With a reputation for extravagant resorts, designer shopping and sun-worshipping, Dubai might not be the first place you’d think of when you’re planning a family holiday. But don’t write it off just yet – there are actually loads of awesome things to do in Dubai with kids!
Here are 8 of the most exciting activities your little ones will love – and the best thing is, they’re all just as much fun for grown-ups!
1. Cool off at the Middle East’s top water park
Aquaventure water park is part of Dubai’s luxurious Atlantis The Palm Resort, so you know from the start it’s going to be something special! Little kids will have a whale of a time in the play areas with mini slides, climbing frames and various water games, while the waterslides, river rapids and shark lagoon will keep older children more than happy.
Tip: There’s a great value combo ticket available to spend a day at both Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium (see below).
2. Go Sandboarding in the desert
Journeying out into the Arabian desert is an adventure in itself! On a Sunset Dinner Safari kids can get their hands painted with henna, ride across the desert dunes in a 4×4 and try out sandboarding – which is basically surfing on the sand dunes.
3. Ride the world’s fastest roller coaster
Ferrari World theme park in Abu Dhabi is only about an hour’s journey from Dubai! If your kids love cars they’ll be in seventh heaven, and even if they don’t, what kid can resist a day at the world’s biggest indoor theme park??
4. Brave the Waterslides at Wild Wadi
If they love thrill rides and adrenaline, you have to take them to Wild Wadi Waterpark! It has the biggest and scariest waterslides in the U.A.E, plus lots of fun activities for younger kids like racing slides and water guns!
Tip: Free meal vouchers are included with all tickets booked before 30th November 2015.
5. Swim with dolphins
Imagine getting to tell their friends that they swam with a real-live dolphin on holiday?? Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm Resort has 3 huge lagoons which are modelled on the dolphins’ natural habitat, and there’s even a shallow water interaction that’s perfect for children who aren’t confident swimmers.
Tip: The dolphin interaction includes access to Aquaventure Water Park and Atlantis The Palm’s private beach so you can spend a whole day there!
6. Journey to the top of the world!
What kid wouldn’t want to visit the world’s tallest skyscraper?! Their faces will be priceless as you walk out onto the 124th floor viewing deck of the Burj Khalifa and see the whole of this awesome city below you.
There are also specially-adapted telescopes to get a closer look at Dubai’s famous attractions.
The best bit? There’s no rush – your family can spend as long as they like enjoying the view!
7. Explore the Lost City of Atlantis
Part of Dubai’s stunning Atlantis The Palm Resort, the enormous Lost Chambers Aquarium is just out of this world! This fascinating underwater labyrinth is home to thousands of beautiful and bizarre creatures, from graceful rays to scary sharks, slinky eels to curly seahorses and every kid’s favourite – piranhas!
Tip: There’s a great value combo ticket available to spend a day at both Aquaventure and The Lost Chambers Aquarium (see below).
Visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium
8. Camp out in the desert!
Take a camping trip like they’ve never experienced before – under a blanket of stars On an overnight desert safari! You’ll get to stay in a traditional Arabic campsite in the heart of the desert, with lots of fun activities including camel riding, henna hand-painting and speeding over the sand dunes in a 4×4.