Dubai is highly touristic and can initially come across as somewhat artificial or overly polished. In many respects, this impression holds true. Genuine Middle Eastern culture is hard to find unless it’s curated specifically for tourists, and the city doesn’t offer much in terms of striking natural landscapes or wonders.
However, Dubai has a lot to offer for all kinds of travelers! It’s a captivating destination where everything is grand, ultra-modern, and impressive. Thanks to its incredible variety and diversity, Dubai is also considered one of the top family-friendly travel spots in the world.
In this article, we’ll share our recommendations for family friendly activities in Dubai —experiences we personally enjoyed the most.
Top Family Friendly Activities in Dubai
1. Try Sandboarding in the Desert
For kids, sandboarding in the desert was hands-down one of the most exciting kid-friendly activities in Dubai!
Grab a snowboard and glide down the sandy dunes—then hike back up and do it all over again. We only had a few turns during our desert safari tour, but the kids are still raving about how much fun it was.
2. Spend a Day at a Water Park
Dubai is home to three major waterparks: Aquaventure at Atlantis, Wild Wadi Waterpark, and LEGOLAND® Water Park Dubai. Plus, Yas Waterworld in Abu Dhabi is just a short drive away and worth considering too.
No matter how long you’re staying in Dubai, visiting at least one of these waterparks is a must for families!
Keep in mind that Dubai’s waterparks can be quite pricey, especially if you buy tickets at the gate. To save money, it’s best to book your tickets online in advance.
3. Experience the World’s Tallest Building – Burj Khalifa
A visit to the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure on the planet, offers some of the most stunning panoramic views of Dubai’s skyline.
Hop into the world’s fastest glass elevator and head up to the Observation Deck on the 124th and 125th floors. For a truly unique fine dining experience, stop by At.mosphere, located on the 122nd floor.
As one of Dubai’s must-see attractions for families, this iconic skyscraper brings an unforgettable highlight to your trip—especially with the mesmerizing view of the Dubai Fountain from above.
Not sure which Burj Khalifa tickets to pick? Think about the time of day you’d prefer for your visit and whether you’d like to upgrade to the 148th floor for an exclusive, premium experience.
4. Watch the Dubai Dancing Fountains
The Dubai Fountain is a must-see, especially when visiting with kids. Located at the base of the Burj Khalifa, this magical music and light show delights the whole family with its beautifully choreographed water displays. It’s truly a breathtaking sight!
Shows take place a few times in the afternoon and then every 30 minutes starting from 6 PM in the evening. While it’s impressive during the day, the nighttime performances are even more captivating.
You can also enhance the experience by taking a ride on a traditional boat across Burj Lake during the fountain show.
5. Go on a Camel Ride
When you’re surrounded by desert, a camel trek is one of the best family friendly activities in Dubai! It’s one of those unique adventures you can only enjoy in select parts of the world—and it’s well worth it.
Camel rides are fun for the whole family, though very young children might not be suited for longer treks. However, kids aged 3–4 and up can usually take part in shorter tours where camel riding is just one of several exciting experiences.
6. Explore LEGOLAND Dubai
If you’re traveling to Dubai with children under 12, LEGOLAND Dubai is definitely worth a visit. Like other LEGOLAND parks around the world, it features colorful attractions, playful shows, and exciting rides designed especially for younger kids.
In addition to the main theme park, there’s also LEGOLAND Water Park—a fun-filled spot with pools, water slides, and creative activities using oversized soft LEGO bricks.
That said, like most Dubai waterparks, older kids (ideally over 1.2 meters tall) will get the most out of the experience.
7. Take a 4×4 Desert Safari
This might not suit every family, but it’s one of those classic Dubai adventures that’s definitely worth considering—and yes, you can do it with children.
Dune bashing in a 4×4 is a thrilling, high-energy ride over the desert dunes. It’s not for the faint-hearted and can be quite bumpy, so motion sickness is a possibility. But the adrenaline rush makes it unforgettable!
It’s a great option for families who want a taste of the desert without having to join multiple tours. Just be sure to prepare if anyone in the group is prone to car sickness—a motion sickness tablet beforehand can help.
8. Explore an Aquarium
Dubai is home to two major aquariums—the Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo inside Dubai Mall.
The Lost Chambers is part of the Atlantis resort and is often combined with a visit to the nearby Aquaventure Water Park. On the other hand, the Dubai Aquarium is situated in the bustling Dubai Mall, not far from the Burj Khalifa.
You can even view part of the Dubai Mall aquarium for free from the outside, and it’s truly impressive. If you decide to go inside either aquarium, it’s best to book your tickets ahead of time and plan your visit early in the day, as it tends to get very crowded by the afternoon.
9. Discover Dubai Museum
Dubai Museum turned out to be a delightful surprise. It’s a fascinating spot to learn about Dubai’s transformation from a small desert settlement to a modern metropolis, offering deeper insights into Middle Eastern culture and history.
Located in the historic Al Fahidi Fort—built in 1787 and the oldest building in Dubai—the museum is compact, engaging, and designed in a way that makes it enjoyable for children too. It only takes about 40–50 minutes to explore, and there’s plenty to keep young minds curious.
10. Shop at the Dubai Spice Souk and Gold Souk
Dubai offers more than just glitzy skyscrapers! We were pleasantly surprised by the charm of Old Dubai and its traditional markets, or souks.
The vibrant colors, exotic aromas, and lively atmosphere of the Spice Souk will captivate kids and adults alike. And at the Gold Souk, the dazzling jewelry displays are sure to impress—especially the little ones who love all things sparkly.
You’ll find almost anything at these markets, but don’t forget to carry cash and be ready to bargain for the best prices!
