Top Dubai Theme Parks - Popular Amusement Parks to Visit

Whatever kind of theme park fun you and your family are looking for, you’ll find the perfect attraction to suit your vacation in Dubai.

IMG theme park ride

Planning on visiting Dubai with family and looking to visit some of the top Dubai theme parks, waterparks, and more? There are plenty of activities that are perfect for what you are looking for, from traditional amusement parks to virtual gaming cafes. 

Aquaventure Waterpark

Aquaventure Waterpark

Based in the resort area of Atlantis the Palm, Aquaventure Waterpark is an unbeatable experience for fans of water rides. There are water slides, river slides, peaceful beaches, kids' play areas, and so much more for the whole family to enjoy. It’s more than just a waterpark, though.

You’ll get a chance to see and interact with aquatic animals. Feed cow nose rays and explore the amazing Shark Lagoon (you get to put on a specialty helmet and explore the lagoon underwater!) For the adults, there’s even a private beach where you can kick back and relax while the kids make sand castles. It’s a total win-win! 

Getting In: Admission to Aquaventure Waterpark is included on all Dubai passes.

Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate Dubai

This amazing Hollywood-inspired theme park is like nothing you’ve seen before – even if you’ve been to Los Angeles itself! Motiongate Dubai has all the glitz, glamor, excitement, and adventure. The park is divided into several different zones that each tackle an aspect of Hollywood or cinematic culture, from Lionsgate to Dreamworks to Columbia Pictures and beyond.

Some key franchises you’ll see elements from include The SmurfsGhostbustersMadagascar, ShrekKung Fu Panda, and many more. They’ve got all the theme park fun: roller coasters, theatrical performances, meet-and-greet sessions with park characters, and even interactive shows. 

Getting In: Admission to Motiongate Dubai is available on all Dubai passes.

Bollywood Parks Dubai

Bollywood_Parks_Dubai

It’s the very first theme park in the world dedicated to the magic and wonder that is Bollywood culture. Immerse yourself in the musical world of Bollywood. This legendary film industry is anchored in the capital, Mumbai, but you've got the chance to explore the artistry and excitement behind their productions right here in Dubai.

With 16 rides and attractions to choose from and 5 entertainment zones, you’ll be able to explore many facets of Bollywood, from a train ride to exhilarating musical performances. Even if you’re not familiar with many Bollywood films, you’ll love the sense of pure adventure and fun that their stories bring to the table.

Play cricket, partake in a rural feast and celebration, sing along with famous stars, and go back in time to the era of India’s empire. 

Getting In: Bollywood Parks Dubai is separately ticketed.

IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG

The largest indoor park of its kind in the entire world, IMG Worlds of Adventure is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy theme park fun without suffering through the heat. The park itself is divided into five distinct “epic zones,” which encapsulate different ideas and franchises: the zones are Marvel, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network, IMG Boulevard, and Novo Cinemas.

Each zone has much to offer for kids and adults, whether you’re a fan of roller coasters and thrill rides or you prefer some more video-based adventure. The Cartoon Network zone is particularly popular with Americans, as it includes nods to franchises like Power Puff GirlsAdventure TimeThe Amazing World of Gumball, and more. 

Getting In: Admission to IMG Worlds of Adventure is included on all Dubai passes.

Mattel Play! Town

See the world of your kids’ favorite toys brought to life at the charming Mattel Play! Town in Dubai. Explore the worlds of the best Mattel franchises from Bob the Builder to Thomas & Friends to Angelina Ballerina. Each exhibit area encourages positivity, creative thinking, and problem-solving. It’s a great atmosphere for kids to play and learn at the same time, all while interacting with their favorite TV and toy franchises. This theme park is best suited for younger children. 

Getting In: Mattel Play! Town is separately ticketed.

LEGOLAND® Dubai

legoland-dubai

This delightful theme park for young children is a favorite worldwide, so it’s no surprise that you’ll find one in the amazing entertainment capital that is Dubai. You’ll find over 40 rides, attractions, and shows that employ LEGO characters and storylines across six themed lands. It’s got a great mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, so it’s easy to avoid the summer heat when necessary.

Plus, there are over 60 million LEGO bricks in the park altogether – pretty impressive, huh? Visit the popular MINILAND (where you can find tiny scale models of real buildings), explore the medieval world of Kingdoms, and create your own LEGO masterpieces in the Imagination areas. 

