5 Activities in Dubai Your Kids Will Love

Glittery, glamorous, and over the top, Dubai — located in the United Arab Emirates — has made a name for itself as a top tourist destination and a playground for the rich and famous. Dubai is considered by some to be the most lavish city in the world, known for its opulent parties, luxurious accommodations, and a skyline featuring the world’s tallest building. Dubai might seem like an adults-only destination, but the truth is quite the opposite.

Dubai appeals to people of all ages, and kids will have no shortage of things to do, see, touch, and taste during a visit to this Middle Eastern wonderland. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai with the little ones in tow, these are five of the many activities that are sure to have their days filled with fun.

Aquaventure Waterpark

Located at Atlantis the Palm on Dubai’s famous man-made Palm Islands is Aquaventure Waterpark. You don’t have to be a guest of the hotel to visit the park, but you’ll receive a substantial discount on tickets if you are.

Aquaventure is packed with a wide array of slides, splash parks, and other water attractions. Your teens will love the Leap of Faith, a nine story tall slide that is near vertical, and will hurtle them through a tube located in the shark tank at the end. The entire family can enjoy the lazy river cruises and the little ones can splash and play in one of many small pools and fountains designed just for them.

Skiing in the Middle East

A trip down a snowy hill is the last thing one would expect to do in the deserts of the Middle East, but in Dubai it seems like almost anything is possible. Located in the Mall of the Emirates is the world’s largest indoor ski hill, Ski Dubai.

Ski Dubai offers an 85 meter vertical drop across 5 slopes, each with a different ability level. Skis, snowboards, and all the gear are available for rent, and they also offer a ski school and tobogganing areas for those who’d rather not have to stand up. A group of penguins make their home here, and you can book an encounter with these cuties as well.

Dubai Aquarium

Located at the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is heralded by many as one of the best in the world. A day spent here is not simply looking at the fish; the aquarium offers specialized tours and interactive exhibits that will have your kids enchanted by the underwater world.

A new addition to the aquarium is King Croc, a 750 kilogram saltwater crocodile that was relocated from Australia to Dubai after he was deemed a problem by local wildlife officials. Kids older than ten can also take advantage of the aquarium’s Aquarist program, and go behind the scenes for a shark feeding and more.

Ferrari World

Located in Abu Dhabi, about 90 minutes from Dubai by car, is Ferrari World. As the world’s largest indoor theme park, a trip to Ferrari World is definitely worth the drive.

With a nod to the iconic car as its theme throughout, Ferrari World boasts the Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster which hits 240 kilometers per hour in just 5 seconds. Younger children can enjoy the more tame experiences like Viaggio in Italy, or the junior karting tracks. And everyone will enjoy the classic Ferraris on display, many from private collections and worth millions of dollars.

KidZania

Part of a worldwide franchise, KidZania is a chance for kids to take part in real-life adult activities, from having a job and receiving a “paycheck,” to managing money and their purchases in this pint sized, built to scale version of the way adults live and work. This location is in the Dubai Mall.

Geared more toward kids in the 6 to 10 age range, your children can experience role play at its finest at KidZania. They can choose a profession such as a doctor, pilot, or more, and earn KidZos, the KidZania version of currency. They then can use their earnings to buy goods offered by other kids at their jobs. It’s a fun, exciting, immersive, and fully interactive experience that your kids will love.

Dubai is a one of a kind city, and has a little bit of something for everyone, even the little ones. Whether you’ve got a teen, a toddler, or something in between, your family will find plenty of fun and unique activities on offer to make your visit one to remember.