Top indoor activities to beat the summer heat in Dubai
Summer is upon us, and that can mean only one thing…Dubai residents are on the hunt for things to do in the city that don’t involve getting baked in the epic seasonal heat! The good news? There are plenty of fun indoor activities in Dubai during summer that the whole family can enjoy. With that in mind, let’s take a look at all the exciting options in the emirate that can be enjoyed all year round.
BEST INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN DUBAI DURING SUMMER
From escape rooms to zip-lining in sub-zero temperatures, there are so many great indoor family activities in Dubai.
CHILL OUT AT FAMILY-FRIENDLY ATTRACTIONS IN DUBAI
DUBAI MALL ICE RINK
Experience a winter wonderland this summer at the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink. Designed for all ages, this is the perfect destination for a fun-filled weekend jam in Dubai. Skate and glide your way across the ice listening to the preppy tunes played by the in-house DJ, with no care for the summer heat outside!
- Prices: From AED 110
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Dubai Mall
- Contact: 800-DUBAI MALL (800-38224-6255)
SKI DUBAI
The third-largest indoor ski resort in the world, Ski Dubai is the perfect place to cool off from the infamous Dubai summer heat. Adrenaline-seekers can hit the slopes and the zip line, whilst others looking for a more slow-paced visit can head to the snow park or meet real-life penguins.
- Prices: From AED 220 for Snow Park Pass
- Timings:
- Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Friday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Saturday and Sunday, 09:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Mall of the Emirates
- Contact: +971-4-409-4000
iFLY DUBAI
If you dream of flying, iFLY Dubai can offer you a chance to experience simulated skydiving in the city. iFLY comprises a 10-metre-high vertical tunnel with strong simulated winds, allowing you to enjoy a gravity-defying soar indoors! It is one of the best indoor activities in Dubai for family time.
- Prices: From AED 149 (Beginners)
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Location: City Centre Mirdif – Ghoroob
- Contact: +971-4-231-6292
DUBAI AQUARIUM AND UNDERWATER ZOO
Get ready to explore one of the most beautiful aquariums in the world – the giant Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall. Home to more than 33,000 aquatic animals, the facility offers a great way to discover the underwater world. While the aquarium gives you a fish-eye view of marine life, the underwater zoo showcases magnificent species such as otters, seahorses….and piranhas!
- Prices: From AED 199 for a Regular Pass
- Location: Dubai Mall
- Timings: Monday to Friday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Contact: 800-DUBAI MALL (800-38224-6255)
GREEN PLANET
Green Planet at City Walk offers an awesome indoor experience for animal lovers. This man-made tropical rainforest is home to 3,000 plants and animals, ensuring its place among the top attractions with indoor games in Dubai. You can meet and greet fascinating creatures from the animal kingdom such as sloths, toucans and even pythons.
- Prices: From AED 155 for a Day Ticket
- Timings: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Location: City Walk, Al Wasl
- Contact: 800-7699
DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM
Dolphins, gotta love them right? Watch bottlenose dolphins and fur seals accomplishing astounding acrobatic feats at Dubai Dolphinarium this summer. It is one of the top indoor things to do in Dubai, the facility hosts a Dolphin & Seal Show where these much-loved creatures dance, juggle and play.
- Prices: From AED 98 for Dolphin and Seal Show (Adult) | AED 49 for children below 11 years
- Timings: Wednesday to Monday, 09:00 am – 07:00 pm | Closed on Tuesday
- Location: Creek Park Gate 1, Umm Hurrair 2 Street
- Contact: +971-4-336-9773
MAKE MERRY AT THESE POPULAR INDOOR PARKS IN DUBAI
IMG WORLDS OF ADVENTURE
IMG Worlds of Adventure is the largest indoor theme park in Dubai. It delivers non-stop entertainment, bringing your favourite childhood characters to life. Spend a fantastic day enjoying Marvel and Cartoon Network-themed rides!
- Price: AED 365 for general admission
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday, 12:00 pm – 11:00 pm
- Location: E311 – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
- Contract: +971-4-403-8888
KIDZANIA
KidZania is a make-believe town in Dubai where kids can pretend to be adults and indulge in over 80 role-playing activities. Designed to give them a taste of practical life, these activities cover almost all fields, ranging from media to the retail industry. At the completion of each activity, they’re given a wage in the form of Kidzos – the KidZania currency.
