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.

Published: July 18, 2024
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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A Christmas panorama at a Dubai mall
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How to spend Christmas in Dubai

Swap the snow for the sands and the insulated jackets for the T-shirts, it’s Christmas in Dubai! The festive season is embraced by the emirate not for its religious importance – since only 14% of residents are Christian – but for its cultural significance. With 200 nationalities living, working and visiting Dubai at Christmas, there’s a vast miscellany of events to put you in the festive mood, from ballet performances to Christmas markets – and all with the sort of weather you probably won’t be getting back home until late spring or early summer. Keen to discover what Dubai is like at Christmas? Take a look at our favorite ideas! Getting into the Christmas spirit Christmas begins to take hold in Dubai from around the second week of December and continues well into January. Interestingly, the big day itself isn’t a public holiday, so you’ll see plenty of people heading to work as usual. This doesn’t stop anyone getting into the Christmas spirit. If you’re staying at one of the grander hotels that dot the cityscape, Christmas will probably kick off with an all singing and all dancing tree lighting ceremony. Christmas trees at many of the best-known names in accommodation soar from their lobbies up multiple stories, dazzling even the most hardened individuals. Catch the unveiling itself and you’ll be treated to some of Dubai’s finest voices, alongside complementary bites to eat and glasses of something special. Failing this, the shopping malls also spare little expense in providing their December visitors with fitting decoration. Head to the Dubai Mall, and as well as checking out the residents of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can also admire the world’s largest bauble, weighing more than a ton! Explore the Christmas markets As you might expect from one of the world’s best shopping destinations, Dubai has plenty of opportunity to splash the cash on unique gifts and keepsakes with a Christmas market never far away. On the southern side of the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Harbor – the outer extent of Dubai Marina – is packed full of seasonal treats. Not only are there the stalls that make it a marketplace, but also a snow zone and ice rink. For further wintry wonderlands, head to Ski Dubai. Besides pitting yourself against the world’s largest indoor ski park, Santa stands by waiting to give out goodie bags to the kids whilst more sedate visitors can sit back and enjoy a Christmas movie at the snow cinema. Elsewhere, Fort Island’s Souk Madinat Jumeirah combines the traditional feel of an Arabian marketplace with a little extra Christmas sparkle. The food and drink options are particularly top-notch here, but there’s also plenty to keep the kids entertained as you soak up the ambience. Book tickets for a show With the Christmas weather in Dubai dominated by temperatures of around 25°C, even if the sun does disappear behind a cloud you’ll have little reason to head indoors. However, you may well want to, given the range of shows. For a traditional Christmas treat visit Dubai Opera. Sometimes overshadowed by its proximity to the observation decks of the Burj Khalifa, it is all the same a concert venue hosting the best comedians, music and performances of the moment. Come December, look out for tickets to the Nutcracker – a ballet set on Christmas Eve – and other seasonal favorites. Or satisfy your nosiness with a behind the scenes tour of the venue instead. The Theatre in the Mall of the Emirates also does all it can to welcome in the spirit of Christmas, putting on live performances of family-favorites such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. One of the newest destinations in Dubai, the QE2 floating hotel and venue has another stellar schedule of modern Christmas tunes and even traditional British pantomimes. Eat, drink and be merry Since the three wise men came from the east, it’s entirely possible their journey contained a stop at the small coastal settlement that Dubai would have been at the birth of Christ. You can get a feel for life in the desert with a safari and BBQ dinner, combining authentic cuisine and hospitality including belly dancing with more contemporary desert adventures. These include sand boarding after topping the dunes by 4WD. But for a full regional culinary experience turn to the Al Hallab restaurant, whose chefs lean on hundreds of years of cookery and recipes to bring you mezze, meat platters and sweet dishes packed full of flavor. If it’s a turkey dinner and all the trimmings you’re after, Dubai won’t disappoint either. There are plenty of restaurants open on December 25 and the surrounding days, with specially prepared seasonal menus listing no end of picks that will take you right back to your childhood. Take advantage of Dubai’s coastal location Anyone used to the frigid water temperatures of North America and Europe at Christmas might first baulk at seeing people in Dubai lounging on its beachfronts just as Santa is heading off on his epic present-giving extravaganza. But the fact is, with sea temperatures equal to those on land in the middle twenties Celsius, there are limited excuses for failing to switch to your swimwear. Drifting along the historic heart of Dubai on a traditional dhow made by craftspeople by hand is just as easy, and a great way to discover the areas of Bur Dubai and Deira, both of which relied on sea trade for centuries for their growth and wealth. An alternative way to take in the area is with a sunset kayak tour, putting you in control of your own vessel whatever your experience and skill level. Visit Dubai at Christmas and save! There’s no doubting Christmas is a good time to visit Dubai. The climate is amenable to getting out and about whether you aim to discover Dubai Creek or the dunes of the desert, whilst the festive offerings come thick and fast. Christmas markets, nights at the theater and food, glorious food are all part of what makes Christmas in Dubai special. But if you needed one more reason, that’s going to be Go City. Travel to Dubai with one of our passes and you’ll discover the magic of huge reductions on attraction admission to many of Dubai’s best things to see and do at Christmas.
Ian Packham
dubai scorching summer sun
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Dubai in July

