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Fun things to do with your kids in Dubai
Fri, September 22, 2023
From camel rides and shark lagoons to roller coasters and VR zombies, here are Dubai's best kid-approved activities.
From camel rides and shark lagoons to roller coasters and VR zombies, here are Dubai's best kid-approved activities.
KidZania
Situated inside Dubai Mall, this award-winning concept has been designed as an ‘adult experience’ scaled down in size. KidZania comes complete with paved streets, buildings and a functioning economy. Watch the kids play grown-up, taking on jobs that range from firefighters, chefs and doctors to radio jockeys, pilots or even perfumers creating their very own scents. The KidZania Space Centre is another highlight here. Designed to resemble a real-life space centre, children can learn more about astronauts and the universe with the help of virtual reality and simulated attractions.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Go under the sea with your children at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located at Dubai Mall. With more than 33,000 aquatic animals including sand tiger sharks, there is plenty to keep the little ones entertained. It's an all-encompassing experience as you walk through a tunnel between the aquarium. Or if you want to get up close and personal with the fish, try the glass-bottom boat ride.
Play DXB
Play DXB, an indoor amusement park in Dubai Mall, combines augmented and virtual reality to stunning effect. Try the fantastic Burj Drop experience, where you’ll propel down the side of the record-breaking Burj Khalifa. If that’s too tame for teens, try and survive a zombie attack at The Walking Dead Outbreak VR game, or navigate a spaceship to safety. Younger children and families also have plenty to enjoy. Best of all, entry is free, with prices for each experience starting from just AED 15.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Dubai Parks and Resorts offers children – and the young at heart – theme park thrills galore at Motiongate and Legoland. Take a break from roller coasters and waterslides at Riverland, an entertainment and dining boulevard, with food options to suit every taste. While here, don't miss the chance to bounce into some lively activities at JumpX, the world's largest inflatable park, while kids will also love the space-themed indoor playworld Neon Galaxy. To make this your most fun-filled family holiday yet, stay inside the parks at either Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian-themed luxury resort, or at the Legoland Dubai Resort – both are situated right in the heart of the action.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
A day at IMG Worlds of Adventure, one of Dubai's most exciting theme parks, is sure to make the kids smile. Comfy footwear is a good idea – there's 28 football fields worth of space filled with attractions for the whole family to try. Thrilling rides here bring your favourite characters to life, from familiar friends like The Powerpuff Girls to the heroes of Marvel, making it a must-visit stop.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Kids and adults alike are guaranteed an adrenaline rush at Aquaventure Waterpark in Atlantis, The Palm. Brave vacationers should check out the park’s thrill rides, one of which plummets you into a tube that twists through a shark lagoon, while another allows you to experience the thrills of cliff jumping. Little ones can keep cool at the tamer rides and Splashers Children’s Play Area. And when it’s time for a break from all the action, meander along the Palm’s calm waterways or catch a spot of sun on the private beach.
Wild Wadi Waterpark
Cool off at Wild Wadi Waterpark, with over 30 attractions perfect for the entire family. Ride a water roller coaster, take the plunge down gravity-defying slides, or simply float along the lazy river and admire the stunning backdrop with views of Burj Al Arab. Younger visitors get to enjoy a dedicated area complete with small slides, climbing frames and dumping buckets, designed just for little adventurers.
GLITCH
An entertainment destination in Al Ghurair Centre, GLITCH features over 30 different indoor games for all ages. Take on a ninja warrior-style course, zoom down a 10m-high slide or defy gravity on their climbing walls, there's something for everyone. Gather the family for a round of bowling or buckle up for SkySurf, the city's first roller glider experience where you can 'float' around the venue.
OliOli
Promising to 'engage and inspire' kids, OliOli is a fresh concept boasting a range of inventive and interactive activities for children. Aimed at two to 11-year-olds, the sprawling edu-tainment venue in Al Quoz is split into eight themed galleries. One of the highlights here is Toshi’s Net – a colourful hanging play area, handcrafted by Toshiko MacAdam, while other fun activities include launching cannonballs in the Water Gallery and tinkering in the Creative Lab. Birthday party packages are also available.
