Dubai is one of the most sought after destinations when it comes to family vacations. Family activities in Dubai are abundant and include diverse interests across the board. Below are a few ideas of where to take your family for a fun and exciting time in this dazzling city.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Of the many things to do in Dubai with family, you don’t want to miss out on visiting IMG Worlds of Adventure. First time travellers will be blown away by this 1.5 million square foot venue. IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest temperature controlled indoor theme park that offers four epic adventure zones in one location. When you arrive, you’ll find that the first zone is the IMG Boulevard, which contains the retail stores and restaurants for your family to visit. Two zones are made to reflect scenes and characters from Cartoon Network and Marvel superheroes. The Amazing Ride of Gumball is located inside the Cartoon Network zone. Your kids will test their quick zapping abilities as they target objects that come to life and try to take over. And the fourth zone, called the Lost Valley, is dedicated completely for dinosaurs. In this zone you’ll find The Velociraptor, which is the tallest and fastest roller coaster in Dubai. Get ready to be catapulted 100km in 2.5 seconds. As you move from zone to zone, you’ll find each has it’s own attractions. See how many of the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters you’ll have the heart to ride!
LEGOLAND Dubai
LEGOLAND Dubai definitely makes it on the list of one of the best family activities in Dubai. Children love LEGOs and are attracted to building things with their own hands while using their imagination and creativity. Watch as their imagination explodes as they explore the 40 different rides and attractions waiting for them. They won’t believe their eyes once they see the 15000 LEGO models that have been constructed. LEGOLAND Dubai is divided into six different zones, each one with its own theme and attractions (Factory, Miniland, Kingdoms, Imagination, Adventure, LEGO city). The journey begins inside the Factory where your little ones will learn everything there is to know about LEGOs. Don’t forget to visit the Big Shop to buy souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones. Miniland is another zone that most find remarkable. 20 million LEGO bricks are used to recreate Dubai’s unmatched skyline and other landmarks from around the Middle East. There’s an area where you and your kids will be able to Build a City on a 10-meter play table if you’re interested in experimenting with LEGOs.
Dubai Miracle Garden
The Dubai Miracle Garden is a blissful place with a medley of flowers and colors spouting from the earth. As you walk the grounds with your loved ones, make sure to take in all 7200 square meters of this magnificent garden. The garden is made up of over 50 million flowers that coat the environment around you. Don’t leave without visiting the Emirates A380, which has made it into the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest floral installation in the world. Keep in mind that this venue is only open to the public during the winter because of the pleasant weather that makes for ideal conditions for the plants and flowers.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Sometimes ratings are everything when you’re looking for family activities in Dubai. TripAdvisor has rated Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark as the #1 water park in Dubai! Part of the genius of this park is that there is something for everyone and an assortment of different water activities. Your kids will be able to enjoy the 30 slides and attractions that the park offers. If they like to surf then Surf’s Up Wave Rider is just for them. It’s is a designated wave machine attraction where they can practice surfing and body boarding. For those looking for a bit of a scary ride then don’t let the Aquaconda ride pass you by. Be ready to bend and twist around terrifying turns on this huge tube-waterslide. And if you prefer a bit more relaxing ride then Rapid River is just for you. It takes about 45 minutes to complete 1 lap on this lazy river, which is the longest one in Dubai. Or you and your family can chill on the 500-meter beautiful private beach and get some sunshine.
Ski Dubai
I’m pretty sure you’ve heard of this indoor ski resort that Dubai is famous for. It’s another example of the endless options of things to do in Dubai with family. Located inside the Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is open year round and is always filled with snow waiting for you and your family to hit the slopes. And of course it’s the perfect escape from the heat if you happen to be visiting during those super hot months! It’s a winter wonderland that stretches out over 225000 square meters. Ski Dubai offers a bunch of snow sports including skiing, snowboarding, zip lining, zorbing and tobogganing. To add to the overall experience, your kids will love being able to watch the penguins as they play in the snow with each other.
Alberto-g-rovi / CC BY-SA
Dubai Mall
Your trip to Dubai won’t be complete unless you spend some time inside the Dubai Mall. It holds the title of being the largest shopping mall in the entire world. It will take you more than one day to explore the 12 million square feet that make up this remarkable mall. You can find something for each member of your family. There are over 1200 shops inside with the best luxury brands from around the world located within if you were looking to do some shopping. As for your kids, you can take them to the world’s largest candy shop or to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Or you can spend the day with your kiddos inside KidZania, which is a city built just for kids to educate and entertain them. You can also skate on the Olympic-sized ice rink, watch a movie in one their cinemas, or visit the VR Park.
From indoor skiing, to building with LEGOS, and the best-rated theme parks to the most incredible shopping malls in the world, visiting Dubai with your family will be an unforgettable experience. You’ll definitely be back for more fun and adventure on your next trip!