A complete guide to family-friendly places to visit in Dubai
Dubai is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world. The city has it all, from high-end entertainment destinations and impressive restaurants to appealing coastlines and lush green parks. For places that will appeal to everyone, here is a list of the best attractions in Dubai for families.
Family-friendly Parks in Dubai
ZABEEL PARK
Zabeel Park, one of the best places to visit in Dubai with family, offers an array of attractions. It’s home to the famous Dubai Frame as well as the Dubai Garden Glow that opens annually for visitors during the winter months.
Families visiting Zabeel Park can also make the most of the children’s play area here. The park offers a jogging track, cricket ground, barbeque area, skateboarding, mini-golf and other activities for everyone to enjoy.
A month-long Winter Carnival is about to begin at Gate No 2 of the park from 25th January 2022. It will be open from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm till 25th February 2022.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Ticket price: AED 5 per person
- Location: Zabeel area, near Max Fashion metro station
- Contact: +971-50-725-2994
DUBAI MIRACLE GARDEN
Another much-visited outdoor space in Dubai for families is the Dubai Miracle Garden. As the largest flower garden in the world, it will leave you awestruck for sure.
Some of the most popular attractions at Dubai Miracle Garden are a floral castle surrounded by hundreds of real flowers, a beautiful floral clock, a lake park and more. This destination is also home to Dubai Butterfly Garden, a unique indoor attraction that features more than 15,000 butterflies of different species.
For the 10th winter season of the incredible garden, a new feature called Smurfs Village has been added. The Smurf Village, Smurf Activity Area, Smurf Topiaries, and Smurf Village will all be part of the dynamic exhibit at Dubai Miracle Garden.
- Opening hours: Weekdays: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm |Weekends 09:00 am to 11:00 pm (till 30th April 2022)
- Ticket price:
- AED 40 (Age 3 to 12 years) (ID is required)
- AED 55 (for adults and children above 12 years old)
- Free for children below 3 years and people of determination (ID required)
- Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubailand
- Contact: +971-4-422-8902
THE QURANIC PARK
One of the most popular places to visit in Dubai with family is the the Quranic Park, one of the best parks in Dubai. It is a sprawling, 64-hectare verdant space inspired by the features mentioned in the Holy Quran. The park is divided into four sections that include the Cave of Miracles, The Greenhouse, The Lake and The Orchards.
- Opening hours: Weekdays: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm | Friday: 03:00 pm to 09:00 pm
- Ticket price: Free entry | AED 5 per person to enter some parts of the park
- Location: Near Al Mushrif Park and Last Exit Al Khawaneej
- Contact: +971-800-900
AL BARSHA POND PARK
Spread across 50 acres, Al Barsha Pond Park is a huge community park located in the heart of Dubai in Al Barsha. As the name implies, this park has a beautiful pond, making it one of the ideal spots for viewing sunsets in Dubai. Other facilities at the park include shaded play areas, rides, cycling areas and a jogging track.
- Opening hours: Weekdays: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm | Weekends: 08:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Ticket price: Free entry
- Location: Opposite Al Barsha Mall, Al Barsha 2
- Contact: +971-800-900
BURJ PARK
Located centrally in Downtown Dubai, Burj Park is another great attraction for families in Dubai, especially if they own pets. The park is popular for its proximity to two of Dubai’s most iconic attractions, the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
There are many things to do with the family at Burj Park, including cycling, boat rides and playing around with your furry friends.
- Opening hours: 24 hours
- Ticket price: free entry
- Location: Burj Khalifa Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-366-1688
AL MAMZAR BEACH PARK
Dubai has many spectacular parks, but what distinguishes Al Mamzar Beach Park from the rest is its waterfront location. Spanning around 99 hectares of land, this recreational facility in Dubai offers swimming pools, prayer rooms, cycle rentals, a children’s play area, sports facilities, chalet rental and a beach!
Visitors can also enjoy other activities at Al Mamzar Park, including train rides, skateboarding, and a park theatre. Another great thing about Al Mamzar Park is that the park is reserved for women and children on Mondays and Wednesdays.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Ticket price: AED 5
- Location: Al Mamzar Residential Area, along the Corniche and Al Mamzar Creek
- Contact: +971-4-296-6201 | +971-50-858-9897 | +971-50-856-5086
Here are other popular parks for families in Dubai.
