I’m Now My Child’s Favorite: Try These Kids Activities in Dubai!
Keeping up with my kids these days is like trying to learn a new language—just when I figured out what “yeet” means, they’re onto the next thing. For the record, “yeet” is a fun little word they use when throwing stuff. Who knew?
Also, finding fun activities for the little ones used to be a breeze. Now, it’s like trying to catch a train that’s always one step ahead. They’re growing up at lightning speed, and I’m constantly on the hunt for activities that won’t make me feel like a total alien.
Parenting, as we all know, is a never-ending experiment. So I’ve carted my kids around to a gazillion places and learned a thing or two along the way. Lucky for you, I’ve kept a detailed log (with expert tips!), and I think these are the absolute best ones. Enjoy!
What are the best Dubai activities for children?
There are a bunch of great Dubai activities for children. You can check out fun spots like KidZania, IMG Worlds of Adventure, Play DXB, Aquaventure Waterpark, and GLITCH to create some amazing core memories for the kiddos.
Dream Big at KidZania
Media from kidzaniaAE
Website: https://dubai.kidzania.com/
Address: The Dubai Mall, Second level. Cinema Parking – Financial Center Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 448 5222, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 11 PM
Fees:
- Economy (4 to 16) – AED 195
- Premium (4 to 16) – AED 260
- Adult (17 and above) – AED 80
- Toddler (2 to 3) – AED 110
- Baby (0 to 1) – Free
KidZania is a mini city where kids can try out over 80 jobs! With paved streets and buildings, I love that it’s like a real town. Kids even earn “KidZos,” the city’s currency, by doing tasks as firefighters, chefs, doctors, and more, making learning a blast.
You may also explore the Space Centre for some out-of-this-world fun or hit the games room for cool activities like foosball. For me, this is one of the most creative places that can help parents learn a thing or two about their kids.
Pro tip:
Encourage the kids to take a break and refuel at on-site spots like McDonald’s, Pizza Express, or Reel Cinemas Cafe. Keep the fun going and refuel without leaving KidZania!
Meet Fun Characters at IMG Worlds of Adventure
Media from imgworlds
Website: https://www.imgworlds.com/
Address: City of Arabia – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 403 8888, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday- 12 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 12 AM to 11 PM
Fees:
- General Park Admission – AED 365
- IMG Kids Zone – AED 50 (1 hour), AED 100 (Full Day)
- Annual Membership Pass – AED 765
- VIP Package – AED 7,725
IMG Worlds of Adventure is a massive indoor theme park in Dubai, the size of 28 football fields! It features 4 awesome zones—Cartoon Network, Marvel, Lost Valley – Dinosaur Adventure, and IMG Boulevard—packed with thrilling rides and attractions.
The kids can meet their favorite characters, like Iron Man and Ben 10 while enjoying fun rides, and exploring the cool zones. What’s more, I appreciate that there’s a cinema and a bunch of dining spots for a fun-filled family day.
Pro tip:
Don’t bring your own snacks to IMG Worlds of Adventure—the staff will make you rent a locker for your food, starting at 45 AED. Save yourself the hassle and enjoy the park’s dining spots instead!
Experience the Burj Drop at Play DXB
Media from playdxbbyemaar
Website: https://entertainment.emaar.com/attraction/play-dxb
Address: Dubai Mall – Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 11 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Single Day (All ages) – AED 200 to AED 400
Play DXB is a VR wonderland in Dubai. The highlight for me is the Burj Drop, simulating a fall from the Burj Khalifa. Otherwise, the kids may battle zombies in The Walking Dead game! I also suggest maximizing the trampolines and inflatable playgrounds.
With over 30 immersive adventures, I think this entertainment hub has something for every kid. Just when you think you’re done, there are still Transformers missions to deal with. Of course, you may opt for a classic carousel ride later to calm everyone down.
Pro tip:
Got leftover credits at Play DXB? No worries! You can use them for up to 6 months at other outlets as well.
Splash around at Aquaventure Waterpark
Media from aquaventuredubai
Website: https://www.aquaventureworld.com/
Address: Atlantis The Palm – Crescent Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 426 0000, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9:45 AM to 6:30 PM
Fees:
- Starts from AED 289
At Aquaventure Waterpark, excitement is the name of the game for the tiny tots. Whether you’re rushing down the Aquaconda or chilling on the private beach, there’s fun for all.
For the daring ones, there are shark-infested tubes and cliff jumps (it’s safe, though), while the kids can enjoy the play area. And when it’s time to unwind, I say take a stroll by the water or bask in the sunshine on the sandy shores.
Pro tip:
I recommend using a waterproof phone case for Aquaventure Waterpark, so you can capture every slide moment without worries. Keep your phone safe and dry while you splash around!
