Uae with Kids
Family travel guide for parents planning with children
Top Family Activities
The best things to do with kids in Uae.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The massive viewing panel in Dubai Mall suspends sharks overhead while you stand in air-conditioned comfort, good for hot days when outdoor activities feel impossible.
Louvre Abu Dhabi
The dome throws mesmerizing light patterns that hypnotize kids, and the children's museum section packs hands-on activities that make ancient artifacts feel relevant.
Yas Waterworld
With over 40 rides including a massive wave pool and toddler splash areas, this waterpark handles everything from fearless teens to cautious little ones.
Al Ain Oasis
Walk shaded pathways between 4,000-year-old date palm farms, the sound of water channels and sweet dates offer a peaceful break from theme parks.
Evening Desert Safari
Dune bashing delivers teen thrills while little ones enjoy camel rides and sandboarding. The sunset transforms the sand to gold while you eat barbecue under stars.
Warner Bros World
Fully indoor theme park means no sunburn risks, with air-conditioned comfort while kids meet Batman or ride through Cartoon Junction.
Best Areas for Families
Where to base yourselves for the smoothest family trip.
The Walk at JBR delivers beach access plus stroller-friendly promenades lined with kid-friendly restaurants and ice cream shops.
Highlights: Beach playground, splash pad fountains, outdoor cinema for kids on weekends
Everything sits within 10 minutes drive, Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and the beach all cluster together, making logistics simpler.
Highlights: Multiple theme parks, Yas Beach with inflatable water park, Yas Mall for rainy days.
The Dubai Miracle Garden and Ski Dubai sit here, plus you're 15 minutes from both beaches and downtown attractions.
Highlights: Metro access (strollers allowed), Mall of the Emirates, affordable dining options.
Eight kilometers of beachfront with dedicated bike paths, playgrounds every few hundred meters, and cafés that welcome kids.
Highlights: Beach library, fountains, multiple beach access points with changing facilities
Family Dining
Where and how to eat with children.
The UAE dining scene caters to families better than most places, high chairs appear automatically, kids menus stretch beyond chicken nuggets, and servers don't flinch at messy toddlers. Most restaurants stay open late (9-10 PM for last orders), but you'll find earlier dining locals at mall food courts.
Dining Tips for Families
- Book early dinners (6-6:30 PM) at beachside restaurants, you get sunset views before kids melt down.
- Many hotel restaurants offer free meals for kids under 6 when adults order main courses.
- Emirati restaurants typically have outdoor seating, request indoor tables during summer months.
Dubai Mall and Yas Mall pack international options plus play areas where kids can run between courses.
Shade, sand play areas, and kids can splash while you eat, try Barasti or Saadiyat Beach Club.
Friday brunches at hotels like Atlantis or Emirates Palace have kids' corners with face painting and food they'll eat.
Tips by Age Group
Tailored advice for every stage of childhood.
The UAE works for toddlers if you plan around naps and heat. Most attractions open at 10 AM, giving you time for beach or park visits at 8 AM when temperatures are bearable.
Challenges: Car seats are legally required but taxis rarely have them, you'll need to bring your own or use ride-hailing apps that offer car seat options.
- Book accommodations near attractions to minimize car time
- Indoor play areas are everywhere - Magic Planet in malls saves rainy days
This age group gets the most out of the UAE, old enough for theme park rides but still excited by desert adventures. They'll remember the wow moments like watching sharks swim overhead.
Learning: Louvre Abu Dhabi has children's audio guides, and the Dubai Frame shows old vs new Dubai, kids can see history develop.
- Buy combo tickets for multiple Yas Island parks, works out cheaper if you plan two park days.
- Let them try camel milk ice cream - it's sweet like vanilla
Teens may roll their eyes at the polished gloss of some UAE attractions. Yet the country flat-out nails adrenaline. One leap from a plane above Palm Jumeirah, a few minutes in the wind tunnel, or a wild ride over dunes and they're sold.
Independence: Teens ride Dubai Metro solo during daylight, and most malls keep safe, obvious meet-up corners. Beach clubs admit 16+ on their own once parents sign the permission slips.
- Book them adventure activities while younger siblings do calmer attractions
- Hand them a local SIM, WhatsApp keeps everyone in sync and the views go straight to Instagram.
Practical Logistics
The nuts and bolts of family travel.
Rent a car with child seats, taxis rarely have them and ride-shares might cancel if you need seats. Dubai Metro allows strollers but gets crowded during rush hours. Between cities, inter-emirate buses have limited luggage space for strollers.
Aster and Medcare clinics are everywhere for minor issues, most have pediatricians on staff. Formula and diapers are available in all supermarkets (look for Carrefour or Choithrams), though bring familiar brands for picky eaters.
Look for apartments with washing machines, you'll need them with all the ice cream and sand. Many hotels offer 'family rooms' with bunk beds or sofa beds. Beach resorts might look tempting but get expensive when you factor in meals.
- Reusable water bottles - tap water is safe but kids prefer cold
- Portable fan for strollers during summer months
- SPF 50+ sunscreen - the sun feels more intense than elsewhere
- Lightweight long sleeves for air-conditioned indoor spaces
- Buy an Entertainer app subscription, buy-one-get-one deals work for most attractions and restaurants.
- Hit the beaches early (8-9 AM) - free parking and cooler temperatures
- Grocery prices are reasonable, make breakfast in your apartment and pack snacks.
Family Safety
Keeping your family safe and healthy.
- ! Slather sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping out of the air-conditioning. The sudden heat jump can turn skin red in minutes.
- ! Tap water is safe. Yet kids prefer bottled, the mineral load in the tap can unsettle delicate stomachs.
- ! Weekend roads (Friday-Saturday) invite faster, pushier drivers, pad your schedule and think twice about long drives on Fridays.
- ! Currents along the Arabian Gulf coast can increase, stay between the flags and heed any red warning.
- ! Indoor venues crank the air-con, pack thin sweaters for kids who shiver easily.
- ! Desert-safari trucks carry roll bars. Yet seatbelts still matter, keep younger riders snug when the dunes start pitching.
- ! Nearly every public toilet offers western-style stalls and baby-changing rooms, follow the 'family' signs in malls.
Book Family Activities
Top-rated family experiences in Uae.
Experience Burj Al Arab by Jetski
Soar through the Arabian Gulf on a thrilling jet ski adventure, capturing impressive views of the well-known Burj Al Arab. Our experienced guides will ensure your safety, provide you with clear instru
Go Fishing Dubai 5 hours Trolling & Regular Fishing
At Go Fishing we are passionate about what we do and the positive experience of our visitors. The 5 hours, trolling and regular fishing. This package consists of a mix of trolling and regular fishing
Dubai Desert Safari at Arabian Heritage Luxury Camp
What sets our Arabian Heritage Dinner apart is the authentic cultural immersion without the rough desert rides, good for guests who want a relaxing and charming evening in the desert. From the moment
Dubai Desert Visit With/Without Dune Drive Private tour 4-5 hours
This tour is an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a quick escape to the interesting desert. With the flexibility to book at your convenience, you can start this adventure whenever it suits you. P
Desert Safari Dubai with Live Shows, Dune Bashing & BBQ Dinner
Thrilling Tour of Desert Safari in Arabian Desert With our Best Experience Tour. Whether you are seeking adventure, culture or relaxation. This tour include dune bashing, camel riding, sand boarding,
Private 60-min Group Tubing on Speedboat in Dubai
Enjoy tubing with a group of friends or with family. 8 persons can board our speedboat. While 2 persons are doing tubing, the others will seat comfortably on the speedboat and can enjoy the view. The
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