5 min read
Published: Nov 17 2025

Things to Do in Dubai with Family and Kids: Top Places & Activities

Skyline of tall, modern skyscrapers by a sandy beach and turquoise sea under a partly cloudy sky, with palm trees and beach umbrellas in the foreground.

Key Takeaways

Dubai is one of the best family destinations in the world, offering safe, entertaining, and educational attractions for children of all ages.
Families can enjoy top Dubai attractions like Dubai Aquarium, Global Village, IMG Worlds of Adventure, LEGOLAND, and the Dubai Desert Safari.
The city boasts world-class theme parks, waterparks, and family resorts, such as Motiongate, Wild Wadi Waterpark, and Atlantis Aquaventure.
With family-friendly hotels, excellent infrastructure, and neighbourhoods like Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah, Dubai is ideal for family vacations in 2026.

Dubai offers something for every age, making it one of the most exciting destinations for families with kids. Despite being set in the desert, the city has transformed into a global tourism hub known for its entertainment, safety, education, and world-class facilities.

Dubai’s diverse population and steady stream of travellers reflect its broad appeal. Families are particularly drawn to the excellent schools, top-tier healthcare, and a constant stream of family-friendly activities.

This guide provides a practical overview of things to do in Dubai with family, from theme parks and nature experiences to indoor attractions and cultural highlights.

Table of Content

Why Dubai Is a Top Destination for Families
25 Things to Do in Dubai with Family & Kids in 2026
Best Theme Parks and Attractions for Kids
Tips for Visiting Dubai with Family
Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Dubai
Conclusion

Why Dubai Is a Top Destination for Families

What makes Dubai so popular with families? Simply put, there are countless things to do in Dubai with kids. Young children need stimulation, and Dubai delivers entertainment, learning experiences, and adventure, often in the same place.

Here are some reasons families love Dubai:

Safety: Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world. Families can enjoy activities at any time of day without safety concerns.
Family-Friendly Stays: Most attractions are surrounded by family-oriented hotels and resorts, offering spacious rooms, kids’ clubs, and child-friendly facilities.
Activities for All Ages: Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, theme parks, or relaxed quality time, Dubai offers endless variety.

25 Things to Do in Dubai with Family & Kids in 2026

Looking for a quick, curated list of the best family activities in Dubai? Start here:

IMG Worlds of Adventure: Spend a full day in this massive indoor theme park with high-energy rides and character zones.
Atlantis Aquaventure: Beat the heat at Dubai’s largest waterpark with thrilling rides and toddler-friendly splash areas.
The Green Planet: Visit Dubai’s indoor rainforest filled with birds, reptiles, tree-top walkways, and immersive exhibits.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Explore thousands of marine animals and enjoy the glass-bottom boat ride.

Interior of the Dubai Mall featuring the aquarium’s spectacular main fishtank, a must-see attraction

LEGOLAND Dubai: Experience themed rides, building zones, and LEGO character meet-and-greets for younger children.
Global Village: Discover cultural pavilions, street food, funfair rides, and entertainment from around the world.
The Dubai Fountain: Enjoy the light and sound show every 30 minutes from 6 PM, always a favourite with children.

Night view of a cityscape with illuminated skyscrapers and a fountain display in the foreground, set against a dark sky.

Dubai Miracle Garden: Walk through colourful floral displays, including butterfly domes and giant flower sculptures.
KidZania Dubai: Let kids role-play real-life jobs such as firefighters, chefs, doctors, and pilots in a fun mini-city.
Dubai Desert Safari: Enjoy dune bashing, sandboarding, BBQ dinners, and cultural entertainment under the stars.

People riding quad bikes across vast, rolling sand dunes under a clear blue sky. Sparse vegetation is visible in the desert landscape.

Camel Rides: Take a relaxed camel ride across the desert for a more scenic and gentle experience.
Jumeirah Beach: Spend a classic beach day with swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and plenty of space for sandcastles.
Dubai Safari Park: Explore over 25,000 animals across interactive safari zones and educational exhibits.
Burj Khalifa: Visit the observation decks of the world's tallest building for unmatched panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline.

