Dubai has transformed itself into one of the world's great family holiday destinations. Beyond the glittering skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls, there's a city packed with world-class theme parks, pristine beaches, desert adventures, and cultural experiences that children and adults love in equal measure. Here's everything you need to know about travelling to Dubai with kids.
When to Visit Dubai with Kids
The best time for a family trip to Dubai is November to March, when temperatures are a comfortable 20–28°C. The summer months (June–September) are brutally hot (40–45°C) and humid — outdoor activities become impossible and even the short walk from air-conditioned car to air-conditioned mall can be unpleasant.
School holiday periods (particularly Christmas and February half-term) are popular and prices are higher, but the weather is perfect. Book well in advance for these periods.
Best Family Attractions in Dubai
Dubai Parks and Resorts — A complex of four theme parks including Motiongate (Hollywood-themed), Bollywood Parks, Legoland Dubai, and Riverland (a free-to-enter dining and entertainment district). A multi-park pass costs around £60–80 per person.
IMG Worlds of Adventure — One of the world's largest indoor theme parks, with zones dedicated to Marvel, Cartoon Network, and dinosaurs. Perfect for a hot day. From £50 per person.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Located inside Dubai Mall, this is one of the world's largest aquariums. The walk-through tunnel is spectacular. From £20 per person.
Ski Dubai — An indoor ski slope inside the Mall of the Emirates. Surreal but genuinely fun, especially for children who've never seen snow. From £50 for a 2-hour snow pass.
Wild Wadi Waterpark — A large outdoor waterpark adjacent to the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Excellent for families with children aged 5+. From £50 per person.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels
Atlantis The Palm — The ultimate Dubai family hotel. Two waterparks (Aquaventure and the new Atlantis Aquaventure), a private beach, an aquarium, and dozens of restaurants. Expensive but genuinely spectacular.
Jumeirah Beach Hotel — Iconic wave-shaped hotel on Jumeirah Beach with direct access to Wild Wadi Waterpark. Excellent kids' club and family facilities.
Rove Hotels — Dubai's best mid-range option. Clean, modern, well-located, and genuinely family-friendly. The Rove Downtown and Rove City Centre are particularly good.
JA Beach Hotel — A more affordable beach resort option with excellent family facilities, a private beach, and multiple pools.
Cultural Experiences for Families
Dubai is more than theme parks and shopping malls — the city has a rich cultural heritage worth exploring with children.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood — The old quarter of Dubai, with wind-tower architecture and the excellent Dubai Museum (£1 entry). A fascinating contrast to the modern city.
Dubai Creek Abra Ride — Take a traditional wooden abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek for just 1 AED (20p). Children love it.
Desert Safari — A quintessential Dubai experience. Dune bashing in 4x4s, camel riding, sandboarding, and a Bedouin camp dinner under the stars. Most operators offer family-friendly options. From £50 per person.
Global Village — A seasonal outdoor festival (October–April) with pavilions representing 90+ countries, street food, entertainment, and rides. Excellent value at around £3 entry.
Practical Tips for Families
Dress code: Dubai is a Muslim country. While tourist areas are tolerant of Western dress, cover up when visiting mosques, souks, and government buildings. Swimwear is fine at beaches and pools.
Food: Dubai is extremely family-friendly for food. Every mall has a food court with familiar international chains alongside excellent local options. The city is very allergy-aware.
Transport: Taxis are plentiful and cheap. The Dubai Metro is clean, air-conditioned, and has a dedicated "Gold Class" carriage for families. Uber and Careem (local equivalent) work well.
Health: Dubai has excellent private medical facilities. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical treatment — it can be expensive without insurance.
