Top 5 Places for Kids in Dubai

Posted on Jan 21, 2013 by Bethany  | Filed Under: childrens activities, dubai, family

Struggling for ideas for where to take your kids for their next birthday party? Look no further!

Alongside education, going outdoors is one of the best thing for kids. Parents main concerns are that their kids are happy, healthy and safe. By getting out and exploring, it not only is great for learning, but keeps them entertained and healthy. So, what are the best places in Dubai for kids? We've scoured the web and have found 5 of the most favorable places.

1.Children's City

This venue easily takes the number one spot because it's educational and fun! It's the first of its kind in Dubai and is a huge space that welcomes children to learn, explore and discover new things. It houses a planetarium and has numerous exhibits based around nature, the human body, space exploration, applied sciences as well as a kids corner for the younger ones. This place is great for family and school trips, and even arranges daily educational workshops in addition to housing various galleries and entertainment programs at the Children's City Theatre. This place is ideal for kids and can keep them busy for hours! Not only that, they can have fun while learning at the same time.

2. Ski Dubai

Located in the Mall of Emirates, this is something you wouldn't normally find in a location such as Dubai. If you or your family are finding it hard to bear the heat, then try something different and head over to Ski Dubai. The resort has 5 slopes of varied steepness, as well as a 85-meter high indoor mountain. The place is open to kids from 3 years and above and offers you the chance to ski, snowboard, ride the bobsled, and even meet some penguins! For the older ones, there's ski lessons available that range from beginner to advanced. You can also arrange group lessons if you want to learn to ski as a family. There's no need to worry about your child’s safety either as helmets are provided and are compulsory. For the little one's, snow suits and shoes are a must!

3. Wild Wadi Water Park

Wild Wadi water park is high on the list because swimming is a great form of exercise, and is ideal for kids. It's conveniently located beside the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel, which means it's easy to find and if you're exhausted at the end of the day, then you have somewhere to stay. Wild Wadi has many attractions, including the largest wave pool in the middle-east, as well as surfing, river rapids and huge water slides that are perfect for older children. If you have younger children who want to be included in the fun too, then you have the option to grab a double float seat, to ensure they don't fall off and can still ride with them. For the little ones who prefer to take it easy, there's Juha's Dow and Lagoon, which clearly kept families and kids in mind when it was being built. No need to worry about safety as they have plenty of lifeguards on hand to keep an eye on beginner swimmers. There are also life jackets available for smaller children for additional safety. If your kids love swimming, then this is the best place to check out.

4. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai Aquarium has the largest suspended aquarium in the world and holds 10 million liters of water. In addition to being the largest, it also houses thousands of aquatic animals, hundreds of sharks and rays, including the largest collection of sand tiger sharks in the world! They also have a 48-meter long aquarium tunnel, which throws you into the oceanic scene as it takes you 11-meters underneath the surface. If going under isn't your thing, then you can always take a ride on the glass-bottom boat to see all the creatures from the top. For the more daring and older kids, there's even an option to go diving with sharks. Not only is this an excellent visual adventure for kids, but can be educational too!

5. Dolphin Bay

One of the most popular once in a lifetime experiences is swimming with dolphins, so if you want to check this one off your list, then Dolphin Bay is the place to be. Similar to Wild Wadi, Dolphin Bay is conveniently located in Atlantis, The Palm hotel, which means this experience would be perfect as a birthday treat if including an overnights stay. Dolphin Bay is ideal for ages 5 upwards, and has many options from dolphin encounters in shallow waters to a proper swim with the dolphins. You can even arrange a personalised event, including dining, as well as any of the dolphin experiences the bay has to offer. Furthermore, there is an educational program available with marine mammal lessons. All in all, an excellent once in a lifetime experience that is a must if you are visiting the area.