Are you a curious cat? Prepare to be amazed by the incredible exhibits at Dubai’s top 5 science museums.
My kids have been struggling with science class lately, and I was looking for a way to make it more engaging. I remembered how much fun I had visiting science museums as a kid, so I took them to Dubai.
It turned out to be a fantastic decision! Dubai has some of the most impressive science museums in the world, with interactive exhibits, mind-blowing experiments, and cutting-edge technology.
If you’re looking for ways to ignite your child’s passion for science, join me as I share the top five science museums in Dubai that turned our family outing into a day full of wonder and learning—trust me, your kids will thank you for it!
1. Museum of the Future
Media credit: museumofthefuture
Website: https://museumofthefuture.ae/
Address: 67CP+H4Q, Sheikh Zayed Rd, Trade Centre, Trade Centre 2, Dubai
Contact details: +9718002071
Operating hours: 9 AM–7 PM
The Museum of the Future is a space that blends science, technology, and sustainability. When you first walk up to it, you can’t help but be drawn in by its stunning, futuristic design. It’s been dubbed “the most beautiful building on earth. ”
How it’s shaped—a toroidal design with gorgeous Arabic calligraphy—screams innovation. It symbolizes Dubai’s ambitious spirit, diving into sustainability, space exploration, and artificial intelligence.
Inside, it’s even better. One of my absolute favorite experiences was the Journey to the Future. Picture this: you’re virtually flying to a space station and feeling what it’s like to be an astronaut.
The interactive displays make you think critically about climate change and technological advancements. The Digital Amazon, for instance, uses mixed reality to take you deep into the rainforest, showcasing all its biodiversity—it’s like magic!
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the interactive AI guides available throughout the museum. These guides can answer your questions in real time and provide personalized recommendations based on your interests.
2. OliOli Children’s Museum
Media credit: nursery_jins.
Website: http://www.olioli.ae/
Address: 62 4 A St, Al Quoz, Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Contact details: +97147027300
Operating hours: 11 AM–6 PM
OliOli Children’s Museum is for kids aged 2 to 11. The name “OliOli” means “The Joy of Togetherness,” and it lives up to that. This place is all about creating those special moments together while having a blast.
They’ve got over 45 hands-on exhibits spread across eight amazing galleries. You’ll want to check out the Creativity Lab, where kids can let their imaginations run wild—think about building and experimenting with all sorts of structures.
If you head over to the Air Section, you will find interactive displays teaching gravity and aerodynamics. For the little adventurers, there’s Toshi’s Nets, a climbing structure that gets them moving and grooving.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the Glowtopia exhibit! This magical city of light dazzles and offers interactive experiences that change with your movements—perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments.
3. Al Thuraya Astronomy Center
Media credit: dubaiastronomy
Website: http://www.dubaiastronomy.com/
Address: Al Thuraya Astronomy Centre, Mushrif Park, Mushrif, Dubai
Contact details: +971506246172
The Al Thuraya Astronomy Center features interactive exhibits and a real observatory, and it even hosts stargazing events. It opened in 2017, thanks to the Dubai Astronomy Group teaming up with the Dubai Municipality.
It’s the UAE’s first public observatory, and you can feel the passion behind it. Their mission is to ignite a love for space science in everyone.
One of my favorite spots inside is the Astro Cinema, where documentaries about space exploration are screened. And then there’s the Innovation Lab, where you can roll up your sleeves and work on fun projects involving robotics and 3D printing.
You should also check out the Astro Academy. They have workshops and courses designed to help you dig deeper into astronomy. They also have the Invention Lab, where kids can work on building satellites or playing around with radio waves.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the telescope observation sessions during your stay! These sessions are not just about looking through a telescope; they provide guided insights into what you see, making it a truly enriching experience.
4. Green Planet Dubai
Media credit: thegreenplanetdubai
Website: https://www.thegreenplanetdubai.com/
Address: City Walk, Al Wasl, Dubai
Operating hours: 10 AM–6 PM
The Green Planet has a magical vibe. Step into a biodome, and suddenly, a rainforest ecosystem surrounds you! It’s an educational experience focusing on biodiversity, climate change, and sustainability practices.
They have over 3,000 plants and animals! You’ll explore four levels: the Flooded Rainforest, the Forest Floor, the Midstory, and the Canopy. Each area is designed to give you a taste of what different rainforest layers feel like.
And there’s this massive man-made tree, towering at 82 feet—the largest indoor tree in the world! It’s like a mini version of a rainforest in the middle of all the skyscrapers.
You can even join in on animal encounters—like the Sloth Encounter! Imagine getting to interact with a sloth up close. Plus, there’s this thrilling option to snorkel with piranhas. You see them during feeding time, which is exciting and safe.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss the indoor thunderstorm experience daily at 1 PM and 5 PM! This incredible simulation features realistic sound effects and rain, allowing you to witness how rainforests react to storms without getting wet.
5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Media credit: thedubaimall
Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
Address: Downtown Dubai
Contact details: +971800382246255
Operating hours: 10 AM–10:15 PM
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo are like stepping into a whole new underwater world. I was genuinely blown away by how massive it is—think 10 million liters of water filled with over 30,000 aquatic animals!
One of the coolest things about this place is that it emphasizes education and conservation, which I appreciate. It’s a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), so you know it’s committed to making a difference.
Plus, they even snagged a Guinness World Record for being one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. This epic 48-meter underwater tunnel immediately struck me. You’re surrounded by rays and sharks gliding by—it felt surreal!
The Underwater Zoo is another highlight, divided into three ecological zones: rainforest, rocky shore, and ocean. And you don’t want to miss the daily feeding sessions. Watching divers interact with the sharks was both thrilling and super educational.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on the Shark Encounter, where you can feed these magnificent creatures! It’s an experience unlike any other—just remember to book in advance as spots fill up quickly due to its popularity.