Dubai is a fascinating modern-age tourist destination that offers immense fun things to indulge into with family and kids. Many modern attractions and landmarks in the UAE have introduced new concepts, themes, and interactions that enlighten people of all age groups. If you want to compare Abu Dhabi vs Dubai, you will be devoid of a vote as both destinations are blessed with mind-blowing family-based attractions. We bring you the top things to keep your entire family engaged with exciting indulgences, including the little ones.
Ain Dubai
The world’s largest observation Ferris wheel is set on Bluewaters Island. Ain Dubai proudly stands at 250 meters above sea level with 48 exclusive passenger cabins that offer magnificent panoramic views of Dubai city. You can purchase a family pass accommodating two adults and two kids or a family plus pass for a larger family. Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks as you look to spot the prominent Dubai landmarks during your entire cycle. You can even hire the complete cabin for an exclusive family affair or outing.
Air Maniax
Your kids will fall in love, at first sight, witnessing Air Maniax. This inflatable indoor adventure park in Al Quoz has 15+ activities to keep the entire family engaged. There are a dedicated inflatable arena, zip line, laser tag, a Warrior Assault obstacle course, and an exclusive toddler play zone. All the arenas and zones are crafted using modern world-class tech wristbands, so your scores are automated in many forms. You can even use them to post pictures and videos on your Instagram story to brag about defeating other fellow competitors.
Adventure Park
Dubai’s largest zip line park and among the most famous outdoor high ropes course in the Mirdif neighborhood bring nature-themed fun and entertainment for the entire family. Nestled in a Ghaf tree forest, all adventurists can opt among 80+ exciting challenges that are exclusively created for various age groups by splashing in the fountains, completing thrilling time-based tasks, and swinging from tree to tree. The 35,000 sqm space gets your inner adventurer going in finding 20 hidden keys across six circuits spread across various tiers, and the last one, the seventh, is the tree-top parks by Aventura Amazonia.
Aquaventure Waterpark
Enjoy a round of cool splash at the Aquaventure Waterpark placed at the Atlantis, The Palm. Enjoying thrilling rides where you plummet through the wide tubes with twists via a shark lagoon giving you the utmost thrill of cliff jumping. Your young children can cool off at the tamer rides and Splashers Children’s Play Area as you look to unwind from your busy city life. Break down between your splashes, rides, and slides to grab some quick bites and sip coolers. Then, ramble along the Palm’s calm waterways or enjoy the sun’s warmth under a beach umbrella on a private beach.
Bounce Dubai
Indulge your kid in some challenging fun as they navigate through 100+ interconnected trampolines at Bounce Dubai. Your kids can try somersaulting at the Mini Bounce while the adults try their skills at the Wall. If that wasn’t it, practice your basketball skills at the Slam Dunk or get enthralled by a high-octane clash at the dodgeball courts. We guarantee you will never have a moment of boredom at Bounce Dubai.
Dolphin Bay
Meet and interact with the friendliest marine animals at the Dolphin Bay in Atlantis, The Palm. You will be encouraged to connect with these ultra-social marine species if you know swimming. This institution is focused on educating visitors and tourists about Dolphins and the significance of preserving their natural environment. You will not be surprised if your kids make new sea friends here.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Enter the forbidden world of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which houses nearly 33,000 marine life species, including the king croc, sand tiger sharks, sting rays, and much more. Your little one’s attention is guaranteed as you walk, absorbing the fabulous tunnel experience between the aquariums. But, of course, you can also indulge in a glass-bottom boat ride if you want to get up close with the aquatic species.
Deep Dive Dubai
This is more than just a record-breaking deepest swimming pool worldwide. There is an underwater aquatic world that will remind you of the lost land of Atlantis. Don your underwater suite as you float through a sunken underwater city, or sign up for fun-filled courses on diving and scuba diving. Be sure to reach new heights as you look to explore cool aquatic habitats with your loved ones. The adventure and thrill are equivalent to the dune bashing session in a Dubai Desert Safari, where you can expect the unexpected at all times.
Dubai Desert Safari
The Desert Safari in Dubai is a splendid opportunity to explore the heart of the grand Arabian desert with impeccable Emirati hospitality and a wide range of fun, entertainment, and adventurous activities for the much-needed adrenaline rush you can look to indulge in during your entire desert expedition. The Desert Safari Dubai also takes you through the Dubai Desert Wildlife Conservation Area, where you can witness the desert animals in their natural habitat. Embark on an overnight Dubai Desert Safari for unparalleled views of the twinkling stars as you spend a night under the moonlit sky in a Bedouin-style desert camp in the middle of nowhere.
Dubai Hills
If you have dreamt of being part of an extreme adventure thrill, then the Storm Coaster or the Adventure Park at the Dubai Hills Mall will surely be your place. Opt for becoming a sensational storm chaser via a world-class art coaster with a vertical launch, multiple sundry twists, and sharp drops and turns. Of course, you may skip a beat in between, so don’t go by if your family is among the faint-hearted ones. In the neighboring Adventure Park, you will come across ten experiences that include climbing walls, caving tunnels, a rope course, and a trampoline jump park for non-stop fun and entertainment.
Dubai Parks and Resorts
Your family, including your little ones, will be glued to the spectacular array of mega theme parks inside the Dubai Parks and Resorts. Be it MOTIONGATE, Bollywood Parks, or Legoland. You can even enjoy a round of fun rollercoasters and waterslides at the Riverland entertainment and dining boulevard, with diverse culinary options that complete your day. Then, enjoy a fun-filled family day by staying inside the Lapita Hotel, a Polynesian-themed luxury hotel in the middle of all action.