Interested in visiting Dubai this summer? July might be the right month for you. Check out our guide to Dubai in July below, and see what's on offer! Including: Dubai weather in July Dubai's beaches Dubai's best water park Cool nighttime tours Chilled out skiing and more! Dubai in July: What to Expect Dubai is notoriously warm all year round, and July is the hottest year you can visit. And when we say hot, we mean hot. On average, you can expect highs of 105°F or more and lows of around 91°F. As such, you really need to be prepared for your summer vacation if you decide to go in peak summer. If you're of the paler sensibility, perhaps pick another month, or plan to spend most of your time inside during the hotter hours. If you're brave and insist on July, then pack the lightest clothes you own, your largest hats, and enough sunscreen to cover yourself tenfold. Due to the high temperatures, we'll discuss some inside and outside experiences below. That way, you'll always have an escape from the intense heat and sun, should you need it. Dubai in July: What to Do Dubai's beautiful beaches Let's kick things off with some of the braver forays you can make into Dubai's heat. Dubai is known for many things, and its stunning beaches might just be the jewel in her crown. With endless white sand, crystal clear waters, and plenty of space to stretch out and relax, Dubai's beaches are magnificent. However, rather than heading there during the day, we'd recommend avoiding the sizzling sun and instead heading there after dark. You'll still get all the goodness of the beach, just minus the third-degree burns. 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, the sea stays safe after the sun goes down. And, like JBR, you are free to lounge there after dark for as long as you like. Both are brilliant during the day, but on a sweltering July in Dubai, maybe settle for some post-sun fun instead. Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm If you insist on the sun, at least compliment it with a healthy splash of cold water. At Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis the Palm, you'll get just that and a spoonful of fun while you're at it! 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. Just make sure you bring your supplies of sunscreen with you and reapply it fastidiously. Waterslides can easily wipe the sunscreen off your back and leave you exposed to the intense sun. We speak from experience - reapply regularly! And if you need a break, they even have their own beach if you need to relax under a parasol. See the sights at night If you want to see all of Dubai's highlights but fear the sun's merciless rays, why not do so at night instead? On a Dubai Magical Night Tour, you'll get just that. With the cool Dubai breeze running through your hair, you'll join your guide on an open-top trip around the city. See the most recognizable Dubai landmarks, and do it all under the relative coolness of Dubai's July night sky. But will you see? Well, 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. You might not be in Dubai to see the sights specifically, but that doesn't mean you can't dedicate a cool night to learn more about them. Skiing. Yes, really If it all gets too much and the heat has you beat, you may debate whether Dubai in July was a mistake. Should you have booked a winter holiday instead, full of snow, skis, and other chilly goodness? Well, wipe those hideous thoughts from your mind. You needn't settle for one or the other, thanks to Ski Dubai. It's the world's largest indoor ski center, and it is mind-bogglingly awesome. Inside, you'll discover lovingly-recreated ski slopes where you can strut your stuff. There's even a ski lift up to the top of the slopes! And every few hours, the festivities are stopped to welcome a family of penguins across the slopes. There's no need to pack all your ski equipment either, as everything is provided on arrival. Never skied before? Never fear; they'll teach you on-site. An evening stroll in the desert And finally, we'll end things on another evening escapade. Because, if it wasn't evident enough, we'd recommend avoiding the sun as much as you can if you visit Dubai in July. So why not try a desert safari and BBQ dinner? You'll receive 5-star treatment from the get-go, with a plush 4x4 picking you up from your hotel and taking you deep into Dubai's dunes. Once you reach camp, you'll be treated to a delicious BBQ featuring grilled meats, veg, and other delights. But that's not all; there are also activities and entertainment for you to enjoy long into the night. Watch a belly dancing show, smoke some authentic shisha, ride a camel, and even get some henna painted on you! Then, you'll be taken right back to your hotel when the night is over. Nice. And that's our guide to Dubai in July! If you're looking for more fun experiences on your Dubai vacation, 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
extreme dubai
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Extreme Sports Activities in Dubai

