A family vacation in Dubai feels a little like stepping into a storybook. Well, as long as that storybook had sand dunes, indoor ski slopes, floating obstacle courses, and a skyline that sparkles like it’s trying to win an award. Dubai has mastered the art of blending excitement with comfort. This makes it an ideal place for families who want memorable adventures and relaxing downtime.

Parents love the endless convenience. Kids love the thrills. Teens? Well, they’ll try hard not to smile… but they’ll even give Dubai credit for being “pretty cool.” No matter the age mix of your group, this city delivers a Dubai family vacation filled with wonder.

Before packing the swimsuits, sunscreen, and “please don’t fight on this trip” energy, remember one important detail. Timing matters. Summer in Dubai is no joke. Think 100+ degrees of “do we live inside an oven now?” heat. If you choose to visit between June and August, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds and endless indoor attractions. If you prefer milder weather, the cooler months create the perfect backdrop for all the things to do in Dubai with family outdoors.

Once your dates are set, you can start planning your adventures. And trust me, when it comes to Dubai attractions for families, you’ll have no shortage of options.

Family Vacation in Dubai: Best Attractions & Activities

Best Places to Visit on a Family Vacation in Dubai

Visit a Theme Park During Your Family Vacation in Dubai

If your family motto is “the more rides, the better,” you’re in luck. Dubai has theme parks that rival the best in the world.

• Step into Bollywood Parks Dubai where everything feels like a movie scene.

• Explore Miniland, roller coasters, and splash zones at LEGOLAND Dubai and LEGOLAND Water Park—perfect for younger kids.

• Take a nostalgic trip to meet the Smurfs or dive into action-packed worlds at Motiongate Dubai.

These parks are some of the best family activities in Dubai. Especially when you need guaranteed smiles from the entire crew.

Visit the Animals at Green Planet

Green Planet in the City Walk District is a rainforest… indoors. This biodome is packed with tropical plants and more than 3,000 animals.

Your family can wander past toucans, sloths, geckos, porcupines, and even flying foxes. It’s educational, fun, and a refreshing break from the desert heat. That all makes it a top pick for family-friendly Dubai experiences.

Enjoy a Beach Day at Kite Beach

Kite Beach is where family beach days turn into core memories. Start with a swim, build a sandcastle (or an entire sandy kingdom), and watch the kite surfers soar across the waves.

When the kids need to burn off that endless energy, head to Wire World’s adventure course.

The food trucks are the real MVPs here. Easy snacks, refreshing drinks, and a casual vibe that makes this one of the best places to go when wondering what to do in Dubai with kids.

Relax at Zabeel Park

Even during the most adventure-filled family vacation in Dubai, you need moments to slow down. Zabeel Park is perfect for that.

Families love:

• Picnic lunches under the shade

• Mini golf

• Walking paths

• Pop-up markets and seasonal events

It’s a peaceful spot where everyone can recharge before the next big outing.

Experience Family Adventures at Hatta Wadi Hub

If your family leans toward adventure, Hatta Wadi Hub is a must-do. Located outside the city, it offers:

• Mountain biking

• Kayaking

• Hiking

• Archery

• Zorbing (rolling downhill in a giant inflatable ball — guaranteed laughter)

It’s one of the most exciting things to do in Dubai with family who love the outdoors.

Wander Around Dubai Miracle Garden

Kids may pretend they’re too cool for flowers, but even they will pause when they see 45 million blooms shaped into castles, animals, cartoon characters, and heart-shaped walkways.

Just remember… Miracle Garden is open seasonally. So, plan your Dubai family vacation accordingly if this magical garden is on your must-see list.

Get Wet at AquaFun

AquaFun is a huge inflatable obstacle course floating right on the water. Families jump, slide, climb, wobble, and splash their way through this oversized playground. It’s fun, chaotic, and perfect for cooling off during a warm-weather family-friendly Dubai day.

Check out more things to do in Dubai during your vacation. 

Go Skiing at Ski Dubai

Yes, you read that right. Skiing in the desert.

At Ski Dubai, located inside the Mall of the Emirates, your family can:

• Ski

• Snowboard

• Ride toboggans

• Play in the snow park

• Build a snowman (because why not?)

It’s the ultimate surprise activity on a family vacation in Dubai and a great way to escape the heat.

Have a Few Thrills at the Museum of Illusions During Your Family Vacation in Dubai

The Museum of Illusions is part science, part magic, and all laughter. Families love the anti-gravity room, vortex tunnel, rotating spaces, and brain-hurting optical illusions. If you need a break from outdoor activities, this is one of the most entertaining Dubai attractions for families.

Check Out the Animals at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Located inside Dubai Mall, this massive aquarium is home to thousands of marine animals. Sharks, rays, colorful fish, and more.

Explore it by:

• Walking through the all-glass underwater tunnel

• Taking a glass-bottom boat ride

It’s an ideal indoor activity for both kids and adults during your family vacation in Dubai.

Swim with the Dolphins at Dolphin Bay

Dolphin Bay at Atlantis offers one of the most unforgettable best family activities in Dubai. Families can swim, splash, pose for photos, and learn about these gentle creatures. It’s often a trip highlight for kids and let’s be honest, parents too.

Head to the Desert During Your Family Vacation in Dubai

No Dubai family vacation is complete without a desert adventure.

Families can:

• Go sandboarding

• Ride camels

• Take a desert safari

• Watch a breathtaking sunset over the dunes

It’s the perfect way to add a little Arabian magic to your itinerary.

These are just a handful of the incredible places you can explore on a family vacation in Dubai. The city is bursting with family-friendly attractions, hidden gems, and magical experiences that fit every age and every travel style.

If you’re overwhelmed by all the possibilities, don’t worry. I can help you craft a customized itinerary that brings your family’s travel dreams to life. Let’s make your Dubai family vacation unforgettable from start to finish.

So, are you ready to add these amazing things to see and do in Dubai to your next family vacation?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. Clicking this link will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan a family vacation in Dubai, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share throughout the year.