Dubai Family Vacation Ideas - Attractions, Activities & Things to Do

By Nicole Muto
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We all love those family vacation memories, so we've rounded up our favorite Dubai family vacation ideas. Whether you’re spending endless days on the beach or cramming in as much sightseeing as humanly possible, those times spent with family are some of the best we’ll ever have. If you’re planning a family vacation to Dubai and are in search of those perfect family-friendly ideas, check out this post for inspiration. We’ll direct you to our favorite things to do with our families, from amusement parks to indoor skydiving. Our top Dubai family vacation ideas include:

  • Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm
  • Burj Khalifa
  • 1 Day 2 Parks Hopper at Dubai Parks & Resorts
  • Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai
  • Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis the Palm
  • Ski Dubai Indoor Skiing
  • iFLY Indoor Skydiving
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure
  • The Green Planet

Save on Dubai Family Vacation Attraction Ideas

Regular admission to a number of these family-friendly attractions is available on the Go Dubai Card. Choose as you go from top visited attractions and save up to 52% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Learn more about our Dubai passes, attractions and prices.

Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

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The Aquaventure Waterpark is perfect for guests of all ages. From Splasher's Children's Play Area to long and winding, high-speed water slides, there's something for every member of the family. Conveniently located at Atlantis The Palm, a top-tier hotel and resort surrounded by the waters of Dubai, it's the perfect excuse for parents to relax on the man-made beach while the kids explore the lazy rivers, slides, and other rides. Older kids will love heading to the fast-paced rapids for a wild ride through tidal surges in Torrent River. It's the perfect destination to create fun-filled family memories of your Dubai vacation. Getting in: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

At The Top - Burj Khalifa

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Not every family vacation spot has to be an amusement park! A trip to the top of tallest building in the world is something everyone can enjoy. At the 124th and 125th floors, you'll be able to see all of the city. The 360-degree, crystal clear windows allow for views of skyscrapers, deserts, and oceans. After enjoying the view outside, take some time to explore the interactive exhibits that tell the story of the Burj Khalifa's construction. Visiting the Burj Khalifa is a must when on a trip in Dubai. It's a world-renowned landmark and there's nothing quite like it anywhere else. Getting in: At The Top - Burj Khalifa tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

1 Day 2 Parks Hopper at Dubai Parks & Resorts

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Get unlimited, 1-day park-hopping access to your choice of two theme parks from four options: LEGOLAND® Dubai, LEGOLAND® Dubai Water Park, MOTIONGATETM Dubai, and/or Bollywood Parks Dubai.

  • LEGOLAND® Dubai: experience over 40 LEGO® themed rides, shows, building experiences, and attractions—the perfect way to spend a fun-filled day for families with kids aged 2-12
  • LEGOLAND® Dubai Water Park: splash into LEGO® themed fun geared towards families with kids from ages 2 to 12 with raft rides, body slides, tube slides, play areas, a wave pool, and more
  • MOTIONGATETM Dubai: a Hollywood-themed park with immersive and thrilling rides, attractions and more ways to experience the movie industry and your favorite blockbuster hits
  • Bollywood Parks Dubai: visit the world’s first park entirely dedicated to all things Bollywood action, adventure, romance, and comedy with over 15 rides and attraction

All of these parks are located on the same compound, so it's very easy to hop back and forth between your two choices. Getting in: 1 Day 2 Parks Hopper at Dubai Parks & Resorts tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai

The Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus Dubai Tour – 1 Day Ticket is one of the best ways to get around to all of the top sights in Dubai. The bus allows for a super flexible day of sightseeing. Consult the schedule beforehand and figure out where you want to be! You can hop on or off at any stop and explore all that Dubai has to offer. The Hop On Hop Off Bus stops at popular landmarks like Pier 7 Marina, Tallest Block skyscrapers, Heritage Village, and Dubai Fountain (home of the Burj Khalifa). It also stops at a handful of Dubai's most popular beaches - do we see a beach day on the horizon?! Getting in: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus Dubai Tour: 1-Day tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm

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Explore the lost civilization of Atlantis at Atlantis The Palm. The Lost Chambers Aquarium features 10 themed chambers that showcase 65,000 different exotic fish and sea creatures. Watch as sting rays, piranhas, giant arapaima, jellyfish, and sharks interact within their tanks. Take a tour and learn more about the history of the lost city of Atlantis and its culture, technology, and ancient citizens. You can also partake in an interactive Aquatheatre Show, watching as the scuba divers check on the animals and perform live feedings. Getting in: Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

