We Can’t Believe We Found Whales at Creek Park in Dubai
My friends and I hit up parks almost every week, so we’re wondering if there’s anything new to see besides the usual crowd, trees, flowers, grass, birds, clouds, and sunsets. We were so bored that we probably even spotted a ghost or two!
OK, just kidding. But seriously, it can get pretty dull once you’ve explored too many parks. Except for Creek Park in Dubai—now that’s an exception! For one, it’s got actual whales and seals in it!
Yes, the Dolphinarium is super popular here. Still, we realized that there’s so much more to the park than this. We even put together a handy guide about it, so take a good look below!
What is Creek Park in Dubai known for?
Creek Park is known for its attractions like the Dubai Dolphinarium and Children’s Park. Visitors also enjoy the BBQ zones, kiddie sand play area, and jogging track that looks onto the Dubai Golf Club.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Creek Park is any day between 5 am and 9 am or after sunset until midnight.
Things to Know
Entry Fee: You need to pay AED 5 to enter, but it’s free for people of determination and kids under 2 years old. Do note that you can only play using the Roads & Transport Authority or RTA’s public transport Nol card—you can top up at any metro station.
Operating Hours: Creek Park is accessible from 9 am to 8 pm from Monday to Thursday, and from 9 am to 11 pm from Friday to Sunday.
Parking: The park offers its own parking lot. Alternatively, you may use the public parking lots within walking distance of the park.
Washroom: When nature calls or you need to freshen up, there are available washrooms in the park.
Dogs: Creek Park is pet-friendly! There are beautiful lawns and gardens, as well as lots of shaded areas for humans and furry friends to enjoy.
How to Get Around
Trains: A convenient way to reach the park is by taking the metro’s Red Line towards Dubai Creek. You’ll get off at the Burjuman stop and get on the Green Line to Dubai Healthcare City. Then, it’s about a 15-minute walk to the park’s main gate.
Buses: The bust stations near Dubai Creek Park Gate 4 are Oud Metha Road 1, Dubai Courts 1, and Oud Metha Road 2—all of which are a 12 to 14-minute walk away.
Taxis: Taxis are available throughout Dubai, so we see this as the most convenient option to get to the park.
Car: There’s ample parking at Creek Park, so driving there directly would likely give you a seamless experience.
What to Do in Creek Park
Enjoy a Picnic or BBQ
Media credit: ladyandhersweetescapes
Whether it’s a date, hangout, or mini family gathering, Creek Park is a fantastic place for a fun and hearty picnic. Its spacious greenery provides visitors with fresh air and scenic views.
Make sure to pack a picnic rug as well as your favorite sandwiches, cakes, and drinks. But if you want more filling options, there are dedicated BBQ spots at the park where the elders can do their thing with the grill.
Watch a Dolphin and Seal Show
Media credit: dolphinariumdubai
Website: https://dubaidolphinarium.ae/
Address: Dubai Dolphinarium Building – Riyadh Street, Inside the Creek Park Gate 1 – Dubai Dolphinarium Building – Street – Umm Hurair 2
Contact Details: +971 4 336 9773, [email protected]
Dubai Dolphinarium is an indoor dolphinarium within Creek Park that houses cute dolphins and seals. It’s fully airconditioned, so we bet this is the best place to go when the sun gets too hot.
Guests may watch and interact with the animals here through live shows and photo sessions. The animals will do all sorts of amusing tricks, like jumping through hoops and juggling. You may even swim with these fascinating creatures if you want!
Besides all the dolphin and seal shows, we also recommend exploring the 5D theater, art factory, and mirror maze to make the most of your visit.
Bring the Kids to a Science Gallery
Media credit: expatdubai.life
Address: Creek Park – Umm Hurair 2
Contact Details: +971 4 334 0808
Are your little ones not that into active or outdoor sports? Children’s City is a science-based learning center at the park with an earth science gallery and other exhibits they might be interested in.
We also like that there’s a planetarium and nature center here. But most of all, we think you and your kids should join the hands-on workshops at the Al-Ajyal Theater—a creative way to bond with each other!
There’s a dedicated play area for toddlers up to age 6 as well. We appreciate that this offers age-appropriate games to keep them happy and stimulated.
Beat your Friends at Mini Golf
Media credit: dubaicreekgolf
Website: https://www.dubaigolf.com/dcgyc/golf/courses/minigolfdubai/
Contact Details: +971 4 205 4666, [email protected]
The park lets visitors embrace their competitive spirit by offering a mini 18-hole golf course at Creek Park.
No worries if you’re a beginner too! The course looks great for all ages and abilities. We think you won’t quickly get bored either—the course provides both easy and challenging holes for you to aim for.
Just note that adults pay AED 50 each, while juniors (under 18) pay AED 40. The cost already includes putter and ball hire. Also, note that only a max of 4 can play per start time.
Watch a Play
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
If you just want a nice place to sit and enjoy a live performance, Creek Park has a stone amphitheater just for that! It’s where you can comfortably enjoy a play or a music show after all the walking and eating you’ve done.
