Dubai

10+ Things to Do in Dubai for Teens

Dubai is a dream destination for teenagers - it's got sunshine, adrenaline-fueled adventures, and sky-high views.
By Katie Sagal

Keeping the teenagers entertained in Dubai.

Traveling to Dubai is a magical experience - and it's likely to be one the teens in your lives will never forget. But planning a family is always a tricky balance, and teenagers are more likely to enjoy action-packed activities than sightseeing or historic markets. Fortunately, there are plenty of teen-friendly things to do in Dubai. For some trip inspiration, we've put together a list of attractions, including:

  • Aquaventure Waterpark
  • IMG Worlds of Adventure
  • Lost Chambers Aquarium
  • Virtual Worlds Gaming
  • Rock Republic Climbing Walls
  • Ski Dubai
  • And much, much more!

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure_Waterpark

This is the mother of all waterparks. Located within the Atlantis the Palm resort, it offers peaceful relaxation, exhilarating waterslides, and even lazy rivers to tube along. Although there are certainly areas suitable for younger children, teens will probably get the most out of the high-octane slides like the Tower of Neptune and Torrent River. Parents can chill on the beach while their teens go off on their own adventures.

Feel comfortable exploring and relaxing here, just as you would on any beach in Miami or San Diego.

Lost Chambers Aquarium

Jelly_Fish_Aquarium

For teens who love animals, history, and/or mythology, a visit to the Lost Chambers Aquarium is perfect. Stroll through the many fascinating chambers of this aquarium, designed to recreate the Lost City of Atlantis as it might look below the ocean waves. You’ll get to see all the sea’s most enchanting creatures, like sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and more.

Lost Chambers also boasts the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East, so you know you’ll truly experience the ocean vibe. Join up with a guided tour, or explore on your own. You’re sure to have a blast either way!

Ski Dubai indoor skiing

Indoor_Skiing

Who doesn’t love the idea of skiing...in the middle of the desert? Find out why Dubai is the wonder of the Middle East with a few trips down the slopes at the world’s largest indoor snow park.

Swoosh and swivel down slopes of real snow as you enjoy the arctic chill around you. Skiers, snowboarders, toboggan riders, and more are all welcome. Plus, there are even some wild inhabitants that roam the park every once in a while, so keep an eye out for Gentoo and King penguins.

RIB Speed Boat sightseeing

Speed_Boat

If you’re looking to explore Dubai’s gorgeous waters (and believe us, even your teen will be enticed by that proposition), then opt for an exciting choice that’s sure to engage their sense of adventure. A RIB Speed Boat tour offers a thrilling experience for 90 minutes of high-speed fun. Leave the Dubai Marina (itself a very cool sight) and head out to see major landmarks like the Palm, the Burj Al Arab, and more.

Your teens will delight in the chance to get splashed around on this exhilarating ride! Plus, it's a nice chance to cool down in all that heat.

MOTIONGATE Dubai

MOTIONGATE_Dubai

Inspired by the magic of Hollywood cinema, MOTIONGATE Dubai resort is the perfect place for your teens to see why Dubai can do it all, bigger and better than almost anywhere else in the world. This is the only place outside of Hollywood where you’ll get to experience the movie magic you’ve always dreamed of seeing. Explore areas like Columbia Pictures, Dreamworks, Lionsgate, and much more.

A particularly popular area is Smurfs Village, where you’ll be able to enjoy rides and attractions from the popular cartoon, now a mega-movie franchise.

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Bollywood_Parks_Dubai

If your teens love the magic and delight of Bollywood cinema, then a trip to Bollywood Parks Dubai is a must. Swirl around in the midst of a realistic Bollywood movie set, see and sing along to their famous songs, marvel at the ornate costuming, and much more. It’s a delightful experience for any cinema fan, and is a good way to expand your teen’s cultural viewpoint.

IMG Worlds of Adventure: Indoor Theme Park

Indoor_Theme_Park

IMG Worlds of Adventure is another top destination the whole family will love. With multiple adventure zones including creative franchises like Marvel, Cartoon Network, and more, find more of your Hollywood favorites come to life.

Americans are especially enthralled by the Cartoon Network area of the park, where you can enjoy rides and attractions that are inspired by things like Adventure Time, The Amazing World of Gumball, Powerpuff Girls, and more. Of course, there are also plenty of other thrilling rides to explore, like the Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure Zone – sure to be a big hit with kids of all ages.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Aquarium_Underwater_Zoo

Located in the famed Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium is the top option for visiting teens. There’s a HUGE aquarium tank housing thousands of sea creatures from over 140 different species. You’ll see over 300 sharks and rays alone, including their popular Tiger sharks!

Then, the Underwater Zoo is home to the only slightly terrifying King Croc, an Australian crocodile that weighs over 1650 pounds! Check out his impressive habitat and marvel at his massive size. Plus, when they’re done at the Aquarium, they’ll want to explore the Mall itself – an area that includes attractions, stores, and restaurants galore.