Thrill seekers! Are you looking for extreme fun in the sun that will get you off your bum? Rejoice, oh brave adventures. Dubai, the city in the sand, has you well and truly covered. So much so that we had to make a guide dedicated to all of the extreme opportunities on offer. So read on, be brave, and discover the best extreme sports activities in Dubai! Including: Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm Ski Dubai Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert iFly Dubai Indoor Skydiving E-Kart Zabeel and more! Go on an overwater adventure Want to get extreme? Why not dare to ride some of the best waterslides in the world? Dare to fulfill those dreams at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis The Palm. It might be a mouthful, but you'll forget all that when you're bombing down a sweet waterslide at a million miles an hour. Well, not a million, but more than two. Test your mettle on the extreme Leap of Faith, which plummets straight through a shark-filled lagoon at a breakneck pace. Dodge the sharks (don't worry, they're safely imprisoned behind thick glass) and crash into the pool below. Gnarly. Or challenge the god of the sea himself at Poseidon's Revenge. Enter one of his devious capsules and prepare to plummet down at speeds of 60mph. There's a lot of plummeting going on, which can only mean one thing - it's one of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai! Ski for your life Dubai's opulent existence is perhaps best characterized by the biggest indoor winter sports park. Yes, even in the harsh, unforgiving desert, you'll find sweet jumps to catch and sweet hills to descend. That's all thanks to Ski Dubai, a must-visit for any of you snow heads. Is that a real word? Snow heads? Who cares - get extreme! Whether you choose to attach yourself to skis, a snowboard, or another form of snow traversal, you'll love bombing it around this weirdly cold arena. Much like other snowy locales, expect snow, courses, hills, and even a ski lift for that authentic mountaintop experience. After all, what's more extreme than braving freezing temperatures when it's hot enough to melt your skin outside? Extreme weather variance! Buggin Out Or, relive your favorite Mad Max: Fury Road scenes by hopping in a dune buggy and tearing it around Dubai's golden seas. Yes, you can do that, thanks to a Thrill Buggy Ride in Dubai's desert. You'll kick things off with a lift in a 4x4 to the dunes. After a touch of sightseeing, you'll reach base camp, and then it's buggy time, baby. Hop in your metal hog of choice, and you'll have 30 minutes to tear it across the dunes. Your buddy will be an experienced dune buggy enthusiast, so you needn't worry about going in blind. They'll teach you everything you need to know about controlling the roaring beast, so you can focus on the most important things - sweet skids, supreme jumps, and extreme buggy action. Yeah! Witness you! Just don't get too excited and spray silver paint in your mouth - there's a reason those guys were so pale. Fly away Many things can't come close to the extremeness of jumping from a plane at 30,000 feet. But for many of us, the extreme risk of not living may outweigh the desire to attempt such feats. But never fear thrill seekers because Dubai has a way for you to cheat death and still enjoy the fall. It's called iFly Indoor Skydiving, and it's totally rad, man. Enter the tube of airy death, feel the 200kph winds lift you off the ground, and then spin, twist, and shout as you mimic the life of a skydiver. Newbies are welcome, too, with instructors on hand to guide you through the process of controlling your body while falling. And experts can shut their ears and spin to their heart's content. Never felt the thrill of the wind rushing past you as you defy gravity? Then this is one of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai you cannot miss. Kart life If you're a fan of racing, or racing-adjacent media, you might wonder what it feels like to drift around corners and beat the competition to the finish line. Wonder no more, you extreme legend, and burn some rubber thanks to E-Kart Zabeel. You'll have 7 minutes to race your state-of-the-art go-kart around a specially designed track, taking corners and leaving your enemies in the dust. Got friends? Lucky. Show them off by bringing them along, and then rub their faces in it when you inevitably win. No friends? No matter - join a group of randoms and rub their faces in it. Why make friends when you can spark lifelong rivalries that no one will write about? Red go fast? You know what's extreme? Rollercoasters. Breakneck speed, gravity-defying movement, and the ejection of one's stomach contents are all hallmarks of these beloved beasts. You know what's more extreme than your average rollercoaster? The fastest rollercoaster ever created by mere mortal minds. And where do you find this insane creation? Why, at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, of course! The rollercoaster in question is called Formula Rossa, and it boasts speeds of 240kmph. If you think you can handle 4.8Gs of force squishing your body back in your seat, then you might be extreme enough to survive. Other than that terrifying trial, you can challenge your friends to a drag race at Fiorano GT Challenge, hop on a military bi-plane at Flying Aces, and test your resolve on the Turbo Track, which purports to offer a fast vertical climb followed by an epic zero-g fall. Not for us. Nope. Work your quads And finally, we end our extreme list of sports activities in Dubai on four wheels. Ever wanted to live out your wildest desert fantasies that include camels? Well, now you can, thanks to this camel, sandboarding, and quad biking adventure over Dubai's dunes. You'll be driven to the desert, ride on camels, and then ride these 4-wheeled wonders along a track designed with the extreme in mind. Picture yourself in slow motion as you dip, turn, and jump. Hear the 80s hair metal in your mind as you pull off extreme maneuvers. Embody the extreme, don't simply flirt with it. And that's our list of the best extreme sports activities in Dubai! Wondering what to do with the rest of your vacation? Why not 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. There's so much to do, see, and experience that no matter what you decide to do, you'll love your time in the city!
Dom Bewley

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