Towering skyscrapers, packed shopping malls, and the most daring adventure activities – Dubai may not appear kid-friendly at first sight. But, the fact is that it is a great place to travel with your little ones of all age groups. There are so many cool and diverse things to experience here that it is never a tedious task to engage your kids during a Dubai holiday. So, are you looking for amazing things to do in Dubai with family and kids? This extensive list is just for you.

Exciting Dubai with family

1. Admire Dubai from the World’s Tallest Building

For this, get your tickets to ‘At the Top’ observation deck on the 124^th or 148^th level of Burj Khalifa – the tallest structure in the world. Adults and kids alike will enjoy the striking 360 degree views over the whole of Dubai and beyond from here. Moreover, fun and thrill are guaranteed with the swift elevator ride which whizzes you to the observation deck in less than a minute.

2. Discover Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

It is one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums, which you will find inside the largest-of-its-kind Dubai Mall, next to Burj Khalifa. Moreover this mammoth aquarium holds up to 10 million liters of water and boasts of more than 33,000 marine creatures. They include the mighty sharks, rays, and clownfish to name a few. Your little ones will be definitely awed as they walk through the 48 meters long underwater tunnel and further take a look at the residents of the underwater zoo, mainly the giant King Crocs (of over 750 kilograms).

3. Take to Dubai Ice Rink

This is another fun spot that you should not miss when you travel to Dubai with family. It is an Olympic-size ice rink in the Dubai Mall, where people of all age groups and skill levels can enjoy ice skating during any part of the year. With colorful and attractive skating aids available by way of snowman, penguin pals etc, it is even deal for your tiny ones below 100 centimeters.

4. Challenge the Reality at Museum of Illusions

Most kids dread a museum visit. But, Museum of Illusions is an exception as it is a draw for all generations. Contrary to a traditional museum with historical objects, this museum is packed to brim with immersive and interactive exhibits which amuse and complicate your brain at the same time. So let your kids have some epic fun and entertainment as they explore this unusual yet super intriguing world of optical illusions. From the Ames Room that will make you look giant or dwarf (based on where you stand) to the unbelievable Anti-Gravity Room and the exhilarating ever Vortex Tunnel, you can be assured there is never a gray moment here.

5. Rise High Above the City on Ain Dubai

Ferris wheel is a favorite of both grown-ups and kids. In Dubai, you can double the adventure and excitement with a ride on its recently opened Ferris wheel, Ain Dubai. After all, it is the highest of its kind which is perched 250 meters off the ground. Unlike a conventional observation wheel, it has completely enclosed cabins that are air-conditioned and super spacious as well. So let your kids comfortably roam in the cabin as you click some stunning snaps of Dubai’s skyline and iconic landmarks (such as Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah etc) during its 40 minutes rotation. It is located at Dubai’s waterfront neighborhood, Bluewaters Island.

6. Get Up Close with Your Favorite Celebrity

Whether you or your kids are a fan of sports, movie superstars or music celebs, Madame Tussauds Dubai gives you the rare chance to strike a pose with your most much-loved personalities. It is the Arabian world’s first Madame Tussauds Museum. Wander around its seven zones where the marvelous life-like wax models of both international and Middle Eastern stars are sure to take your breath away. It is right next to Ain Dubai at Bluewaters Island.

7. Throw Snow at Ski Dubai

One of the greatest things about being in Dubai is that you can breathe in life even to your weirdest fancies. So, if anyone in your group craves for some icy adventure in this desert city, head out to Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates. But, this is not any ordinary fun spot. It is one of the world’s largest indoor ski resorts with tonnes of snow, high-end skiing slopes (perfect for all abilities) and a huge snow park. No matter you wish to try authentic winter activities or simply want to unwind and bliss out in a snow setting, Ski Dubai promises you an unforgettable outing in Dubai.

8. Soar High at BOUNCE Dubai

It is the first freestyle terrain park in the world. Yes, it is where both your kid and inner kid can bring out their full energy. With two locations in Al Qouz and Dubai Festival City, it allows you to get your fill of fun and freestyle in an absolutely safe and controlled setting. What’s more, there is an exclusive Junior Jumper section for your active smaller ones below 110 centimeters. Spanning over 200 square meters, this kid-specific space, known as BOUNCE-X, is complete with freejump trampoline, climb and slide tower, climbing attractions, and soft play options.

