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Dubai's top 10 summer attractions for kids
Mon, August 24, 2020
Keep the little ones thrilled in Dubai all season long with these fun activities.
Keep the little ones thrilled in Dubai all season long with these fun activities.
1
Book in playtime at OliOli
Named after the Hawaiian word for joy, OliOli encourages curious little minds to learn with play. The inspiring venue features eight galleries packed with over 40 exhibits that have been crafted by leading educators, artists and developmental psychologists. The result is an interactive museum that is a treat for both parents and children. Don’t miss the colourful Toshi’s Net exhibit by Japanese textile artist Toshiko Horiuchi Macadam – part trampoline and part playground, this giant hand strung creation helps kids develop their fine motor skills.
2
Build memories at LEGOLAND
One of Dubai’s most popular family attractions, Legoland Dubai features exciting rides, interactive games and factory tours. Plus little ones also have the chance to build and race their own LEGO cars and robots, and – of course – pick up souvenirs from the enormous on-site shop. The theme park sets imaginations alight and keeps little hands busy all day long. And that’s not all, there's the LEGOLAND Water Park right next door for a chance to splash about.
3
Splash into Wild Wadi Waterpark
With 30 incredible rides and attractions, a day at Wild Wadi Waterpark with the family is one well spent. Kids will love the lazy river, racing slides and fun water guns, while the brave can face their fears and ride the tornado-themed Tantrum Alley, or experience an epic drop from 120m with the Jumeirah Sceirah. Meanwhile, budding surfers will want to hang ten at the Wipeout and Riptide Flowriders for an unforgettable surfing experience. Trust us, this is one aqua wonderland you’ll never want to leave.
4
Try role playing at KidZania
An edutainment centre in The Dubai Mall, KidZania is a replica mini-city, complete with paved streets and a functioning economy, catering to children between the ages of four and 16. The venue offers a safe environment where they can use their imagination to explore 'work' as a pilot, dentist, doctor, fireman or even a journalist. There's even a dedicated Space Centre zone for budding astronauts to blast off in a space shuttle, build their own rover and more. KidZania presents an exciting spin on playtime, and is just one of many exciting family-themed attractions in the city.
5
Say hi to superheroes at IMG Worlds
Dubai’s largest indoor theme park is a summer sensation. Divided into four zones, IMG Worlds of Adventure lets you meet your favourite superhero from the Marvel universe, play with much-loved Cartoon Network characters, experience thrilling rollercoasters, and even travel back in time to roam with dinosaurs. In between all the action, enjoy a bite to eat at popular on-site restaurants or catch the latest blockbuster at the park’s dedicated cinema. From big screen fantasies to dreams coming true in Dubai – it’s time to live the adventure.
6
Enjoy blockbuster rides at MOTIONGATE
Transport your kids to a place where ghosts and dragons roam, singing and dancing is the norm, and where the animals from Madagascar are your companions. Motiongate, the Middle East’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, is located in Dubai Parks and Resorts and boasts attractions that will appeal to a wide range of ages and levels of adventure, from an indoor zone inspired by DreamWorks to the Smurfs Village play area. If you're looking for more action, hold on tight and read our guide to the city's best rollercoasters.
7
Go wild at The Green Planet
The perfect spot for animal lovers, The Green Planet is home to more than 3,000 animals, including sloths, porcupines, toucans, and monkeys. The indoor rainforest is built around a 25m-tall manmade tree, with parrots and other birds flying overhead, while a waterfall leads to the basement. Watch as stingrays and turtles swim about in the aquarium, or visit the insect exhibit to have a look at goliath tarantulas (the world’s largest spider, with a legspan the length of a child’s forearm). Dubai also boasts other wildlife encounters, so get ready for more unforgettable memories.
8
Conquer virtual worlds at VR Park
Think you’ve seen it all and done it all? Think again. The VR Park at The Dubai Mall is an exciting distraction, for every age. The world’s largest indoor virtual reality venue has over 30 experiences for you to choose from. Whether you want to take control of the wheel as you careen over desert dunes, captain an out of control drone in a setting inspired by Dubai in the year 2050, or experience the thrill of a freefall from the record-breaking Burj Khalifa, VR Park lets everyone's imagination come to life.
9
Slide into wintry thrills at Ski Dubai
Who says you can’t ski in summer? Treat your family to a day at Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. With 22,500sqm of snowy terrain, complete with five slopes, a snow park and even real penguins, this place has to be experienced to be believed. Hone your skills on ice with lessons led by experts, or go sledding with the family and play in the snow. Kids will cherish the chance to get up close to the friendly king and gentoo snow penguins too, so start planning the perfect holiday today.
10
Spot the sharks at Dubai Aquarium
The world’s largest suspended aquarium is located inside the action-packed The Dubai Mall. Here, kids get the chance to get up close and personal with sharks, crocs and rays, and even join a behind-the-scenes tour to learn more about taking care of the underwater world. One of the venue's many highlights is a glass-bottom boat tour that lets you enjoy a unique view of the aquarium's waters, home to 33,000 aquatic animals. If you're looking for more aqua thrills in Dubai, explore our list of must-try water activities.
