Dubai for Families

☀️ Winter warmth and adventure

If the grey skies and rain are getting you down, grab the whole family and escape to Dubai! It’s the perfect destination for a winter getaway – it’s usually just a direct flight away, but when you step off the plane, it’s like you travelled to the other side of the world. Let the winter sun and inviting temperature melt away all your daily troubles as you and the family swim, slide, sail and skydive(?!) all your winter blues away.

Make memories for a lifetime

Sit back and get caught up in the fun as our families lead you on a tour of Dubai with their little ones. Experience just a fraction of what the city offers for kids, from beaches and watersports to inspiring museums to relaxing parks – always finishing off with the best restaurants for picky eaters.

The Kabs Family

This busy family prioritises two things: love and exciting new destinations – and Dubai offered them lots of both. All five family members had an amazing time at Hatta nature resort, away from the city’s bustling environment. See the fun outdoor activities they enjoy throughout the day, before relaxing in their luxury trailer for the night.

The Kabs Family’s favourite places

The family has a high-flying adventure up in the sky as they balance and climb an obstacle course. The parents then take off on a fast-paced zipline ride where their courage is put to the test. Chan’s advice? Definitely do it – don’t overthink it.

This beautiful area right next to the lake offers a rustic experience with plenty of luxurious benefits, like delicious meals served onsite, comfortable accommodation, campfires and star-gazing.

The Kabs finish their time at Hatta nature resort with a peaceful kayaking experience. Though it’s their first time, they quickly learn the tricks and enjoy quality family time in the lake surrounded by majestic mountains.

The Chapman Family

Jim, mum Sarah and toddler Margot had been looking forward to some time to unwind in Dubai as a family. However, even though there’s so much to do in Dubai, it’s hard to get away from the hotel when Margot can’t get enough of the pool and water area. See what else made Margot (and her parents) happy when visiting.

The Chapman Family’s favourite places

This experimental kids museum gives hands-on lessons about physics, science, technology and nature and art so young imaginations can wander, wonder and learn. Kids can explore and discover at their own pace as they try more than 40 interactive exhibits in eight galleries.

To get a taste of a more authentic Dubai, come to Al Seef. This large open-air market offers many shops where you can buy lovely souveniers, see live performances, and let the kids run and play. Al Fanar restaurant cooks up fish dishes in true Emirati style, from popular family recipes.

Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall may look small compared to its neighbour, but in fact, it’s one of the largest malls in the world. It features 1,300 retail stores and 200 food and beverage options to shoppers of all kinds. It also has a huge variety of entertainment outlets.

You simply cannot come to Dubai without visiting the tallest building in the world. Since its inauguration in 2010, the Burj Khalifa has loomed over the city with its 829.8 m of height. To truly realise this immense height, visit the Observation Decks at the top of the building.

Special prices for the whole family!

A family trip to Dubai doesn’t have to break the bank – see the hotels where kids stay for free.

Learn more

Our Tiny Tribe

This UK mum and her two little ones take off on an adventure to sought-after Dubai. After hearing that Dubai is amazing for families with kids, mum Ebony had had Dubai on her bucket list for ages. See what they get up to and which activities score the most points with the kids.

Our Tiny Tribe’s favourite places

Located in the Dubai Mall, this huge aquarium is home to more than 140 species of marine animals. Children wanting to get their feet wet in the underwaterworld can try snorkeling with the sea life, learn about sharks and rays, witness a frenzied feeding, meet playful otters and get close in the viewing tunnel.

This huge light exhibition is a dreamlike universe for children. They’ll love entering chambers into other words and being completely immersed in the colours and sounds. AYA is an interactive exhibition where touching and playing with the light installations is highly encouraged – so you won’t have to worry about them breaking anything.

Located conveniently at the all-inclusive Riu Hotel, this water park has just about every water feature a kid could ever dream of. The hotel also offers three swimming pools and two childrens’ pools. When the little ones get hungry, there’s no need to get frazzled – just take advantage of the many on-site restaurants and snack bars to quickly fill up tiny tummies.

The Murnane Family

This busy mother of three boys returns to Dubai with the whole family to experience all the kid-friendly madness of the city. They get hopping excited at the beach, get up close and personal with dinosaurs, splashed around at a water park, and eat food that any kid would love.

The Murnane Family’s favourite places

Located at the centre of all the fun, this beach is perfect for kids of all ages who want some water fun or just dig their toes into some sand. The beach is large enough for everyone and offers all manner of activities and food options. Stick around for its epic sunsets.

Have hours of fun and movement on the world’s largest inflatable aqua park at this beach. Children can jump, slide, dodge, fall and get wet on this long stretch of bouncy obstacle course. What more could a kid want?

The little ones will be enchanted at Dubai Garden Glow, where larger-than-life works of art, animals and flowers light up and glow when evening falls. Step into prehistoric times at Dinosaur Park and be greeted by walking, lifelike dinosaurs. Kids will love interacting with the learning displays or simply gazing up at the life-sized dino sculptures.

Come along with kids of all ages to this fun amusement park. Spend the day fighting creatures of the Underworld, joining the Ghostbusters on a hunt, or just hanging out with the Smurfs or the characters from Hotel Transylvania. The park includes rides for all adrenaline levels and live action shows.

Pay less for your family’s hotel stay.

Did you know there are many hotels in Dubai where kids can stay and even eat for free? Some hotels even include free entry to the kids clubhouse or to nearby attractions for their young guests. Browse through the accommodations that offer special deals for kids and save big on your family holiday.

The Carter Family

Lucy, Jordan and their four kids pack their bags and take off from London to Dubai. They discover all the city’s best free beaches, super kid-friendly restaurants, and most fun and charming playgrounds. Get their recommendations on where to go when you need to keep the little ones entertained and happy.

The Carter Family’s favourite places

The kids will love this gorgeous nature park full of green space to give that oasis feel. There are small forests, beautiful gardens, gentle animals, wooden structures to run around on, areas to have fun with mud, waterfalls and streams, and even vegetable gardens. Kids can explore the beauty of nature even in the middle of the city.

Though it originally got its name from the masses of kite surfers who flok to the area, this free beach is so much more. The whole area gives off a fun, relaxed vibe for the family to catch some rays, swim and play in the sand on the beach. Or hire a kitesurfing kit, SUP board or wakeboard before discovering which food truck has the best fill-me-up.

When you’re hungry but want to do more than just visit a restaurant, go to Time Out Market. This huge indoor marketplace features 17 restaurants, three bars, a huge outdoor terrace and several shops. Eat your fill from some of the best restaurants in the city as you view the beautiful outdoor fountains just nearby.