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Traveling to Dubai with kids? I've helped hundreds of families plan their trips, and here's what I've learned: Dubai is actually one of the most family-friendly destinations in the world - if you know where to go and when.
This guide covers activities for all ages, from toddlers in strollers to bored teenagers. I'll tell you what's worth the money, what to skip, and the practical details parents actually need.
Located inside Dubai Mall, this is a lifesaver with young kids. The tunnel walk is free (you can see plenty from outside), but the paid experience is worth it if your kids love marine life. The touch tank where they can feel starfish and sea cucumbers? Always a hit.
Practical tip: Go right when the mall opens (10am). By noon, school groups arrive and it gets crowded. Stroller-friendly throughout.
Over 50 million flowers arranged in incredible shapes - hearts, castles, a life-size Emirates plane made of flowers. Kids under 3 enter free. The paths are paved and flat, perfect for strollers. There's a small butterfly garden inside that young kids love.
When to visit: Open November to May only. Go in the morning - by afternoon it gets hot and crowded. For the best time to visit Dubai overall, check our weather guide for Dubai.
An entire mini-city where kids can "work" as doctors, firefighters, pilots, and more. They earn play money and learn about professions. Ages 4-14 work best here. Warning: you'll need at least 4 hours - kids never want to leave.
The world's tallest building is impressive for any age, but 8+ is when kids really appreciate it. Book "At the Top" tickets in advance (levels 124-125) - the views are identical to the more expensive SKY experience (level 148), and you save 200+ AED per person.
Tip: Sunset tickets are best - you see Dubai in daylight, at sunset, and lit up at night. The whole experience takes about 90 minutes including queues.
This is where Dubai gets exciting. Dune bashing is essentially a roller coaster on sand - kids 8+ usually love it (some younger kids find it scary). The Premium Dubai Desert Safari includes:
For a detailed breakdown of what to expect, read our complete family desert safari guide.
Teenagers are the trickiest to please, but Dubai has genuinely cool activities they won't roll their eyes at.
Teens 16+ with a driver's license can drive their own dune buggy. The 4-seater dune buggy is perfect for families - one parent drives while the whole family experiences it together. Teens find this way cooler than being a passenger.
For more teen-specific activities, check our guide on desert safari experiences for teenagers.
A giant picture frame with glass floors and views of old and new Dubai. Teenagers love the glass floor photo opportunities and the Instagram-worthy views. Less crowded than Burj Khalifa and about half the price.
One of the world's largest virtual reality parks. Teenagers can spend hours here on VR games, virtual roller coasters, and escape rooms. It's in the mall, so parents can shop while teens play.
With kids, a private Dubai city tour makes life so much easier than public transport or taxis. Here's why families love it:
The tour covers all the highlights in one day: Old Dubai (spice souks, gold souks), Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, and stops at major landmarks. The guide adjusts the pace based on your family's energy levels.
Considering Abu Dhabi too? The Abu Dhabi City Tour is equally family-friendly and includes Ferrari World - teenagers especially love this. Our guide on Dubai vs Abu Dhabi helps you decide if you have time for one or both.
November to March is ideal - temperatures are comfortable (20-30°C). Avoid summer (June-August) unless you're mainly doing indoor activities. School holidays (Christmas, February half-term) are busier but manageable.
Dubai is not walkable with kids. Options:
Dubai is one of the easiest places to eat with kids. Every mall has food courts with familiar options (McDonald's, pizza, pasta). Most restaurants are child-friendly with high chairs available. Arabic food is generally mild and kid-approved - hummus, grilled chicken, flatbreads.
Day 1: Landmarks
Day 2: Desert Adventure
Day 3: City Tour
Day 4: Theme Parks or Beach
Dubai with kids is genuinely fun - it's a city built for tourists with incredible infrastructure, safety, and activities for every age. The key is pacing yourself (don't over-schedule), staying hydrated, and embracing the air conditioning. Your kids will love it.
