Fun things to do with your kids in Dubai

It’s time for the family to be all aboard for a magical adventure at The Dubai Fountain, at the foot of Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. This experience, sure to mesmerise visitors of all ages, presents a 30-minute show set to popular tunes. While you can set sail on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride for the best seats in the house, you can also stroll down the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, just nine metres away from the fountains – either will leave the kids delighted.

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.

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.

It's the spot for the perfect splash of family fun: Jungle Bay Waterpark. Located in Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, this Aegean-inspired attraction will deliver child-friendly thrills in every corner. Everything is designed with the little ones in mind, and because there are no height, age or skill restrictions, every member of the family can partake in the aquatic adventures. From wide slides to purpose-built pools and from a family wave pool to the adrenaline-charged Whizzard's aqua tubes, there's something for everyone in the family. Adults can also unwind in comfortable cabanas while keeping a watchful eye on the kids.

Kids and adults alike are guaranteed an adrenaline rush at Aquaventure World 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.

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.

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.

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.

Get ready for a family-friendly artistic escapade at Wild Paint House. Tailored for all ages, this studio in Dubai invites parents and kids alike to immerse themselves in a colourful world of creativity, where there are no rules – just artistic freedom. With six activities – splat, spin, swing, pour, neon and graffiti – your children's imaginations can run wild as they create their own memorable pieces of art. Arrive at your reserved time slot, don a poncho or apron – or simply arrive in clothes you don't mind staining. After a brief introduction, your kids are free to experiment with the high-quality child-safe tempera paint.

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.

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.

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.