Top 15 Things to Do in Dubai: Best Attractions for Families

Planning a family trip to Dubai? This vibrant city offers an unparalleled array of attractions and activities that promise to create unforgettable memories for all ages. From towering skyscrapers to captivating desert experiences, discover the best things to do in Dubai.

Top Attractions in Dubai

Dubai is brimming with world-class attractions that cater to every interest, making it a premier destination for families. Whether you're seeking breathtaking views, exhilarating shopping experiences, or mesmerising shows, the city offers a diverse range of options. Among the many places to visit in Dubai, specific landmarks stand out as absolute must-sees for anyone visiting the city, ensuring a comprehensive and exciting exploration of its dynamic character.

Burj Khalifa: The Best View

No visit to Dubai is complete without experiencing the breathtaking views from the Burj Khalifa, an iconic attraction that stands tall as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Ascending to the top of the Burj Khalifa offers an unparalleled panorama of Dubai's entire skyline, showcasing the city's remarkable urban development and its stunning coastline. This experience offers the best view of Dubai, allowing visitors to appreciate the scale and ambition of this modern metropolis truly. It’s an essential part of any list of things to do in Dubai, offering one of Dubai’s most spectacular experiences.

Dubai Mall: A Shopping Paradise

Adjacent to the magnificent Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping mall; it's a world-renowned destination offering an incredible array of activities in Dubai, making it one of the best places for families to visit. Beyond its extensive retail offerings, the Dubai Mall houses the mesmerising Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, providing an immersive encounter with marine life that fascinates both children and adults. Exploring the vast floors of the Dubai Mall reveals an entertainment hub, ensuring that visitors have a comprehensive and engaging experience that goes far beyond typical shopping.

Dubai Fountain: A Spectacular Show

Located at the heart of Downtown Dubai, just outside the Dubai Mall and at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain presents a truly spectacular show that captivates audiences every evening. This mesmerising water and light spectacle is one of Dubai’s top attractions and an absolute must-see during your trip to Dubai. The choreographed dances of the water, synchronized to music, provide a truly enchanting experience, making it one of the best things to do in Dubai for families seeking free entertainment. Witnessing the Dubai Fountain is an iconic part of visiting Dubai and perfectly complements an evening exploring the surrounding area.

Activities to Do in Dubai with Kids

Ski Dubai: Indoor Snow Fun

For a truly unique experience among the things to do in Dubai with kids, Ski Dubai offers an extraordinary indoor snow park in the Mall of the Emirates. This incredible attraction allows families to enjoy winter sports in the heart of the desert, making it one of the best activities for a break from the heat. From skiing and snowboarding to snowball fights and bobsledding, Ski Dubai offers a complete snowy adventure, making it a memorable stop on any trip to Dubai and a fantastic way to enjoy a diverse range of activities in the city. It stands out as a top attraction, providing an unparalleled opportunity for fun.

Water Parks in Dubai: Splashing Good Times

Dubai is home to several world-class water parks, offering exhilarating splashing good times and making them essential activities for families seeking adventure. Popular options include Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, and Wild Wadi Waterpark, both of which are renowned for their thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and dedicated children’s play areas. These water parks are designed to provide endless entertainment, ensuring a full day of fun for all ages. Visiting a water park in Dubai is one of the best ways to cool off and create lasting memories during your trip to Dubai.

Dubai Aquarium: Underwater Adventures

Located within the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo offers a captivating journey into the marine world, making it one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids. This impressive attraction allows visitors to walk through a massive tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and an abundance of fish, offering an immersive underwater experience. Beyond the main tank, the Underwater Zoo showcases a variety of aquatic creatures and even features a King Croc exhibit. The Dubai Aquarium provides an educational and awe-inspiring experience, solidifying its place as a top attraction for families exploring the vast array of activities in Dubai.

Exploring Old Dubai

Dubai Creek: A Historical Journey

Exploring the historic Dubai Creek is one of the essential things to do in Dubai, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's past as a bustling trading hub. Taking an abra, a traditional wooden boat, across the Dubai Creek provides an authentic and picturesque experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the vibrant activity along its banks. This area, often referred to as Old Dubai, contrasts sharply with the modern skyscrapers, offering a unique perspective on the city's origins. It is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Dubai, offering a rich cultural experience that highlights the historical significance of Dubai Creek.