- Price: From AED 195 for an Economy Standard Ticket
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Level 2, Dubai Mall
- Contract: 800-DUBAI MALL (800-38224-6255)
BOUNCE
Bounce is the ultimate trampoline playground, one of the biggest of its kind and a sought-after indoor place to visit in Dubai. It’s so much more than just spring-loaded fun. Enjoy a game of dodgeball or basketball – on the trampolines! It is undoubtedly one of the best indoor activities for kids in Dubai.
- Prices: From AED 90 for 1 hour pass
- Timings:
- Dubai Festival City Mall: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Al Quoz: Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 09:00 pm | Sunday, 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Location: Al Quoz | Dubai Festival City Mall
- Contact: +971-4-304-9333
MAGIC PLANET
Magic Planet is the largest indoor edutainment venue in Dubai. It caters to people of all preferences. There’s a nice balance between activities that offer heart-pumping fun, as well as those that are a bit more relaxing. From arcade games to amusement rides, you’ll embark on an adventure to remember at this hub of fun.
- Prices: From AED 155 for entry
- Timings: Sunday to Wednesday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am (Mall of the Emirates)
- Location: Multiple including Mall of the Emirates
- Contact: +971-600-599-905
INDULGE IN ADRENALINE-PUMPING ACTIVITIES AT THESE ADVENTUROUS PLACES IN DUBAI
DUBAI KARTDROME
Dubai Kartdrome is all about go-karting in Dubai. With a fleet of tracks and circuits, this popular city-based venue offers you the chance to experience fast-paced go-kart racing in a safe and secure environment. Dubai Kartdrome also organises karting camps and private sessions.
- Price: From AED 150 for a 15-minute session (outdoor karting)
- Timings:
- Outdoor Kartdome: Daily, 09:00 am – 12:00 am
- Indoor Kartdome: Monday to Thursday, 02:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 09:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Motor City
- Contact: +971-800-527-8464
THE SMASH ROOM
Smash room is a surefire way to release your stress or built-up tension in Dubai. Book a session and break everything around you in Smash Room Dubai. You can even bring your own junk to destroy. Got things you want to break?
- Price: From AED 69 per person for entry-level
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 12:30 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 12:30 pm – 11:00 pm
- Location: 195 Umm Suqeim Street – Al Quoz Industrial Area 4
- Contact: +971-4-339-7810
ESCAPE ROOMS
Round up your friends, family or colleagues and head to escape rooms in Dubai. Escape rooms present immersive challenges, each designed with a different difficulty level and a unique set of mysteries. Team members need to combine their brain power and physical attributes to enjoy these indoor team-building activities in Dubai.
- Locations: Multiple, including Phobia Dubai in JLT and Escape Hunt in Jumeirah 1
PLAY DXB
Indulge yourself in a fantasy wonderland at Play DXB in Dubai Mall. This is an indoor virtual reality park that features amazing rides and experiences. It also offers multiplayer games for those who like to play in teams.
- Prices: From AED 200 for a single-day pass
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Dubai Mall
- Contact: 800-DUBAI MALL (800-38224-6255)
TEPFACTOR DUBAI
For the ultimate adventure, head on over to TEPfactor at JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence). It is an indoor adventure park themed around the popular TV show, ‘The Crystal Maze’. With 21 innovative challenges and puzzles, it puts your strength, agility and cognitive abilities to the test.
- Prices: AED 99 (Adults) | AED 79 (Kids)
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm – 12:00 am
- Location: Bahar Plaza, Al Gharbi Street- Jumeirah Beach Residence
- Contact: +971-56-404-0802
TAKE A GLIMPSE OF THE REGION’S PAST AND FUTURE AT THE MUSEUMS IN DUBAI
MUSEUM OF ILLUSIONS
This family-friendly attraction is packed with optical illusions and experiences that will turn your world upside down! Enjoy spinning vortex tunnels and anti-gravity rooms at the Museum of Illusions – where nothing is as it seems.
- Price: From AED 90 (Adults)
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Location: Al Seef – Dubai Creek
- Contact: +971-4-357-3999
AL SHINDAGHA MUSEUM
Shindagha Museum, which earlier served as the official residence of His Highness Saeed Al Maktoum, the former ruler of Dubai, now serves as a historic museum. Set off the historic Dubai Creek, it is reminiscent of the reverent traditions of the region’s past. The museum features touch displays, historic photographs, artefacts and so much more! It is also known as the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House in Dubai.
