Dubai is one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations — a city that manages to combine futuristic skylines, ancient desert traditions, world-class theme parks, and pristine beaches all in one place. Whether you are travelling with toddlers, school-age children, or teenagers, Dubai offers something remarkable for every age group.

Planning your trip? This guide covers the 15 best things to do with family in Dubai, including the activities families rate most highly, honest cost breakdowns, the best time to visit, and insider tips so every outing runs smoothly. We have also included direct booking options for the one experience that consistently tops every Dubai family itinerary: the desert safari.

Best Family Activities in Dubai at a Glance

1. Family Desert Safari — The One Experience You Cannot Miss

If there is one activity that every family remembers long after leaving Dubai, it is the desert safari. This single experience packs six experiences into one evening: thrilling dune bashing in a 4×4 vehicle, a serene camel ride, sandboarding down the red dunes, a falcon encounter, Tanoura and belly dance live shows, and a traditional BBQ dinner under the desert stars.

At Capture Desert, the evening safari runs approximately six to seven hours, with hotel pickup from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman starting at around 2:30–3:30 PM. Families arrive at the Al Lahbab red dunes — about 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai — where drivers navigate the dunes with precision. Children aged five and above typically handle the full programme. Children under three are free of charge.

What Families Experience on a Desert Safari with Capture Desert

•       Dune bashing in roll-cage-reinforced 4×4 vehicles with first-aid trained drivers
•       Sunset photography stop at the top of the red dunes
•       Camel ride at the traditional Bedouin camp
•       Sandboarding — great for children from age 5+
•       Henna art for mothers and older children
•       Tanoura spinning dance, belly dance, and fire show
•       Falcon photo opportunity — a unique cultural moment for kids
•       Full BBQ buffet dinner with grilled meats, Arabic salads, and soft drinks

💡 Capture Desert Tip: Book in advance — weekend time slots fill quickly, especially from November through February. Capture Desert offers private desert safari options for families who prefer their own vehicle and personalised timing.

Price: From AED 75 per person (sharing basis) | Children under 3: Free

Duration: 6–7 hours | Pickup: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman

Best for: All ages | Season: Year-round (cooler October–April)

Medical note: Not recommended for pregnant women or guests with heart/back conditions.

Families wanting more adventure can add a Dune Buggy or Quad Bike to the standard safari package. Capture Desert’s Desert Safari with Quad Bike Combo is particularly popular with families travelling with teenagers.

2. IMG Worlds of Adventure — The World’s Largest Indoor Theme Park

Covering 1.5 million square feet, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s largest indoor theme park and one of the best things to do with family in Dubai regardless of the weather. The park is fully air-conditioned — a critical advantage during the Dubai summer months — and houses four epic adventure zones.

•       Marvel Zone: Spider-Man, Thor, Hulk rides and character meetups
•       Cartoon Network Zone: Adventure Time, Ben 10, and The Powerpuff Girls attractions
•       Lost Valley: Life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and thrilling roller coasters
•       IMG Boulevard: Entertainment, dining, and retail in a classic Hollywood-inspired street

Families with varied ages typically find IMG Worlds works extremely well — younger children gravitate toward the Cartoon Network zone while teenagers head for the Marvel and Lost Valley coasters. A full day is needed to cover the park properly.

💡 Capture Desert Tip: Book online before visiting. Tickets are slightly cheaper online, and queues at the gate can be long during school holidays and weekends.

Price: From AED 249 per person (check current promotions)

Duration: Full day | Location: City of Arabia, Dubailand

3. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Marine Wonders Inside Dubai Mall

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located inside The Dubai Mall, houses over 33,000 aquatic animals and features one of the world’s largest acrylic viewing panels. Walking through the 48-metre glass tunnel as sharks, rays, and reef fish glide overhead is a moment that genuinely astonishes children and adults alike.

Families can add experiences including a glass-bottom boat ride over the aquarium tank, cage snorkelling with sharks for adventurous older children, and a visit to the Underwater Zoo where King Croc — the world’s largest captive crocodile — lives.

💡 Capture Desert Tip: Combine your Aquarium visit with the Burj Khalifa observation deck for a combo ticket that saves a significant amount compared to booking each attraction separately.

