If you’re planning a family holiday and wondering where kids of different ages can have fun without turning the trip into a constant chore, Dubai is one of the easiest places to manage it all. It’s got space, safety, clean facilities, and attractions built thoughtfully for children, from toddlers to teens.
Whether you’re travelling with a pram and snack pouches or with teenagers who want their space, this article gives you an idea of what Dubai has to offer for every kind of family. So, let’s explore the top things to do in Dubai with kids on Dubai tour packages.
Begin with Kid-Focused Indoor Attractions
It’s best to ease children into a new environment without rushing them outdoors in the heat. Luckily, Dubai has plenty of indoor places designed entirely with kids in mind. They’re clean, easy to find, and fun without being too noisy or chaotic.
Some of the most loved indoor places for children:
- KidZania (Dubai Mall): A kid-sized indoor city where children roleplay real-world jobs, from doctors to pilots, complete with uniforms and tiny workspaces.
- Play DXB: This VR and soft play wonderland has something for all ages, from safe toddler zones to trampoline pits and virtual reality rides for older kids.
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Inside the mall itself, this giant aquarium gives kids a close-up look at sharks, rays and hundreds of other species, all visible from a walk-through tunnel.
- Dubai Dolphinarium: With live dolphin and seal shows, this indoor setup keeps kids engaged through acrobatics and animal interaction sessions.
Let Nature and Colour Do the Magic
Kids love colour and space. When the weather is pleasant, take them to some of Dubai’s unique outdoor attractions where they can walk, watch, explore, and just be themselves.
Outdoor favourites that leave kids wide-eyed:
- Dubai Miracle Garden: It’s not your average garden. It’s filled with flower-covered castles, heart-shaped pathways, and cartoon-themed floral installations.
- Dubai Butterfly Garden: Located next to the Miracle Garden, it’s an indoor, climate-controlled dome filled with over 15,000 butterflies, making it a calm and educational stop.
- Dubai Fountain: This music-and-light water show outside Dubai Mall runs regularly in the evenings and is an easy-to-watch spectacle for all age groups.
- Global Village (Seasonal): A cultural and shopping destination set up like a global carnival, with food from different countries, mini rides, and live performances that kids enjoy.
Spend a Day in the World of Theme Parks
Dubai has something that not many cities offer: a cluster of world-class theme parks in one place. They’re designed for families, with detailed zones separated by age and interest.
Where to go for a thrilling and safe adventure:
- Dubai Parks and Resorts: This area includes Motiongate, LEGOLAND Dubai, LEGOLAND Water Park, and more. There are rides for toddlers, games for primary schoolers, and movie-themed zones that older kids will enjoy.
- IMG Worlds of Adventure: A massive indoor amusement park themed around Marvel, Cartoon Network, and prehistoric dinosaurs. It’s great for a day-long outing when you want indoor air-conditioning without compromising on fun.
Add Culture Without Boring the Kids
Dubai’s traditional roots can also be explored in a kid-friendly way. It doesn’t have to be about long museum tours. Instead, take them for a quick walk through old markets, heritage buildings, or a short boat ride.
Ideas that combine fun and learning:
- Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for a short walk with architecture and street art
- Ride an abra (traditional wooden boat) across the Creek – it’s short, scenic and fun.
- Browse the Spice and Gold Souks, where children can look at colourful displays and unusual scents
- Attend a short cultural show at Global Village during your visit.
Water Parks & Cool Zones
Kids never say no to water play, and Dubai has excellent water parks that cater to all ages and comfort levels.
Some of the best water spots for families:
- LEGOLAND Water Park: Especially suited for kids aged 2 to 12, with build-your-own-raft activities and gentle slides.
- Splash areas at shopping malls: Many malls have indoor water fountains or mini splash pads that kids can enjoy between shopping breaks.
- Hotels with family pools: Many Dubai tour packages include hotels that come with toddler-friendly pool zones, so you don’t even need to go far.
Evening Activities to Wind Down
After an action-packed day, you might want a relaxed evening. Kids, though tired, still have a bit of energy left before bed. Here are some calm activities to consider after sundown:
- The Dubai Fountain Show: Watch it from the steps outside the mall or while enjoying a light meal
- Al Seef: A peaceful walking area along the water that combines tradition and modern cafés
- Night-time visit to Global Village: If you’re around during the open months (usually winter), evening is when it lights up and comes alive with music and colour
- Dinner near Dubai Marina: Many family-friendly restaurants have outdoor seating and views that kids enjoy, especially if boats are passing by
These options allow families to unwind without going through too much effort late in the day.
Conclusion
Dubai is one of those cities that can surprise you with how easy it is to travel with children. It’s organised, clean, and packed with entertainment that doesn’t feel over the top or challenging to manage.
The best thing you can do is to balance your schedule, mix indoor and outdoor activities, big adventures with slow moments, and let your children have a say in what they’d like to do. Whether it’s marvelling at sea creatures in a tunnel, racing through splash zones, or simply riding an abra across calm waters, family memories come from the little joys just as much as the big-ticket experiences.
When you browse through different Dubai tour packages, choose the ones that include hotel stays with kid-friendly perks, transport ease, and access to attractions like the ones listed here. That way, you’ll spend less time organising and more time enjoying the holiday with your family.
