25 Best Things to Do in Dubai with Family & Kids — 2026 Guide

By Amir M. · Updated 2026-03-06 · 11 min read

Dubai is one of the world's best family destinations. Here are 25 things to do with kids — from theme parks to free beaches, sorted by age group.

Dubai: A Family Paradise

Dubai consistently ranks as one of the world's best family destinations. Safe, clean, packed with attractions, and with world-class facilities for kids. Here's our definitive family guide.

🎢 Theme Parks & Water Parks

1. IMG Worlds of Adventure (AED 345)

• Ages: 4-14
• World's largest indoor theme park
• Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaur zones
• Tip: Go on a weekday — practically empty

2. Motiongate Dubai (AED 295)

• Ages: 5-16
• Hollywood movie rides: Shrek, Hunger Games, Kung Fu Panda
• Tip: Combine with Legoland for combo savings

3. LEGOLAND Dubai (AED 295)

• Ages: 2-12
• LEGO Factory tour, building workshops, water park
• Tip: LEGOLAND + water park combo saves 30%

4. Aquaventure Waterpark (AED 320)

• Ages: All ages
• 30+ slides at Atlantis The Palm
• Includes beach access and the Lost Chambers Aquarium
• Tip: Go early — slides get 60-min queues by noon

5. Wild Wadi Waterpark (AED 290)

• Ages: All ages
• Next to Burj Al Arab — iconic views from the slides

🐠 Aquariums & Animals

6. Dubai Aquarium (AED 135-260)

• Ages: All ages
• 33,000+ animals, glass tunnel walk-through
• Hack: Walk-by viewing from Dubai Mall is FREE

7. The Green Planet (AED 120)

• Ages: 3-12
• Indoor tropical rainforest with 3,000+ animals
• Sugar gliders, toucans, and sloth encounters

8. Dubai Safari Park (AED 50-85)

• Ages: All ages
• 2,500+ animals in natural habitats
• Tip: Cheapest major animal attraction in Dubai

🏖️ Free & Budget-Friendly

9. Jumeirah Beach (FREE)

• Public beach with Burj Al Arab views
• Playgrounds and clean facilities

10. Dubai Fountain Show (FREE)

• Every 30 min from 6 PM
• Kids are mesmerized — combine with Dubai Mall visit

11. Al Fahidi Historical District (FREE)

• Old Dubai heritage area
• Narrow lanes, traditional architecture, small museums

12. Dubai Marina Walk (FREE)

• Evening stroll with yacht views
• Street performers and ice cream shops

13. Kite Beach (FREE)

• Playground, skate park, food trucks
• Kids can fly kites while parents relax

🏛️ Educational

14. Museum of the Future (AED 145)

• Ages: 8+
• Dubai's most stunning building, interactive future exhibits

15. KidZania (AED 185-215)

• Ages: 4-16
• Kids role-play 80+ professions in a mini city

16. OliOli Children's Museum (AED 140)

• Ages: 2-11
• Interactive galleries, water play, building zones

🏜️ Unique Experiences

17. Desert Safari — Family Edition (AED 150-250)

• Morning safaris are best for kids (cooler, earlier finish)
• Camel riding is a hit with all ages

18. Dubai Frame (AED 50)

• Walk across a glass bridge 150m high
• Ages: 6+ (glass floor can scare younger kids)

19. Ain Dubai / Observation Wheel (AED 130)

• 250m high observation wheel
• 40-minute rotation with amazing views

20. Global Village (AED 25)

• Ages: All ages
• Open Oct-April. 90+ country pavilions, rides, food, shows
• Tip: Incredible value — one of Dubai's best family outings

🍕 Family-Friendly Restaurants

21. The Cheesecake Factory — Dubai Mall

22. PF Chang's — Multiple locations

23. Bu Qtair — Jumeirah (casual seafood)

24. Salt Burger — Kite Beach (food truck)

25. Rainforest Café — Dubai Mall

Money-Saving Family Tips

• Multi-park passes save 20-40% on theme parks
• Kids under 3 are free at most attractions
• Pack snacks — attraction food is overpriced
• Metro is free for kids under 5
• Compare all prices on our Crowd Tracker

Best Time for Family Visits

• November-March: Perfect weather for outdoor activities
• School holidays (Dec/Jan) are the busiest — book everything ahead
• Ramadan: Quieter but some activities may have reduced hours

Theme parks, free beaches, AED 25 attractions — 25 family activities sorted by age group. Plus money-saving combos that cut costs 40%.