Price: From AED 199 per person | Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai

4. Ski Dubai — Real Snow Inside the Desert

One of Dubai’s most surprising family attractions, Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates offers 22,500 square metres of real indoor snow at a permanent temperature of minus one degree Celsius — surrounded by outdoor temperatures that can reach 45°C in summer.

The Snow Park section is ideal for children who have never seen snow, with toboggan runs, a climbing wall, and a penguin encounter. The main slope runs 400 metres with five runs of varying difficulty — beginner lesson packages are available for children and adults with no prior skiing experience.

💡 Capture Desert Tip: Rent ski outfits and equipment at the venue — no need to pack anything. Young children typically prefer the Snow Park over the main slopes.

Price: From AED 155 (Snow Park access) | Location: Mall of the Emirates, Al Barsha

5. LEGOLAND Dubai — Perfect for Children Under 12

LEGOLAND Dubai is the UAE’s most purpose-built attraction for families with younger children. The park features six themed lands — Factory, Imagination, Kingdoms, Adventure, Miniland Dubai, and LEGO City — with rides, interactive build zones, and a LEGO building academy.

LEGOLAND Water Park next door provides an additional day of splash-based entertainment. The two parks together are a strong two-day option for families staying in the Dubai Parks and Resorts area.

Price: From AED 250 per person | Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road

6. Dubai Safari Park — Africa, Asia, and Arabia in One Day

Dubai Safari Park houses over 2,500 animals from more than 250 species across four open safari zones: Arabian, African, Asian, and Village Safari. The open-bus format places families close to animals in habitat-style enclosures rather than traditional cages — a genuinely immersive format that children respond to differently from a standard zoo.

The park also includes a children’s farm zone, live animal shows, and feeding experiences that can occupy a full morning or afternoon. Children from age three can join the safari bus unassisted.

Price: From AED 55 per person | Location: Al Warqa, Dubai | Open: Tuesday–Sunday

7. Global Village — 90 Countries, One Night Out

Open from October through April, Global Village brings pavilions from 90 countries together across a 1.6-million-square-metre outdoor space. Each pavilion offers its own national food, regional crafts, live cultural performances, and carnival-style entertainment.

For families wanting cultural breadth — tasting Japanese street food, watching an African dance troupe, and buying Pakistani textiles in a single evening — Global Village is the most practical and budget-friendly option in all of Dubai. Carnival rides and a dedicated children’s entertainment zone round out the experience.

💡 Capture Desert Tip: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds. For a more relaxed visit with children, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings work better.

Price: From AED 25 per adult | Season: October–April | Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road

8. KidZania Dubai — Let Your Children Run a City

KidZania is a children’s role-playing city inside Dubai Mall where children aged 2 to 16 take on real professional roles — doctor, pilot, police officer, firefighter, chef, journalist — and earn KidZania currency for completing tasks. The concept teaches financial literacy and real-world skills in an entertaining, fully immersive environment.

Plan at least three hours. Children under ten engage most deeply with the experience, returning to try different career roles throughout the session. Parents can relax in viewing areas or parent zones while children explore independently.

Price: From AED 145 per child | Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai | Best for: Ages 4–12

9. Dubai Miracle Garden — 150 Million Flowers in the Desert

Dubai Miracle Garden is the world’s largest natural flower garden, covering 72,000 square metres and displaying over 150 million blooms across 120+ varieties. The garden creates large-scale floral sculptures — including a life-sized Emirates A380 aircraft covered in flowers — that children find genuinely extraordinary.

The adjacent Dubai Butterfly Garden, housed in climate-controlled domed enclosures, is home to over 15,000 butterflies and pairs perfectly with a Miracle Garden visit for a full morning of nature-based family activity.

💡 Capture Desert Tip: Visit on weekday mornings before 11 AM for the best photography opportunities and fewer crowds. The garden is closed during summer — it reopens annually in October.

Price: From AED 85 per adult | Season: October–April | Location: Dubailand

10. Kite Beach — Dubai’s Best Free Family Beach Day

Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim provides one of Dubai’s most complete free family beach experiences. White sand, clear water, and an unobstructed view of the Burj Al Arab form the backdrop for skate parks, outdoor play areas, fitness zones, a beach library, and consistent lifeguard presence.

