Ultimate Dubai Family Attractions Guide
From snowy slopes inside a mall to desert sunsets, theme parks, aquariums, and sky-high views, this ultimate Dubai attractions guide pulls everything into one place so you can build a trip your kids will talk about for years.
Quick Trip Tools for Planning Dubai with Kids
Open these in new tabs, then come back and build your perfect family itinerary.
- Flights to Dubai: Compare routes, prices, and times to match nap schedules and school breaks.
Search flights for your Dubai dates - Family hotels & resorts: Browse family-friendly stays across Downtown, Marina, Palm Jumeirah and more.
See family hotels and apartments in Dubai - Car rentals: Helpful if you’re visiting multiple attractions in one day or staying outside the Metro line.
Compare car rentals in Dubai - Attraction tickets & passes: Skip queues and lock in flexible entry times for the big-name sights.
Browse Dubai attraction tickets and tours - Travel insurance for families: We like SafetyWing for flexible coverage that works across borders and trip styles.
Check SafetyWing family travel insurance
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How to Use This Ultimate Attractions Guide
Think of this page as your master control panel for Dubai with kids. Each attraction below gets a warm-up overview, what to expect with children, ideal ages, and how long to plan. When you’re ready to go deeper, you can click through to the dedicated guide for step-by-step details, packing tips, and suggested itineraries just for that spot.
This guide pairs perfectly with the Ultimate Dubai Family Neighborhood Guide, so you can match where you stay with what you want to do. Use this attractions page to decide the “Do That”, and the neighborhood guide to choose your “Stay Here.”
Pro tip: Start by highlighting 4–6 “non-negotiable” attractions for your kids, then build your hotel choice and metro or car routes around those anchors. It reduces decision fatigue and makes your days flow better.
Burj Khalifa — The “We Really Went to Dubai” Moment
No matter how many times you’ve seen it in photos, standing at the base of the Burj Khalifa and then riding up to the viewing decks feels surreal. It’s the kind of “we really did it” moment that anchors a family trip, especially for kids who’ve only ever seen the world’s tallest building on YouTube or in textbooks.
With children, the key is timing and pacing. The experience is very stroller-friendly, but there are queues, elevators, and sensory overload to consider. Younger kids might be more wowed by the fountains and lights outside, while older ones will really feel the height and skyline views.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids, tweens, and teens (little ones still enjoy the views and fountains).
- Plan for: 2–3 hours including arrival, security, ride up, time at the top, and souvenir/photo moments.
To make the day smoother, consider booking timed-entry tickets in advance so you’re not stuck in long queues at peak hours:
See Burj Khalifa ticket options and combos
When you’re ready for the detailed version with photo angles, timing tips, and step-by-step planning, open the full guide:
Read the full Burj Khalifa Family Travel Guide
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Calm, Cool, and Kid-Friendly
In the middle of Dubai Mall you’ll find a massive aquarium wall that stops kids in their tracks. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the easiest big-name attractions to do with children because it’s all indoors, stroller-friendly, and full of gentle, curious “wow” moments rather than loud thrills.
You can admire a lot from the outside for free, but going inside gives you the tunnel walk-through experience, rays gliding overhead, and the upstairs Underwater Zoo with themed zones and animal encounters.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: Toddlers through tweens; teens still enjoy it as a calmer stop in a busy mall day.
- Plan for: 1.5–3 hours depending on how slowly your kids move through exhibits.
Aquarium passes are often bundled with other attractions, so it can be smart to look at combo tickets:
Browse Dubai Aquarium tickets and combo passes
For a full walkthrough including stroller tips, nap-window timing, and how to pair it with food and play inside Dubai Mall, use the dedicated guide:
Read the Dubai Aquarium Family Travel Guide
Dubai Mall, KidZania, Play DXB & Ice Rink — One Mega Day Indoors
If you want a day where everyone gets something they love without leaving the building, this cluster of attractions at Dubai Mall is it. You’ve got role-play city KidZania, immersive digital rides at Play DXB (formerly VR Park), an Olympic-sized ice rink, the fountain show outside, and endless food options within minutes of each other.