- Price: From AED 50 for entry (Adults)
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Location: Al Shindagha, Bur Dubai
- Contact: 800-33222
ETIHAD MUSEUM JUMEIRAH
Spanning over 25,000 sq. m., Etihad Museum offers a glimpse into the region’s heritage before the unification of the seven emirates. Discover photos, films and much more at this historic museum in Dubai.
- Price: From AED 25 (Adults)
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Location: Next to the Union Flag Building, Jumeirah Street 1- Al Mina
- Contact: 800-33222
GO FOR A SHOPPING SPREE IN DUBAI
DUBAI MALL
Located right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is a paradise for shopaholics in Dubai. Featuring more than 1200 stores, food and beverage outlets and multiple attractions, Dubai Malls combines shopping with fun and entertainment in the city.
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Financial Center Street, Along Sheikh Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa
- Contact: 800-DUBAI MALL (800-38224-6255)
MALL OF THE EMIRATES
With over 560 shops, a ski slope and a cinema complex, Mall of the Emirates is another popular shopping centre in Dubai. Shop, dine and stroll at this wonderful destination any day of the week. And if you feel like taking a break from wandering the stores, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to enjoy at the mall.
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1 – Al Barsha
- Contact: 800-663-6255
DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL
Gracing Dubai’s glitzy retail scene, Dubai Festival City Mall is another epic shopping precinct in the city. It’s home to over 350 stores, including the local shops as well as the world’s top retail brands. On the way back from the mall, visitors can also experience the mesmerising water, light and laser projection show – IMAGINE at Festival Bay.
- Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am – 12:00 am
- Location: Crescent Road – Dubai Festival City
- Contact: 800-332
BONUS LIST: WATERPARKS TO VISIT IN DUBAI DURING SUMMER
Want to cool in the pool in Dubai during summer? Maybe, you can check out the following waterparks in Dubai.
WILD WADI WATERPARK
Grab the whole family for a fun day out at Wild Wadi Waterpark. Located next to the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, it is themed around the Arabian folk character, Juha. Wild Wadi offers many fun rides and slides for the young in age, the young at heart and the adrenaline-seekers!
- Prices: From AED 215 for day pass (Adults)
- Timings: Daily, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Location: Opposite Burj Al Arab – Jumeirah Street, Umm Suqeim 3
- Contact: +971-4-348-4444
LEGOLAND WATERPARK
Offering heart-pounding thrills, Legoland Waterpark is a great addition to your itinerary. It features more than 20 fun-filled rides, slides and activities, with the Duplo Splash Safari being a popular favourite with toddlers. Children can also flex their brains with the edutainment activity, ‘Build-A-Boat’.
- Prices: From AED 295 per person for 1-day ticket (when you book online)
- Timings: Thursday and Friday, 10:00 am – 06:00 pm | Saturday to Tuesday, 10:00 am – 07:00 pm | Closed on Wednesday
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road
- Contact: +971-4-820-0000
ATLANTIS AQUAVENTURE WATERPARK
Aquaventure Waterpark in Dubai is one of the premier waterparks in the world, located in Atlantis The Palm. It offers a wide range of attractions suitable for all ages. Enjoy the thrilling rides such as The Leap of Faith, Poseidon’s Revenge and Aquaconda.
- Prices: AED 320 per person for a day pass
- Timings: Daily, 09:45 am – 06:30 pm
- Location: Atlantis, The Palm
- Contact: +971-4-426-0000
FAQs about Summer Indoor Activities in Dubai
ARE THERE ANY FREE PLACES IN DUBAI TO VISIT WITH FAMILY?
There are plenty of family places to visit in Dubai for free. Make sure to add the Jameel Arts Centre and Coffee Museum to your itinerary as free indoor activities to experience in Dubai.
WHAT TO DO WHEN IT’S HOT IN DUBAI?
Dubai offers a vast array of leisure and entertainment activities that can be enjoyed all year round. The best things to do in summer in Dubai include watching movies at the cinema, visiting the beach and enjoying a pool day at one of the beach clubs in the emirate.
WHAT ATTRACTIONS ARE CLOSED IN DUBAI DURING SUMMER?
Most outdoor attractions in Dubai are closed during hotter summer months. For instance Dubai Safari, Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village are closed for the summer season.
That brings an end to our guide to Dubai summer activities. While many of these activities require you to visit the some of the city’s iconic landmarks anyways, you can still see which of the top tourist attractions in Dubai you haven’t visited yet!
Aside from Dubai, there are fabulous destinations in the UAE, spread across all seven emirates, that you can explore and enjoy with the family. From beaches to theme parks, the options are never-ending.