Dubai Farms
Well! This experience would be quite different from the glitzy landmarks of Dubai. Instead, you can get back in touch with nature, where you and your family can learn more about organic fruits and vegetables in the self-sustaining eco-farm set in the heart of the desert land. Visitors and tourists can also look to harvest some herbs, honey, and spices as part of the indoor workshops conducted for kids and adults. For more plant fun, head to the UNS Farms, where you will understand how technology has helped revolutionize agriculture and teach your little one important lessons about plant life and sustainability.
Green Planet
Immerse yourself in the natural sounds and sights of a rainforest at the Green Planet. You can also get to spot some animals as the Dubai Safari Park partners with the four-floor biodome. Take a VIP pass that will give you an up-close encounter with the action inside the green environment. Enjoy a round of fish feeding sessions, pose with the blooming flora and fauna, and pick up souvenirs that will remind you of your eventful family trip to Dubai.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
Welcome to Dubai’s most fun-filled theme park, the IMG Worlds of Adventure. Your kids are bound to have joyful smiles when you have lush green spaces equivalent to 28 football fields. Meet up close with your favorite movie characters like the Marvel heroes or the Powerpuff Girls and enjoy thrilling themed rides for an entire day full of fun and entertainment.
Jungle Bay Waterpark
There are many exciting zones, like the sandy beach, multiple pools, a kids club, and several restaurants at the Jungle Bay Waterpark, where you can have exciting and thrilling water-based fun with your entire family. Enjoy the ambiance of these amazing interiors lined up in Mediterranean blue and white hues. Splash pads, a pneumatic wave pool, and plenty of slides will refresh all moods. Finally, enjoy some lip-smacking snacks at the beach, the casual eatery for some culinary delights.
KidZania
This award-winning concept has something across all age groups where you can have unlimited fun in this edutainment complex. Decorated with paved streets, a functioning economy, and multiple themed buildings, the KidZania allows you to witness your kids choose certain professions and jobs and enact their daily roles, adding flavor and scent. In addition, the KidZania Space Centre gives you a feel of a space center, where the little ones can know more about the universe and astronauts with the help of VR technology and simulations.
Legoland Hotel
There can’t be a childhood without a Lego. The first ever Legoland Hotel where a dramatic Ollie the Dragon entrance welcomes you with vibrant colored interiors plus rooms in Lego-based themes across five whimsical motifs, including the notorious pirates. Your kids will surely be engaged as they look to build imaginative Legos through interactive workshops and activities. In addition, all the in-house guests get free passes to the nearby theme parks and waterparks, so enjoy the guaranteed double benefits during your stay.
Museum of the Future
Fast forward to your life to see how technology will be the heart of the future through this multi-sensory experience at the Museum of the Future. A digital rainforest, a dedicated kids’ play area, and a DNA vault housing several unique species will surely enthrall your little ones. All kids under three years get free admission. So book your tickets online or in advance and explore this destination early in the morning to beat the swelling crowd throughout the day. After all, everybody is keen to know how technology will pan their future.
OliOli
Give your child innovative and interactive activities to engage in fresh concepts that have been drafted to inspire and engage the younger generation. This sprawling destination at Al Quoz features eight themed galleries where the highlights include Toshi’s Net – a vibrantly colorful play area handcrafted by Toshiko MacAdam. You can also tinker at the Creative Lab, launch cannonballs in the Water Gallery, and much more. Besides, you get the opportunity to celebrate special family events like birthdays and anniversaries, at special packages/ discounts.
Play DXB
This indoor amusement park in the Dubai Mall brings the best of virtual and augmented reality with spectacular effects. You can try to survive a zombie attack in the Walking Dead Outbreak VR game, try the fabulous Burj Drop experience, or navigate your spaceship safely. So get ready for a round of VR & AR fun, as you have plenty of indulgences for some thrilling encounters. The entry is completely on the house. You pay on the go as per the experience you opt for, starting from AED 15 onwards.
Ready, Set, Go
This splendid jungle-themed playground features a trampoline park, a toddler zone, a mini-town, and a soft play area. From balance beams to rope bridges to fine tunnels to foam cannons, young children will have fun the entire day they spend here. You can also get them to enact in the five roles playrooms where they have multiple roles to don, starting from disco to a princess theme.
Snow Cinema
Enjoy your latest blockbusters with a round of freshly brewed popcorn and soothing hot chocolate as you snug yourself under a blanket and beanie. The Ski Dubai’s winter landscape gives you a summer move night experience nestled in a snow environment with elevated screen quality and world-class Dolby sound systems. Book your tickets in advance; otherwise, you are bound to miss out. The rush intensifies over the weekends.
Tr88house
You will indulge in many amazing activities at the Tr88house indoor play zone on Bluewaters Island, bringing several imaginations to the fore. Grab culinary treats at the gourmet food hall as your child interacts with other kids at the interactive play zones and explore the multi-story ball pits and mazes at the Munchkin Monster soft play area. Adults can try the trampoline park or pamper in a game of mater glow-in-the-dark mini golf or a game of laser for some fun. Enjoy complete entertainment as the bright-hued characters add several quotients of excitement and fun during the game.
Author: Savita Pillay
Savita Pillay is an educationist turned writer from Pune, India. She is an avid reader, who loves to travel and experiment with various cuisines while on the go.
