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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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