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

By Nicole Muto

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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Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm

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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At The Top - Burj Khalifa

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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1 Day 2 Parks Hopper at Dubai Parks & Resorts

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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Lost Chambers Aquarium at Atlantis The Palm

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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Ski Dubai Indoor Skiing

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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The Green Planet

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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dubai in march
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Dubai in March

So, you're thinking of planning your vacation in Dubai? It's a fantastic choice, featuring some of the most eye-opening and biggest attractions on the planet. But Dubai is also one of the hottest places in the world, so is March a good time to travel to Dubai? Let's explore that and more as we delve deep into our guide to Dubai. Let's talk about what to expect from the weather and what you'll be getting up to during your stay! Including: Dubai weather in March Indoor skydiving Ride the fastest rollercoaster on Earth Sail the seas on the Black Pearl Explore the dunes on camelback and more! Dubai in March: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously warm all year round, and March is arguably the last month before a long, long summer. As such, you can expect highs of around 82°F and lows of around 64°F. After March, max temperatures don't dip lower than 91°F, and during peak summer will easily hit 105°F or more. Therefore, if you're from colder climates and you're not looking to have your eyebrows burnt off, March could be the perfect time to vacation in Dubai! Dubai in March: What to Do Catch the breeze at iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving Forget planes and parachutes because there are safer ways to free fall these days. Leap - or stroll - over to iFly Dubai and experience indoor skydiving as you've never seen before. Over the course of two 1-minute flights, you'll be bombarded by winds of up to 124mph. You'll feel your feet leave the ground as your entire body becomes suspended in the air. Then, strut your stuff as you fling your body this way and that, throwing shapes that would make the 90s proud. If all that sounds a bit overwhelming, don't worry. Each session has a trained instructor on hand who'll show you the ropes. They'll be able to show you the correct body positions to use so you don't simply flail about like an uncultured oaf. However, if you're a pro, or you've done it before, they'll happily step back and let you own it. Must go fast at Ferrari World If you like rollercoasters, then you'll love Ferrari World. Dubai's ode to the famous car manufacturer is home to the fastest rollercoaster in the world. It's called Formula Rossa, and it's a thrill ride like no other. Strap in, put your goggles on, and prepare to be blasted nearly 150mph in 4.9 seconds. You'll be feeling speeds of nearly 5Gs, which is equivalent to F1 racecar drivers. So yeah, pretty crazy. But Formula Rossa is just one of the fantastic breakneck rides you'll find at Ferrari World. At Flying Aces, board a bi-plane (connected to a track) and ascend over 200ft in the air before you descend through the world's highest rollercoaster loop at up to 74mph. Pretend your drag racing against a friend at Fiorano GT Challenge. And ride around a miniature recreation of Italy and see the sights at Bell'Italia. Perfect for kids and bigger kids, as well as those of you with only a passing interest in cars, Ferrari World is a must-visit attraction for your March vacation in Dubai. Sail the seven seas with the Black Pearl sightseeing cruise! Who doesn't love pirates? Fictional pirates, at least. Presumably, real pirates are much less lovable and a lot more terrifying. So, why not join the most well-known pirate on the planet for a jolly sail around Dubai's delightful landmarks? With none other than Captain Jack Sparrow as your guide and navigator, you'll be shown around the likes of the stunning Dubai Creek Harbour and on to Mohamed Bin Rashid, where you'll pause to marvel at the views of the Burj Khalifa - the tallest building in the world. Perhaps Captain Sparrow will marvel at he's never seen a building that big before, and you can snap a quick selfie with him as he gasps towards the sky. With the perfect mix of comedy and exploration, this sightseeing cruise is the best way to see the city from a different perspective. All aboard on this morning desert safari tour In March, you'll find that Dubai has rather temperate mornings. So, why not head out at dawn for a desert safari tour of the dunes? You'll miss the peak of the heat and have a damn good time doing so. Start the morning off with style thanks to your lift - a feature-rich 4x4 decked out in luxury seating and air-conditioning. Once they've picked you up from your hotel, you'll be whisked away from the reflective metropolis of downtown Dubai to the magical golden dunes outside the city. Then, you'll arrive at a desert camp and meet your new ride, a camel! You'll then ride the dunes on your new buddy and see the sea of sand up close and personal. And after all that, if you want to add some excitement to your morning, you can pay a bit more to try your hand at quad-biking or even ride a dune buggy. And, after all that, you'll be taken right back to your hotel, ready for your afternoon in Dubai! Go out and see Abu Dhabi on this tour from Dubai And we'll end our guide to Dubai in March with a trip to the nation's capital. Abu Dhabi is a mix of culture and modernity, offering a decidedly different atmosphere when compared to Dubai. Kicking off on the coast, you'll pass by famous spots such as the vast Jebel Ali Port, the National Exhibition Centre, Etihad Towers, the Louvre Museum, and Emirates Palace. All of them are worthy of more than a few pictures, so keep your phones charged and your memory free. The perfect answer to Dubai's extravagance, go see what all the fuss is about. And that concludes our guide to Dubai in March! Dubai is a city packed with things to see, experiences to undertake, and plenty more in between. So, if you want to see everything the city has to offer, Go City's got you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. Take the fuss out of your trip and put it all on one pass.
Dom Bewley
february in dubai
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Dubai in February