A long row of food trucks and casual restaurants means families can spend an entire day without needing to leave the beach for meals. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for hire. Parking can fill quickly on weekends, so arriving before 9 AM is advisable.

Price: Free entry | Location: Umm Suqeim | Best season: October–April

11. Dubai Frame — Old Dubai Meets New Dubai in 60 Minutes

The Dubai Frame is a 150-metre-tall structure shaped like a giant picture frame. One side looks out over historic Deira and Old Dubai. The other side frames the Burj Khalifa skyline and modern Downtown. A glass-floored sky bridge at the top gives children a thrilling perspective directly underfoot.

The visit takes around 45 to 60 minutes — making it the most time-efficient landmark stop in Dubai and an excellent addition to a half-day itinerary that also includes Kite Beach or Zabeel Park next door.

Price: From AED 50 per adult, AED 25 per child | Location: Zabeel Park, Al Kifaf

12. Dubai Creek Abra Ride and Heritage Walk — History for AED 1

For one of the most authentic and affordable family experiences in Dubai, a traditional wooden abra ride across Dubai Creek costs just AED 1 per person. The five-minute crossing connects the Deira and Bur Dubai sides of the creek, passing dhow boats and old warehouse districts that have operated continuously since the 1800s.

Combine the abra ride with a walk through the Spice Souk — where children encounter sacks of frankincense, saffron, dried roses, and cardamom — and the Gold Souk nearby. The Al Shindagha Museum at the southern end of the creek offers immersive heritage exhibits that contextualize everything families observe on the walk.

Price: AED 1 per person (abra) | Museum entry: From AED 50 | Best time: Late afternoon or evening

13. Aquaventure Waterpark — Premier Waterslide Experience

Located at Atlantis The Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark offers one of the most complete waterpark experiences in the world. Multiple signature waterslides — including the near-vertical drop slides in The Leap of Faith — are complemented by a lazy river, a dedicated children’s water play area, and private beach access on The Palm Jumeirah.

Families with younger children should note that many of the signature slides have height restrictions. The children’s water play zones and lazy river work well for all ages and can anchor a strong half-day for mixed-age groups.

Price: From AED 290 per adult | Location: Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah

14. Museum of the Future — For Curious Families with Older Children

Dubai’s Museum of the Future is one of the most architecturally stunning buildings on earth and its interior is equally bold. Interactive exhibits explore artificial intelligence, space colonisation, biotechnology, and future cities through immersive environments rather than static displays.

The museum works best for children aged 10 and above who can engage meaningfully with its themes. A visit runs around 90 minutes to two hours. The building itself — a torus-shaped structure covered in calligraphic Arabic text — is worth photographing from the outside regardless of entry.

Price: From AED 149 per person | Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, near Emirates Towers Metro

15. Hatta Mountain Day Trip — Nature and Adventure Outside the City

A 90-minute drive from Dubai, Hatta offers a completely different landscape from the city — rugged Hajar Mountains, a turquoise dam lake, mountain bike trails, and a restored heritage village. Families can rent kayaks and pedalo boats on Hatta Dam, explore the wadi cycling trails, and visit the Hatta Heritage Village for a glimpse of traditional Emirati mountain life.

Hatta makes an excellent full-day family excursion from October through April when temperatures in the mountains are comfortable. Pack a picnic or eat at the Damani Lodges restaurant overlooking the dam.

💡 Capture Desert Tip: Consider hiring a bus or van for Hatta if travelling with a family group of six or more. Gulf Bus Rental offers comfortable family transport for day trips across the UAE.

Distance: ~110 km from Dubai | Best season: October–April | Duration: Full day

Planning Your Family Trip to Dubai: Practical Information

Best Time to Visit Dubai with Family

October to April is the ideal season for families visiting Dubai. Daytime temperatures during this period range from 18°C to 30°C — comfortable for outdoor activities, beaches, and desert safaris. The Dubai Miracle Garden, Global Village, and several outdoor attractions are only open during these months.

Summer (May to September) is extremely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C. Indoor attractions — IMG Worlds, Ski Dubai, KidZania, Dubai Aquarium — remain fully operational year-round and can anchor summer visits effectively.