We’re also in awe that this has a seating capacity of over 1,200 people, so why not invite as many family and friends as possible? In our opinion, it’s never too late to be introduced to the magic of theatrical performances and live music.
Where to Eat around Creek Park
Ice Cube Cafe
Media credit: mariarafols12
Address: Creek Park – Um Hurrair 2, Dubai Creek Park Gate 1
Contact Details: +971 58 270 5517, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Ice Cube Cafe is among our top picks to get refreshments after walking around Creek Park, especially after visiting Children’s City.
Apart from the tasty coffee, you can get mojitos in different flavors. You can also pair them with the burgers and fries, which we think is a great addition to your picnic.
We also love the many colorful toys and balloons here. You can motivate or reward the little ones with a few of these goodies to keep them hyped all day!
Lakeview
Media credit: lakeviewdubai
Website: https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uae/dubai/british-restaurant-in-dubai-creek-lakeview
Address: Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club – Dubai Creek Resort – Port Saeed
Contact Details: +971 4 602 1524
Pricing: $$$
Lakeview offers guests a lovely indoor experience, as well as a magnificent outdoor terrace that overlooks Dubai Creek in all its glory.
You can go here for breakfast or brunch with eggs Benedict and coffee or tea. But the highlights for us are the international classics such as British fish and chips, Old Delhi’s butter chicken, and Indonesian nasi goreng (fried rice).
Note that there aren’t any dessert options on the menu. Still, we recommend getting banana bread with seasonal fruits after a savory meal to even out the flavors.
Jones The Grocer
Media credit: thefoodie_lam
Website: https://dubaicreekresort.com/jones-the-grocer/
Address: Dubai Creek Resort – Dubai Golf Academy
Contact Details: +971 4 602 1551
Pricing: $$
Jones The Grocer offers the best of both worlds—it’s an upscale market with gourmet groceries and a cafe! On top of that, it serves international cuisine with an Australian twist. A unique foodie spot, we say.
We suggest going for the cappuccino with oat milk for a creamy cup of Joe. It’s also amazing for us that there are many artisan syrups and milk alternatives available.
For us, these drinks go well with the Sydney sliders (Wagyu beef), Jones Margherita pizza, and skin-on fries. The signature carrot cake and Lady Lamington cake are among our favorites too!
The Thai Kitchen
Media credit: thethaikitchendxb
Website: https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uae/dubai/thai-restaurant-in-dubai-creek-the-thai-kitchen
Address: Park Hyatt Dubai – Dubai Creek Resort 2822 – Port Saeed
Contact Details: +971 4 602 1814
Pricing: $$$
If you’re craving some flavorful Asian cuisine, The Thai Kitchen offers lots of authentic dishes for you. We like that this comes with beautiful Dubai Creek and Marina views, so we advise you to choose your seats well!
As for the grub, we love the chicken satay (grilled chicken with peanut sauce), papaya salad, and prawn summer rolls. But if you want something with a nice kick, we say go for the tom yum (boiled and mixed) soup!
Of course, we think you shouldn’t miss the mango sticky rice for dessert! We adore the rich coconut milk that enhances its sweet and savory notes.
QD’s
Media credit: arleilee
Website: https://www.hyattrestaurants.com/en/dining/uae/dubai/middle-eastern-restaurant-in-dubai-creek-qd-s
Address: Dubai Creek Resort – Dubai Creek Resort – Port Saeed
Contact Details: +971 4 602 1587
Pricing: $$$
QD’s is a trendy restaurant known for its water views and outdoor dining, especially with twinkling lights at night! There’s also a resident DJ here who knows how to keep the casual yet vibrant vibes going.
Food-wise, we recommend the signature fattoush (Mediterranean fried bread) salad or club sandwich, as well as the BBQ chicken wings and mixed grill platter, for sharing.
You may also go for the mixed Arabic baklava (sweet, layered pastry) for dessert. But if you’re a traveler who wants something more familiar, we like the warm chocolate marshmallows too!
Where to Shop near Creek Park
Newby Teas
Media credit: newbyteas
Website: https://www.newbyteas.com/gb/
Address: Park Hyatt Dubai – Dubai Creek Club St – Port Saeed
Contact Details: +971 50 487 6880
Newby Teas is a luxury tea boutique that can level up your afternoon tea experience. There are all sorts of fine tea blends and elegant tea gifts here, so we recommend exploring around to find your preference.
We like its sophisticated yet relaxed vibe as well. Plus, it’s incredible for us that guests can taste teas from around the world (for free!). Just keep an open mind to flavors you haven’t tried before.
Personally, our favorites are the English Breakfast, Oolong, and Jasmine teas. And if you’re an art and history buff, you may want to check out the tea collections. We adore the Van Gogh one, with tea flavors and packaging inspired by his famous artworks.
Trove Arivar Art & Antiques
Media credit: trovearivar
Address: Dubai Creek Club St – Port Saeed
Contact Details: +971 4 344 6887
Trove Arivar Art & Antiques is a family-owned and operated store that we reckon has some treasures you might fall in love with.
There are a bunch of art pieces here for sale, and many of them are one-of-a-kind too! In our opinion, these items can make any home or space more elegant and sophisticated.
