during your holiday in Dubai.

Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM

Duration: 8 hours

Location: La Mer, Dubai, UAE

Price: AED 124

Rules and Regulations

• It is important to note that children under the age of 13 years should always be accompanied by an adult.
• You have to be above the height of 1.2 meters to be eligible for riding some attractions.

Best Time to Visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, i.e. between November and March. The main reason for this is that temperature during the summer months is at the extreme and cannot be tolerated. However, Dubai can get really crowded during the winter months. If you are fine with exploring the indoor attractions during the day and venturing out after sunset, your summer holiday in Dubai would be peaceful as well as less expensive.

With so many places to visit in Dubai with kids, it is no wonder that the city is considered to be one of the best family-friendly holiday destinations in the world. So, if you are not able to decide on a place for your next family holiday, do not think twice before booking a holiday to the Emirate city of Dubai.