Getting Around Dubai with Family

Dubai is a large, spread-out city and private transport is the most practical option for families. Options include rental cars (an international driving licence is required), Dubai Metro (clean and efficient but limited coverage), and private bus or van hire for larger family groups.

For families of six or more, renting a minibus or family bus with a driver is the most comfortable and cost-effective option, particularly for day trips to Hatta or when covering multiple attractions across the city in a single day. Gulf Bus Rental provides family-friendly transport with professional drivers across Dubai, Sharjah, and the wider UAE.

How Many Days Do You Need in Dubai with Family?

1.     Day 1: Desert safari evening (Capture Desert) — the trip highlight
2.     Day 2: Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium, Burj Khalifa observation deck
3.     Day 3: IMG Worlds of Adventure or Dubai Parks and Resorts
4.     Day 4: Kite Beach morning, Dubai Frame afternoon, Dubai Creek evening
5.     Day 5: Global Village (October–April) or Ski Dubai + Mall of the Emirates
6.     Day 6: Hatta mountain day trip or Miracle Garden + Butterfly Garden

💡 Capture Desert Tip: A five to seven-day itinerary gives most families time to cover the top activities without feeling rushed. The desert safari is best booked for the first or second evening so families can reference it throughout the rest of the trip.

Family Budget Guide — Dubai Activities Cost Overview

Frequently Asked Questions: Things to Do with Family in Dubai

Is Dubai a good family holiday destination?

Yes — Dubai is consistently ranked among the most family-friendly cities in the world. The combination of safe streets, world-class attractions, year-round sunshine, and outstanding hospitality infrastructure makes it exceptionally well-suited for family travel with children of all ages.

What is the number one thing to do with family in Dubai?

The desert safari is the activity most families name as the highlight of their Dubai trip. It combines adventure, culture, and dining in a single evening and is accessible to children from age five. Capture Desert offers family desert safari from AED 75 per person with hotel pickup from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman.

Is Dubai safe for families with young children?

Dubai has a very low crime rate and is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world. The city is well-equipped for families with young children — most attractions have age-appropriate facilities, stroller access, and child-safety provisions. Desert safaris are safe for children aged five and above when booked with a licensed, reputable operator.

When is the best month to visit Dubai with family?

November through February offers the best weather for outdoor family activities, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cool evenings. December is particularly popular for the festive atmosphere, Global Village, and outdoor events — book accommodation and tours well in advance during this period.

What are the best free things to do in Dubai with family?

Kite Beach offers a complete free family day out with play areas, skate parks, and beach access. The Dubai Fountain show outside Dubai Mall runs nightly and is free to watch. The Dubai Creek abra ride costs just AED 1 and is one of the most authentic experiences in the city. The Palm Monorail boardwalk and Al Barari Playground are also free public spaces.

Can children under 3 go on a desert safari?

Children under three are free of charge on Capture Desert’s safari tours. However, dune bashing is not recommended for very young infants, pregnant women, or guests with heart or back conditions. The Bedouin camp section — with camel rides, live shows, BBQ dinner, and cultural activities — is enjoyable and accessible for all ages.

How far in advance should I book family activities in Dubai?

For peak season (November to February), book desert safaris, theme parks, and waterparks at least one week in advance. Popular time slots at Capture Desert fill quickly, particularly on weekends and during school holiday periods. For Global Village and outdoor seasonal attractions, same-week booking is usually sufficient on weekdays.

Book Your Family Desert Safari with Capture Desert

The evening desert safari is the experience that every family in Dubai remembers. Capture Desert has been guiding families through the Al Lahbab red dunes for years, with a safety-first approach, roll-cage-reinforced vehicles, and first-aid trained drivers.

Our family safari packages include hotel pickup from Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, dune bashing, sunset photography, camel rides, sandboarding, Tanoura and belly dance shows, a falcon encounter, and a full BBQ buffet dinner under the desert stars — all from AED 75 per person.

•       Children under 3 travel free
•       Private family safari options available
•       Quad bike and dune buggy add-ons for teenagers
•       Same-day bookings accepted (subject to availability)
•       Secure online booking via capturedesert.com

Book your family desert safari today at capturedesert.com or contact us directly via WhatsApp. Our customer support team is available around the clock to help you plan the perfect desert experience for your family.