Bounce Dubai
Kids (and adults) are in store for some challenging fun on over 100 interconnected trampolines at Bounce Dubai, one of the most-visited attractions in Al Quoz. Little ones can somersault their heart out at Mini Bounce while older children bounce off The Wall. The Slam Dunk gives everyone the chance to practise their basketball skills while getting some air, and the dodgeball court sets the stage for a thrilling, high-octane game. As an added bonus, everyone is guaranteed to sleep well afterwards.
Air Maniax
Energetic tots will fall in love with Air Maniax – a huge indoor inflatable adventure park in Al Quoz. With over 15 activities that the whole family can get involved in, you’ll never be bored. The park features a dedicated inflatable arena, a ‘Warrior Assault’ obstacle course, zip line and even laser tag. Toddlers have their own dedicated play zone. Serious about fun and games? The park uses high-tech wristbands so scores are recorded automatically, and pictures and videos can be instantly uploaded to social media for bragging rights.
AYA
Step into AYA, located at WAFI City, and you'll feel like you've been whisked into anther world. This immersive, multi-dimensional space combines high-tech graphics, sounds and lights to create 12 distinct zones, each with their own story. Explore the blooming Flora, aquatic Tides and Falls with droplets that seem to defy gravity. Each area transforms while you are in there, and reacts to your presence, ensuring no two experiences are the same. Best of all, children under three enter for free.
Aventura Parks
Step into nature-themed fun at Aventura Parks, Dubai’s largest zip line park and most popular outdoor high ropes course at Mushrif Park in the Mirdif neighbourhood. Situated amid a forest of Ghaf trees, thrill-seekers can choose from over 80 exciting challenges available for different ages and difficulty levels. There are six circuits spread across different tiers, from the ground to higher up in the trees. Aventura is just one of seven international tree-top parks by Aventura Amazonia, and there's over 35,000sqm of space for you to unleash your inner adventurer.
Dolphin Bay
Splash alongside one of nature's friendliest mammals at Dolphin Bay in Atlantis, The Palm. Swimmers of all ages and capabilities are encouraged to connect with the sociable sea dwellers. It's one of the most sophisticated dolphin habitats in the world, aimed at educating visitors about the wild population and the importance of preserving their natural environment. At the end of the day, don’t be surprised if the kids claim they’ve made a new best friend.
Kite Beach
The whole family can have fun at Kite Beach, now complete with a skate park, outdoor trampolines and a play area for the little ones. It’s the perfect place to have a swim, collect shells and then enjoy breakfast or lunch at famous burger spot Salt, or one of the many beach canteens along the running track. Parents can sit back and enjoy the kitesurf show and views of Burj Al Arab, while the children play in the sand. With showers, changing areas and WiFi, it has all the amenities you need for a stress-free beach day.
City Walk
Among Dubai's most kid-friendly shopping districts, City Walk fuses entertainment, shopping, dining and more into one impressive experience. It's worth a visit just to walk around and enjoy the colourful ambience and charming cobbled streets. One of the highlights over here, though, is The Green Planet — an enclosed ecosystem recreating a tropical rainforest with more than 3,000 plants and animals. Your little ones can even play zookeeper for the day with special talks, guided tours and more.
Dubai's desert
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the desert for an unforgettable memory of Dubai. Whether it’s sandboarding, camel riding, or going on a desert safari, this is an adventure the kids will love. Book a dining experience with one of the many tour operators like Arabian Adventures, Platinum Heritage or Sonara Camp and enjoy tasty dishes (with a separate children's menu) and a wide range of entertainment from archery to quadbiking. If you want your desert excursion to last all night, camp beneath the stars for a truly memorable experience.
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