Dubai is a city that often comes to mind for its iconic skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and vibrant nightlife. But beyond the glitz and glamour, it is a city that warmly welcomes families, offering experiences that are just as delightful for children as they are for adults. From sprawling theme parks to pristine beaches, desert safaris to indoor snow adventures, Dubai offers countless ways for children to laugh, learn, and explore in safe and engaging environments.

For parents, Dubai provides a sense of reassurance with its world-class infrastructure, clean streets, and highly secure neighborhoods. For children, it’s a playground of endless possibilities, where every day can be a new adventure. Whether you are a local family or visiting on holiday, this guide will take you through the best family-friendly and kids’ activities across the city.

Things to Do in Dubai With Kids: An Expansive Itinerary

Theme Parks & World-Class Entertainment

1. IMG Worlds of Adventure

Step into a colossal indoor universe at IMG Worlds of Adventure, a title-holding wonder as the largest indoor theme park on the globe. This climate-controlled haven is a blessing on warm Dubai days, offering a sprawling escape into worlds of fantasy and adventure. The park is meticulously divided into immersive zones, including the heroic realm of Marvel, the vibrant chaos of Cartoon Network, and a prehistoric land teeming with lifelike dinosaurs. With a spectacular array of high-octane thrill rides, interactive activities, and thoughtfully designed child-friendly amenities, it ensures that every member of the family, from the tiniest tots to adrenaline-seeking teens, is fully engaged and entertained.

• Location: City of Arabia, Dubai Land
• Ticket: Starting from AED 365
• Phone: +971 4 403 8888

2. Motiongate Dubai

Embark on a spectacular journey to the heart of Hollywood without ever leaving the Middle East. Motiongate Dubai invites young children and families into the enchanting worlds of beloved studios like DreamWorks Animation, Sony Pictures, and Lionsgate. Here, children can dance with the characters from Shrek, embark on missions with the Smurfs, and train with the heroes of Kung Fu Panda. With over 20 meticulously designed rides and rollercoasters, this dynamic park captivates both wide-eyed youngsters and daring teenagers, making it a versatile and entertaining destination for a family of any age dynamic.

• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali
• Ticket: Starting from AED 295
• Phone: +971 4 820 0000

3. Legoland Dubai & Legoland Water Park

Specifically engineered for the creative and energetic minds of children aged 2 to 12, Legoland Dubai is a paradise of colorful bricks and boundless imagination. The theme park boasts more than 60 interactive rides, shows, and attractions that encourage hands-on fun and building. Adjacent to it, the Legoland Water Park provides hours of refreshing play with its splash-tastic slides and build-a-raft lazy river. Together, they create a seamless, day-long adventure that perfectly blends creative stimulation with pure, watery fun.

• Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Opposite Palm Jebel Ali
• Ticket: Starting from AED 295
• Phone: +971 4 820 3123

Outdoor Adventures & Natural Encounters

1. Dubai Safari Park

Venture into a 119-hectare oasis of conservation and education at Dubai Safari Park. Home to over 3,000 animals from across the globe, this park offers an unforgettable encounter with wildlife. Families can embark on a thrilling drive-through safari to witness lions, elephants, and giraffes roaming in expansive, naturalistic habitats. For younger children, the dedicated Kids' Farm provides a hands-on experience where they can interact with gentle goats, ponies, and colorful birds. With its educational programs and plentiful picnic spots, the park offers a perfect blend of interest, entertainment, and relaxation.

• Location: Ras Al Khor Rd
• Tickets: AED 50 (Adults), AED 20 (Kids)
• Phone: +971 800 900

2. Dubai Miracle Garden

A true testament to Dubai's ability to create the impossible, the Dubai Miracle Garden is a breathtaking floral fantasyland that captivates visitors of all ages. With over 150 million blooming flowers arranged into stunning, innovative designs—from giant, recognizable characters like Mickey Mouse to life-size airplanes and enchanting castles—it feels like stepping directly into a storybook. The vibrant colors, whimsical structures, and playful photo frames provide a mesmerizing backdrop that will keep children enthralled and parents reaching for their cameras at every turn.

• Location: Al Barsha South 3
• Tickets: AED 100 (Adults), AED 85 (Kids)
• Phone: +971 800 900

3. Desert Safari

No trip to Dubai is complete without a foray into the majestic Arabian desert, and this experience has been wonderfully adapted for families. Modern tour operators offer specially curated family-friendly safaris. Beyond the exhilarating dune bashing (with gentler options available), visitors can enjoy slower camel rides, try their hand at sandboarding, and partake in cultural activities such as henna painting and falconry shows. An evening safari often culminates in a delicious barbecue dinner under the stars, accompanied by traditional entertainment, creating a magical and unforgettable night for both children and adults.

• Tickets: Vary from AED 130 for basic tours to AED 13,300 for premium private experiences.

Splashtastic Water Fun

1. Aquaventure Waterpark

Widely regarded as the premier water-based attraction for kids in Dubai, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, lives up to its global reputation. While it is famous for its heart-pounding, record-breaking slides that will satisfy the most daring vacationers, it also excels in catering to younger guests. Areas like Splashers Lagoon and The Cove are specifically designed for youthful kids, offering safe, scaled-down water adventures. Combined with a lazy river, a private beach, and opportunities for wildlife interactions, it guarantees a full, action-packed day of fun for the entire family.