Ski Dubai Indoor Skiing

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Yes, you read that right: indoor skiing. Head over to Ski Dubai, the first-ever indoor ski resort and the world's largest indoor ski resort that uses real snow. No matter what season it is during your family vacation, you can race down the slopes. Ski and toboggan down slopes of all sizes - from kid-friendly to black diamonds, you'll be able to race around the complex all day. Younger children will love the chance to ride down the hill in a giant, padded ball on the Snowball Ride. If you've had your fill of skiing, or you're not much of a skiier, you can participate in interactive games led by ski instructors, watch real Gentoo penguins perform in March of the Penguins, or take a ride on the Giant Snowball. Getting in: Ski Dubai Polar Pass tickets are included on the Go Dubai Card.

iFly Indoor Skydiving

Another out-of-the-ordinary indoor experience is a flight at iFly. At iFly Indoor Skydiving, the motto is: no plane, no parachute, no problem! Defy gravity and experience the rush of freefalling without having to jump out of anything. Within the safety of the controlled environment, you'll experience the sensation skydivers do when they float through the air. Visitors of all ages are welcome to test their bravery on this flight experience. It's the perfect thing to do together as a family of thrill-seekers. Getting in: iFly Indoor Skydiving tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

Get transported to another universe at the world's largest indoor theme park. With five themed zones featuring popular characters from Cartoon Network and MARVEL, kids of all ages will enjoy a day at IMG. From thrill rides to haunted houses and everything in between, IMG Worlds of Adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience. Get haunted at the Haunted Hotel, an interactive maze so terrifying only visitors 15 and older can visit. If you're a total thrill-seeker, take a spin on Thor Thunder Spin, The Velociraptor, or Predator. You'll defy gravity on each ride, as you shoot out in a roller coaster and take on twists and turns at top-speed. Getting in: IMG Worlds of Adventure tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

The Green Planet

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Have you ever experienced an indoor rainforest before? Check it off your bucket list on your family trip to Dubai! At Green Planet, you'll enter a whole new world as soon as you step through the door. The vertical rainforest is a fully immersive experience that you have to see with your own eyes to believe. Explore all four levels and keep your eyes peeled for any of the 3,000 species that live within the complex. Colorful toucans, butterflies, and tropical birds will fly overhead as you and the family explore the secrets of the rainforest. Getting in: The Green Planet tickets are included on Go Dubai Card.

Remember to Save on Family Friendly Admission

There you go. A few suggestions for attractions and activities for your upcoming Dubai family vacation. There are lots of Dubai family attractions to see and your family will probably have a fantastic time at all of them. Regular admission to a number of these family-friendly attractions is available on the Go Dubai Card. We hope you consider adding some of these fun ideas to your family vacation itinerary.

Nicole Muto
Go City Travel Expert

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Burj Khalifa Tips for Visiting

When you're in the UAE, you simply must see the Burj Khalifa. Step out of the elevators and onto the observation deck and you'll have 360-degree views of the entire city, surrounding desert, and ocean.
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The most adventurous things to do in Dubai

