Dubai with kids: the best family attractions, beaches and how to handle the heat

Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm, is the biggest water park, with slides for all ages and a lazy river. Wild Wadi near the Burj Al Arab is smaller and good for younger children. Public beaches such as Kite Beach and JBR are clean and free, with shade options and lifeguards.

Best months

Nov–Mar

Indoor options

Many

Strollers

Fine in malls

Water parks

Aquaventure, Wild Wadi

Evening

Cooler for outdoors

Desert trips

Age 5+ suit

• ✔Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in Dubai Mall.
• ✔Ski Dubai, an indoor ski slope with snow play for children.
• ✔IMG Worlds of Adventure, a huge indoor theme park.
• ✔Dubai Parks and Resorts, with Legoland and Motiongate.
• ✔Museum of the Future and the Dubai Frame for older kids.

A desert safari with a camp dinner is a hit with older children, and gentler options for families exist. Evening is cooler, so plan outdoor things such as the Dubai Fountain show, Global Village in winter and the Miracle Garden after sunset.

• ✔Plan the day around the heat: outdoors in the morning and evening, indoors at midday.
• ✔Carry water and sunscreen, and dress kids in light clothes.
• ✔Use malls and the metro for cool transit.
• ✔Visit between November and March, if you can.

Keep days flexible, and be ready to change plans according to children's energy. Book key attractions in advance, and arrive early to avoid queues and heat. A rest at the hotel in the afternoon helps everyone.

1. 1Day 1: arrive, relax at the hotel pool and visit the Dubai Fountain in the evening.
2. 2Day 2: morning at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, afternoon at the beach.
3. 3Day 3: a full day at Aquaventure or a theme park.
4. 4Day 4: the Dubai Frame and Old Dubai, then a late-afternoon desert safari.

Dubai is safe and family-oriented, with many places for children to play. Metro carriages have a family cabin, and malls have dedicated play areas. Many hotels have kids' clubs and children's menus.

• ✔Car seats: taxis do not always have them, so bring your own or use a ride-hailing service with one.
• ✔Baby changing and feeding rooms: found in malls and major attractions.
• ✔Child-friendly food: plenty of choices, from burgers to pasta and fresh fruit.
• ✔Sun protection: hats, sunscreen and rash vests for water play.
• ✔Medical care: hospitals are excellent, and travel insurance is advised.

With very young children, choose a hotel with a shallow pool and shade, and plan outdoor time in the early morning and evening. Malls are the best places to cool down, and many have soft-play areas. The Dubai Marina promenade and Jumeirah Beach Park are good for strollers.

Pack plenty of nappies and baby food, though supermarkets stock most brands. Carry water and a small cool bag for snacks. See our cost guide and the Dubai guide for planning ahead.

Book big-ticket attractions ahead, and pick a hotel with a kids' club or a pool. See our guide to Dubai costs, the best time to visit and the full Dubai guide.