Getting In: Admission to LEGOLAND Dubai is available on all Dubai passes.

Looking for more kid friendly options? Check out our post on fun things to do in Dubai with kids.

KidZania

This attraction is one of the top kid-friendly places in all of Dubai. It’s a wonderful, interactive “edutainment center,” to use their words, where children can learn and play simultaneously. The emphasis at KidZania is on roleplaying real adult jobs. Kids have the opportunity to put on costumes and props from over 80 different jobs, all within the replica of a real urban center. They might become inspired by professions they never knew existed. 

They’ll also get the chance to interact with others in this world, by “paying” for groceries with the park’s currency, for example. KidZania City has everything a real community would have – from a hospital to a beauty salon – and your kids will get the chance to explore all of it at their leisure. 

Getting In: Admission to KidZania is separately ticketed.

Ski Dubai

Ski_Dubai_Indoor_Skiing

It’s more than just the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East – it’s a miracle of modern technology that allows visitors to enjoy this popular winter sport year-round...in the middle of the desert! Ski Dubai is designed to mimic the setting of a mountain in winter, so you’ll get the same rush of excitement when skiing, snowboarding, and tubing in this park as you would in the mountains of Colorado.

Best of all? It’s totally real snow. So get out there, strap on your skis, and get going! 

Getting In: Admission to Ski Dubai Polar Pass is included on all Dubai passes.

iFLY - Indoor Skydiving Experience

man-woman-enjoy-flying-together-wind

For adventurous folks, there are few things greater in the world than the feeling of flying. That’s where iFLY Indoor Skydiving Experience comes in. Feel all the excitement and wonder of flight at this exciting attraction, which combines elements of skydiving, bungee jumping, and base jumping.

You’ll fall pretty far down through a vertical wind tunnel (the world’s first of its kind, actually) and get a heck of a ride on the way down. This activity is safe for all ages 3+, although parents should exercise caution when deciding if younger children should fly. 

Getting In: Admission to iFLY Dubai Indoor Skydiving is included on all Dubai passes.

Thrill Zone - Laser Tag

Laser Tag

The Thrill Zone Entertainment Centre is among the best options in the region for older children and adults. Their Laser Tag is a high-tech, exhilarating experience that provides tons of fun and works off some excess kid energy. The 3,000-square-foot laser tag zone itself is designed to mimic a Jurassic Park theme. This zone evokes a lot of fun and maybe a little bit of fright.

Run around through UV lights and fog (with accompanying techno music) and try to avoid the pitfalls of the arena as you aim for the opposite team. As far as gear goes, you’ve got special vests equipped with advanced laser tag technology. It’s the real deal when it comes to laser tag, and your whole family will love the experience. 

Getting In: Thrill Zone – Dubai Laser Tag & more is separately ticketed.

Virtual Worlds - Virtual Reality Gaming Café

Virtual Reality Gaming

This amazing destination is the first virtual reality gaming café in all of the Middle East. It offers an immersive, virtual reality experience without the expense of having to buy all of your own equipment and pay for the fancy internet to support it. Come here to experience the latest and greatest in VR tech.

Dubai Virtual Worlds features everything from installations that physically move you through space as you experience the virtual world around you, to elements that keep you seated but feeling like you’re moving. It’s a newer attraction and is very popular in Dubai, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a gamer, or even if you’re just curious about VR. 

Getting In: Dubai Virtual Worlds is separately ticketed.

So much adventure, so little time...

Whew! It’s clear that Dubai has theme parks and plenty of other fun amusement parks to offer visitors, whether you’ve got some little ones in tow who want to explore their favorite TV franchises, or you’re a group of adults looking to get your adventure on. Visit a few of these amazing adventure parks as part of a larger Dubai vacation, and you’re set for the time of your life.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Dubai must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

☀️ Compare Dubai passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Tropical fish in an aquarium
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Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Aquarium Comparison