Planning a trip to Dubai? If you're wondering when's a good time to visit, try February. There are no better places to escape the winter chill than the UAE's own desert oasis. Need convincing? Check out our guide to Dubai in February and see for yourself! Including: Seasonal weather Refreshing waterpark adventures Secret skiing Ice skating shenanigans The best views in the city and more! Dubai in February: What to Expect For those of your visiting from colder climates, February might be the perfect month to visit Dubai. You can expect highs of around 82°F and lows of around 64°F. So it's still warm, because of course it is, but at least the evenings will be cooler, and day temperatures are a little more temperate. Shorts, tees, and summer dresses are your best bets, and make sure to pack plenty of sunscreen to protect that pasty complexion. Dubai in February: What to Do Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm On the warmer days, there's nothing stopping you from channeling your inner summer child and seeking the cooling thrills of a waterpark. And why settle for less when you can have the best? Simply head to the grand Atlantis The Palm, and enter the wonderful watery world of Aquaventure Waterpark! With rides such as the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by exotic aquatic life, even adrenaline junkies are catered to! Or, if heights aren't your things, test your mettle at The Rapids, which puts you on a raft battling choppy waters for a mile. Even kids will get their fix thanks to the Splasher's Children's Play Area, which features tons of mini slides, climbing frames, and even tipping buckets, so they won't miss out on all the fun. It might sound strange, but splashing up a storm at a waterpark is definitely one of the best things to do in Dubai in February. Ski Dubai If - for some reason - the heat has you missing the winter chills back home, head to the slopes for some ski action. Yes, even in this desert oasis, you'll find cool arctic chills. You don't even have to climb a nearby mountain, simply head over to Ski Dubai and find a winter wonderland you'll not want to miss. Head indoors, and you'll be stunned to discover lovingly-recreated ski slopes where you can strut your stuff. In an effort to ensure genuine authenticity, you can even take a ski lift up to the top of the slopes, and every so often, a parade of penguins will grind proceedings to a halt in the cutest way possible. If you're a slope pro, there's no need to lug all your equipment on the plane ride over - all your skis, jackets, and boots will be provided by Ski Dubai when you enter. And for all your non-pros, they've got you covered too. Instructors are on hand to guide even the greenest of slope-goers. Dubai Ice Rink Speaking of missing the joys of winter, after wallowing in Dubai's sun and heat, you might be missing another mainstay of the chillier months - ice skating. But never fear, February traveler, because Dubai even has an Olympic-sized ice rink. You'll find it in the heart of Dubai Mall, and it's the perfect place to bust some moves, or at least try to stay upright. With skate hire on-site, safety marshalls on hand, and the ice being resurfaced every 2 hours, you'll enjoy a smooth and satisfying skate session. Impress the other skaters by attempting to go backward - it's the only way to get their respect. AIN Dubai Dubai is a stunning city; that's just a warm, hard fact. The glistening of sunkissed waters, the beautiful reflective towers, and the horizon-spanning beaches are absolutely stunning. Seeing it from the ground is one thing, but the best way to see it all at once is up in the sky. So, why not ascend to the heavens and look upon the city on the world's tallest observation wheel? That's what you'll get at AIN Dubai because no one does it bigger or better than Abu Dhabi! Towering above the likes of The London Eye, AIN Dubai stretches up to over 820ft off the ground. So why not enter one of its 48 luxurious, air-conditioned cabins, get your cameras/phones at the ready, and snap away at some of the best views in the world? Keep an eye out for the likes of the Palm Jumeirah, Marina Beach, the Burj al Arab, and the striking Burj Khalifa in the distance. At The Top - Burj Khalifa Speaking of getting high, why not ascend the aforementioned Burj Khalifa? If you thought AIN Dubai was high, wait until you see this bad boy. This isn't just any old large building; it's the largest building on the planet. At over 2,700ft, how will a measly human like you scale such a behemoth? Well, you'll start by entering a double-decker elevator and shooting up at over 10 meters per second. Thanks to the in-elevator media displays, even at those speeds, you'll have some time to learn about Dubai's and Burj Khalifa's history. Then, when you reach the top, you'll find telescopes with full HD cameras and high zoom, offering a unique, interactive way to learn about the Dubai landmarks and sights you'll see. Further up, Level 125, you'll reach the viewing deck, where you can look out over the city and take as many photos of the little ant people as you like. Ambassadors are also dotted about the deck, and they'll fill you in on the history and trivia about the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline, too. And that was our guide to Dubai in February! Need help planning the rest of your vacation? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. We cover the very best Dubai attractions, so if you want all of the fun without all the fuss, we've got you covered.
Dom Bewley
Buggy Ride in Dubai Desert
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Best Desert Safari Tours in Dubai