We dig the furniture, sculptures, and jewelry here, so we recommend getting yourself a little souvenir too! Just remember to ask the staff about any special future events so you can also participate.
Fresh Mart
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
Website: https://freshmartdubai.com/
Address: Dubai | UAE – SOCIETY Building No: 64 Block: C Ground Floor | Food Court – Dubai Healthcare City
Contact Details: +971 4 277 5566, [email protected]
Want to shop for picnic snacks? Fresh Mart is a supermarket that curates a wide variety of international food, beverages, and household products.
And in addition to selling everyday essentials, we like that this offers consumables that aren’t easily accessible in the common supermarket. For reference, we like getting cheese, deli, cold drinks, smoothie bars, and other goodies here too!
Gourmet-Ya Trading (Japanese Food Store)
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
Website: http://gurumeya.com/
Address: 1 – Shop 5, E-block Al Kawakeb Bldg – 1 Sheikh Zayed Rd – behind Lebanese Roaster shop
Contact Details: +971 4 388 7616
Gourmet-Ya Trading is a small and authentic Japanese supermarket with many offerings ranging from vegetables, meats, seafood, and sauces to sweets and chips.
But above all, we encourage getting the yummy soft ice cream here after shopping! Alternatively, you may want to try the frozen mochi (rice ball cake), with various flavors like red bean, green tea, and mango.
Ohou Gift Shop
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
Address: Mediclinic City Hospital – Building 37 – 26th St – Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai Healthcare City
Contact Details: +971 56 544 5102
Those looking for more trinkets to bring home might love Ohou Gift Shop. You’ll find tons of stuffed toys here, perfect for young kids (and kids at heart!).
You can also buy birthday items here because of the unique and eye-catching balloons. This includes other fun home decor you might not find anywhere else.
We also like that this store offers delivery services, in case you’re buying a big item or in bulk.
Where to Stay near Creek Park
Park Hyatt Dubai
Media credit: parkhyattdubai
Website: https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/united-arab-emirates/park-hyatt-dubai/dxbph/
Address: Dubai Creek Resort, Park Hyatt Dubai – Dubai Creek Club St – Port Saeed
Contact Details: +971 4 602 1234, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
The Park Hyatt Dubai is a 5-star hotel that overlooks Dubai Creek. We like the elegant rooms here that take you back in time—they actually have DVD players!
For us, the upgraded rooms also look comfy and convenient with the steam rooms, separate sitting areas, and a complimentary breakfast buffet. We also love that the 2 top-floor rooms come with butler service!
If you want to stay active, there’s a golf course and an outdoor pool here to enjoy. But if you prefer to relax, we also like the spa with a sauna and hammam (Moorish bath).
Dubai Creek Club Villas
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
Website: https://dubaicreekresort.com/villas/
Address: City Centre – Dubai Creek Resort – opposite Deira
Contact Details: +971 4 602 1222
Pricing: $$
Dubai Creek Club Villas offers holiday and residence villas that we feel are amazing for quick getaways or longer stays.
The luxury villas overlook the spacious golf course and showcase 4 bedrooms—all with a private, temperature-controlled swimming pool! We like that the golf carts are available 24/7 too, so you can totally sleep in and still enjoy them.
Moreover, there’s a fully-equipped kitchen, as well as dining and living spaces, so we reckon families would be comfortable staying here with everything well-stocked.
Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk
Media credit: sofiteltheobelisk
Website: https://sofitel.accor.com/en/hotels/B197.html
Address: Wafi – Sheikh Rashid Rd – Umm Hurair 2
Contact Details: +971 4 324 9999, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
For us, the Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk is a great option for shopaholics! It’s adjacent to the WAFI shopping and entertainment complex, which makes it super accessible to retail therapy.
We also adore the art deco-style rooms with Wi-Fi, TVs, and Nespresso machines. But if your crew wants more space, we recommend upgrading your rooms to add sitting areas. Here, you can enjoy your stay all day with round-the-clock room service.
At night, you may also go to the poolside bar and lounge and grab some snacks from the patisserie! In our opinion, this accommodation suits small friend groups wanting the perfect getaway.
Tips When Visiting Creek Park
Now that you know all about Creek Park, here are some handy tips to make your adventures convenient throughout:
Book tickets online.
We recommend booking Dolphinarium tickets online in advance—you’ll avoid queueing and wasting time before the fun starts!
Bring extra dirhams.
While park entry is only around AED 5, other entertainment spots here charge separately. For us, it’s best to plan an itinerary that includes the estimated budget for these extra experiences.
Shop for snacks beforehand.
Bringing food from outside is allowed, so we recommend buying your favorite treats and drinks in advance to save more. There are no restaurants here either, just kiosks—and these can be pricier than outside shops.
Rent a bike.
Usually, we’re advocates for exercise. But if you want to save energy and see more of the park, we recommend renting a bicycle to make your park exploration much more convenient.
Plan for traffic.
Since Creek Park is located at the heart of Dubai, it’s smart to allot at least 20 minutes to deal with moderate traffic. This way, you can manage your expectations and avoid getting frustrated.