Family Fun: Top Things To Do In Dubai

Posted on Jun 11, 2013 by Mike Peterson  | Filed Under: UAE, Dubai, kids, fun, entertainment, family

Some fun family-friendly ideas on things to do in Dubai

With its international reputation for over-the-top hotels, posh shopping, flashy restaurants and exclusive nightclubs, Dubai’s young and beautiful (or old but rich) locals and visitors are well looked after when it comes to entertainment. But, for expat families living and working in the city it can be a little more difficult to find relaxing and entertaining destinations that are kid-friendly.

To make finding a fun and interesting activity for parents and kids easier, UAE Medical Insurance has put together a list of some of the best places for families to relax in and around Dubai.

Kidzania

Best suited to the three to ten-year-old crowd, Kidzania is both fun and educational. Kids get to act out various tasks and jobs and play with “realistic” scaled down versions of many of the brands, shops and occupations they come into contact with every day. Basically it is the ultimate game of pretend, where kids get to learn, play and create in a safe environment. Just be aware, it may be tough to get them to leave, so plan another activity for after this one. Fortunately, Kidzania is inside The Dubai Mall, meaning that there is plenty to do nearby if parents want to take turns looking after their youngsters.

Waterparks

To escape Dubai’s sweltering summer heat, which lasts about eight months, there are few better places to head to than a water park. Wet fun for all ages, Dubai has two parks; Wild Wadi and Aquaventure At Atlantis. Both have slides, wave pools, tube rides and a lazy river to float around in, and bikinis are welcome. Just be sure to keep the kids (and grown-ups) well coated in sunscreen throughout the day.

Dolphin Bay and The Lost Chambers Aquarium

Serving as an education and conservation center, as well as an opportunity to meet, swim, play and take a photo with the dolphins, Dolphin Bay is one of the most hands-on dolphin experiences in the world. Kids will love the chance to touch these marine mammals, and parents have the choice to join in or the action or just watch from a safe (and dry) distance. And either before or after meeting the dolphins, check out The Lost Chambers Aquarium, an Atlantis-themed, world-class aquarium with dozens of exhibits of underwater life from around the world. Both Dolphin Bay and The Lost Chambers Aquarium are both located in the Atlantis Resort complex.

4x4 Desert Safari

Day trips to the desert can be an unforgettable adventure, especially if they are done off road (or even on a camel). Kids and adults will both enjoy seeing some of the desolate, sandy landscape and green gorges and creeks during a day-long desert safari. There are plenty desert touring outfitters to choose from in Dubai, some of the best being: Dubai Desert Safari, Arabian Adventures, Funtours Dubai, Knight Tours and North Tours.

Children’s City and Dubai Dolphinarium

Children’s City is a massive interactive museum/theatre/playland located next to Creekside Park,and is an ideal location for a day out with the family. Claiming to have something for anyone aged two to 15, it is perfect for families with children of various ages. Older children will enjoy the planetarium and cultural exhibits, while younger ones can head for the play areas, watch a puppet show or see the nature exhibits, and there is even an area specifically for toddlers. Plus, nearby is the Dubai Dolphinarium, which puts on dolphin shows and educates the public about these unique animals.

Dubai Creek Boating

Do-it-yourselfers may enjoy hopping on board one of the many local water buses that crisscross Dubai Creek daily. Families can take the short boat ride to the adjacent shore and then walk along the water, or check out the Old Souk Market and see what daily life and travel in Dubai was like in the not so distant past.

Dubai Blue Flag Beaches

There are lots of beaches in Dubai, and thanks to little rainfall which minimizes runoff, the water is fairly clean around the city. But recently, the Emirates Wildlife Society issued “Blue Flag” status to four of the cleanest beaches in particular: Jumeirah Public Beach, Al Mamzar Beach Park, Jebel Ali Golf Resort Beach, and Mina Seyahi Beach at Le Meridien. According to the international Blue Flag program,beaches must meet 33 criteria for cleanliness, conservation, public safety and services (including lifeguards), accessibility, educational events and more, to qualify; and their status is reviewed annually every October. It is hoped that there will be an additional 25 beaches making the grade in late 2013, which will provide even more safe and clean places for families to relax and swim in Dubai in the future.

Loved this article? Share!