- Mushrif Park
- Safa Park
- Umm Suqeim Park
- Al Mankhool Park
- Al Khazzan Park
- Jumeirah Lakes Towers Park
- Dubai Hills Park
Attractions in Dubai for Families Looking for the Best Beaches
After exploring the lush parks in Dubai, it’s time to head to the beach! With an impressive coastline, there is no shortage of family-friendly beaches in Dubai. Here are some of the popular ones.
JUMEIRAH BEACH
Book a room in one of the top hotels in Jumeirah and enjoy the stunning sights of the white sandy coastline of Jumeirah Public Beach. Apart from taking a dip in the sea, visitors here can access a workout area, jogging tracks, a kids’ play area and more.
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
- Ticket price: Free
- Location: 99 2 C Street – Umm SuqeimJumeirah 3 – Dubai
- Contact: +971-800-900
KITE BEACH
A visit to Kite Beach will give you the chance to try out many popular watersports in Dubai with your family. Facilities at Kite Beach include a beach library, fitness areas, showers and public parking. There are also watersport schools that offer training for kitesurfing and kayaking among other sports.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (F&B)
- Ticket price: Free
- Location: Kite Beach, 2C St, Umm Suqeim 1
- Contact: +971-4-219-0999
AL SUFOUH BEACH
Want to enjoy a relaxing beach day during a family holiday in Dubai? A visit to Al Sufouh Beach is among the many options. This tranquil beach spot also has volleyball and football facilities.
- Location: Al Sufouh, Al Sufouh 1 – Dubai
- Opening hours: Open 24 hours
THE BEACH JBR
The Beach is counted among the top beaches in Dubai and offers a variety of amenities to visitors. Apart from soaking the sun and taking a swim, families visiting the JBR beach can enjoy camel rides, jet-skiing, banana boat rides and more.
- Opening hours: Weekdays: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Weekend: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Ticket price: Free
- Location: Dubai Marina
MERCATO BEACH
Located close to Mercato Shopping Mall, Mercato Beach is a nice spot for families to enjoy a fun shopping and beach experience. Visitors can also check out the mall’s food court for quick grub and refreshments.
- Opening hours: 24 hours open
- Ticket price: Free entry, paid car parking
- Location: Jumeirah, 152 4b Street
Here are other beaches in Dubai that families can visit on holidays.
- Umm Suqeim Beach
- Al Mamzar Beach
- La Mer Beach
Museums in Dubai for families
Dubai is home to several museums that showcase the history of the UAE. Families may enjoy a visit to any of these.
MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
Your eyes will deceive you at the Museum of Illusions. Families who visit the attraction will get a chance to learn a host of new things by partaking in brain teasers, puzzles and optical illusions.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Ticket price:
- For 5 to 15 years olds: AED 60
- For 16 years old and above: AED 70 For a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids): AED 225
- Family and Friends (5 tickets adults or kids): AED 320
- Location: Al Seef by Meraas, Phase 3, Lot 17-1, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-357-3999
ETIHAD MUSEUM
From elegant artwork exhibits to displays of historical artefacts, Etihad Museum is a great place for the whole family to learn about the history of the UAE and its culture.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm (entry closes after 07:00 pm) | Guided tours 12:00 pm – 05:00 pm
- Ticket price:
- AED 25 per person
- AED 20 for groups
- AED 10 for students
- Free for children and people of determination
- Location: Jumeira Street, Cross of 2nd December Street
- Contact: 800-33222
COFFEE MUSEUM
Learn about the history of coffee in the emirate at the Coffee Museum. Set across two floors, the museum explores the beverage’s history and its journey in the Middle East.
- Opening hours: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm (Closed on Friday)
- Ticket price: Free
- Location: Villa 44, Al Fahidi Heritage Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-353-8777 | +971-4-353-8666
COIN MUSEUM
Families can explore the history of different coins from around the world at the Coin Museum in Dubai. The museum’s collection includes more than 470 rare coins, each displayed on a magnifying screen for a clearer view. There is also a touch screen that gives visitors more details about the coins.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday 08:00 am – 02:00 pm | Closed on Friday and Saturday
- Ticket price: Free
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Shindagha area – Bur Dubai
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
Here are other museums that can be counted among Dubai’s family-friendly attractions.
