Dubai Family Travel Guide 2025
Everything families need to know for a successful trip to Dubai with kids.
Dubai is a dazzling emirate on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, renowned for its ultramodern skyline, luxury shopping, and world-record-breaking landmarks. From the iconic Burj Khalifa piercing the clouds to pristine beaches along the Arabian Gulf, Dubai seamlessly blends Bedouin heritage with 21st-century ambition. It is one of the world's most visited cities, attracting tens of millions of tourists each year with its unrivalled mix of culture, adventure, and opulence.
Top Family Activities
The best experiences for families in Dubai.
Desert Safari with Camel Rides
An evening desert safari including dune bashing (adults/older children), camel riding, sandboarding, henna painting, and a traditional Bedouin camp dinner under the stars. A uniquely memorable family experience.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
105 waterpark rides and slides on Palm Jumeirah including the Leap of Faith near-vertical slide, lazy river, and a dedicated kids' splash zone with age-appropriate rides.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Walk through a 270-degree tunnel surrounded by 33,000 aquatic animals including sand tiger sharks. The underwater zoo level has penguins, piranhas, and otters. Cage snorkelling available for older children.
Ski Dubai
Indoor ski slope in Mall of the Emirates with real snow. Toddler snow play area, toboggan runs, and ski/snowboard lessons suitable from age 4. All winter clothing provided.
Dubai Safari Park
A well-designed zoo and safari park featuring 3,000 animals in naturalistic habitats. The African Village, Asian Village, and Arabian Desert sections are all connected by walking trails and tram rides.
KidZania Dubai
A child-sized city inside Dubai Mall where children take on professional roles including doctor, pilot, chef, and journalist in interactive role-play experiences. Adults are supporting characters.
Green Planet Dubai
An indoor tropical rainforest biodome in City Walk featuring sloths, poison dart frogs, piranhas, and hundreds of tropical species. Educational and fascinating for all ages.
Legoland Dubai Resort
A purpose-built Lego-themed park at Dubai Parks and Resorts with over 40 Lego-themed rides, shows, and building experiences. Best suited to children aged 6-12.
Al Qudra Cycling Trail
A flat 21 km desert cycling trail popular for families on weekends. Bikes available for rent at the Al Qudra trailhead. Pass by the flamingo-filled Al Qudra Lakes.
Dhow Cruise on Dubai Creek
An evening cruise on a traditional wooden dhow along Dubai Creek with dinner buffet, live music, and views of the illuminated Old Dubai. Children are well catered for with soft drinks and kid-friendly buffet options.
Zipline at XLine Dubai Marina
A 1 km zipline flying over Dubai Marina at 80 km/h from twin skyscrapers. Minimum age 10, minimum weight 40 kg. One of the city's most thrilling urban activities.
Activities by Age Group
Find activities suited to your children's ages.
👶 Toddlers (0-3)
- Parks with shaded play areas
- Short, stroller-friendly walks
- Swimming pools at family hotels
- Animal encounters
🧒 Young Kids (4-7)
- Interactive museums
- Easy outdoor adventures
- Cultural shows and performances
- Market explorations
🧑 Older Kids (8-12)
- Historical site tours
- Adventure activities
- Cooking classes for kids
- Nature excursions
👦 Teens (13+)
- Adventure sports
- Photography walks
- Cultural immersion experiences
- Food tours
Dubai Family Guide
Family itineraries, packing checklists, and activity planning tips.
Family-Friendly Accommodations
Where to stay with kids.
Atlantis, The Palm
The ultimate family resort with the Aquaventure Waterpark included in room rates during certain periods, Dolphin Bay, and multiple swimming pools.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
A beautiful family resort in the shape of a wave facing the Burj Al Arab with a superb kids' club, beach access, and Wild Wadi Waterpark adjacent.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm
French resort on Palm Jumeirah with three pools, 500m private beach, and a good family programme for children.
Rove Downtown
Budget-friendly option steps from Dubai Mall. Family rooms available, rooftop pool, and exceptional location for families wanting easy mall and Burj Khalifa access.
What to Look For
- Family rooms or connecting rooms
- Swimming pool (supervised)
- Restaurant with kids' menu
- Babysitting/kids' club services
- Safe, enclosed outdoor spaces
- Proximity to attractions
Kid-Friendly Dining
Where to eat with children.
Most restaurants in Dubai welcome children and many have high chairs available on request
Kids' menus typically range from AED 25-45 ($7-12) and include familiar Western options
Food courts in Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates have excellent variety for fussy eaters
Many hotel beach clubs include kids' snack menus
Lebanese restaurants are generally child-friendly with mezze perfect for sharing
Family Travel Tips
Make traveling with kids easier.
Book theme park tickets online to avoid queues and get 10-20% discounts
Keep children hydrated in the heat — carry water at all times outdoors
Taxis accommodate pushchairs/strollers — fold into boot, no charge for pushchair
The metro has family carriages — less crowded alternative to general carriages
Dubai Mall has an excellent indoor soft play area for toddlers
The Dubai Frame and Museum of the Future are genuinely fascinating for curious children of all ages
Check age and height restrictions for ride attractions before arriving at theme parks
Health & Safety
- Check recommended vaccinations for children
- Pack enough prescription medications
- Bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Research nearest hospitals/clinics
- Get travel insurance covering the whole family
Plan Your Family Adventure
Get our complete family travel guide with kid-friendly itineraries, packing lists, and activity recommendations.