There's something magical about the desert. It feels almost alien, like an unexplored world. Full of wonder and beauty, it's a place that needs to be respected too. We've all seen films and TV shows about people lost in the desert, seeing mirages of wells and fresh water. You might be drawn to the desert, but it can be dangerous venturing forth alone. Speaking of deserts, Dubai. Dubai has plenty of desert surrounding it. In fact, what we now know as Dubai is only 200 years old. It was a city built literally amongst the sand. So it's no surprise that, in a city known for its abundance of entertainment opportunities, Dubai has some of the best desert safari tours on the planet. These curated experiences come in all shapes and sizes, from relaxing treks to adrenaline-fueled races. But no matter which you pick, you can be sure that you'll be safe and well taken care of in the desert! So which one is for you? These are our picks of the best desert safari tours in Dubai! Including: Thrill Buggy Rides in Dubai's desert 4x4 Quad Bike Ride in Desert (Sahara Adventure) Camel Trekking Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner Enjoy a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert Let's kick off this list with the heart-pumping variety of desert safari tours! If you've never ridden over the dunes outside Dubai in a dune buggy, can you say you've truly lived? Change all that, and get behind the wheel of a dune raider with this amazing day buggy ride. After you're escorted from your hotel in a 4x4, your journey to the dunes will be full of photo ops. Cameras at the ready, boys and girls. Then, you'll arrive at base camp, board your metal hog, and take the beast for a spin. For 30 glorious minutes, you'll be free to bob, dip, and glide across Dubai's fine white sand. And don't worry, you'll buddy up with an instructor to make sure you don't hurt yourself, them, or their buggy. Perhaps the latter is the most important one there. Do you think dune buggies are cheap? Think again. Nothing quite beats the roar and rumble of an 800cc buggy. Trust us; if you're the daring sort, this will be one of the best desert safari tours for you in Dubai. Enjoy a 4x4 Quad Bike Tour in the desert If dune buggies don't quite do it for you, why not try a quad bike instead? These four-wheeled wonders can make quick work of Dubai's dunes, so consider doing some sweet dune jumps on this tour of the desert. After your ride drops you at camp, you'll hop on the desert's original form of transport, a two-humped camel, to tour the surroundings. After you've fulfilled your dream of embodying Laurence of Arabia, you'll reach a specially designed track nestled deep in the beautiful dunes. And then, well, it's game on. If you're with buddies, you can race them. If you're with strangers, you have to race them. Show them true dominance and key strength. Show them who you really are. And then, when you're done, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel. Nice. Take the Desert Safari and BBQ Dinner If your idea of a desert safari is less action and more relaxin', then you're in luck. Thanks to this desert safari and BBQ dinner, you can enjoy a more laid-back approach to Dubai's desert. You'll still get your 4x4 tour of the dunes, right from your hotel's door. And yes, you'll still have plenty of time to snap pics of the mesmerizing scenery. But when you reach the desert camp, you'll be treated to a traditional BBQ meal and feast on grilled meats and other Arabian specialties. Make sure you have a light lunch - you'll want as much space as possible to gorge on all the goodness. You'll also be treated to a host of entertainment, including belly dancing, a traditional Egyptian dance show, some smoky shisha, sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting, and more. However, if you're in a food coma, just kick back and let everyone else have all the fun. Enjoy camel trekking in Abu Dhabi If you're looking for something a bit more exciting than a BBQ but a bit less full-on than quad biking or dune buggin', then they even have something for you. They're called camels, you silly goose, and they're nature's answer to our four-wheeled friends. Did you know camels have three sets of eyelids and two sets of eyelashes, all to keep out sand? Weird. Like before, you'll be escorted to a camp deep in the dunes in comfort - and air conditioning. From there, you'll saddle up and ride these curious creatures for a 30-minute trek of the glorious dunes. Then, when you're done, you'll be taken back to camp, where you can refuel, relax, and enjoy complimentary coffee, tea, dates, and more before heading back to the city. Some might call that cameltastic. Not us, because it sounds weird. We prefer cameltacular. Sorry. And those were our picks for the best desert safari tours in Dubai! Safari's are fun, but have you thought about what else you want to do on your vacation? Dubai is stacked with entertainment opportunities and attractions at every turn - where do you begin to plan it all? Go City may be able to help. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want. We cover the very best Dubai attractions, so if you want all of the fun without all the fuss, go check us out.
Dom Bewley

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