From sleepy Middle Eastern backwater to adventure hub within a single generation. From traditional, conservative culture to a world city in the same time frame. This is how Dubai rolls. Having grown wealthy off the back of oil revenues and having plenty of ready cash to hand thanks to an absence of income tax (just imagine!) the adventure industry has taken the emirate by storm. It means there are few extreme sports that can’t be enjoyed in Dubai, nor activities that don’t suit the adventurously minded. From ziplines to mountain bike tracks, these are the most adventurous things to do in Dubai. Adventures with a view Even the At The Top observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors of the Burj Khalifa can’t compete with the height achieved with Skydive Dubai, whose landing zone nestles on the edge of Dubai Marina. Their location ensures magnificent views of the Palm Jumeirah – the artificial palm-shaped archipelago that wowed the world when it was created in the early 2000s – from 4000 meters up. iFly Dubai provides a great indoor alternative using giant fans to give you the lift you need. A similar freefall experience can be had at XLine Dubai. The world’s longest urban zipline, and one of its fastest and steepest, it stretches across Dubai Marina for an entire kilometer. Shooting over the luxury private yachts moored here from Amwaj Towers to Dubai Marina Mall, zipliners hit speeds of 80 km/h tucked into the head-first superman-style harnesses. Sufferers of vertigo should also avoid our next recommendation – tackling the Edge Walk of the Sky Views bridge connecting two residential towers from over 50 stories up. Created by the same team of architects as the Burj Khalifa, Edge Walk is another way of taking in the cityscape without obstructions, just a safety harness! Unique ways to keep cool If supping from an ice cold drink simply doesn’t cut it, there’s a long list of adventurous things to do in Dubai that will not only keep you cool but also make you look cool at the same time. The new kid on the block of Dubai extreme sports is flyboarding, which you can try from the waters around the Ain Dubai observation wheel. Combining the look of a wakeboard with the propulsion power of a jet ski, flyboarders can reach heights of nine meters as they hover above the waves. A slightly more relaxing way to take to the waters of the Persian Gulf is with a stand-up paddleboarding lesson and tour around the Palm Jumeirah. Having mastered the basics – staying upright – you’ll drift between the Sofitel and Atlantis, taking in many of Dubai’s top sights from a distance along the way. Should stand-up paddleboarding somehow not hit the right spot, other water-based outdoor adventure activities in Dubai include kite surfing and parasailing. Kite Beach is the place to head, with several schools and rental agencies standing by to provide all you need to do battle with the offshore winds. Max out your adrenaline at Dubai’s amusement parks Those who travel the world based on a country’s theme parks might well just set up camp in Dubai and never leave. It has one of the largest numbers per square kilometer of anywhere on Earth, ranging from the child-orientated to the family-friendly. Continuing the watery theme, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm has a good pick of adrenaline-inducing slides and rides. But for those in a mixed group with some who enjoy the thrill of feeling out of control and some who don’t, it also has lots of places to relax, including a 700 meter private beach. Relaxing is not a word generally associated with IMG Worlds of Adventure, whose four ‘worlds’ include the popular roller coasters of the Marvel zone as well as Lost Valley – full of dinosaurs and prehistoric planting. Younger children are well catered for too, with Powderpuff Girls and Ben 10 based adventures set to broaden the minds and smiles of visitors yet to hit double figures. Meanwhile, hop across the passport-free border to the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, for your chance to ride the fastest roller coaster yet created. It’s Ferrari World’s Formula Rossa that holds the record, with other attractions including simulators, live driving experiences and a whole host of other car-based challenges. Head offroad Whilst the tracks connected with Ferrari World will have you burning rubber in no time, heading offroad is even more adventurous. Only a short distance – yet a world away – from the glitz of downtown Dubai, the desert offers an array of potential adventures. Head out on a 4x4 quad bike tour and in addition to taking to a specialty track by quad bike you’ll also get to spend the morning traveling across the desert on the back of a camel and try to stay upright as you slide down one of the biggest dunes in the region strapped to a sandboard. But if you prefer two wheels to four, there are adventurous things to do in Dubai for you too. Suburban Mushrif Park has its own offroad bike track for those keen to remain within touching distance of central Dubai. Further afield, the gravel paths around Hatta Heritage Village in the Hajar Mountains offer up a more challenging experience as well as epic vistas across the waters of Hatta Reservoir. Adventurous things to do in Dubai with Go City The adventure and extreme sports scene in Dubai may be relatively new, but Emirati’s have certainly made up for lost time. The extensive list of adventurous things to do in Dubai include attractions with a view, those based around the region’s warm waters and those taking advantage of its desert location. One of the best ways of seeing many of Dubai’s biggest attractions is with Go City. Our passes exist to bring you huge savings on attraction admission, making them a must-have for any trip to Dubai, whether you’ve got your eye on the adventurous or intend to spend your time exploring in a more sedate manner!
Ian Packham
Abra boats waiting to cross Dubai Creek
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Things to do in Old Dubai