• Location: Atlantis, The Palm
• Tickets: AED 345 (Adults), AED 295 (Kids)
• Phone: +971 4 426 2000

2. Wild Wadi Waterpark

Situated in the shadow of the stunning Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi Waterpark offers over 30 rides and attractions centered around the tale of Juha, a beloved character from Arabian folklore. Young children will delight in the dedicated splash areas and wave pool, while older kids and parents can race each other down tandem slides or relax on the park's lengthy lazy river. Its thoughtful design, which appeals to a wide range of ages and thrill levels, makes it a classic and consistently popular family attraction.

• Location: Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3
• Tickets: Starting from AED 169
• Phone: +971 4 348 4444

3. Kite Beach

For a more relaxed and budget-friendly day out, Kite Beach is a wonderful choice. This vibrant beachfront destination offers more than just clean sands and calm waters; it is a hub of activity. Children can bounce on trampolines, play in segregated outdoor play zones, or skate in the dedicated park. Meanwhile, parents can unwind at one of the many beachfront cafes, enjoying the view while their children play in a safe and visible environment. It is the perfect recipe for a leisurely, sun-soaked day by the sea.

• Location: Umm Suqeim, just off Jumeirah Beach Road
• Tickets: Free of Cost
• Phone: +971 4 219 0999

Educational & Cultural Dubai Kids' Activities

1. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Nestled within the world-famous Dubai Mall, this attraction takes families on an incredible journey into the deep blue. Its massive suspended tank, housing 33,000 marine animals including majestic sharks and graceful rays, is a sight to behold. The highlight for many young explorers is the 48-meter-long transparent tunnel, which provides a breathtaking 270-degree walk-through experience, creating the sensation of strolling along the ocean floor. Beyond the visual spectacle, the attraction offers interactive zones and educational feeding sessions, making it a premier edutainment destination in Dubai.

• Location: Ground & Level 2, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
• Tickets: Starting from AED 199
• Phone: +971 800 38224 6255

2. The Green Planet

Experience the wonder of a tropical rainforest in the heart of the desert at The Green Planet. This meticulously curated indoor bio-dome replicates a lush ecosystem, housing more than 3,000 plants and animals. Children can gaze in wonder as they observe slow-moving sloths, brightly colored toucans, fascinating reptiles, and a kaleidoscope of free-flying butterflies. It is a living, breathing classroom that provides a tangible and awe-inspiring connection to the topics of ecosystems and biodiversity.

• Location: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
• Tickets: Starting from AED 155
• Phone: +971 800 7699

3. OliOli Children's Museum

OliOli (meaning 'joy' in Hawaiian) is a groundbreaking interactive museum where the philosophy of learning through play is brought to life. Unlike traditional museums, OliOli encourages children to touch, build, experiment, and explore freely across multiple galleries dedicated to themes of science, art, technology, and engineering. It masterfully disguises education within pure, unadulterated fun, making it a firm favorite for both children, who love the freedom, and parents, who appreciate the developmental benefits.

• Location: Next to Oasis Mall, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
• Tickets: Starting from AED 69
• Phone: +971 4 702 7300

Unique and Unforgettable Dubai Attractions for Kids

1. Ski Dubai

Witnessing the marvel of a winter wonderland inside a mall in the middle of the desert is a uniquely Dubai experience. Located in the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai offers children the chance to ski, snowboard, toboggan, or simply play in the snow. From meeting and greeting real penguins to zipping down snow slides, this sub-zero environment provides a heavenly and surreal escape from the city's heat, making it an absolute must-do activity for any family seeking a complete change of pace.

• Location: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai
• Tickets: Range from AED 240 to AED 499 depending on activities
• Phone: +971 4 409 4000

2. VR Park Dubai

Step into the future of entertainment at VR Park, located in The Dubai Mall. This venue transforms gaming into a fully immersive, mind-blowing experience. Families can band together to fly across futuristic cities, battle aliens in outer space, or explore enchanting fantasy worlds. This fusion of cutting-edge technology and imaginative storytelling offers an excellent choice for families who share a love for video games and technological adventures, creating shared memories in digitally crafted realms.

• Location: Level 2, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
• Tickets: Start from AED 75
• Phone: +971 800 38224 6255

3. Global Village

More than just a theme park, Global Village is a sprawling cultural extravaganza that operates seasonally from October to April. It offers a trip around the world in a single evening, with pavilions from over 75 countries showcasing their unique crafts, cuisines, and performances. Children will be wide-eyed at the carnival-style rides, the vibrant atmosphere, and the endless entertainment options. With its diverse food stalls, unique shopping, and spectacular live shows, it is an exciting and culturally rich excursion that promises enjoyment for every member of the family.

• Location: Exit No.37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai
• Tickets: AED 25
• Phone: +971 4 362 4114

Closing Insights

Beyond its staggering skyline and luxurious facade, Dubai truly shines in its role as a world-class family destination. The city presents an abundance of places for kids that not only keep them endlessly amused but also allow parents to relax in a safe, clean, and convenient environment. From globe-trotting theme parks and adventurous water activities to cultural delights and one-of-a-kind thrilling experiences, the city meticulously ensures there is something to captivate every type of family.

Whether your clan desires to splash in a wave pool, explore a bio-dome rainforest, learn through interactive play, or simply build a snowman in the desert, Dubai delivers. It is a city that understands the importance of family, crafting experiences that are not only safe and exciting but also profoundly memorable for every age group. Let your family's adventure begin.