Dubai is a popular family vacation destination, and while the temperatures soar during certain times of the year, there are still plenty of activities to do that are enjoyable for both kids and adults alike. Here are some of the best things to do in Dubai with kids during the hot summer months.
Baby Loves to Travel is a participant in affiliate programs, meaning if you click the link, find something you love and get it, we’re going to make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full details about our affiliate links please see our Disclosure Policy.
Ice Skating
Yes, you can ice skate in the desert on a 45 degree day. Of course, it’s not really “out in the desert” but at the amazing ice-rink in the confines of the phenomenal Dubai Mall. Ice-skating is a family-friendly activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. For children under the age of 10 and over 100cm there are ‘Penguin Pals’ to to aid learning. Overall it’s a great way to spend the afternoon and escape the heat on hot summer day. Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue. The Dubai Mall is easily accessible and has plenty of parking, making it a convenient location. Additionally, there are plenty of other activities at the mall that you can enjoy before or after your skating session.
The Dubai Ice Rink is open everyday 10am – Midnight.
Water Parks
Dubai spoils us for choice when it comes to water parks, as it has some of the best water parks in the world! When the temperature is soaring they are the perfect place to have some fun.
Wild Wadi Water Park
Wild Wadi is conveniently located on Jumeirah Beach Rd, right near the Burj Al Arab. This water park is a great day out and a must see if you are visiting Dubai. It doesn’t matter what age you are because it offers something for everyone. There are over 30 attractions – you can surf, body board, ride daring water slides, have fun in the largest wave pool in the Middle East, or take it easy on the lazy river. The park also has a dedicated area for toddlers, ensuring that even the youngest visitors can have a splashing good time. The park is cleverly designed around a tale from Arabian folklore featuring Juha and his seafaring friend Sinbad, and the design and attention to detail of the theme is amazing. Check out TICKET PRICES for this experience.
Aquaventure, Atlantis
Situated within the sprawling Atlantis The Palm resort, Aquaventure is the world’s largest waterpark! This waterpark has over 105 rides and attractions, there is literally something for everyone in the family. The park is know for it’s signature dare devil ride – the infamous ‘Leap of Faith’, a waterslide ride with a near vertical drop into a shark filled lagoon. But it is also an amazing park for younger children. In particular there is aa dedicated area called Splashers Island which is perfect for young kids. This area features a variety of shallow pools, water slides, and interactive play structures designed for children under 1.2 meters tall. Splashers Island also has a large tipping bucket, which dumps water on the kids below, adding to the excitement.
If you stay at the Atlantis Hotel, entry into Aquaventure is for free. Otherwise you can checkout TICKET PRICES for this experience.
The Beaches
Whether it’s an early morning dip in a pool or a late afternoon swim at the beach, swimming is something you always do on a hot day. It is one of the best activities for kids in Dubai, and the best thing about this activity is that it’s free! Dubai beaches are known for their crystal clear waters, soft white sands, and stunning views of the city skyline. It is also possible to surf and boogie board at Dubai’s beaches if the waves are high. Many of the public beaches are equipped with modern amenities such as changing rooms, showers and cafes making them convenient for families to visit. Some popular public beaches to visit in Dubai are Jumeirah Beach, Black Palace Beach, Kite Beach, JBR Beach and Sunset Beach. Please check-out here for more information on Dubai’s Beaches.
Ski Dubai
Visit an indoor snow park – THE perfect way to spend a hot Summer day. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort conveniently located at the Mall of the Emirates. It offers a unique range of experiences for the entire family, such as skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. The resort also has a dedicated Snow Park where kids can play in the snow and enjoy activities like snowball fights and building snowmen. It does have an age requirement, children must be at least 3 year old and accompanied by an adult. Additionally, Ski Dubai provides all the necessary equipment, and clothing, meaning you don’t need to bring along clunky ski gear. My children enjoyed the skiing and especially raved about the hot chocolate from Avalanche Cafe inside the resort.
Ski Dubai is open everyday, 10am until midnight. Check out TICKET PRICES for this experience.
Dubai’s Aquariums
Dubai has two amazing aquariums and they are a perfect place to spend a few hours on a hot summer day.