Big Bus Dubai Sightseeing Tour

Touring Dubai can be a tricky proposition on your own, but it’s easy and convenient to do so with a guided bus tour. Teens will be entertained by the narration, and they’ll surely enjoy the flexibility a hop-on hop-off option offers them. Big Bus Dubai offers three loops, each featuring exciting sights from around the city that your teens will love to photograph. The Blue Tour in particular offers plenty of beachy fun!

Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

Burj_Khalifa

Who doesn’t want to see the amazing glittering city of Dubai from above? Take a ride to the observation deck of the Burj Khalifa for some of the most stunning views you’ll ever see. At the Top offers unparalleled, 360-degree sights from the tallest building in the world.

There are plenty of interesting, interactive exhibits along the way that tell the story of the construction of the Burj Khalifa and of Dubai’s modernization. This is one place where that perfect Instagram shot is guaranteed.

There's endless fun for teens in Dubai

Whew. As you can see from this list, there are more teen-friendly attractions in Dubai than you’ll probably have time to visit on one trip. From theme parks to an indoor rainforest to the tallest structure in the world, there’s bound to be something your teen will love. Happy travels!

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So pick a Dubai pass that suits you, and make the most of your trip!

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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dubai in september
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Dubai in September

Howdy there, traveler! So you're planning a trip to Dubai, are you? This desert oasis draws visitors from all over, so you're in good company. But when do you plan to visit? Is September a good time to vacation in Dubai? Well, scroll down, browse our guide to Dubai in September, and see what you think! Including: Dubai weather in September VR fun Underwater adventure Spooky escape rooms and more! Dubai in September: What to Expect It's hot. Really hot. Surprising perhaps no one, September in Dubai isn't your typical fall month. Instead, it's merely the tail end of Dubai's long, long summer. But the tail end doesn't mean you're in for a cooler time. Not really. That's because temperatures in September reach highs of 100°F or more and lows of around 79°F. So prepare for extreme temperatures, or perhaps go another month where the heat is more manageable. However, if you insist on September, then there are certainly some things to bear in mind. Bring a big hat, pack a load of factor 50 sunscreen, and avoid direct sunlight at peak hours to avoid shriveling up like a toasted prune. With those caveats in mind, we've peppered our recommendations with both inside and outside fun. You are most welcome, friend. Dubai in September: What to Do Nighttime BBQ Shenanigans When temperatures are enough to cook eggs on your car, embrace your inner vampire and stick to the shadows instead. But why settle for small shadows when you can utilize the humungous shadow that is nighttime? With nary a ray of sun in sight, you'll be safe. And where better to explore in this newfound safety than the beautiful sand dunes outside the city? On this BBQ and entertainment trip to the desert, you'll do just that. You'll be escorted from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 to the dunes. Then, you'll reach a camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meats and veg. And refreshing drinks, of course. Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Catch a belly dancing show, partake in some sweet shisha, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad. Then, as things wind down, you'll get a lift right back to your hotel to sleep off all the success. This BBQ soiree in Dubai is perfect for those looking to make the most of the cooler September nights. Evening Landmark Adventure! One of the joys of vacationing in an exciting new place is exploring the region's landmarks. And you'll be thrilled to know that Dubai has heaps of awe-inspiring buildings all across its skyline. And, in the spirit of your newfound vampirism, why not go see those sighs at night on a magical evening bus tour? Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, and the city harbor. That way, you'll get enough snaps to show your colleagues around the watercooler, and dodge the worst of the sun in the process! Does that smell like a win? Because it sure smells like a win to us. Spooky Escapes Looking for any other excuses to escape the heat? Look no further than Dubai's terrifying escape rooms at No Way Out. Because when it's hot outside, nothing quite beats being chased around the place by an ax-wielding maniac in the comfort of air-conditioning. With 10 spooky rooms on offer, including authentic offerings from the IT and Ring universes, you and up to 8 friends will battle the clock, devious traps, puzzles, and contend with creepy actors playing their parts as they try and scare you senseless. And if that wasn't enough, you can even stay after your game and sit down for a bit of interactive horror cinema. Each show features wind, water, and other special effects that will assault your senses as you watch. But, be careful. You never know when one of the actors will be creeping right behind your seat. Marvelous and cool, thanks to the aforementioned air-con. Explore sunny locales at a safe distance Another way to beat the heat is to simply travel to another realm. But how can that be? Aren't you firmly stuck in this reality? Well, not quite. Thanks to VR Park Dubai, alternate realities are just a headset away. Visitors, or adventurers, if you will, are welcome to immerse themselves in 7 games over the course of four hours. Suit up, slip your headset on, pick your poison, and play away. Can you make your way out of the VR Maze? Can you stop the robot uprising in Robocom? You can even challenge your friends or family to competitive games, including sports, platforming, and puzzle-solving genres. The perfect answer to an abrasively warm afternoon, explore virtual reality and see what all the buzz is about! Explore life beneath the surface And finally, let's end our cool list of sun-dodging goodness with perhaps the best escape of all - a journey beneath the oceans. And where better to find such an escape than at Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo? You'll start your adventure in the aquarium's massive underwater tunnel, where you'll be able to see all sorts of aquatic species going about their day. Sharks, rays, and other exotic species will be swimming right above your head, and may even approach you if you're not too scary looking. Perfect for photo ops, as well as a strangely serene stroll, it's a one-of-a-kind experience in Dubai, and well worth a visit. After you've wandered along the tunnel, you'll reach the Underwater Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with tons of exotic fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic wonders. You'll meet spider crabs, otters, piranhas, penguins, and other colorful characters. Delightful, and a great way to escape September heat in Dubai! And that just about wraps our guide to Dubai in September! If you dare face the sun head-on and are looking for some outside activities, 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. Yes, even the shadeless bits for all you thick-skinned boys and girls!
Dom Bewley
Dubai
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dubai in august
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Dubai in August

