Exploring the best places to visit in Dubai with family transforms an ordinary vacation into an extraordinary adventure. Dubai, a dazzling metropolis rising from the desert sands, has established itself as the ultimate family-friendly destination with attractions designed to captivate visitors of all ages. From record-breaking architectural marvels to immersive theme parks, the places to visit in Dubai with family combine excitement, education, and entertainment in perfect harmony.
This comprehensive guide explores the top places to visit in Dubai with family, providing insider tips and practical advice to ensure your Dubai family adventure exceeds all expectations.
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Why Dubai Is the Ultimate Family Destination?
When planning places to visit in Dubai with family, you'll quickly understand why this city has become the go-to destination for families worldwide. Dubai combines safety, cleanliness, and extraordinary attractions that cater specifically to families with children of all ages.
The city boasts:
- World-class family resorts with dedicated children's facilities
- Year-round sunshine with average temperatures of 24-35°C (75-95°F)
- Advanced infrastructure making navigation easy even with strollers
- Multi-cultural environment with English widely spoken
- Zero tolerance for crime making it extremely safe for families
Top Places to Visit in Dubai with Family
Dubai offers an incredible array of family-friendly attractions that combine entertainment, education, and wonder. Here's our curated selection of Dubai's premier family attractions that guarantee smiles and memories to last a lifetime.
1. Burj Khalifa: Touch the Sky with Your Family
The iconic Burj Khalifa stands as the world's tallest building at a staggering 828 meters (2,717 feet). Experience the exhilarating journey to the observation decks on the 124th, 125th, or 148th floors, where your family can enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of the city.
Best time to visit Burj Khalifa: Book the "At the Top" experience during sunset to witness the magical transformation of Dubai from day to night.
2. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Marine Adventures for All Ages
Located within The Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo houses over 140 species and 30,000 aquatic animals in a massive 10-million liter tank. The 48-meter walk-through tunnel provides an immersive experience as marine life swims overhead and around you.
Family-friendly activities include glass-bottom boat rides, interactive touch pools, and feeding sessions with marine experts.
3. IMG Worlds of Adventure: Indoor Theme Park Paradise
As the world's largest indoor theme park at over 1.5 million square feet, IMG Worlds of Adventure offers climate-controlled fun year-round. This enormous entertainment destination features five themed zones with rides and attractions based on popular characters from Marvel, Cartoon Network, and more.
Highlights: The Velociraptor roller coaster, Spider-Man Doc Ock's Revenge, and the Cartoon Network Zone for younger children.
4. Dubai Parks and Resorts: Multiple Theme Parks in One Location
Dubai Parks and Resorts offers four theme parks in one location:
- Motiongate Dubai: Hollywood-inspired attractions
- Bollywood Parks Dubai: The world's first Bollywood theme park
- LEGOLAND Dubai: Perfect for families with children aged 2-12
- LEGOLAND Water Park: Refreshing water attractions
Family tip: Purchase multi-park passes and allow at least two days to properly experience all parks.
5. Wild Wadi Waterpark: Splash-Filled Family Fun
This Arabian-themed water park features 30+ rides and attractions suitable for all ages. Located near the iconic Burj Al Arab, Wild Wadi offers everything from gentle lazy rivers to adrenaline-pumping slides.
Must-try attractions include the Jumeirah Sceirah twin tandem slides, Breaker's Bay wave pool, and Juha's Journey lazy river.
6. Dubai Miracle Garden: A Floral Wonder for Families
Operating during the winter season (typically November to May), Dubai Miracle Garden displays over 50 million flowers arranged in incredible structures. Highlights include a life-sized Emirates A380 aircraft covered entirely in flowers and Disney Avenue featuring beloved characters in floral form.
Perfect for families seeking a tranquil contrast to the city's high-energy attractions.
7. Dubai Creek & Al Seef: Cultural Experiences for Families
Dubai Creek and the adjacent Al Seef district showcase the city's heritage. This historic waterway gives families a glimpse into Dubai's past as a trading port, with traditional wooden dhows still crossing the creek today.
Family activities include abra rides across the creek (just AED 1 or $0.27 per person), exploring the Gold and Spice Souks, and visiting the Dubai Museum in Al Fahidi Fort.
8. Dubai Safari Park: Wildlife Adventure for the Whole Family
Home to over 3,000 animals from 250 species, Dubai Safari Park allows families to explore wildlife from around the world. The park is divided into distinct villages representing different geographic regions.
Key attractions include the Arabian Desert Safari, Asian Village, African Village, and Explorer Village with interactive exhibits.
9. KidZania Dubai: Edutainment Paradise for Young Minds
Spanning 7,000 square meters within The Dubai Mall, KidZania allows kids aged 4-16 to role-play adult professions in a realistic environment. Children can work in over 40 establishments, earn "kidZos" currency, and learn about different careers.
Popular activities include becoming a pilot, working as a firefighter, performing surgery, and broadcasting in a TV studio.
10. Desert Safari: Family Adventure in the Arabian Sands
Experience the quintessential desert safari with family-friendly activities including:
- Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles (with gentler options for families with young children)
- Camel riding
- Sandboarding down dunes
- Falcon shows and henna painting
- Traditional Emirati dinner and entertainment at desert camps
Best Family Attractions in Dubai by Age Group
| Age Group | Top Attractions | Why It's Perfect |
| Toddlers (0-4) | Dubai Aquarium, KidZania Toddler Area, The Green Planet | Interactive experiences with minimal walking, sensory stimulation, and cool indoor environments |
| Young Children (5-8) | LEGOLAND Dubai, KidZania, Dubai Miracle Garden | Hands-on activities, manageable rides, educational elements that feel like play |
| Tweens (9-12) | IMG Worlds of Adventure, Wild Wadi, Desert Safari | More thrilling rides, adventure experiences, and opportunities for independence |
| Teens (13+) | Burj Khalifa, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Museum of the Future | Instagram-worthy locations, high-energy activities, and technology-focused experiences |
5 More Places to Visit in Dubai with Family
Beyond the main attractions, Dubai offers several hidden gems that provide exceptional experiences for families seeking something different. These additional destinations combine unique entertainment value with smaller crowds, creating more intimate memories for parents and children alike.
1. The Green Planet Dubai
An indoor tropical rainforest with over 3,000 species of plants, animals, and birds under a 45-meter tall glass dome.
2. Museum of the Future
This architectural marvel examines future challenges and opportunities through immersive exhibits. The building itself, inscribed with Arabic calligraphy, is a stunning achievement.
3. Ski Dubai
Experience snow in the desert at this indoor ski resort within Mall of the Emirates. Features include ski slopes, a snow park, and penguin encounters.
4. Dubai Frame
This 150-meter-tall, picture-frame-shaped structure offers views of both old and new Dubai from its 93-meter-long glass bridge.
5. Global Village
An immense cultural, entertainment, and shopping destination operating during winter months, featuring pavilions from over 90 countries.
Practical Tips for Visiting Dubai with Family
Traveling with children requires additional planning to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for everyone. These family-specific recommendations address everything from weather considerations to child-friendly facilities, helping you navigate Dubai with minimal stress and maximum fun.
Best Time to Visit Dubai with Family
- November to March: Ideal weather with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C (68-86°F)
- December-January: Peak tourist season with optimal climate but higher prices
- May to September: Extremely hot (35-45°C/95-113°F) but offers significant discounts
Getting Around Dubai with Children
- Dubai Metro: Clean, efficient, and affordable with dedicated family cabins
- Taxis and Ubers: Plentiful and required by law to have child seats when requested
- Hop-on Hop-off Buses: Convenient for hitting multiple attractions
- Car rentals: Affordable option for families wanting flexibility
Pro tip: Purchase the Dubai Pass for discounted entry to multiple attractions.
Where to Stay in Dubai with Family?
- Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR): Beachfront location with family-friendly restaurants
- Downtown Dubai: Central location near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall
- Palm Jumeirah: Luxury resorts with extensive children's programs
- Bur Dubai/Deira: More affordable options near cultural attractions
5-Day Family Itinerary for Dubai
Organizing your days efficiently prevents the overwhelm that can happen in a city with so many attractions competing for your attention. This carefully crafted itinerary balances must-see sights with downtime, ensuring both children and adults enjoy a memorable, manageable experience.
Day 1: Downtown Dubai
- Morning: Dubai Mall and Dubai Aquarium
- Afternoon: Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain show
Day 2: Theme Park Day
- Full day at IMG Worlds of Adventure or Dubai Parks and Resorts
Day 3: Water and Beach
- Morning: Wild Wadi Waterpark
- Afternoon: JBR Beach and dinner at The Beach
Day 4: Cultural Day
- Morning: Dubai Creek, Abra ride, and souks
- Afternoon: Desert Safari with dinner
Day 5: Educational Fun
- Morning: KidZania or Museum of the Future
- Afternoon: Last-minute shopping and departure
Plan Your Perfect Family Trip to Dubai
Dubai offers an unparalleled blend of futuristic attractions, cultural experiences, and family-friendly amenities that make it an ideal destination for travelers with children of all ages. From the architectural wonder of the Burj Khalifa to the thrilling adventure of theme parks and the educational value of cultural sites, the places to visit in Dubai with family cater to every interest and age group.
The city's exceptional safety, cleanliness, and infrastructure create a stress-free environment for parents, while the year-round sunshine promises outdoor activities regardless of when you visit. Whether you're seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures, educational experiences, or simply quality family time, Dubai delivers memorable experiences that will have your children asking when they can return.
Ready to experience the magic of Dubai with your family? Visit Frenzy Holidays or call +91 7400453140 to explore our customized tour packages that take the stress out of planning, leaving you free to create lasting memories with your loved ones!
For more international family adventures, check out our international tour packages from Mumbai.
Places to Visit in Dubai with Family - FAQs
Is Dubai safe for families with young children?
Dubai is extremely safe for families with strong security measures, low crime rates, and child-friendly facilities throughout the city.
What is the dress code for families visiting Dubai?
While Dubai is cosmopolitan, modest dress is appreciated in public places. Beachwear should be confined to beaches and pool areas.
Do we need to rent a car with children in Dubai?
Not necessarily. Public transportation is excellent, and taxis are plentiful and affordable.
What are the best free activities for families in Dubai?
Free activities include Dubai Fountain shows, public beaches, walking through Al Fahidi Historical District, and exploring souks.
Are there good medical facilities for children in Dubai?
Dubai has world-class medical facilities with English-speaking doctors and 24-hour pharmacies widely available.
How can I save money on family attractions in Dubai?
Purchase multi-day passes, visit during summer months for discounts, and book online in advance.
What should I pack for children visiting Dubai?
Sunscreen, hats, lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and swimwear are essentials.
Are theme parks in Dubai suitable for toddlers?
Yes, most Dubai theme parks have dedicated areas for toddlers with age-appropriate rides and attractions.
What are the best shopping malls for families in Dubai?
Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Ibn Battuta Mall offer excellent family facilities including nursing rooms and play areas.
How many days do we need to explore Dubai with family?
A minimum of 5 days is recommended to experience the top places to visit in Dubai with family without rushing.