For kids, it feels like the center of the universe. For parents, it’s a relief: air conditioning, restrooms, stroller space, and short walking distances between very different experiences. You can do this cluster as a full day or stretch pieces of it across multiple days in your itinerary.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids and tweens; teens still enjoy skating, gaming at Play DXB, and the fountain show.
- Plan for: 1 half-day for one major attraction, or a full day to mix KidZania, Play DXB, and the rink.
Look for flexible entry passes, especially if you want to keep plans loose around energy and jet lag:
See Dubai Mall attraction ticket bundles
For a full breakdown of which ages do best at KidZania, Play DXB, and the ice rink, plus how to structure a full-day loop with breaks and snacks:
Read the Dubai Mall + KidZania + Play DXB + Ice Rink Family Guide
Dubai Miracle Garden — Storybook Flowers in the Desert
Dubai Miracle Garden feels like walking into a storybook illustration. Massive floral sculptures, heart-shaped arches, and colorful paths make it a dream spot for family photos, especially if you love bright colors and soft evening light.
It’s an outdoor attraction and seasonal, so it’s best enjoyed when the weather is cooler and the light is softer — typically mornings or late afternoons if you’re visiting with younger kids.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: All ages; especially fun for kids who love flowers, butterflies, and photo moments.
- Plan for: 2–3 hours including slower strolls, snack breaks, and photos.
You can often bundle Miracle Garden with nearby attractions in one outing:
See Miracle Garden entry and combo options
For seasonal timing, shade tips, and how to pair this with other sights on the same side of the city:
Read the Miracle Garden Dubai Family Travel Guide
Global Village — Nighttime Energy, Food, and Culture
Global Village is what happens when you mix food markets, carnival rides, live performances, and global pavilions into one glowing nighttime experience. It’s busy, colorful, and full of energy — best suited for families who enjoy a bit of buzz and don’t mind crowds.
For kids, the biggest highlights are usually the rides, snacks, and live shows. For parents, it’s a fun way to give kids a gentle “around the world” feel in a single night while also picking up souvenirs and tasting different cuisines.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids, tweens, and teens who can handle later evenings.
- Plan for: 4–5 hours from early evening into night.
Since it’s seasonal and traffic can build up, it’s worth checking current hours and event schedules in advance:
Explore Global Village tickets and evening tours
For a deeper breakdown of rides, pavilions, and family pacing ideas:
Read the Global Village Dubai Family Travel Guide
Atlantis Aquaventure — Big Slides, Lazy Rivers, and Palm Jumeirah Views
Atlantis Aquaventure is where you go when your family wants a full, splash-heavy day. Think record-breaking water slides, gentle splash zones, a long lazy river, and private beach access, all wrapped into the Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeirah.
It’s a big day with a lot of walking and water time, so this one shines when your kids are comfortable in the water and you’re in the mood for a dedicated “resort-style” outing.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: Confident swimmers, school-age kids through teens. There are shallow and splash areas for younger children.
- Plan for: A full day — 6–8 hours including breaks, lunch, and slower laps around the lazy river.
Day passes and bundles can vary, so it’s worth comparing ahead of time:
Check Atlantis Aquaventure day passes and combos
For locker strategies, what to bring, and how to pair this with staying on the Palm:
Read the Atlantis Aquaventure Dubai Family Travel Guide
Burj Al Arab — Iconic Sail-Shaped Luxury (Even If You Don’t Stay There)
The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab is one of the most recognizable silhouettes in Dubai. While staying here with kids is a serious splurge, you can still make it part of a family day with photo stops from nearby public areas, beach time, or a special-occasion meal.
For many families, this becomes the “special dress-up moment” of the trip. It’s less about rides and more about atmosphere, architecture, and feeling like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: All ages for photo stops; older kids and teens appreciate the luxury inside.
- Plan for: 1–3 hours depending on whether you’re just passing by or enjoying a meal or experience inside.