The Dubai Mall Aquarium
Situated in the middle of the Dubai Mall, the main feature window of the Dubai Mall Aquarium is truly astonishing to stumble across (it is the world’s largest aquarium viewing panel!). The tank holds approximately 10 million litres of water (that’s over 100,000 bathtubs) and an impressively diverse collection of marine life. The tank is teeming with 33,000 aquatic animals, including over 400 sharks and rays (as well as the the odd scuba diver). The Aquarium also has an underwater zoo, glass bottomed boat rides, cage snorkelling and for the truly brave – swimming with sharks. It is open weekdays 10am – 11pm, and weekends 10am until midnight.
Please checkout out TICKET PRICES for this experience.
The Lost Chambers Aquarium, Atlantis
The Lost Chambers Aquarium is located at the prestigious Atlantis Hotel on The Palm. This aquarium is brilliantly themed around the fabled sunken city of Atlantis. Like the Dubai Mall Aquarium, the main display window is breathtaking, you really do feel like you are peering into the lost city. The Lost Chambers Aquarium is an underground maze of intertwined tunnels with great exhibits that your kids can get up close to. Over 65,000 marine animals call Atlantis home. There are also lots of other fun activities nearby at Aquaventure and Dolphin Bay. If you stay at the Atlantis Hotel, entry into the Aquarium is for free.
Please checkout TICKET PRICES for this experience
Children’s City
This is a a hidden gem located in the older section of Dubai. I’ve written about Children’s City before: it’s a fun educational museum for kids and it’s all about discovering and exploring the world in which we live. It has plenty of entertaining exhibits spread over several floors, including local and global culture, the human body, science, nature and space. It’s most certainly a great indoor area to keep kids entertained for hours. My kids especially like the magic carpet ride and the plane flying exhibits. You can find Children’s City in Dubai Creek Park, which during the cooler months is also a great park for a picnic.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 9am – 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 2pm – 8pm
Cost: Children under the age of 2 are free, Ages 2- 16 the cost is 10 AED and adults 15 AED. Alternatively you can purchase a family ticket for 40 AED. Overall this museum is great value!
Location: The museum is located in Creek Park and there is a small cost of 5 AED to enter the park.
Chillout Ice Lounge
If you so wish, you can see ice sculptures in the desert on a 45 degree day! Of course, it’s not really “out in the desert” but at the Dubai Chillout Ice Lounge in the confines of the Times Square Mall. The temperature is around -5C degrees and the interior holds a stunning array of ice sculptures. To add to the experience, the lighting in the ice statues changes colours periodically, thereby continually infusing the ice with beautiful hues. There are ice chairs and tables to sit at (snuggly covered with fur so you won’t get cold) and you can order warm food and drinks. We loved the hot chocolate!
Checkout out TICKET PRICES for this experience.
Kidzania
KidZania is a scaled replica of a real city with over 70 real life activities where kids can role play. It is designed to be a real-life simulation of a city, complete with buildings, streets, and transportation. This provides a realistic and immersive experience for kids. It is a mix of education and fun and kids love it! Children take on various roles and professions such as doctors, dentist, firefighters, chefs, pilots and more. They can work in different businesses and learn about the skills required for each job while earning “KidZos,” the currency that is used in the KidZania city.
KidZania is conveniently situated in Dubai Mall, there is plenty of parking and the venue is open 10am – 10pm, 7 days a week. Check out TICKET PRICES for this experience.
IMG Worlds of Adventure
IMG Worlds’ of Adventure is the world’s biggest indoor theme park. You can spend an entire day here and the outside weather is forgotten. The park has over 22 rides and attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, 3D and 4D cinema experiences, and various themed attractions. Some of the popular attractions in the park include The Haunted Hotel, The Avengers Battle of Ultron, Spider-Man Doc Ock’s Revenge, and the Velociraptor roller coaster. Both of my children love IMG World, and I do feel the experience is well suited for the tween/teen market. There are things for younger kids to do as well, such as the IMG Kids Zone, with a giant inflatable soft playground.
IMG Worlds of Adventure is open Sunday – Thursday 12 noon – 10pm, and on Friday & Saturday 12 noon – 11pm Check out TICKET PRICES for this fun experience.
Thank you for reading!
Posts on this page may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click the link, find something you love and get it, we’re going to make a small commission at no extra cost to you. For full details about our affiliate links please see our Disclosure Policy.
Save for Later:
