Fantastic free kids’ activities in Dubai that were fun without spending a dirham!
Looking for ways to entertain the little ones without breaking the bank? Dubai might be known for its luxurious attractions, but the city is also packed with amazing free activities that kids will absolutely love.
From splashing around at the beach to watching the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain dance to music, you’d be surprised at how many family adventures don’t cost a dirham!
Let’s dive into the best free spots where you and your kids can play, learn, and create unforgettable memories!
1. Watch the Spectacular Dubai Fountain Show
Media Credit: @visit.dubai
Website: https://www.burjkhalifa.ae/experiences/experiences-nearby/#dubai-fountain
Location: Downtown Dubai
The Dubai Fountain offers an enchanting free spectacle for families, with its massive water jets dancing to music against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa.
Imagine your kids’ faces lighting up as water jets soar higher than a 45-story building, dancing perfectly to everything from Disney tunes to Arabic classics.
The best part? Shows happen every half hour from 6pm until 11pm (and they start even earlier at 2pm on weekends). Trust me, your kids will beg to stay for “just one more show” – and why not? It’s totally free!
So while exploring Downtown Dubai, be sure to catch this magical fountain show!
Pro tip:
Make sure to arrive a little early to secure a good viewing spot for the Dubai Fountain show, especially during peak times, as it can get crowded quickly!
2. Escape to Dubai Creek Park
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Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/creek-park
Location: Umm Hurair 2 – Dubai
Creek Park is a peaceful escape from Dubai’s glitz without spending a penny. Stretching along Dubai Creek, this gorgeous green space is perfect for letting the kids run wild while you soak in stunning water views.
Pack a picnic or a barbecue, spread out on the grass, and watch the dhows glide by. The little ones will love the playground areas and rolling hills perfect for tumbling down.
There’s plenty of shade from the palm trees, and the walking paths are great for family strolls or bike rides.
Beyond the free areas, Creek Park offers tons of paid attractions like mini golf, go-karting, and the amazing Dubai Dolphinarium. Kids go crazy for the dolphin shows!
There’s also Children’s City for fun, interactive learning. Notably, the park is very accessible for children with disabilities and special needs and they’re entitled to free entry at the attractions.
Pro tip:
Visit the park in the late afternoon when the temperature drops and watch the sunset paint the creek in golden hues.
3. Soak and Splash at Jumeirah Beach
Media Credit: @visit.dubai
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/explore-dubai/dubai-neighbourhoods/jumeirah
Location: Jumeirah Road, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai
With its powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear waters, Jumeirah Beach is a fantastic free outing for the whole family. Its popular public beaches include Kite Beach, Nessnass Beach, and Sunset Beach.
Kids can splash in the calm waves, build sandcastles, or hunt for tiny shells along the shoreline. The views are incredible, too – imagine building sandcastles with the Burj Al Arab in the background!
There are clean showers and changing rooms, plus plenty of shaded areas for when you need a break from the sun.
Pack some snacks and water, grab your sunscreen, and you’re set for a wonderful beach day!
Pro tip:
Head to Jumeirah Beach early in the morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM). You’ll avoid the peak sun hours and catch the beach at its most peaceful – plus the temperature is perfect for little ones to play!
4. Have a Picnic at Safa Park
Media Credit: @dubaipublicparks
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/safa-park
Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Al Safa – Dubai
A peaceful green escape in the heart of Dubai, Safa Park is a local favorite! This massive park is a green oasis where kids can run free on the sprawling lawns or have a blast at the multiple playgrounds.
Pack a picnic basket and grab a spot under the shady trees – the Dubai Frame and Burj Khalifa views make for an amazing backdrop! There are plenty of walking tracks for family strolls, and the duck pond is always a hit with the kids.
Plus, it’s especially magical in the cooler evening hours when local families gather for picnics and games.
Pro tip:
Take note that Safa Park is free for kids under 3 years old as well as for “people of determination” (refers to individuals with disabilities and special needs in the UAE). The general admission fee costs AED 3 per person.
5. Take a Stroll at Dubai Marina Walk
Media Credit: @visit.dubai
Location: Al Mamsha Street, Dubai Marina Walk – Dubai
Want a dazzling evening out that won’t cost a dirham? Dubai Marina Walk is absolutely magical, especially for kids!
Let them marvel at the twinkling lights reflecting off the water while mega-yachts and traditional dhows glide by.
The 7-kilometer promenade is perfect for family strolls, with plenty of spots to stop and watch street performers or just take in those jaw-dropping views of lit-up skyscrapers.
The kids would love counting the boats and watching the water taxis zip past. Bring your camera – there are endless photo ops here!
Pro tip:
Come just before sunset to catch the marina transform from day to night.
6. Marvel at Marine Life at the Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo
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Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
The Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo at the Dubai Mall is a fantastic place to take the kids for free. While you’ll need a ticket for the full experience, you can still marvel at the giant aquarium tank from the ground level.
The kids will be amazed as they watch colorful fish, rays, and even sharks swim right before their eyes. It’s an underwater adventure without spending a dime!
Plus, it’s a great spot for family photos and a fun way to introduce your little ones to marine life.
Pro tip:
Visit the Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo early in the day to avoid the crowds and get the best views of marine life!
