Top Attractions and Activities in Dubai for Families

Dubai is a city known for its superlatives: the biggest, the tallest, the most glamorous, and always the ultimate host. I experienced this firsthand during a nearly week-long adventure with my 20-month-old son, Julian, on a 23-day, three-country solo journey across the Middle East and Africa in fall 2023. We explored the dazzling city and the nearby Arabian desert, enjoying pools and water parks, wandering through lush botanical gardens and captivating art exhibitions, and navigating a baby-friendly version of dune ing in a 4x4. Here are the highlights from our thrilling itinerary, along with some recommendations for families with older kids.

Finding Family-Friendly Accommodations in Dubai

After a grueling long-haul flight to the UAE, sinking into luxury is a welcome relief. Families seeking extra pampering should consider the One&Only Royal Mirage, a stunning beach resort featuring family suites that are fit for royalty. Upon our arrival, Julian and I were assigned a butler, Soumya, who quickly became essential—tracking down a travel stroller I had inadvertently left at the Dubai airport during my jet-lagged haze. (Mom of the Year right here!) Not only did he locate it that very night, but he also arranged for its delivery to my room the next day and provided a loaner stroller for our use in the meantime. The pampering didn’t end there: Our suite—three times the size of my old Brooklyn apartment—was stocked with new toys for Julian and a large platter of fresh fruit hidden around the room. (Apologies to housekeeping if they discovered a pineapple in the safe.) Julian enjoyed playing with the bidet (On! Off! On! Off!); I adored the Penhaligon toiletries; and we both delighted in the Moroccan bissara (fava bean soup) and kebabs at Tagine, the Royal Mirage’s on-site restaurant.

Another family-friendly property I can enthusiastically recommend is Atlantis, the Palm on Jumeirah Island—arguably one of the most extravagant resort experiences worldwide. It's like Vegas on steroids, captivating both adults and kids with its stunning pools, Dale Chihuly sculptures in the lobby, and over 65,000 marine creatures swimming in the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Julian and I could have watched the mesmerizing shark-and-ray ballet all day if not for the countless other exciting activities available, like splashing down toddler-friendly slides at Aquaventure, the world’s largest water park, or indulging in fish and chips at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar. The water park is also a paradise for school-age children and tweens, featuring interactive marine programming focused on sharks and dolphins, plus the vibrant Wavehouse restaurant, which boasts a multi-level arcade, bowling alley, and surf simulator.

No visit to Dubai is complete without spending a night or two in the Arabian desert, just 45 minutes from the city. At the stunning Bab Al Shams resort, Moorish-inspired architecture adorned with fountains meets a fiery orange sun, creating a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood film set. There are camel and falcon meet-and-greets, which both thrilled and unnerved my son; “baby-friendly” dune-ing rides (similar to regular dune ing but much gentler); and chances to spot Arabian oryx and desert gazelles near a shimmering artificial lake. If Julian were older, I would have loved to rent bicycles and tackle the 31-mile trail that winds through the desert (only at sunrise or sunset, of course, as temperatures here can soar into the triple digits).

Activities for Kids in Dubai

Alongside our visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium, Julian and I spent an hour marveling at the gentoo penguins, sand tiger sharks, and giant grouper at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. This massive 10-million-liter tank is among the largest suspended aquariums globally, featuring approximately 140 species of marine life. A 157-foot walk-through tunnel provides an amazing photo opportunity. Older kids can even participate in close-up encounters with otters, eagle rays, and a hefty 1,654-pound Australian saltwater crocodile.

The wildlife adventure continues at the Green Planet Dubai, an indoor vertical rainforest boasting over 3,000 species of plants and animals. During a memorable 30-minute encounter, we fed grapes and sweet potatoes to a 12-year-old sloth named Lemon. Her gentle nature and natural grin sent my toddler into fits of giggles and clapping. He also had a blast racing down the rainforest’s spiral ramp (imagine the Guggenheim but filled with plants), stopping every few feet to admire a vibrant parrot, toucan, or stoic owl.

Transitioning from the jungle back to the urban skyline, Julian showed little interest in standing beneath the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. However, he thoroughly enjoyed gliding around the 30-acre lake at its base in a shaded gondola. Our boat ride was perfectly timed for the Fountain Show at Dubai Mall, featuring a spectacular display of water, lights, and sound reminiscent of a Super Bowl halftime show.

On the city's outskirts, we wandered through the impressive topiaries at Dubai Miracle Garden, the largest natural flower garden in the world, showcasing over 150 million blooms at peak season. Strolling among these floral wonders—shaped like horses, elephants, Smurfs, and even a life-size Emirates Airbus A380—with fresh juice in hand was delightful. I recommend visiting early in the morning or near sunset to avoid the heat, as there is limited shade. If you prefer to stay cool indoors, the newly opened AYA Universe—a stunning array of immersive sound and light installations at Wafi City Mall—is also a photographer's dream.

Discovering Delicious Family Dining

Visiting Arabian Teahouse is essential. Established over 25 years ago, it draws both tourists and locals alike. The impressive Emirati breakfast trays are a feast for the eyes, loaded with balaleet (vermicelli infused with cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron, topped with an omelet), bajella (fava beans), dango (a tahini-free chickpea mash), khameer (flatbread), chebab (pancakes), date molasses, and watermelon jam. The portions are substantial enough to share between two adults, while the kids’ menu is equally delightful, featuring camel-shaped pancakes and strawberry lassis.

Another standout dining experience for us—more than just a meal—was Al Hadheerah, Bab Al Shams’ open-air restaurant and desert theater. Jules and I were spoiled for choice at the extensive buffet, but his favorites included smoky lamb kebabs paired with Iranian rice, za’atar manakeesh, and a traditional Emirati bread pudding known as umm ali. Our friendly Egyptian waiter even took us on a mini adventure to meet the camels that would star in that night’s show—a vibrant cabaret with belly dancers, whirling dervishes, and a lively caravan.

Transportation Tips

If you’re traveling with little ones, think about hiring a driver and guide from Arabian Adventures. We had the pleasure of having Jobin, a Keralan chauffeur, and Tareq, a lively guide from Palestine who grew up in Kuwait and has been living in Dubai for a decade. Our luxury van came equipped with a car seat for kids, and the A/C was always on full blast after our outings in Dubai’s sweltering heat. Arabian Adventures can create a comprehensive itinerary or come up with spontaneous fun—like when I asked Tareq to help us find high-quality oud (agarwood) in the spice market. He not only negotiated a great price for a beautiful fragrance but also taught us how to properly use frankincense, demonstrating how to waft its rich smoke from under the armpits to the nose.

Dubai’s Kids Go Free summer initiative offers a variety of travel perks for families. Up to two children can share an adult's room at no extra cost, dine for free on the same meal plan as their parents, and enjoy complimentary access to hotel kids’ clubs at three-, four-, and five-star resorts. Children aged 13 and under receive free admission with a paying adult at attractions like Legoland Dubai and AYA, while kids 12 and under can enter Expo City Dubai for free. Be sure to check the website for further details.