- House of Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum Museum
- History of Cinema Museum – HOC
- Pearl Museum Emirates NBD
- Antique Museum
- Crossroad of Civilizations Museum
- Al Shindagha Museum
- Women’s Museum
- Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
Shopping Malls in Dubai
THE DUBAI MALL
The Dubai Mall is one of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Dubai. Besides shopping, visitors to the massive mall can enjoy a range of other attractions like the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Dubai Ice Rink and the VR Park.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am | Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 01:00 am
- Location: Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa
- Contact: 800-38224-6255 |+971-4-362-7500
DUBAI OUTLET MALL
Dubai Outlet Mall is a popular retail destination and offers over 1,200 fashion brands. Visitors can also explore several restaurants and a family entertainment centre, Chuck E Cheese, at the mall.
- Opening hours: Saturday to Wednesday 10:00 am to 10:00 pm| Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Location: Dubai Al-Ain Road (Route 66), Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-423-4666
IBN BATUTTA MALL
Developed by Nakheel Properties, Ibn Battuta Mall combines top entertainment options, classy restaurants and a vast range of retail stores. Prominent attractions at the mall include the Sky Zone Dubai, Novo Cinema, and Fun City.
- Opening hours: Weekday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm| Weekend: 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road – Jebel Ali Village – Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-390-9999
MALL OF THE EMIRATES
A visit to the Mall of the Emirates with family is sure to be memorable. Explore your favourite international fashion labels, dine at classy cafés or have fun at Magic Planet and Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Al Barsha 1
- Contact: +971-4-409-9100
DUBAI MARINA MALL
Another top shopping destination in Dubai is Dubai Marina Mall, a waterfront mall with modern architecture and upscale facilities. There are over 21 restaurants, a play area and more than 140 stores at the Dubai Marina Mall.
- Opening hours: Weekday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Weekend 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Exit 32 directly off Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-436-1020
Here are other shopping destinations in Dubai favoured by families in the emirate.
- WAFI Mall
- Mercato Shopping Mall
- Nakheel Mall
- Dubai Festival City Mall
- City Centre Deira
- City Centre Mirdif
- The Outlet Village by Meraas
- Oasis Centre Mall
- Burjuman Mall
Waterparks and Aquariums – fun attractions for families in Dubai
There are several fun attractions for families in Dubai that you can’t miss! Here’s our selection of the best theme parks in Dubai.
WILD WADI WATERPARK
Wild Wadi Waterpark has a selection of crazy water rides that are loads of fun for everyone, especially kids. A family day out at Wild Wadi is definitely one of the best things to do during the hot summer months. A highlight is a separate children’s play area with over 100 kid-friendly rides.
Note: The park is currently closed for renovations and will reopen in February 2022.
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 269 (1.1 metres and above) and AED 239 (below 1.1 metres)
- Location: Opposite Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 3
- Contact: +971-4-348-4444
AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK
Considered one of the world’s top waterparks, Aquaventure Waterpark is a major attraction in Dubai for families. With a huge aquarium, play area, beachside access and crazy rides, the destination is a complete package for water warriors.
- Opening hours: 09:45 am to 05:30 pm
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 299
- Location: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Road
- Contact: +971-4-426-2000
AQUAFUN WATERPARK
One of the most popular attractions at The JBR Beach, AquaFun Park is the largest inflatable park in Dubai. The floating attraction is designed to spell out ‘I ♥ Dubai’ and features over 90 thrilling obstacles.
- Opening hours: 09:00 am to Sunset
- Ticket price: From AED 155
- Location: Jumeirah Beach, Jumeirah Beach Residence
LAGUNA WATERPARK
Splash, slide, surf, swim or relax at the cabana at Laguna Waterpark with your loved ones during your summer holidays in Dubai. A beachfront project by Meraas, Laguna Waterpark promises a fun experience with water activities, cool sea views and a range of food options.
Note: The waterpark is currently closed and will reopen on February 24th 2022
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (closed on Monday)
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 50
- Location: La Mer – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai
- Contact: +971-800-7699
DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located in The Dubai Mall. A highlight here is the 10-million-litre aquarium tank that is home to more than 140 species of sea creatures. Kids and adults visiting the aquarium will enjoy a series of experiences, leaving them in awe. Some of the experiences include encounters with rays, sharks, penguins, otters as well as snorkelling and diving.