Be a Ninja at GLITCH
Media from glitcharabia
Website: https://glitcharabia.com/home
Address: Al Ghurair Centre – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 205 5263, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Discovery Pass (50 points) – AED 39
- Explorer Pass (100 points) – AED 59
- Super Pass (230 points) – AED 89
- Ultimate Pass (1 day) – AED 149
- Bowling – AED 29 (Weekday), AED 39 (Weekend)
GLITCH is a massive indoor playground bursting with over 30 games across 4,000 square meters. From ninja courses to sky surfing and bowling, I reckon there’s never a dull moment here.
And with neon lights adding to the adventure, it’s easy to get hooked! You may also check out the defying gravity on Newton’s Wall and experience retro gaming at GamePort Arcade—both of which seem really cool for kids and adults.
Pro tip:
Note that bowling is a separate activity from the regular passes at GLITCH. But with the 1-hour package, I bet you can squeeze in 2 full games! Just try to aim for those strikes real quick.
Use up All Your Energy in Bounce Dubai
Media from bouncemideast
Website: http://bounce.ae/
Address: Building #32 4th St – Al Quoz – Al Quoz 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 304 9333
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- 1-Hour Pass – AED 80 (varies per venue)
- 2-Hour Superpass – AED 130
Got kids with never-ending energy? Bounce Dubai is a total blast for everyone! Over 100 trampolines make it a jumping paradise. Slam dunk, Ninja Warrior, you name it—there’s always something exciting happening here.
And with stuff for all ages, even the little tykes at Mini Bounce can join in. They may also climb The Wall, jump into the Big Bag, or get in on some dodgeball action. After all the fun, I believe the children will be out like a light!
Pro tip:
Parents, take a breather upstairs at Bounce Dubai’s cozy cafe while your kids jump around. You can keep an eye on them here and recharge in comfort.
AYA
Media from ayauniverse
Website: http://www.aya-universe.com/
Address: Wafi City – Oud Metha – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 542 0300
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Entry Ticket – AED 135
- Family Pass (4 Tickets) – AED 399
- Child under 3 – Free
If you have more kids than you can handle, you need to be somewhere spacious. Located in Wafi Mall, AYA is a magical 40,000-square-foot playground for kids, featuring 12 enchanting rooms.
With a special passport, you can see cool spaces like Aurora and Celestia. For me, it’s where art and tech blend into a delightful adventure! And from controlling constellations to defying gravity at The Falls, I feel every vibrant spot here is worth exploring.
Pro tip:
Girls, quick heads-up! AYA has mirrored floors in some rooms, so watch out if you’re wearing skirts. Keep it in mind and dress comfortably for the adventure!
OliOli
Media from olioliuae
Website: http://www.olioli.ae/
Address: 62 4 A St – Al Quoz – Al Quoz 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 702 7300, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Friday & Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 8 PM
Fees:
- Standard (access to permanent galleries) – AED 139
- Standard PLUS (access to all galleries) – AED 169
- Multi-Visit Pass (non-stop family fun) – AED 299
OliOli is a cool kids’ museum in Dubai with 8 awesome galleries. Youngsters can go for fun activities like light shows, tinkering with rockets, and arts and crafts. It’s all about making learning super fun!
With 45 interactive exhibits, I’m in awe that there are tons to explore. My top picks include climbing through colorful Toshi’s Net and launching cannonballs in the Water Gallery. After all the fun, just chill at La Petite Treehouse Cafe with some snacks!
Pro tip:
Make sure to pack extra clothes and beach shoes for OliOli’s water activities. Kids love to splash around, so being prepared makes the day more fun!
Kite Beach
Media from kitebeachdubai/
Website: http://www.kitebeach.ae/
Address: Umm Suqeim 1 – Jumeirah Beach Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: 04 219 0999, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Free entry
Dubai’s Kite Beach is where chill vibes meet adventure. Think endless sand, food trucks galore, and activities like kitesurfing or beach volleyball. Of course, the kids need their vitamin D too!
What I like most about it is that it’s family-friendly. With trampolines, beachside burgers, and all the amenities you’ll need, it’s stress-free fun for everyone.
Pro tip:
At Kite Beach, don’t forget your helmet if you’re biking! Transit police might drop by, dishing out warnings and fines for safety gear slackers.
Legoland
Media from legolanddubai
Website: https://www.legoland.com/dubai/
Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Parks & Resorts – Sheikh Zayed Rd – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 820 3123, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Fees:
- Starts at AED 295
Are you a fan of Legos? Me too, as long as I’m not stepping on them. Dubai’s all about family fun, and Legoland proves it. Packed with over 40 rides, it’s a blast for kids from 2 to 12.