Some experiences and viewpoints are best booked in advance, especially for sunset times:
See Burj Al Arab experiences and viewpoints
For family-photo timing, nearby beach options, and how to fold this into a coastal day:
Read the Burj Al Arab Family Travel Guide
Dubai Frame — Old vs New Dubai in One View
Dubai Frame is a giant gold-colored frame that you can actually go inside, with glass floors and panoramic views that show historic neighborhoods on one side and the newer skyline on the other. For kids, the glass floor walk is a huge thrill; for adults, it’s a surprisingly reflective way to see how much the city has changed.
It’s less intense than Burj Khalifa, but still gives a strong sense of place. The indoor portions and elevator ride also make it manageable in hotter months.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids, tweens, and teens, plus adults who love city viewpoints.
- Plan for: 1.5–2.5 hours including entry, viewing, and photos.
Lines can be longer around sunset and weekends, so flexible timed-entry can help:
Browse Dubai Frame tickets and tours
For height tips, kid reactions, and how to pair this with nearby neighborhoods:
Read the Dubai Frame Family Travel Guide
Jumeirah Mosque — A Gentle, Beautiful Introduction to Local Culture
Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few mosques in Dubai that opens its doors to non-Muslim visitors for guided tours. It’s a lovely way for families to learn about local culture, architecture, and traditions in a welcoming, question-friendly setting.
The pace is calm and reflective, and guides are used to explaining things at a level kids can understand. Many parents find this experience anchors the rest of the trip, giving context to the call to prayer, modest dress, and daily life in the city.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids and older who can listen quietly during parts of the tour.
- Plan for: 1.5–2 hours including arrival, tour, and questions.
Check current tour times and modest dress guidelines before you go. Some tours can be reserved in advance:
See cultural tours including Jumeirah Mosque
For detailed dress examples, what kids can expect, and how to talk about mosque etiquette in a positive way:
Read the Jumeirah Mosque Family Travel Guide
Desert Safari — Sand Dunes, Sunset, and Starry Skies
A desert safari is often the emotional highlight of a Dubai trip. Dune drives, sandboarding, camel rides, camp dinners, and nighttime shows give kids the feeling that they’ve stepped into an entirely different world just outside the city lights.
Safaris can vary a lot: some are very action-heavy; others lean more toward gentle rides and cultural experiences. The key is matching the style of safari to your children’s ages and comfort levels.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids, tweens, and teens. Families with very young children may prefer softer dune drives or private options.
- Plan for: Half-day to evening — typically 6–7 hours including hotel pickup and drop-off.
Choosing a reputable operator is important here. It’s worth reading reviews and paying a bit more for safety and quality:
Compare Dubai desert safari options
For motion-sickness tips, what to wear on the dunes, and how to choose between morning, evening, and overnight safaris:
Read the Desert Safari Dubai Family Travel Guide
IMG Worlds of Adventure — Indoor Theme Park for All-Day Play
IMG Worlds of Adventure is one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, which means your big ride day can happen in full air-conditioning. The park blends cartoon zones, superheroes, and thrill rides, with plenty of mid-level attractions for families who fall somewhere between “tiny tot” and “roller coaster addict.”
Because it’s all indoors, it also doubles as a weather-proof backup plan for hotter days or rare rainy spells.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids, tweens, and teens who enjoy coasters and themed rides.
- Plan for: A full day — 5–8 hours depending on queues and ride priorities.
Skip-the-line and flexible tickets can make a big difference here:
See IMG Worlds of Adventure ticket options
For height requirements, zone-by-zone breakdowns, and how to build a “must-do” ride list with your kids:
Read the IMG Worlds of Adventure Family Travel Guide
Motiongate Dubai — Movie-Themed Rides in the Desert
Motiongate Dubai blends Hollywood-style theming with outdoor coasters, family rides, and character moments. It’s part of the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex, which means you can easily pair it with other parks or keep the focus here and move at a relaxed pace with kids.