‘Old’ and ‘Dubai’ aren’t necessarily words that fit together comfortably with our image of the emirate as a new city rising out of the sands of the desert. However, there is an Old Dubai, and it’s one of the richest areas for atmosphere and authenticity. Straddling both sides of Dubai Creek’s northernmost portions, things to do in Old Dubai aren’t difficult to find. Top attractions are found dotted throughout the neighborhoods which form the district. Running clockwise these are Deira, Al Seef, Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha. From museum spaces to historic marketplaces, here’s our guide to the wonders of Old Dubai. Get your taste buds popping When hunger beckons, quick and tasty eats appear to lie on every street corner of Old Dubai. The most popular spots are busy from mid-morning onwards, with shawarma wraps feeding the neighborhood’s hungry alongside Indian snack foods such as samosas – the best are found around the Indian enclave of Meena Bazaar. But if you can, it’s worth lingering over the flavors of Old Dubai to appreciate them fully. Take a walk through Deira’s traditional Spice Souk, where spices are piled in great mounds, and your senses will be opened to a world of colors, smells, sounds and tastes. The market’s teas make particularly good souvenirs, just don’t forget to haggle! An often overlooked aspect of Emirati culture is its tea drinking ceremonies, which can be explored at the Arabian Tea House a block away from the Dubai Museum. A visitor-friendly space combining authenticity with comfy cushions, the tea house has 150 different brews to choose between, as well as platters of delicious local sweets including syrup-soaked khabisah. Getting about Old Dubai you’ll probably find yourself crossing Dubai Creek at one point or another, whether by bridge, tunnel or abra small boat. However, to discover the importance of this waterway to the development of Dubai, a dedicated tour – such as a dhow dinner cruise – is a better option. Delve into the history of Old Dubai As the site of the emirate’s earliest settlement, much of Old Dubai has been preserved and restored to create districts very different from those around the Burj Khalifa. The low-slung buildings made of gypsum and coral stone hint at a proud if humbler past. For a quick-fire guide through culture, seafaring and heritage, slip through the grand entranceway of the Dubai Museum, housed within its oldest building, the Al Fahidi Fort. Constructed in the late 1700s to defend the growing settlement from attack from the sea, it contains a collection of artifacts that show off the skill of artisans hundreds of years before it became known internationally. The Al Shindagha Museum has a similar role to play, with plenty of multimedia additions to bring it all to life. If there’s no time on your itinerary to head out into the Rub Al-Khali desert in the emirate’s far east on a 4x4 quad bike ride or desert safari and BBQ dinner you can still explore some of its archeological wonders at Saruq Al-Hadid Museum. Meaning ‘the way of iron’, it displays iron age objects discovered in the desert by none other than Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Explore your artistic side Although Old Dubai is awash with the past, that doesn’t mean it isn’t also a destination for the culture of the present too. A leading light in contemporary Arab art, XVA Gallery is proud of its location on the creek between Al Fahidi and Al Seef. Along with its café and hotel, it aims to provide a space where the art of the Middle East as well as India can be enjoyed. It hosts regular exhibitions of established and emerging artists to ensure its walls are never the same for long. The nearby Majlis Gallery was once the residence of an interior designer and still has the feel of a home first and foremost. Hosting the works of local and international artists, it continues its ethos of being a ‘majlis’ or meeting place, where people are able to gather to share their common interests. Best of the rest By now you’ll be wanting to give your feet a well earned rest, so make your way to the nearest stop of the city’s Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing bus. A way of seeing those parts of Old Dubai that extend away from Dubai Creek, its route includes Al Shindagha Heritage Village – a living museum of craftsmen, fishermen and pearl divers – and the souks of Deira. If its Spice Souk impressed, the warren of narrow covered paths that make up the Gold Souk will also be high on your list. One of Dubai’s oldest trading places, there’s enough gold (and silver, platinum and pearls) to support the budget of a small country. Look out for merchants including the producers of the Guinness World Record holder for the longest handmade gold chain. Stretching for 5.5 km of 22 carat gold, it weighed 240 kilos and had four million individual links. For thrills which won’t break the bank, indoor amusement park Magic Planet has some physical rides and arcade-style video games. Children of all ages will find something that suits them, from soft play to a ten pin bowling alley. But for the biggest adrenaline rushes you’ll have to travel out of Old Dubai. Do that, and there’s suddenly a huge range of amusement parks to choose between. For instance, MOTIONGATE contains over 25 different rides and experiences, including roller coasters set around the Hunger Games and Ghostbusters, whilst LEGOLAND Dubai brings the charm of these tiny plastic bricks to the region for the first time. Checking out all the things to do in Old Dubai Having seen millions spent on its restoration and preservation, Old Dubai provides a fascinating insight into the traditions and origins of the modern multicultural city home to around 200 different nationalities. From its restaurants to its museums and its souks, there’s good reason to consider the quick metro ride from other parts of the city to explore. Head for the things to do in Old Dubai with Go City and you’ve also got the chance of reduced admission to many of them!
Ian Packham

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