The little ones can splash around in the water park or pedal around when it’s hot—there’s always something cool to do. After all the thrills, I suggest grabbing a bite at Riverland or letting loose at JumpX.
Pro tip:
I recommend planning for 3 to 4 hours at Legoland. Bring water, caps, and sunglasses for a cool and comfy visit!
Dubai Miracle Garden
Media from dubaimiraclegarden
Website: https://www.dubaimiraclegarden.com/
Address: Street 3 – Al Barsha – Al Barsha South – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 422 8902, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 9 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 9 AM to 11 PM
Fees:
- Adult/Seniors (Over 12) – AED 95
- Child (3 to 12) – AED 80
- Child (Below 3) – Free
- ID is required for children
Want a flower-themed activity? Dubai Miracle Garden is a floral wonderland with a whopping 50 million blooms! From giant hearts to the A380 flower installation, it’s a visual treat. I think the Butterfly Garden and Hearts Passage here are Insta-worthy too!
Moreover, don’t skip the sunflower field or the flower procession for some extra fun. Of course, I feel that it can be exhausting to walk around the gardens all day. I suggest taking casual breaks with a nice view at the Hill Top cafes.
Pro tip:
Dubai Miracle Garden can be pretty packed, so beat the crowds and enjoy perfect weather by visiting the gardens early in the morning or late in the evening!
Global Village Dubai
Media from globalvillageuae
Website: https://www.globalvillage.ae/
Address: 38C5+F57 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 362 4114, [email protected]
Winter Hours (seasonal between October and April):
- Saturday to Sunday – 4 PM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Value Ticket – AED 22.5
- Any Day Entry Ticket – AED 27
In Dubai, Global Village is like a world tour in a theme park, showcasing diverse, colorful cultures all in one spot. I believe you’ll also love the global feast, from spicy Mexican to aromatic Thai, pleasing even the fussiest eaters.
But beyond food, there’s a thrill ride waiting with exciting games and heart-pounding attractions like the Ferris wheel. As the sun sets, I also encourage you to stay and let the kids see the amazing fireworks painting the sky.
Pro tip:
Keep your youngest kids cruising at Global Village with a stroller. Lots to see here means lots of walking, so save those little legs. No worries if you forget yours—they’ve got rentals onsite.
VR Park
Media from metavrse
Address: Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 10 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Fees:
- Entry – Free
- Rides – AED 15 to AED 45
Do your kids love video games? For me, VR Park looks similar to them, but it’s far from ordinary. From desert buggies to high-speed races, I bet even the grandparents would be curious about diving into the thrilling virtual worlds.
For one, you can explore surreal landscapes in “Dubai Drone” or face zombies in “The Walking Dead VR Outbreak.” But make sure your kids don’t have motion sickness—they might get dizzy.
Pro tip:
At Dubai’s VR Park, I think 4 is the ideal team size for maximum fun and epic teamwork. So gather your crew, gear up, and have an epic VR playday!
Air Maniax
Media from airmaniax
Website: https://www.airmaniax.com/al-quoz-dubai
Address: 16/Street 1, Al Quoz Ind – Area 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 348 8981, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 8 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 10 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- Starts from AED 85
For me, Air Maniax is like a playground on steroids for kids. With over 15 activities, including bouncing in the inflatable arena, tackling the “Warrior Assault” course, and flying on the zip line, there’s no shortage of thrills!
I also love that even the littlest ones have their own safe spot to play. Plus, I find it incredible that the high-tech wristbands keep score and capture epic moments for instant social media sharing—non-stop fun for the whole family!
Pro tip:
Take advantage of summer deals at Air Maniax. Sometimes it’s buy 2 hours, get 1 free. Worth every dirham, if I may say so myself.
Motiongate Dubai
Media from motiongatedubai
Website: https://www.dubaiparksandresorts.com/en/motiongatetm-dubai
Address: Dubai Parks and Resorts – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 820 0000
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM
- Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Fees:
- Starts at AED 330
Is your kid a celebrity wannabe? Motiongate Dubai is just the Hollywood-themed wonderland for them! Packed with 27 rides inspired by hits like The Hunger Games and Shrek, it looks like a cinematic dream come true.
From Studio Central to the charming Smurfs’ Village, every zone is packed with excitement. You can ride the Capitol Bullet Train or catch live shows. Just get a good night’s sleep beforehand, because I bet you’ll use up all your energy here.
Pro tip:
Going in hot on a sunny day? Stay chill at Motiongate Dubai with the cool covered areas. It’s got air conditioning for a sweet escape from the heat!
Also, February visits usually mean no lineups for rides, giving you more time for fun and less time waiting around!