9. Spend a day at LEGOLAND

LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park are the top attractions for families traveling to Dubai with smaller ones from 2 to 12 years. These LEGO®-inspired parks come with a huge spectrum of rides, slides and other attractions which make it a haven for a fun-and-thrill packed family getaway. With several ticket options to choose from, it is up to you whether you choose to discover both parks together or just one of them. They are located inside the region’s first integrated resort – Dubai Parks and Resort, means you get to discover its other parks as well, such as Motiongate Dubai and Bollywood Parks Dubai.

10. Visit IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds Dubai is one of the beloved destinations for both young and young at heart. From Marvel and Cartoon Network to the Lost Valley and IMG Boulevard, there are four zones inspired by your favorite Marvel Superheroes, the most adored Cartoon Characters, and the fascinating dinosaurs. So get ready to drop, swirl, twist and zoom across IMG’s innovative rides as they guarantee you the adventure and amusement of the lifetime.

11. Get Your Fill of Water Thrill at Dubai’s Largest Water Park

Adjacent to the imposing Atlantis, The Palm resort on the legendary Palm Jumeirah is one of Dubai’s ultimate water parks, Aquaventure Waterpark. It boasts of about 80 rides, slides and other attractions that are ideal for people of all age groups. Looking for heart-racing aquatic thrill? Take to its Leap of Faith, Poseidon’s Revenge, Aquaconda, and Zoomerango, among others. And that’s not all, there is Splashers exclusively created for kids including tots, teens and everyone in between. You can further pair your visit here with entry tickets to Dolphin Bay and the Lost Chambers Aquarium which are in the vicinity.

12. Desert Safari

Whether you are joined by adventurists, nature lovers or culture buffs, desert safari is one activity that would surely appeal to all. With an expert guide, it allows you to navigate the endless seas of Arabian Desert sands on a 4X4 dune bash. Furthermore, exciting activities follow as you make your way to the Bedouin-style desert camp. After a traditional Emirati style welcome with Arabian dates and coffee, be prepared for some intriguing cultural experiences with camel ride, henna tattooing, and Shisha smoking.

13. Travel Around the World at Dubai Expo 2020

Dubai now plays hosts to the world’s greatest ever EXPO event, Dubai Expo 2020 (1^st October 2021 to 31^st March 2022). Moreover if you are traveling to Dubai during this period, don’t miss this epic event. Its colossal site at Dubai South features over 190 countries; each of them presents its culture, innovation and cuisine in a way that you never imagined, making it a must-experience for all levels of people.

14. Meet the Cool Residents of Dubai Safari Park

More than 3000 creatures including mammals, carnivores, reptiles and primates live on the 119-hectare Dubai Safari Park. It has four beautifully laid-out sections (Arabian Desert Safari, African Village, Asian Village and Explorer Village), which let you see both animals brought from different parts of the world in a setting that is nothing short of their natural habitat. From elephant and bird feeding to the pulse-pounding drive-through safari journey, you also get to be part of some cool experiences on your visit here.

15. Get Wild at Aventura Park

Aventura Park covers nearly 35,000 square meters which makes it the Middle East’s largest treetop adventure park. Featuring 80 obstacles, 24 ziplines and six circuits suitable for every ability, this cool nature park has everything to keep all members in your family (including your smaller ones above 1.05 meters) occupied from start to end.  Being a part of Mushrif Park, you can combine a trip here with the park’s other amazing attractions such as Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre and International Village.

Conclusion

The best thing about a family holiday in Dubai is that you will find plenty of attractions for kids, mixed in with the right measure of adult amusement. Whether you plan to visit Dubai for an action-packed getaway or to spend some quality moments with your family, Dubai ticks off all the boxes. So visit Dubai with family and return with the treasured memories of a lifetime.

This post is a guest contribution by Neha Singh. Neha loves exploring new places, trying local cuisines, and learning about the culture and history of a place. She also loves painting, watching movies, and playing guitar.

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