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Dubai with Kids

Dubai works from about age 3, and most families need 4 to 7 days.

Dubai is the most attraction-dense city a family can fly to in a few hours. Water parks, theme parks, one of the largest aquariums in the world, an indoor ski slope and an observation deck on the tallest building are all within a short drive of each other. The city rewards planning: tickets bought at the gate cost substantially more than online, and days built around the heat work far better than days built around a map.

Best for ages
3+
Suggested stay
4–7 days
Best months
Jan–Mar, Nov–Dec
Daily budget
€300

Mid-range, family of four

Why Dubai works with children

  • Two of the world's best water parks

    Both have dedicated toddler zones alongside the headline slides.

  • Indoor attractions for the heat

    Aquariums, ski slopes and trampoline parks inside air-conditioned malls.

  • Warm sea from November

    Public beaches with lifeguards, showers and play areas along the coast.

  • Desert within 45 minutes

    Dune trips, camel rides and stargazing camps just outside the city.

Where to stay

Best areas in Dubai for families

3 areas cover most trips here; the difference is mainly beach-first families versus resort stays.

  • Jumeirah Beach Residence & Marina

    Best for beach-first families

    Beach on the doorstep, a walkable promenade full of restaurants, and metro and tram access.

  • Downtown

    Best for sightseeing

    Next to the Burj Khalifa, the fountains and the largest mall, with the aquarium inside it.

  • Palm Jumeirah

    Best for resort stays

    Large beach resorts with water parks attached, at higher prices and further from the metro.

Family hotel picks in Dubai

  • Dubai — JBR & Marina beach hotels
    Jumeirah Beach Residence / MarinaHigher-end

    Dubai — JBR & Marina beach hotels

    A beach and a walkable restaurant promenade directly outside the hotel is the one thing that reduces taxi use in a city where walking is otherwise impractical.

    • Direct beach access with lifeguards
    • Walkable promenade full of restaurants
    • Tram and metro connections along the corridor
    • Most properties have children's pools and clubs

    Fitting a family in

    Family rooms and suites are common; many properties allow two children to stay free in the parents' room.

    Watch out. Rates swing enormously by season. The same room can be half price in July and August.

    Check hotel prices — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)Live availability for your dates
  • Dubai — Downtown apartment hotels
    Downtown / Business BayMid-range

    Dubai — Downtown apartment hotels

    Apartment hotels give a kitchen and separate bedrooms at less than two hotel rooms, within walking distance of the mall, the aquarium and the fountains.

    • Kitchen and laundry for a longer stay
    • Walk to the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa
    • Metro station on the same block

    Fitting a family in

    Two-bedroom apartments are widely available and usually cheaper than two beach-hotel rooms.

    Watch out. No beach. Expect a 20–30 minute taxi ride each time you want the sea.

    Check hotel prices — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)Live availability for your dates
All family stays in UAE

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Things to do in Dubai with kids

  • Dubai water parks
    WaterBook ahead

    Dubai water parks

    Dubai

    Two large water parks, both with dedicated toddler zones, wave pools and a full range of slides graded by height.

    Ages
    2–16
    Time
    8h
    Adult, from
    €75

    Good to know. Headline slides need roughly 110–120 cm. Online tickets are meaningfully cheaper than gate prices.

    Book tickets — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)
  • Burj Khalifa At The Top
    CityBook ahead

    Burj Khalifa At The Top

    Dubai

    Observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors of the world's tallest building, sold by timed slot with sunset at a premium.

    Ages
    5–17
    Time
    2h
    Adult, from
    €45

    Good to know. Sunset slots sell out weeks ahead and cost roughly double the daytime price.

    Book tickets — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)
  • Desert safari & camp
    AdventureBook ahead

    Desert safari & camp

    Dubai

    Afternoon and evening trips into the dunes, typically combining dune driving, camel rides and dinner at a desert camp.

    Ages
    4–16
    Time
    6h
    Adult, from
    €60

    Good to know. Dune-bashing causes motion sickness in many children. Calmer camp-only and sunset options are widely available.

    Book tickets — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)

Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through one, the price is the same for you and we may earn a commission. How this works.

Getting around Dubai

The metro runs along the main corridor and reaches the airport, downtown and the Marina. Taxis and ride-hailing are cheap and plentiful, which is how most families move between attractions. Distances are long and walking outdoors is not realistic for much of the year.

Dubai tips for families

  • Money & costs

    Compare multi-attraction passes carefully

    Passes only save money if you use most of what they include. For a family, two carefully chosen attractions often beat a pass covering six.

    Book tickets — opens Klook in a new tab (affiliate link)

  • With kids

    Check water-park height limits

    The headline slides carry minimums around 110–120 cm. Both major parks have separate toddler areas, so younger children are catered for either way.

  • With kids

    Pick the calmer desert trip

    Standard safaris include aggressive dune-bashing, which is not enjoyable for younger or motion-sensitive children. Camp-only or sunset options are widely available.

Trips that include Dubai

Ready-made itineraries with this destination built into the route.
  • 5 days€€€UAE

    Dubai Family Break

    Water parks, desert and a day in Abu Dhabi

    Best for ages
    4+
    Pace
    Moderate
    Driving
    No car needed
    Theme parksBeachCity
    View trip

Dubai with kids: common questions

What is the best area to stay in Dubai with kids?
Jumeirah Beach Residence or the Marina for a beach on the doorstep and a walkable promenade; Downtown for sightseeing; Palm Jumeirah for large resorts with water parks attached, at a higher price and with more reliance on taxis.
Is Dubai too hot for a family holiday?
From May to September, outdoor activity is limited to early morning and evening. The trip still works if you plan around indoor attractions and pools, and hotel rates are far lower.

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