Expect outdoor walking and desert heat, so this is best planned for cooler seasons or milder parts of the day.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: School-age kids through teens who enjoy movie worlds and roller coasters.
- Plan for: At least 5–7 hours, especially if you want to do major coasters without rushing.
Day passes can sometimes be combined with other nearby parks, so it’s worth comparing:
Browse Motiongate Dubai tickets and combos
For shade strategies, character meet-and-greet tips, and how to combine this with other parks at Dubai Parks and Resorts:
Read the Motiongate Dubai Family Travel Guide
Ski Dubai — A Winter Day Inside Mall of the Emirates
Ski Dubai, often called Sky Dubai in some materials, is the indoor snow park that turns a hot desert trip into a full-blown winter day. Inside Mall of the Emirates, you’ll find real snow, ski and snowboard runs, a snow park, and penguin encounters, all just an elevator ride away from coffee and shops.
For kids, the contrast is magic — one minute they’re in T-shirts in the mall, the next they’re bundled up, making snowballs and riding sleds.
Best Ages & Time Needed
- Best for: All ages, with different zones for toddlers, kids, and teens who want slope time.
- Plan for: 3–5 hours for a snow park session; longer if adding lessons or additional activities.
To keep things easy, look at passes that include clothing and gear, especially if you’re not packing winter coats:
Compare Ski Dubai snow park and slope tickets
For cold-weather layering tips, how to split time between younger and older kids, and how to turn this into a “Mall of the Emirates day”:
Read the Ski Dubai (Sky Dubai) Family Travel Guide
Where to Stay for Dubai’s Major Attractions
The easiest way to keep Dubai fun instead of exhausting is to match your hotel location to the attractions that matter most to your family. You don’t need to be right next door to everything, but shaving 20–30 minutes off of daily transit adds up quickly with kids.
For Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall
Look at Downtown Dubai. You’ll be close to fountains, the mall, the aquarium, KidZania, Play DXB, and plenty of dining. Perfect for first-time trips where these sights anchor your days.
For Beach Days & Theme Parks
Dubai Marina, JBR, and Bluewaters Island put you near the beach, Ain Dubai, and an easy highway route to theme parks and desert safaris.
For Waterparks & Palm Vibes
Palm Jumeirah is ideal if Atlantis Aquaventure is a non-negotiable and you want resort-style downtime built in.
Start by choosing your “home base” area with the neighborhood guide, then browse family stays that match your budget and style:
Open the Ultimate Dubai Family Neighborhood Guide
Browse family-friendly hotels and apartments in Dubai
Where to Eat Near the Big Family Attractions
Dubai makes feeding families relatively easy. Around every big attraction, you’ll find a mix of food courts, kid-friendly chains, and local spots that gently push picky eaters to try something new without feeling overwhelming.
A few patterns to keep in mind:
- Malls (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates): Endless options, great for mixed tastes and quick bites between activities.
- Palm Jumeirah & Atlantis: Resort-style dining with plenty of kid-friendly choices and scenic views.
- Marina & JBR: Promenade cafés and beachfront options make it easy to pair meals with a stroll.
- Global Village & Miracle Garden: Focus more on on-site snacks and food stalls, mixed with a planned meal before or after your visit.
When in doubt, plan at least one meal a day in a calmer, sit-down spot where everyone can reset before the next attraction.
Getting Around Dubai with Kids
Dubai is more spread out than many European cities, but it’s still very doable with kids when you plan your transport around your anchor attractions and neighborhoods.
- Metro: Great for Downtown, Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and some mall-based attractions. Air-conditioned and stroller-friendly.
- Taxis & ride apps: Widely available and practical when you’re traveling with gear or younger kids.
- Rental car: Helpful if you’re staying longer, visiting multiple outer attractions (theme parks, Global Village, Miracle Garden), or prefer your own schedule.
Compare rental cars for your Dubai dates
For official city transport information and updates, you can also check the local tourism board and transport resources:
Visit Dubai — official tourism website
Sample Dubai Family Itineraries Using These Attractions
Use these as starting points, then swap in your own must-do attractions and rest days.
