Last Updated on March 23, 2024 by Jamie Marshall
One of the main reasons for Dubai’s immense popularity with tourists – particularly families with children – is that there is plenty to do and see in this sparkling emirate for adults and children alike.
Dubai’s tourist industry spares no expense to ensure that visitors to the city’s many attractions get top-notch service and value for money.
The majority of Dubai’s tourist facilities are child-friendly, and have plenty of activities, sights, and sounds to keep your little ones happily busy for the entire day – ensuring an unforgettable experience for the entire family.
Whether you are travelling alone, with a loved one, or with the whole family, we’ve picked out seven of Dubai’s most fun attractions that are not to be missed!
Aquaventure Water Park at Atlantis the Palm
Boasting some heart-thumping rides and slides, Aquaventure is located in the plush Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeirah Island. Offering a lot more than just hair-raising rides, this water park offers tons of fun activities for all ages.
Explore the Shark Lagoon and see amazing marine life through a special helmet, splash around with the kids on one of the many thrilling rides, or just relax and unwind on 700 meters of private beach exclusive to the guests of Aquaventure and Dolphin Bay.
Ski Dubai
Located at the Mall of the Emirates, one of Dubai’s premiere luxury malls, Ski Dubai brings the cold ski slopes right to your doorstep. With many activities guaranteed to keep people of all ages in high spirits, Ski Dubai is the perfect destination for experiencing something unique.
Interact with the remarkable penguins in the Penguin Encounter or book a private ski lesson from one of the facility’s highly trained instructors. Race against family and friends in the snow bullet, soaring 16 meters above the ski slopes below, or participate in the many events hosted at the venue throughout the year.
Burj Al Arab
Resembling a billowing dhow sail, this 320-meter high, ultra-luxurious hotel set upon its own island off the Dubai coastline is one of the tallest hotels in the world. Decadent in every way, this 7-star hotel is lit up by a choreographed, colored light show at night, and is one of the most expensive hotels in the world.
Indulge in a dinner at the underwater Al-Mahara restaurant, with floor-to-ceiling glass panels that provide a window to the water world as you dine, or enjoy afternoon tea on the 27th floor with spectacular views of the city.
Although it’s likely to make a sizable dent in your wallet, a visit to the Burj Al Arab is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience – and highly recommended if budget allows.
Burj Khalifa – At The Top
Boasting the world’s highest outdoor observatory, soaring above the world at 555 metres, the Burj Khalifa’s observation decks are a must see for anyone visiting this glamorous city.
High speed elevators travelling at 10 meters per second whisk you from the entrance lobby to the 124th floor, where floor-to-ceiling glass walls reveal an unparalleled, breathtaking 360-degree view of Dubai.
The deck is equipped with special telescopes that provide visions of the scenes that lie beyond, taking you back in time to a Dubai that was on the cusp of its explosive growth into the global tourist attraction that it is today.
The tour typically lasts one and a half hours, but visitors can leave at their convenience – and can even take back a souvenir from the shop At the Top!
Dubai Dolphin Bay
The Dolphin Bay is located at the Atlantis Resort on the Palm Jumeirah, and is a sophisticated dolphin habitat where tourists and visitors can interact with dolphins on several levels based on their age and swimming capabilities.
Dolphin experiences range from standing in the water and holding, hugging, or touching dolphins (ideal for less confident swimmers and young ones), to swimming with dolphins in the middle of the lagoon, where confident swimmers can experience the thrill of a dolphin tow with plenty of hugs and kisses!
These experiences include a short introduction by a Marine Mammal Specialist, all swimming gear including vests and wet suits, towels and lockers, bottled water, and 30 minutes of water time with the dolphins.
Visitors also get complimentary same-day access to the Aquaventure water park, so plan on spending an exciting and fun day enjoying Dubai’s splendid weather and warm, sunny skies!
Dubai Marina
Set against the backdrop of the amazing residential towers of Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubai Marina is one of Dubai’s newer attractions with fantastic views, boat rides, and an array of casual and fine dining restaurants.
It is also home to Dubai Marina Yacht Club (DMYC), which has rapidly gained a reputation as one of the region’s premier yachting clubs. The DMYC provides exclusive membership to the “Cruising Club,” where yachting enthusiasts can explore regional destinations, as well as participate in a series of informative seminars and workshops conducted by fellow yachtsmen.
Great by day or night, the marina provides a sheltered berthing to over 500 yachts berthed along the 3.5km canal.
Global Village
If your trip falls during the months of November and March, a trip to the Global Village is a must on your itinerary. Entertaining hordes of crowds with cultural entertainment, live music and performances, fireworks displays, and mouth-watering cuisines from across the world, Global Village is in its 15th year running.
It provides an amazing international shopping experience to millions of visitors, displaying merchandise and handicrafts from 31 countries across the globe. The event, which enjoys a permanent home off Sheikh Zayed Bin Mohammed Road, is often extended well into April, so check the website if you’re planning a visit.