Dubai has become one of the world's leading family holiday destinations, combining year-round sunshine with an incredible collection of attractions designed to entertain children of all ages.
Whether you're travelling with adventurous teenagers, energetic school age children or younger toddlers experiencing their first overseas trip, the city offers an outstanding variety of attractions and experiences that will help you create lifelong memories that the whole family will cherish for years to come.
To help you plan your next family holiday in Dubai, we've asked the Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts to share with us a list of their favourite things to do with kids in Dubai. Having stayed in many of the region's finest family-friendly resorts and explored many of the city's most popular attractions first-hand, our travel experts know exactly which attractions are sure to deliver the biggest smiles. So let us help you take away the uncertainty regarding the itinerary of your next getaway with our list of the very best things to do with kids in Dubai which will hopefully spark a little inspiration.
1. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm
Taking the number one spot on our list of the best things to do in Dubai with kids is the spectacular Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm. Officially recognised as the world's largest waterpark, this remarkable attraction has become one of Dubai's most iconic family experiences and is a major reason why so many families choose to stay at Atlantis, The Palm.
Aquaventure is home to a record breaking 105 slides, rides and attractions that cater for every age and level of adventure. Older children and thrill-seeking parents can tackle towering water slides, high-speed drops and exhilarating river rapids, while younger family members can enjoy gentler attractions specifically crafted with little ones in mind.
One of the standout features is Splashers Island, a colourful water playground designed especially for toddlers and younger children. Complete with miniature slides, climbing frames, tipping buckets and shallow splash zones, it provides a safe and exciting environment where younger guests can enjoy hours of fun. This unquestionably makes it one of the best things to do in Dubai with toddlers, providing an easy way to keep the little ones entertained while the parents relax and enjoy the sunshine nearby.
On the topic of relaxation, families can also take advantage of the resort's beautiful private beach which offers a welcome change of pace between waterpark adventures. Whether building sandcastles, paddling in the warm Arabian Gulf or simply enjoying the sunshine, it's another reason Aquaventure appeals to every member of the family.
Perhaps the biggest benefit for Elegant Resorts guests staying at Atlantis, The Palm is that they receive unlimited access to Aquaventure Waterpark throughout the duration of their stay. This allows families to return again and again without feeling rushed, making it one of the very best Dubai attractions for kids with a thirst for adventure.
2. IMG Worlds of Adventure
Families searching for exciting indoor entertainment should place IMG Worlds of Adventure high on their holiday itinerary. As the world's largest indoor theme park, it offers a fantastic solution for those wanting to enjoy thrilling attractions while escaping the midday heat thanks to its air conditioned environment.
The enormous complex is divided into several immersive themed zones, with two of the most popular ones dedicated to Marvel superheroes and Cartoon Network favourites. Children can step into the worlds of their favourite characters before enjoying exhilarating rollercoasters, interactive rides and impressive live entertainment.
Marvel fans can join Spider-Man, Iron Man and The Avengers on action-packed adventures, while younger visitors will love spending time with beloved Cartoon Network characters through colourful attractions designed specifically for families.
Beyond the headline rides, IMG Worlds of Adventure creates an immersive environment filled with themed restaurants, shops and interactive experiences that keep children entertained throughout the day. For families wondering what to do in Dubai with kids, this attraction provides an unforgettable combination of excitement, imagination and world class entertainment.
3. LEGOLAND Dubai
When it comes to things to do in Dubai with toddlers and younger children, few attractions compare to LEGOLAND Dubai. Specifically designed for families with children aged between 2 and 12, the park offers a perfect blend of creative play and gentle adventure.
Rather than focusing solely on high-speed rides, LEGOLAND encourages imagination through hands-on experiences where children can build, explore and interact with the famous colourful bricks that have inspired generations.
Interactive building zones allow young visitors to design their own creations, while the popular driving schools give children the opportunity to learn basic road skills as they navigate miniature streets behind the wheel of LEGO-themed vehicles. These engaging experiences provide entertainment while encouraging creativity and confidence.
Families can also enjoy the separate LEGOLAND Water Park, where younger children will discover splash areas, family-friendly slides and interactive water play attractions that perfectly complement a day at the main theme park.
Its age-specific attractions and relaxed atmosphere make LEGOLAND one of the best things to do in Dubai with kids, particularly for families travelling with younger children who may find larger theme parks slightly overwhelming.
4. KidZania at Dubai Mall
Located within the famous Dubai Mall, KidZania offers a completely different style of family entertainment that combines education with imaginative play. This award-winning interactive mini-city allows children to step into the shoes of adults while exploring dozens of realistic professions.
Young visitors can become airline pilots, firefighters, doctors, chefs, police officers, journalists and many more, taking part in carefully designed roleplay activities that encourage teamwork, communication and the development of problem-solving skills. Just remember not to mention to the children how educational this attraction can turn out to be!
Every activity has been created to feel authentic, allowing children to experience what life might be like in their chosen profession while earning KidZania's own currency, which they can spend within the miniature city.
Parents often appreciate that KidZania provides entertainment which is both engaging and educational, making it one of the most unique Dubai attractions for kids. It's also an excellent attraction for the warmer months thanks to its fully air-conditioned indoor setting.
For families looking beyond the traditional theme parks when deciding what to do in Dubai with kids, KidZania provides an experience which could prove influential when it comes to deciding your little one's ultimate career path.
5. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Completing our top five is the magnificent Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, another exceptional attraction located within Dubai Mall. Home to thousands of fascinating marine animals, it offers children the chance to discover underwater life in a truly immersive environment.
The highlight for many families is the spectacular glass tunnel, where children can walk beneath enormous sharks, graceful rays and countless species of tropical fish as they glide overhead. The feeling of being surrounded by marine life creates an unforgettable experience that is sure to capture the imagination of all visitors irrespective of their age.
Beyond the aquarium itself, the Underwater Zoo introduces children to a wide variety of aquatic creatures from around the world through engaging displays and educational exhibits. From colourful reef fish to fascinating amphibians and reptiles, young explorers will leave with a greater appreciation of the incredible diversity of marine life.
Whether your children are passionate about animals or simply enjoy discovering something new, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo remains one of the very best things to do with kids in Dubai, combining entertainment with learning in one remarkable attraction.
Create Your Perfect Family Holiday in Dubai with Elegant Resorts
Planning the ultimate family holiday is about far more than choosing a destination and a hotel. The important part is in the smaller details, creating an itinerary that is filled with experiences that every member of the family can enjoy. Whether you're looking for thrilling waterparks for older kids, hoping to experience educational attractions or seeking unforgettable activities for toddlers and younger children, Dubai offers an outstanding variety of activities for families with children of all ages.
The Luxury Travel Specialists at Elegant Resorts have first-hand experience of staying in Dubai's finest family-friendly resorts and enjoy established relationships throughout the region. Their expert knowledge allows them to recommend the perfect luxury hotel while helping you build a bespoke itinerary featuring the best things to do in Dubai with kids. We'll spend time getting to know you and your interests, so we can build an itinerary which is every bit as unique as your family.
So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with our Luxury Travel Specialists today and start the exciting process of planning your next luxury family holiday in Dubai with Elegant Resorts.