10 Fun Things To Do in Dubai with Kids

Theme parks, water parks, dazzling light shows in the dark – with so much to keep the whole household entertained, it’s no surprise that Dubai is one of the top destinations in the world for a family holiday. It’s just a short 6.5-hour direct flight from the UK, meaning that it’s extremely accessible for families given that there’s no pesky stopovers to worry about. So, what are the best things to do in Dubai with kids? Our Kenwood Travel Experts share their recommendations for the ultimate family getaway.

1. Discover the desert

It simply wouldn’t be a holiday to Dubai without taking time to explore the undulating desert scenery that the UAE is famed for. Glide down towering dunes as you try your hand at sandboarding, experience a quintessential camel ride through the Arabian Desert, or spot oryx grazing in the distance on an unforgettable desert safari.

Sandboarding in the Arabian Desert

2. Experience theme park thrills

With over 35 theme parks to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice for an action-packed day out. Be sure to visit at least one of the following during your stay:

• IMG Worlds of Adventure: around the size of 28 football fields, this mammoth indoor theme park has everything from hair-rising rollercoaster rides to chilled-out cinema screenings.
• BollywoodParks™ Dubai: catch spellbinding performances and enjoy cinematic rides at the world’s first and only theme park dedicated to all things Bollywood.
• Motiongate Dubai: the largest Hollywood-inspired theme park in the UAE brings you entertainment from the iconic motion picture studios DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate.
• Legoland® Dubai: filled with awesome attractions and wonderful workshops, this indoor/outdoor theme park is the perfect place to build memories.

Legoland Dubai®

3. Savour a sun-soaked day at the beach

Coming in at number three on our list of the ‘best things to do in Dubai with kids’ is hit the beach. Beaches in Dubai are truly in a league of their own, boasting pristine, clean sands and epic play areas. Kite Beach in particular is a family favourite, with a host of activities to keep the little ones entertained from motorised water sports to trampoline parks. Many resorts in Dubai have their own private beaches too, so be sure to mention to your Kenwood Travel Consultant if it’s a stay beside the sands you’re seeking.

Jumeriah Public Beach

4. Make a splash at a waterpark

What better way to cool off from Dubai’s glorious sunshine than by diving into one of the many waterparks on offer? Thrill-seekers will be in their element hurtling down the world’s highest and fastest slides, and for those who prefer a bit of soft adventure, there’s also plenty of lazy rivers and wave pools to enjoy too!

Kenwood Travel Tip: Guests staying at Atlantis, the Palm can enjoy free unlimited access to Aquaventure – home of the legendary ‘Leap of Faith’ slide!

Aquaventure Waterpark

5. Gaze out at the city from the top of the world’s tallest building

Standing at an impressive 2,722 ft, the Burj Khalifa is one of the most iconic sights in all of Dubai and an absolute must-visit during your stay there. Step out onto the scenic outdoor observation terrace on Level 124 or experience a thrilling stroll along the see-through glass floor of Level 125 – each boasts an unforgettable view of the city’s stunning skyline.

At The Top, Burj Khalifa

6. Catch a show at one of Dubai’s dancing fountains

From 5.45pm to 11:30pm each day, the Dubai Fountain bursts into a symphony of music, colour, and light. Witness the powerful jets shoot water 900ft in the air and marvel at the majesty as they move to the beat of popular and classic tracks from around the globe – this is one of the best free things to do in Dubai with kids.

Dubai Fountain

7. Enjoy a cruise along Dubai Creek

For a taste of traditional Dubai, hop aboard one of the authentic Abras, a mode of transport that is half-boat, half-raft, and explore the gently winding riverways of Dubai Creek. Be sure to stop off at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and Bur Dubai for a glimpse into the city’s historic past.

Dubai Creek

8. Shop ‘til you drop

It’s no secret that Dubai is one of the best destinations in the world for shopping. From mega malls selling the latest couture to streetside souks trading in Arabic tea and spices, this glitzy Emirate is a shopaholic’s paradise. You could truly spend days exploring the city’s extravagant shopping centres, many of which are home to not only shops, but ice rinks, aquariums, and trampoline parks too.

Traditional Souk Market

9. Discover a world of underwater wonder at the aquarium

Dubai’s aquariums are out-of-this-world, and in our opinion, you simply cannot go wrong with whichever you decide to visit. One of the most notable is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a 10 million-litre tank at the heart of the Dubai Mall. You can admire the marine life for free, but for a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend paying to stroll through the 48m long walkway to witness the sight of sharks, rays, and giant grouper fish shoaling above your head.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

10. Hit the slopes at an indoor ski centre

Though it seems hard to imagine skiing in a city surrounded by desert, Dubai continues to prove that dreams are never just limited to your sleep. Found in the Mall of the Emirates is Ski Dubai, a 22,500 square-metre wonderland of powder-white snow and 85-metre-high slopes. All abilities are catered for at this resort, so whether you’d like to enrol in a day at ski school or tear up the world’s first indoor black diamond run, there’s something for each member of the family. And whilst here, be sure to head to the Snow Park to catch a glimpse of the daily ‘March of the Penguins’ show!

Ski Dubai

Book Your Dubai Family Holiday

Creating unforgettable holidays is what we do best at Kenwood Travel, and we’d love to use our expert knowledge to help you plan a Dubai family holiday that you and your loved ones will treasure forever. Simply give one of our UAE Experts a call on 020 7749 9276 or enquire online, and one of our team would be happy to give recommendations on the best Dubai hotels for families.