3-Day “First Taste of Dubai” Itinerary
- Day 1: Dubai Mall + Aquarium + fountains in the evening. Optional ice rink or Play DXB add-on.
- Day 2: Burj Khalifa in the morning, pool or rest in the afternoon, desert safari in the late afternoon/evening.
- Day 3: Miracle Garden or Global Village (depending on season), relaxed dinner near your hotel.
5-Day “Balanced Adventure & Downtime” Itinerary
- Day 1: Downtown day — Dubai Mall, Aquarium, Burj Khalifa, fountains.
- Day 2: Atlantis Aquaventure (or hotel pool + shorter attraction if kids are younger).
- Day 3: Ski Dubai + Mall of the Emirates, easy evening nearby.
- Day 4: Desert safari evening, restful morning at the hotel or a neighborhood walk.
- Day 5: Choose between IMG Worlds, Motiongate, or Global Village depending on ages and energy.
7-Day “Big Dubai Trip with Kids” Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive, settle in, neighborhood exploration using the neighborhood guide.
- Day 2: Dubai Mall cluster + Burj Khalifa.
- Day 3: Atlantis Aquaventure or dedicated beach day.
- Day 4: Miracle Garden (seasonal) + evening at Global Village.
- Day 5: Ski Dubai + Mall of the Emirates.
- Day 6: Theme park day at IMG Worlds or Motiongate.
- Day 7: Jumeirah Mosque + Dubai Frame + souvenir shopping or a repeat of your kids’ favorite stop.
Best Time to Visit Dubai with Kids
Dubai is technically a year-round destination, but the way you use this attractions list will shift with the season.
| Season | Weather & Vibe | Best Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Nov – Mar | Cooler, more comfortable for outdoor time. | Desert safari, Miracle Garden, Global Village, beach days, walking neighborhoods. |
| Apr – May / Oct | Warm to hot, but manageable with breaks. | Mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, earlier or later in the day. |
| Jun – Sep | Very hot; focus on AC and shade. | Ski Dubai, Dubai Mall cluster, IMG Worlds, indoor play, short evening safaris. |
Regardless of season, keep water, hats, and sun protection handy — and build in real downtime so kids can reset.
What to Pack for Dubai’s Major Attractions
You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe for Dubai, but a few smart pieces make attractions days much smoother.
Everyday Essentials
- Light, breathable clothing.
- Comfortable walking shoes or sandals.
- Sun hats, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Refillable water bottles.
- Small daypack for snacks and layers.
Attraction-Specific Extras
- Warm base layers and long socks for Ski Dubai.
- Swimsuits, rash guards, and quick-dry towels for Aquaventure and pools.
- Light shawls or cover-ups for mosque visits and modest settings.
- Hand wipes and small packing cubes for sorting kid gear on the go.
For peace of mind, especially with multiple attractions and transfers, it’s worth having travel insurance that covers delayed bags, medical visits, and last-minute plan changes:
Explore SafetyWing family travel insurance options
Connect This Guide with the Rest of Your Dubai Planning
Use this page as your attractions hub, then layer in neighborhoods and day-by-day planning with the rest of the Stay Here, Do That Dubai series:
- Ultimate Dubai Family Neighborhood Guide
- Burj Khalifa Family Travel Guide
- Dubai Aquarium Family Travel Guide
- Dubai Mall + KidZania + Play DXB + Ice Rink Family Guide
- Miracle Garden Dubai Family Travel Guide
- Global Village Dubai Family Travel Guide
- Atlantis Aquaventure Dubai Family Travel Guide
- Burj Al Arab Family Travel Guide
- Dubai Frame Family Travel Guide
- Jumeirah Mosque Family Travel Guide
- Desert Safari Dubai Family Travel Guide
- IMG Worlds of Adventure Family Travel Guide
- Motiongate Dubai Family Travel Guide
- Ski Dubai (Sky Dubai) Family Travel Guide
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