Dubai is the ultimate family-friendly destination, offering a perfect blend of entertainment, adventure, and educational experiences for kids of all ages. With world-class attractions like thrilling theme parks, interactive museums, and stunning outdoor activities, Dubai makes it easy for families to create unforgettable memories.
Whether you’re looking for exciting rides, unique wildlife encounters, or relaxing beach days, this vibrant city ensures that your little ones have a blast while discovering new wonders. Explore the top 5 things to do with kids in Dubai and plan your next family adventure in this exciting and child-friendly city!
| Attraction | Timing | Pricing |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM | AED 120 – AED 200 |
| IMG Worlds of Adventure | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM | AED 300 – AED 350 |
| Legoland Dubai | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | AED 295 – AED 350 |
| Dubai Parks and Resorts | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM | AED 295 – AED 1200 (park hopper pass) |
| Dubai Dolphinarium | 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM | AED 120 – AED 200 |
#1 Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a must-visit attraction for families visiting Dubai. With over 33,000 aquatic animals and a stunning 270-degree tunnel, it offers an immersive experience like no other. Whether you’re marveling at vibrant fish, watching a shark swim above your head, or exploring a world full of marine wonders, this iconic spot promises a memorable day out for kids and parents alike. Located in the heart of The Dubai Mall, it’s incredibly easy to access, making it perfect for a family trip!
Key Highlights
- Over 33,000 Marine Animals
- The Dubai Aquarium houses an extensive collection of marine life, including rare species like sharks, stingrays, and various fish. Kids can marvel at the vast ocean world from a safe distance, and there’s something new to discover around every corner.
- The Glass Tunnel
- One of the main attractions is the 270-degree glass tunnel, which gives you the feeling of walking through the ocean itself. You’ll find yourself surrounded by giant fish, rays, and even the occasional shark. It’s a magical experience that feels almost like a dream!
- Glass-Bottom Boat Ride
- For a closer look at the aquatic life, consider taking a glass-bottom boat ride. This unique experience lets you float over the tank and peer into the depths below, getting a clear view of marine life from below. It’s a thrilling way to enjoy the underwater world from a new perspective.
- The Underwater Zoo
- Located on the level above the aquarium, the Underwater Zoo takes visitors on a journey through different aquatic ecosystems, including a rain forest, a rocky shore, and a desert. Kids will love seeing playful penguins, slithering snakes, and unique species of frogs.
- Interactive Touch Pools
- For a hands-on experience, kids can touch starfish, sea urchins, and other safe marine creatures in the touch pools. It’s a fun and educational way for children to connect with the ocean environment and learn about marine conservation.
Family Tip
Visit During Off-Peak Hours: To enjoy a quieter and more peaceful experience, plan your visit during off-peak times. Early mornings or weekdays are the best times to avoid crowds, allowing you and your family to explore the aquarium and zoo without feeling rushed. You’ll have more space to interact with exhibits and take in all the mesmerizing marine life.
Additional Tips for Families
- Stay Hydrated and Comfortable: The Dubai Aquarium is located inside The Dubai Mall, so make sure to dress comfortably and carry water bottles. The mall also has plenty of cafes and food courts if you need to take a break and enjoy a meal.
- Ideal for All Ages: The aquarium is a family-friendly attraction with something for kids of all ages. Whether your child is a toddler or a teenager, they’ll be fascinated by the diverse marine life.
- Combine with Other Attractions: Since the Dubai Aquarium is located within the famous Dubai Mall, you can easily combine your visit with other attractions such as The Dubai Ice Rink or a trip to the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views of the city.
- Plan Your Visit Ahead: The aquarium has different ticket packages, including a VIP experience for those who want to enjoy the ultimate access to exclusive areas. Booking in advance can help you save time and avoid long queues.
#2 IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds of Adventure is the ultimate destination for thrill-seekers and family fun in Dubai! As the largest indoor theme park in the city, it’s designed to deliver an action-packed, all-weather experience. Whether you’re a Marvel superhero fan, a Cartoon Network enthusiast, or fascinated by prehistoric creatures, IMG Worlds of Adventure has something for everyone.
Perfect for families, this massive theme park offers a wide variety of exciting rides, attractions, and entertainment that will keep both kids and adults engaged for hours. Located in the heart of Dubai, this indoor wonderland guarantees a day of unforgettable thrills!
Key Highlights
- Marvel Zone: Meet Your Favorite Superheroes
- Step into the world of Marvel with exciting rides and experiences featuring iconic superheroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, The Hulk, and the Avengers. From thrilling roller coasters to interactive experiences, Marvel fans will love the action-packed adventures in this zone.
- Cartoon Network Zone: Fun for the Little Ones
- The Cartoon Network Zone is a dream come true for younger kids. With family-friendly attractions themed around beloved characters like The Powerpuff Girls, Ben 10, and Adventure Time, your little ones will be delighted with the colorful, animated world they can explore. Don’t miss the Ben 10 5D cinema experience or the fun interactive play areas!
- Dinosaur Adventure Zone: Journey Back to Prehistoric Times
- If your kids are fascinated by dinosaurs, the Dinosaur Adventure Zone is a must-visit! This area brings to life the world of Jurassic-era creatures, featuring life-size animatronic dinosaurs, thrilling rides like the Predator Roller Coaster, and plenty of interactive experiences that will take you back in time.
- Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure: Get Up Close with Dinosaurs
- Explore the wild side of the park with Lost Valley, where you’ll encounter towering dinosaurs in a lush, prehistoric jungle. The Velociraptor roller coaster and other rides in this zone will thrill brave adventurers. Kids will love seeing dinosaurs up close and learning about their ancient history.
- IMG Boulevard: A Shopping and Dining Paradise
- Take a break from the rides and explore IMG Boulevard, which features a range of retail shops, eateries, and entertainment options. It’s a great place to unwind and refuel with delicious food and beverages, or even shop for themed souvenirs from the park.
Family Tip
Take Advantage of Fast Passes: To make the most of your day and minimize wait times, consider purchasing fast passes for popular attractions. This allows you to skip the lines and head straight to the action, ensuring that you can enjoy more of what IMG Worlds of Adventure has to offer without spending too much time waiting.
Additional Tips for Families
- Ideal for All Ages: IMG Worlds of Adventure has something for every age group, from younger children to thrill-seeking teens and adults. The park is designed to be family-friendly with a mix of gentle attractions and high-speed thrills.
- Indoor Comfort: Since IMG Worlds of Adventure is completely indoors, it offers a great escape from the hot Dubai sun, making it perfect for any time of the year, especially during the summer heat.
- Plan Your Meals: There are plenty of dining options inside the park, but they can get crowded during peak times. It’s a good idea to plan your meals during off-peak hours, or you can enjoy snacks and drinks while exploring the park.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: With so many rides and attractions to enjoy, it’s important to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Kids (and adults) will want to walk around and explore, so be prepared for lots of walking and excitement.
- Stay Hydrated: It can get warm indoors despite the air conditioning, so keep water bottles handy to stay hydrated as you explore the park.
#3 Legoland Dubai
Legoland Dubai is the ultimate destination for families with young children, offering a world of imagination and creativity built around the iconic Lego brick. With over 40 interactive rides, shows, and attractions, this colorful amusement park is designed specifically for kids aged 2-12 years old.
From building your own Lego creations to exploring themed zones full of thrilling rides, Legoland is a fantastic combination of fun and education. Whether you’re an aspiring master builder or just looking for a day full of adventures, this Lego-themed wonderland provides endless entertainment for all ages.
Key Highlights
- Miniland Dubai: A Miniature City Made of Lego
- The Miniland Dubai section is a true masterpiece where famous landmarks from around the world, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and the Burj Al Arab, are recreated using millions of Lego bricks. It’s a perfect opportunity for kids and parents to appreciate the intricate details and creativity of the Lego builders, all while learning about iconic structures in Dubai and beyond.
- Interactive Rides and Attractions
- With over 40 rides, Legoland Dubai offers something for everyone. From the Lego Kingdoms to the Lego City, kids can enjoy everything from thrilling roller coasters to interactive driving and boating experiences. Young adventurers can take part in building, racing, and driving their own Lego vehicles or become little knights in the medieval Lego Kingdoms zone.
- Lego Factory Tour: Build Your Own Lego Brick
- Ever wondered how Lego bricks are made? In the Lego Factory Tour, kids can learn the entire process of how their favorite building blocks come to life, from raw materials to the final product. They even get the chance to create their own personalized Lego brick to take home as a souvenir!
- Lego Technic: For Young Engineers
- In this zone, kids can explore the world of engineering through interactive exhibits and rides, including the Spinning Coaster. It’s a thrilling area for those who love mechanics and construction, with plenty of opportunities to test out new engineering skills and take on challenges.
- Water Play Area: Cool Off and Have Fun
- Dubai’s warm weather calls for a refreshing break, and the Water Play Area at Legoland is the perfect place to cool down. With water jets, splash pads, and interactive water features, kids can enjoy a fun, wet adventure. Be sure to bring swimsuits for your little ones to make the most of this exciting area.
Family Tip
Don’t Miss the Water Play Area: Dubai can get hot, especially during the summer months, so don’t forget to visit the water play area to help your kids cool down. It’s the perfect place to let them burn off some energy while staying refreshed!
Additional Tips for Families
- Age-Appropriate Fun: Legoland Dubai is specifically designed for younger children, so it’s perfect for families with kids between the ages of 2-12. While there are some thrill rides, the majority of attractions are suitable for younger visitors, making it a great choice for families with toddlers and preschoolers.
- Plan Your Visit During Off-Peak Hours: The park can get busy during peak seasons, so try visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid large crowds. This will allow you to experience more attractions with shorter waiting times.
- Lego-Themed Souvenirs: Don’t forget to stop by the Legoland shop at the end of your visit, where kids can pick out Lego sets, accessories, and themed souvenirs to remember their fun day.
- Stay Hydrated: It can get quite warm in Dubai, so make sure to keep water bottles with you to stay hydrated throughout your visit. There are plenty of water fountains and kiosks around the park for refills.
- Dress Comfortably: With so many interactive attractions and rides, comfortable shoes and clothing are a must. Let your kids wear clothes they can easily move around in to make the most of their day at the park.
#4 Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the ultimate destination for families seeking endless entertainment and adventure. This massive multi-theme park complex features four world-class parks—Bollywood Parks, Motiongate, Legoland, and Riverland—offering something for every age group.
Whether you’re a fan of thrilling roller coasters, immersive cinema experiences, or interactive Lego adventures, Dubai Parks and Resorts delivers a one-stop location for a variety of attractions. Perfect for families, this expansive complex ensures that everyone, from toddlers to teens and adults, will have an unforgettable time.
Key Highlights
- Bollywood Parks Dubai: A Cinematic Journey
- Bollywood Parks is the first of its kind in the world and offers a captivating experience for fans of Indian cinema. The park is divided into zones based on popular Bollywood movies, offering thrilling rides, live performances, and even a chance to meet Bollywood stars. Experience the action in the Sholay ride, the mesmerizing Lagaan stunt show, and many other interactive attractions that bring iconic films to life.
- Motiongate Dubai: The Ultimate Movie Experience
- For movie buffs, Motiongate Dubai is a dream come true. This Hollywood-inspired theme park features rides and attractions based on blockbuster films from major studios like DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate. Thrill-seekers can experience the adrenaline rush of the Studio Central zone or take on family-friendly attractions in the Smurfs Village. Whether it’s meeting the Ghostbusters, getting adventurous with Madagascar, or enjoying the immersive The Hunger Games ride, there’s no shortage of cinematic fun here.
- Legoland Dubai: A Lego-Fueled Adventure
- Ideal for younger children, Legoland Dubai is an interactive Lego-themed park with over 40 exciting rides and attractions. From building Lego cars to exploring Miniland Dubai, where famous landmarks are recreated in Lego, kids will love the creative opportunities and thrilling experiences. Don’t forget to visit the Lego Factory to see how the bricks are made and even create your own custom Lego piece to take home.
- Riverland Dubai: A Unique Shopping & Dining Experience
- At the heart of Dubai Parks and Resorts is Riverland Dubai, a vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment destination that serves as the entryway to all the parks. Take a stroll along the river, enjoy themed dining experiences, or shop for souvenirs. With a charming ambiance that transports you to different time periods—from the French countryside to an American diner—Riverland is perfect for a family break between park adventures.
Family Tip
Use a Park Hopper Pass: To make the most of your visit, consider purchasing a Park Hopper Pass, which allows you to explore all four theme parks over multiple days. This flexible pass ensures that you don’t have to rush through any one park and can truly enjoy everything Dubai Parks and Resorts has to offer at your own pace.
Additional Tips for Families
- Age-Appropriate Fun: With four distinct parks, Dubai Parks and Resorts is suitable for all age groups. Younger children will love Legoland Dubai and Riverland, while older kids and adults can enjoy the thrills at Motiongate and Bollywood Parks. There’s something for everyone!
- Plan for Multiple Days: Since there are so many attractions spread across multiple parks, it’s recommended to spend at least two days at Dubai Parks and Resorts to experience everything without feeling rushed. The Park Hopper Pass makes it easy to move between parks, giving you plenty of time to explore at your leisure.
- Stay Cool in the Summer: Dubai’s summer temperatures can be quite high, so be sure to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Plan your visit early in the morning or later in the evening when the parks are a bit cooler, or take breaks in the shaded and air-conditioned areas.
- Dining and Shopping: Each park has its own variety of dining options, but Riverland offers a wide range of international cuisine and themed restaurants. Enjoy a family meal in a pirate ship or American diner, or grab a quick snack as you continue exploring. Don’t forget to shop for unique souvenirs like Bollywood memorabilia or Motiongate-themed merchandise.
- Stay in One of the Nearby Hotels: Dubai Parks and Resorts offers several family-friendly hotels right next to the parks, making it easier to take breaks and return to the attractions. Consider staying at one of the resort hotels for added convenience and comfort.
#5 Dubai Dolphinarium
The Dubai Dolphinarium offers families a truly unique experience with marine life in the heart of the city. This exciting attraction allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking dolphin and seal shows, as well as hands-on encounters with these fascinating creatures. Located in Riyadh Street, Dubai Creek Park, the dolphinarium is a perfect family-friendly destination for an educational and fun-filled day out.
Whether your kids are excited to see dolphins perform acrobatics or eager to get up close and personal with seals, the Dubai Dolphinarium promises an unforgettable experience that blends entertainment with marine conservation.
Key Highlights
- Dolphin and Seal Shows
- The Dolphin and Seal Show at Dubai Dolphinarium is the star attraction. Watch as dolphins and seals perform impressive tricks like synchronized swimming, ball balancing, and acrobatics. The energetic performances are not only entertaining but also educational, with experts sharing information about marine life and the importance of conservation. This spectacular show will leave your family in awe, as the animals showcase their incredible talents in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Meet the Dolphins: Hands-On Interaction
- For an even more memorable experience, you can get a chance to interact with the dolphins through the Dolphin Encounter program. This hands-on experience allows kids (and adults) to get up close to the dolphins, pet them, and learn about their behavior and communication. It’s a great opportunity to teach children about marine life conservation while they enjoy a magical moment with these intelligent creatures.
- Seal Show: Fun and Educational
- Not just dolphins, but seals also take center stage at the Dubai Dolphinarium! The seal show is equally engaging, with seals performing fun tricks like jumping through hoops and diving underwater. Your kids will have a blast watching the playful seals and learning about their natural behaviors.
- Learn About Marine Conservation
- One of the most enriching aspects of the Dubai Dolphinarium is the emphasis on marine conservation. Throughout the shows and interactions, visitors are taught about the importance of protecting marine life, maintaining sustainable environments, and preserving endangered species. The dolphinarium’s educational message encourages families to support conservation efforts and respect marine ecosystems.
- Other Animal Experiences
- In addition to dolphins and seals, the Dubai Dolphinarium is also home to exotic birds. Visitors can watch colorful bird shows, where parrots and other exotic species showcase their skills. It’s a perfect way to round off your visit, especially for animal lovers.
Family Tip
Book Tickets in Advance: The Dolphin and Seal Show is incredibly popular, especially during peak tourist seasons. To avoid disappointment and long lines, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance. This way, you can ensure that you get seats for the show and enjoy a smooth experience.
Additional Tips for Families
- Ideal for Young Kids: The Dubai Dolphinarium is perfect for families with young children, especially those who love animals. The interactive shows and hands-on experiences will keep them engaged and entertained throughout your visit.
- Plan for a Full Day: In addition to the shows and interactions, the dolphinarium is located in Dubai Creek Park, which offers lush green spaces for picnics, cycling tracks, and playgrounds for kids. Make it a full day of fun by combining your visit with some outdoor play in the park.
- Arrive Early for Best Seats: To get the best view of the dolphin and seal performances, try to arrive early, especially if you’re visiting during a busy time. Arriving early ensures you have a good spot and a chance to enjoy all the attractions without the crowds.
- Dress Comfortably: While the dolphinarium is indoors and air-conditioned, you’ll likely want to spend time outdoors as well in Dubai Creek Park. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, as there is a fair amount of walking between the different attractions.
- Bring a Camera: You’ll want to capture the magical moments of interacting with dolphins and watching the exciting shows, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone. The animal performances provide lots of photo opportunities, making it easy to remember your family adventure.
Dubai is a city that offers a variety of thrilling, fun, and educational experiences for families, from exploring underwater worlds to diving into the excitement of theme parks. Whether you’re discovering the wonders of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, enjoying thrilling rides at IMG Worlds of Adventure, or unleashing your creativity at Legoland Dubai, each of these top parks promises an unforgettable experience for every family member.
To make your visit even easier, Tripscape is your go-to platform for booking tickets, tours, and activities in Dubai. With their seamless booking options, you can plan your family adventure hassle-free and ensure that you get the best deals for all these amazing attractions.
Start planning your family trip today with Tripscape and create unforgettable memories in Dubai!