Gold and Spice Souks: Cultural Experiences

Adjacent to Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk and Spice Souk are must-visit attractions that immerse visitors in the traditional market atmosphere of Old Dubai. Wandering through the narrow alleyways of the Gold Souk, with its dazzling displays of gold jewellery, is one of the most unique things to do in Dubai, offering a sensory overload of sights and sounds. Similarly, the Spice Souk entices with its aromatic spices, herbs, and traditional remedies, making it one of the best activities for those seeking cultural immersion. These souks provide excellent opportunities for shopping and experiencing the vibrant local culture, solidifying their place as top attractions in Dubai.

Dubai Museum: Insights into the Past

For a deeper understanding of the city's heritage, a visit to the Dubai Museum is one of the most insightful things to do in Dubai. Housed within the Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest existing building in Dubai, the museum offers fascinating exhibits that chronicle Dubai's transformation from a humble fishing village to a global metropolis. The displays, including historical artefacts, traditional dwellings, and multimedia presentations, provide valuable insights into the lives of early inhabitants and the development of Dubai. It’s an essential attraction for anyone keen to explore the historical roots and cultural evolution of this remarkable city during their trip to Dubai.

Family-Friendly Parks in Dubai

Dubai Marina: Scenic Walks

For those seeking serene and picturesque experiences in Dubai, a visit to Dubai Marina offers one of the best things to do, providing delightful scenic walks that cater to families. The vibrant waterfront promenade is dotted with cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect spot for a stroll or a family meal with stunning views of yachts and towering skyscrapers. Beyond just walking, the Dubai Marina also offers opportunities for boat tours and even the XLine Dubai Marina, an exhilarating zipline adventure that provides an unparalleled view of the Dubai Marina skyline, making it a diverse attraction for all ages.

Al Barsha Pond Park: Outdoor Fun

Al Barsha Pond Park is a fantastic attraction for families seeking outdoor fun and is considered one of the top recreational activities in Dubai. This well-maintained park features a large man-made pond where visitors can enjoy paddle boating, offering a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The park also features extensive walking and jogging tracks, children's play areas, and numerous green spaces perfect for picnics and relaxation. It’s an ideal place for families to spend an afternoon enjoying various activities in Dubai, set in a peaceful setting, solidifying its reputation as a premier park in the city.

Dubai Miracle Garden: A Floral Wonderland

A visit to the Dubai Miracle Garden is an absolute must and one of the most enchanting things to do in Dubai, especially for families. As the world's most extensive natural flower garden, it showcases millions of blooming flowers arranged in intricate designs, creating a truly spectacular and vibrant floral wonderland. This attraction offers countless photo opportunities with its stunning displays, including life-sized houses, cars, and even an Airbus A380, all covered in flowers. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that showcases Dubai's innovative spirit, making it a standout highlight of any trip to the city.

Unique Experiences in Dubai

Skydive Dubai: An Adrenaline Rush

For the ultimate adrenaline rush, Skydive Dubai offers one of the most thrilling experiences in Dubai, providing unparalleled panoramic views of the city's iconic landmarks. Imagine soaring high above the Palm Jumeirah or the Dubai Desert, experiencing the sensation of freefall before a gentle parachute descent. This activity is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Dubai for adventure seekers, offering a unique perspective on the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create unforgettable memories during your trip to Dubai.

Desert Safari Tours: Adventure Awaits

Embarking on a Desert Safari Tour is an essential and one of the best activities to do in Dubai, offering an immersive adventure into the heart of the Dubai desert. These tours typically include thrilling dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding, followed by a traditional Bedouin-style dinner under the stars, complete with cultural performances like belly dancing and falconry displays. It’s a perfect way to experience the natural beauty and rich heritage of the region, providing a stark contrast to the modern city and making it one of the most sought-after experiences in Dubai.

Hot Air Ballooning: Stunning Views

For a truly serene and breathtaking perspective, hot air ballooning over the Dubai desert is an unparalleled experience and one of the best things to do in Dubai for stunning views. As the sun rises, casting golden hues across the vast desert landscape, you'll float peacefully above the dunes, spotting gazelles and Arabian oryx. This quiet and majestic journey offers a unique and unforgettable panorama of the Dubai desert and distant city skyline, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a tranquil yet awe-inspiring adventure during their visit to Dubai.