Planning your vacation in Dubai this year? August could be the perfect month for you. There's always an answer to the intense heat, so check out our guide to Dubai in August and see if it floats your boat! Including: Dubai weather in August Ski Dubai JBR Beach Aquaventure Waterpark BBQ in the desert and more! Dubai in August: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously sweltering all year round, and August is one of the hottest years you can visit the desert oasis. So hot, in fact, that on average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 87°F. That means you need to be prepared for some intense sun, and be prepared to escape to the comfort of air-conditioning at a moment's notice. Those that are none too fond of 105° weather may look to go at the beginning or end of the year when temperatures are much more manageable. However, if you snort at the thought of cowering away during peak summer, bear these things in mind. Keep bottles of drinking water on you at all times. Even on the beach, you'll find refilling stations to top yourself up. Staying hydrated in the heat is a must. Secondly, pack extra light clothing and a metric ton of sunscreen to protect your skin. Reapply that bad boy every hour or two if you're in direct sunlight in the afternoon; that's when the sun's fiercest. Either way, we'll cover attractions both inside and out, should you want to break up your sweltering vacation with some cooler action. Dubai in August: What to Do Get your skis on If all that summer heat gets too much for you, why not cool off on the slopes? No, we're not talking about packing your bags and heading somewhere cooler. Thanks to Ski Dubai, you can have the perfect slope experience right in the city. Ski Dubai is the world's largest indoor ski center. Really, you need to see it for yourself to understand just how big it is. Featuring multiple ski slopes where you can ski, board, or sled, it even has a ski lift to take you up to the very top. Fun for the whole family; even newbies can get to grips with the fine art of snow travel, thanks to the trainers on-site. All the gear's provided for you, including skis, boards, jackets, and everything else you need to pretend you're in the Alps for a few hours. And hey, they even have penguins too. Don't believe us? Go and see for yourself. You might not see yourself skiing in Dubai in August, but trust us, it's the perfect way to escape the blistering heat. Beachlife While heading to the beach when temperatures exceed 100 degrees might not seem like a good idea, you do have options. After all, beaches stick around after the sun goes down. So, why not venture out after dark and get lounging on Dubai's stunning sandy spaces? Jumeirah Beach Residence - or JBR, is one of the city's biggest and best beaches. And while you can't swim there after dark, you can certainly lounge on its pristine beachfront through the night. Umm Suqeim Beach, on the other hand, does allow you to swim in its calm seas until the clock strikes midnight. Thanks to its Smart Power lighting system, lifeguards can keep an eye on swimmers when the sun goes down. But you can't expect them to work through the night. Hence, you'll need to vacate the cooling waters at 12AM. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Just because it's super hot doesn't mean you want to miss out on all the UV all the time. And as they say, water isn't just for drinking. So, go out with a splash - outside, we mean - and head to the exciting slides and rides at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm! You'll be beckoned by rides like the plummeting Leap of Faith, which drops you into a massive tube surrounded by sharks and rays. That one's only for the brave out there. 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. If you go in peak afternoon summer hours, apply and reapply sunscreen after a few slides. Slides do a good job of wiping off your carefully-applied protection, and the last thing you want is a blistery back after a blisteringly good time! Desert Adventure Heading back to the warm hands and cool embrace of the night, another one of Dubai's draws is the magnificent sandy dunes surrounding the city. Dubai was built from nothing within them, so why not explore them for yourself with a brilliant desert safari and BBQ dinner? You'll be chaperoned from your hotel in a plush, air-conditioned 4x4 and head into the desert proper. Make sure you snap pictures of the beautiful surrounding as the sun goes down. Then, you'll reach the BBQ camp and be treated to a mouth-watering menu of BBQ meat, grilled veg, and other local delicacies. Once you're full, the entertainment kicks off. Watch authentic belly dancing, smoke up a shisha storm, ride a camel, and even get a henna tattoo. Not bad, and all of that without one drop of harmful UV in sight. If you need a break from the sun, try this tour when you visit Dubai in August. Landmarks and neon lights And finally, you wouldn't want to leave Dubai without seeing some of its most recognizable landmarks, would you? Of course not, which is why you should take a Dubai Magical Night Tour and see them all in one fell swoop. Be sure to snap pictures of the grand Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), Dubai Mall, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai Harbour, and more. Then you can leave guilt-free, knowing you saw these amazing creations and didn't spend all your time inside! And that's our guide to Dubai in August! Looking for a wide variety of attractions to make your trip to Dubai the best ever? Try Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of Dubai's best bits when and how you want.
Dom Bewley

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