Burj Khalifa rising above the clouds, Dubai’s most famous building and the tallest in the world

Dhow Cruise Dubai: Enjoy dinner, music, and skyline views on a traditional wooden dhow boat.
The Dubai Mall: Ice skate, visit Hamleys, watch movies, or explore fun attractions across the world’s largest mall.
Ski Dubai: Experience skiing, sledding, snowboarding, and snow play zones, all indoors.

Indoor ski resort with skiers and snowboarders on snowy slopes, a chairlift, wooden structures, and snow play areas inside a large enclosed facility.

Dubai Dolphinarium: Watch dolphin and seal shows, explore coral tanks, and enjoy indoor family entertainment.
Dubai Creek: Stroll the historic waterfront, try local food, shop at souks, or take an evening dhow cruise.
Kite Beach: Cycle, jog, or scooter along the beachfront track and enjoy outdoor play areas and food trucks.
Museum of the Future: Explore futuristic technology, space-themed experiences, and hands-on learning galleries.

The Museum of the Future surrounded by DIFC skyscrapers, showcasing Dubai’s futuristic architecture

AYA Universe: Step into immersive light rooms, interactive digital art, and sensory installations.
Dubai Frame: Walk the sky deck for panoramic views of old and new Dubai from 150 metres up.
Al Qudra Lakes: Enjoy picnics, birdwatching, cycling, and sunset views at this peaceful desert oasis.
Ain Dubai: Take in unmatched skyline views from the world's tallest observation wheel, located on Bluewaters Island.

Best Theme Parks and Attractions for Kids

Sometimes, all kids want is a day at a theme park and Dubai has plenty.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Perfect for fans of dinosaurs, cartoons, and superheroes. Featuring over 20 rides, character meet-and-greets, and fully air-conditioned comfort.

Motiongate Dubai

A must-visit for DreamWorks, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate fans. Expect rides, shows, the Smurf Village, and Hollywood-themed attractions.

Atlantis Aquaventure

Aquaventure at the Atlantis Resort is a go-to option for water fun. As the world's largest waterpark, with over 105 slides, you can enjoy wave pools, tube rides, splash areas for toddlers, and some of the world’s most thrilling slides. There’s also a great beachfront, excellent food options, and spacious rest areas.

Wild Wadi Waterpark

Located beside the Burj Al Arab, this Dubai classic features the Middle East’s largest wave pool and iconic rides like Jumeirah Sceirah.

Tips for Visiting Dubai with Family

A smooth family trip starts with preparation. Here are practical tips:

Bookings: Book stays and attraction tickets in advance online. Offers usually include discounts and queue-skipping options.
Dressing: Dubai is casual but modest in public areas. Light clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended.
Transport: Dubai’s public transport is excellent, but families often prefer taxis for convenience. Compare the two options based on your itinerary.

The Dubai Frame perfectly framing the Burj Khalifa in the background, a famous architectural landmark

Where to Stay: Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Dubai

Choosing the right neighbourhood helps maximise your family trip.

Downtown Dubai

Close to attractions like Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and the Fountain. Safe, walkable, and filled with dining options.

Dubai Marina

Perfect for families who enjoy waterfront living, scenic walks, and quick access to JBR Beach. Great mix of hotels and serviced apartments.

Palm Jumeirah

Ideal for families seeking a luxurious beachfront holiday with resort-style amenities, kids’ clubs, and private beaches.

Budget-Friendly Option: Al Barsha

A more affordable, central choice near Mall of the Emirates. Wide selection of hotels, quick metro access, and short drive times to most attractions.

Conclusion

Dubai is one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations, offering an exceptional mix of entertainment, culture, nature, and adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend outing or a full holiday, you’ll find countless things to do in Dubai with family, from theme parks and beaches to indoor attractions and heritage experiences.

Families can explore some of the best things to do in Dubai, including world-class waterparks, immersive indoor worlds, wildlife parks, and year-round events. With so many fun things to do in Dubai, parents and children can enjoy quality time together across every part of the city.

If you’re looking for the top things to do in Dubai or want ideas tailored to younger travellers, the activities in this guide highlight the most exciting things to do in Dubai with kids in 2026 and beyond. Whatever your plans, Dubai’s safe environment, modern infrastructure, and endless attractions make it an unforgettable family destination.