Family fun – Free things to do with kids in Dubai
There is a common misconception that everything in Dubai is expensive…but that isn’t true. There are plenty of affordable and free activities in Dubai for budget sightseers out there. We’ve rounded up some of the best free things to do in Dubai with kids that guarantee a fun experience for the whole family.
FUN FREE THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI WITH KIDS
Looking for free family activities in Dubai? Our guide has got you covered.
FREE INDOOR KIDS ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI
As temperatures soar during the Dubai summer, many residents and visitors search for indoor places with free activities for little ones. Here is a list of indoor places offering free things to do in Dubai with kids.
GET CREATIVE AT THE JAMEEL ARTS CENTRE
Opened to the public in 2018, Jameel Arts Center is a contemporary art institution in the city that offers exhibition spaces, a library and an outdoor amphitheatre.
It is one of the best free places to visit in Dubai for growing your child’s creative side. Just keep an eye out on the events page on their website to know more about the workshops and other sessions currently taking place at the centre.
- Location: Jaddaf Waterfront, near the Palazzo Versace Hotel Dubai
- Timings: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 08:00 pm | Friday, 12:00 pm – 08:00 pm | Closed on Tuesday
- Contact: +971-4-873-9800
DISCOVER OLD CURRENCY AT THE COINS MUSEUM
Next up on our list of free things to do in Dubai with kids is visiting the Coins Museum in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. At the Coins Museum, you can view over 470 pieces of rare coins dating back to various eras. These are displayed in special cabinets allowing you to see both faces of the coins and information on the era they are from. All in all, this is a perfect spot to visit if you are looking for something educational and fun for your kids.
- Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Timings: 08:00 am – 11:30 pm
- Contact: +971-800-33-222
FREE AQUARIUM VISIT AT DUBAI MALL
Although you have to pay an entry fee to get into Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, kids and grown-ups can take in stunning views of the marine life at the Aquarium’s main tank for free.
The main aquarium tank at Dubai Mall is home to sharks, stingrays, clownfish and other sea creatures. It is one of the most popular indoor free places to visit with kids in Dubai.
- Location: Dubai Mall
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-800-38224-6255
CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE DUBAI DINO AT THE DUBAI MALL
Want to catch a glimpse of a majestic creature that roamed the Jurassic period? Then visit the dinosaur at Dubai Mall, known as Dubai Dino. It is the remains of a 155 million-year-old female dinosaur of the Diplodocus longus variety, characterised by its long neck. This is definitely one of the most interesting free activities for kids in Dubai if your child is a dino fanatic.
- Location: The Souk Dome in Dubai Mall
- Timings: 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-800-38224-6255
FREE OUTDOOR KIDS ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI
For families who prefer being outdoors, here is a list of some amazing free outdoor activities for kids in Dubai. While the afternoons are a bit too hot to venture outside, post 04:00 pm, the weather is pleasant enough to enjoy these free kid-friendly outdoor activities in Dubai.
VISIT THE FLAMINGOS AT RAS AL KHOR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
If your children love animals, the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary can definitely be one of the best free things to do in Dubai. The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary has a special place called the “Flamingo Hide Viewing Area”, an indoor space where you can view the beautiful birds in their natural habitat.
- Location: Ras Al Khor Flamingo Hide Viewing Area
- Timings: October to March 07:30 am – 05:30 pm | April to September 06:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Contact: +971-800-900
HEAD TO RIVERLAND DUBAI
Riverland Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts is a free place in Dubai that will transport you back in time. There are themed districts here that are free to explore: a French Village based on a medieval French town, a Boardwalk depicting 1950s America, an Asian-themed India Gate, and a 19th-century style piazza at The Peninsula.
Each district at Riverland Dubai offers a variety of dining, retail and entertainment outlets that you can access free of charge, making it one of the best places in Dubai to visit for free.
- Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
- Timings: Sunday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Contact: info@riverlanddubai.com
VISIT THE JUMEIRAH ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE
Looking for easy-to-do, free outdoor kids’ activities in Dubai? The Jumeirah Archeological Site in Jumeirah is a great place to visit. It hosts remnants of Abbasid settlements dating back to the 9th and 11th centuries. You can see building structures and other ancient treasures like pottery, coins, tools and more!
- Location: Al Wasl Street, Jumeirah 2
- Contact: +971-4-349-6874
ENJOY A DAY OUT AT BURJ PARK
Another great place with free outdoor kids activities in Dubai is Burj Park. This is a mini leisure attraction in Downtown Dubai alongside the Dubai Fountain Lake. It is known to host some of the best pop-up markets and festivals — with a range of activities and game stalls for kids. It features a few iconic statues that can offer a great photo-op too!
- Location: Burj Khalifa Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
- Timing: 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-366-1688
FREE VIEWS OF THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN
Dubai Fountain is one of the most mesmerising free places to visit with kids in Dubai. Charges apply for the boat rides and front-row seats; however, anyone can enjoy free views of the breathtaking dancing Dubai Fountain outside Dubai Mall.
- Location: Dubai Mall Downtown Dubai
- Timings: 24 hours
- Contact: +971-800-36227
EXPLORE THE STREETS OF AL SEEF
Al Seef is the final destination on our list of places with free things to do in Dubai with kids. This lifestyle destination by Meraas overlooks Dubai Creek, making it the perfect spot for an evening stroll with kids. It also offers the best free family activities in Dubai during cultural festivals such as Diwali, UAE National Day and more.
- Location: Al Seef District at the Dubai Creek
- Timing: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Contact: +971-800-738-245
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MUST-VISIT PLACES FOR KIDS IN DUBAI?
Legoland, Aquaventure Water Park, Wild Wadi Water Park and IMG Worlds of Adventures are popular places to visit with kids in Dubai. The newly launched Legoland Hotel in Dubai is steps away from the Legoland theme park. So, you need not worry about a place to stay.
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT DUBAI WITH KIDS IN THE SUMMER?
Although summers in Dubai are hot and humid, visitors need not worry as many attractions for kids are fully air-conditioned indoors.
That concludes our list of free kids’ activities in Dubai. We hope it helps you to plan a great day out for the family without blowing a hole in your bank account!
Looking for more options? These popular Dubai beaches are free and fun for the whole family. Does your little one have a big day coming up? We’ve put together a list of some fantastic places for a birthday party for kids in Dubai.