Everything in Dubai is supersized. The skyscrapers, the water parks, the malls, that mad Ferris wheel at Bluewaters Island: all strive to be the very biggest and baddest in town, nay the planet. Heck, you can even grab a 10kg burger here, should the mood (and your appetite) take you. Dubai’s aquariums are no exception to this rule, with some absolute beasts vying for your dirhams. Among the biggest and best here are Dubai Aquarium and Lost Chambers, run by Dubai Mall and Atlantis The Palm respectively. We took a deep dive to meet the thousands of critters at each aquarium and find out which of Lost Chambers and Dubai Aquarium is best…Dubai Aquarium: The Lowdown Name. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is located at Dubai Mall (the biggest mall in Dubai, natch).Age. The aquarium opened in 2008, but some of the sharks and crocs here are even older than that.What to expect at Dubai Aquarium. One of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, Dubai Aquarium is home to many thousands of aquatic animals, including over 400 sharks and rays, plus giant spider crabs, piranhas, otters, penguins, and an Australian king croc (and his queen) – though not all necessarily in the same tank. This super-sized aquarium has multiple zones. As well as that epic tank, there’s a 48-meter underwater observation tunnel and the trio of ecosystems – rainforest, rocky shore and living ocean – that make up the underwater zoo. Naturally, you can also add immersive experiences to your ticket, including live shows, guided tours, feeding time with the penguins and otters and an opportunity to touch eagle and cownose rays. And if you wish to (quite literally) immerse, you can even book a diving experience with the sharks and stingrays.Dubai Aquarium in Numbers Size. The suspended aquarium tank is one of the biggest of its kind on the planet, containing 10 million liters of water. That’s about the same as four Olympic-size swimming pools. Animals. There are over 140 species of aquatic animals to ogle at Dubai Aquarium, including over 400 sharks and rays, and one of the world’s largest collections of sand tiger sharks. Displays. The aquarium tunnel is 48 meters long and takes you 11 meters beneath the surface; there are 40 individual aquatic displays in the underwater zoo, starring seahorses, otters, piranhas, colorful cichlids and more. Dubai Aquarium Highlights It’s likely you’ll spend more time in the underwater tunnel than just about anywhere else at Dubai Aquarium. Here’s where to cram your camera roll with close-ups of curious critters including giant groupers, stately stingrays, and nosey nurse sharks. The underwater zoo zone features an eye-popping array of colorful characters. Don’t miss the majestic king croc and his queen, plus giant spider crabs, playful otters and ultra-cute gentoo penguins. Feeding times are among the most exciting events in the aquarium’s day. Watch staff as they hand-feed the rays and dive daringly deep into the aquarium tank for a shark feeding frenzy. Lost Chambers Aquarium: The Lowdown Size. Epic. An 11-million-liter tank (the Ambassador Lagoon), plus over 20 exhibits and an octagon of mysterious chambers make this the largest open-air marine habitat in the Middle East. Animals. Around 65,000. That’s a heck of a lot of critters. Displays. In addition to the Ambassador Lagoon, there are 21 aquatic exhibits to explore. Lost Chambers Aquarium Highlights The Ambassador Lagoon is where it's at for all your Insta-perfect selfie backdrop requirements. Get in the picture as colorful blue-spotted stingrays, massive Queensland groupers and regal zebra sharks soar past behind you. Take the guided Myth of Atlantis tour to learn all about the myths and legends of the lost city, and the underwater creatures that now inhabit its chambers. Feeding times here are pretty special, but nothing beats the amazing shark safari experience, in which willing participants wear glass diving helmets and stroll across the bottom of the Ambassador Lagoon aquarium as these majestic creatures of the deep soar overhead. Dubai Aquarium Vs Lost Chambers Comparison: Which is Better? It’s a tough call. Both are great family days out, with plenty to keep even the most incurious kids entertained for hours on end. If you like your exhibits themed, perhaps Lost Chambers will edge it for you, but both have plenty to offer. You can also combine with other activities in both locations: Dubai Mall is also home to the DXB Play VR amusement park, a 22-screen cinema, KidZania, and a real-life diplodocus skeleton, while Atlantis The Palm offers an epic water park and the opportunity to swim with dolphins in addition to its Lost Chambers Aquarium.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
best beach clubs in dubai
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Dubai in June