- Opening hours: Weekdays 10:00 am to 10:00 pm| Weekends 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
- Ticket price: From AED 169
- Location: Ground & Level 2, The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai
- Contact: 800-DUBAI-MALL (800-38224-6255)
THE LOST CHAMBERS AQUARIUM
Become an explorer at The Lost Chambers Aquarium located at the Atlantis Aquaventure. Visitors can enjoy a range of water activities including 21 exhibits featuring over 65,000 aquatic animals, snorkelling, underwater yoga and much more.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am to 09:00 pm
- Ticket price: Please check the official website
- Location: Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Road, The Palm Jumeirah
- Contact: +971-4-426-2000
DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM – DOLPHIN & SEAL SHOW
Not exactly a waterpark or an aquarium, but the Dubai Dolphinarium is definitely a major family-friendly attraction in the emirate. From swimming with dolphins and taking selfies with exotic birds to exciting birthday parties and events, Dubai Dolphinarium covers it all.
Visitors are welcome to watch exciting dolphin and seal shows at the Dolphinarium. Visitors also get access to their in-house restaurant, baby changing room, gift shop, and free WiFi among other facilities.
- Show timings: 11:00 am, 02:00 pm and 06:00 pm
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 105 for adults and AED 50 for kids
- Location: Dubai Dolphinarium, Dubai Creek Park
- Contact: +971-4-336-9773
Here are other popular waterparks that make some of the best kid-friendly day trip destinations in Dubai.
- Splash n Party
- Al Montazah Parks
- Legoland Waterpark
Amusement parks – a popular attraction in Dubai for families
OLIOLI – DUBAI
With eight interactive galleries and over 40 activities, Oli Oli Dubai makes for a fun children’s museum. The zones at the play museum are themed around mechanics, sensory games and water play. The place is one of the best kids’ friendly holiday destinations in Dubai.
- Opening hours: Sunday to Friday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Saturday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Ticket price:
- Standard Visit with access to Permanent Galleries
- Child 2 to 16 years: AED 126 for 2 hours
- Child 12 to 23 months: AED 63 for 2 hours
- Standard PLUS Visit (access to all Galleries including Temporary Exhibition):
- Child 2 to 16 years: AED 146 for 2 hours
- Child 12 to 23 months: AED 73 for 2 hours
- Location: OliOli Building, Al Quoz 1, Next to Oasis Center, Dubai
Contact: +971-4-702-7300
MOTIONGATE
Explore Hollywood studios including Dreamworks Animation, Columbia Pictures and Lionsgate at MOTIONGATE, Dubai. The theme park includes more than 40 attractions in four themed zones, each associated with a top film studio.
- Opening hours: Weekdays 11:00 am to 08:00 pm | Weekend 11:00 am to 09:00 pm (January to April 2022)
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 275
- Location: Park and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-820-0000 | 800-AMAZING (2629464)
IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE
Visit IMG Worlds of Adventure to watch your favourite fictional characters come to life. The immensely popular amusement park has four zones with a range of activities including rides, movies and dining options.
- Opening hours: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday to Thursday) | 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Friday to Sunday)
- Ticket price: General Park Admission: AED 335
- Location: E311 – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – Dubai
- Contact: +971-600-500-962 | +971-4-403-8888
LEGOLAND DUBAI
Make your family trip to the city more memorable by visiting Legoland Dubai. Suitable for kids aged 2 to 12 years as well as adults, this family entertainment spot in Dubai has plenty of Lego-themed rides and fun for everyone.
- Opening hours: 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Ticket price: Starting from AED 275
- Location: Park and Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai
- Contact: +971-4-820-0000 | +971-4-820-3123
Here are other amusement parks in Dubai.
- Splash Pad
- Adventureland
- SEGA Republic
- Hub Zero Dubai
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top tourist attractions in Dubai for families?
Dubai is famous for being home to renowned landmarks and attractions. Some of the most celebrated tourist attractions in Dubai for families include Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, and the many beautiful beaches.
One attraction opening up soon is the Dubai Mangrove Forest. If you love the outdoors, this place must be on your list.
What are the best places to visit in Abu Dhabi for tourists?
Residents and tourists will find a range of amazing tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi, including Warner Bros World and Yas Waterworld.
What are some of the best outdoor activities for kids in Dubai that families can enjoy?
There are many outdoor attractions in Dubai suitable for kids. The list includes parks, beaches, outdoor amusement parks and more.
This concludes our blog on family-friendly places in Dubai. There are still numerous activities and attractions that can be added to the list of things to do with families in Dubai.
Tourists willing to explore the whole country can find some amazing places to visit in the UAE, like the Hajar Mountains, the Khorfakkan Beach and Al Noor Island.