7. Relax and Spot Wildlife at Al Qudra Lakes
Media Credit: @visit.dubai
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-qudra-lakes
Location: R9R2+2MR – Dubai
Al Qudra Lakes is another incredible hidden gem in Dubai, perfect for a family outing with kids. Located in the heart of the desert, the lakes offer a tranquill escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Kids will love exploring the natural surroundings, spotting wildlife like birds and rabbits, and even enjoying a picnic by the water. It’s an ideal spot for biking, walking, or just relaxing in the great outdoors.
Whether you’re watching the sunset over the dunes or enjoying a family game, Al Qudra Lakes provides a serene environment for kids to have fun and connect with nature.
Pro tip:
Bring along a pair of binoculars to spot the variety of birds and wildlife that frequent the area, making the experience even more exciting for the kids!
8. Play and Explore Birdlife at Al Nahda Pond Park
Media Credit: @dubaipublicparks
Location: Al Nahda – Al Nahda 2 – Dubai
Al Nahda Pond Park is a fantastic spot in Dubai for a family day out with kids. The park offers plenty of space for children to run around and enjoy the outdoors.
With a lovely pond at the center, you’ll often see ducks and birds, adding to the park’s charm. There are also well-maintained playgrounds where kids can enjoy swings, slides, and climbing structures.
It’s also a perfect spot for a picnic, and families can take a leisurely walk along the paths.
Whether your kids want to play or simply explore the natural surroundings, Al Nahda Pond Park is a great, budget-friendly option for a fun and relaxing day with the family!
Pro tip:
It’s ideal to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy a cooler, more peaceful experience at the park.
9. Observe Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Media Credit: @visit.dubai
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/ras-al-khor-wildlife-sanctuary
Location: 58RF+G32 – Ras Al Khor Rd – Ras Al Khor – Dubai
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit for families looking to introduce their kids to nature in Dubai.
This unique sanctuary is home to a wide variety of birds, especially during the migratory season, making it an exciting place for kids to spot flamingos, herons, and more.
The designated walking trails and observation hides provide fantastic views of the wildlife in their natural habitat. It’s a great way to teach children about conservation and the environment while enjoying a terrific day outdoors.
Ras Al Khor offers a fun and educational experience for the whole family, with scenic walks along the trails and relaxing views from the observation hides, all for free!
Pro tip:
During the winter season, note that the sanctuary is open from 7:30am – 5:30pm and 6am – 6pm from April to September.
Free guided tours are available from Sundays to Thursdays. You can book the tour by sending a message here: [email protected].
10. Learn the Importance of Conserving Sea Turtles at the Turtle Rehabilitation Lagoon
Media Credit: @jumeirah
Location: Jumeirah Al Naseem, Madinat Jumeirah
The Turtle Rehabilitation Lagoon in Dubai is another interesting hidden gem for families. Located at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel, this beautiful lagoon is home to several rescued turtles, making it an exciting spot for kids to learn about marine life and conservation.
While you can’t swim with the turtles, the lagoon offers an ideal area to watch these incredible creatures up close in their natural habitat. Kids will love spotting the turtles swimming gracefully and soaking in the calm surroundings of the lagoon.
Both kids and adults can learn about turtle biology and their vital role in ocean ecosystems.
It’s an exciting and educational experience for young nature lovers and another perfect way to introduce them to wildlife conservation in Dubai.
Pro tip:
The Turtle Rehabilitation Lagoon is open daily and you can visit at 11am to catch the daily turtle feeding sessions.
11. Find Fantastic Reads at Dubai’s Public Libraries
Media Credit: @theoldlibrarydubai
Location: Various locations
Visiting public libraries in Dubai is a wonderful, free outing for families with kids. Dubai’s libraries offer more than just books – they provide an immersive, educational experience for young minds.
The Al Safa Art & Design Library is a top choice, with its dedicated children’s section filled with exciting storybooks and interactive activities.
The Old Library in Al Quoz offers a cozy, quiet space perfect for reading and learning. The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library also has a great selection of books for kids and even offers workshops.
Whether your little ones love reading, drawing, or discovering new facts, these libraries are a perfect place to spark their imagination and encourage a love of learning.
Pro tip:
Before your visit, check the opening hours and policies as some libraries have a minimum age requirement for children’s admission.
Many libraries also host free storytelling sessions and workshops for kids, so be sure to check their event calendars to make the most of your visit!
12. Discover Old Dubai at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Media Credit: @visit.dubai
Website: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/places-to-visit/al-fahidi-historical-neighbourhood
Location: Al Fahidi – Dubai
Here’s a chance to discover Dubai’s rich heritage! Visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and immerse yourself in mid-19th century Dubai, where traditional wind-tower houses and narrow lanes transport you back in time.
Stroll through this charming district and explore the restored buildings, art galleries, and museums that showcase the city’s origins. Kids will love the chance to step into history, with plenty of spaces to explore and learn about old Dubai’s culture and architecture.
The peaceful surroundings by the creek also make it a great spot for a family walk, offering a calm and educational escape from the city’s modern buzz.
Pro tip:
While in the area, don’t forget to sample some traditional food and see what’s on. You might catch some exciting events during your visit!