If you're planning a vacation in Dubai, you'll need to know when to go. June might sound like the ideal month to pack your bags and jet off, but Dubai's intense summer can beat even the best of us. Check out our guide to Dubai in June below, and see if it's the perfect month for you! Including: Dubai weather in June Snowy escapes Beach beauties Shady clubs Water worlds and more! Dubai in June: What to Expect June is the beginning of summer for those of us in the northern hemisphere. But in Dubai, what you think is summer started long ago. In this desert oasis, June is the beginning of the end times. Fire, brimstone, and every other joke you want to make about really, really hot places. Because temperatures in Dubai typically hit highs of 100°F, lows of 80°F, and not a drop of rain in sight. That could be a bit much for some of you. That's understandable, given what we're used to. As such, if high temperatures and 12 hours of sun aren't your thing, consider traveling in the winter months, where temperatures are much more bearable. It goes without saying that if you do decide to travel to Dubai during the summer, leave the jumpers and jackets at home. Pack the lightest clothes you own, the largest hats in your closet, and stuff the rest of your suitcase with factor 1000 sunscreen. It's the only way. In the interest of keeping you alive, we're going to mix up our recommendations with plenty of outdoor, indoor, and nighttime experiences. After all, everyone needs a break. You are very welcome. Dubai in June: What to Do Risky Beaches Dubai's known for its beautiful beaches, and we really have to talk about them. After all, kicking back and relaxing might be the main reason you're taking your Dubai vacation in June. However, might we suggest avoiding the searing sun and instead going at night? Your skin will thank you. Thankfully, Dubai's beaches are open 24 hours. Umm Suqeim Beach may be your best bet, as you can swim there until midnight. Most beaches ban swimming after dark due to the risk to swimmers, but at Umm Suqeim Beach, Smart Lights keep the shores lit until the clock strikes 12, so you can still get your lounging and swimming done in the dark. Nice. Watery Goodness Another way to keep cool when the heat rises is by submerging yourself in H20. But why stay static in a pool when you can blitz around at a water park? Dubai's full of brilliant places to slide, glide, and dive into the refreshing goodness. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm is one of the best, with plenty of amazing rides for both kids and adults. From death-defying drops to snakey slides, they even have a kids-only area and their own beach if you need to relax. Another top water park is Yas Waterworld, but you'll need to travel to the nearby Yas Island to get there. Featuring over 40 amazing rides, including a flooded 5D Cinema experience, it's the perfect place to get your water fix. For kids, LEGOLAND® Water Park ticks all the boxes. Featuring 20 rides themed around many of their most recognizable characters, it might not be as exhilarating for adults as the other two, but there's nothing stopping you from getting on the rides and having a blast. Magical desert tour If you want to see the dunes around Dubai's outskirts but fear the mix of heat and desert could have you passing out, you're in luck. Thanks to this evening tour and BBQ experience, you can fit your experience around the weather. After an air-conditioned ride from your hotel to a camp in the dunes, you'll be treated to a fantastic BBQ meal with plenty of succulent meat and veg to fill you up. After the meal, the entertainment begins. Featuring belly dancing, shisha, camel riding, and henna tattoos, it's an evening packed with fun! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. You'll have the best sleep in months. Hideaway on the slopes When the heat wins out, it might be an extreme suggestion to up sticks and escape to a snowy paradise. But just because you take a few hours out to carve some powder doesn't mean Dubai has you beat. Far from it. Ski Dubai is what you seek - a winter wonderland right in the heart of Dubai. The biggest indoor skiing center on the planet, Ski Dubai lets you ski, board, or sled down a multitude of artificial hills. Catering to newbies and experienced sorts, you'll have the chance to take a ski lift, see penguins, and get your chill on even in the oppressive June heat. And best of all, everything is provided for when you arrive, so there's no need to lug your skis on the plane. Easily one of the best ways to beat the June heat in Dubai. Go clubbing And finally, we'll end our guide to Dubai in June with some more R&R. If you want all the relaxation of the beach with none of the direct sunlight, hit up one of Dubai's beach clubs. You'll find plenty of these relaxation stations in Dubai, but let's talk about our top picks below. Twiggy by La Cantine matches its arresting all-white facade with the biggest infinity pool of all Dubai's beach clubs, a rocking 60s aesthetic, and light Mediterranean bites that hit the spot. Nikki Beach marries live music and even a resident saxophonist with a refreshing drinks menu, all against the backdrop of the beautiful Pearl Jumeira coastline. And DRIFT Beach offers not only lounge beds, cabanas, and light bites typical of the beach club scene in Dubai, it also gives you access to their own private beach. Sometimes, the draw of the sand is just too great. And that's our guide to Dubai in June! If the above wasn't enough, do you want to know what else awaits you in Dubai? 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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