Travelling to Dubai with children is far easier than many parents might expect. The emirate is exceptionally safe for families, including female solo travellers. Not only that, but it is full of attractions designed with families in mind. From beaches and theme parks to cultural experiences and nature escapes, Dubai offers a balance of fun and learning that works well for both children and adults. Even better, the wider UAE provides excellent opportunities for short trips beyond Dubai, allowing families to add variety to their holiday.
Whether you are travelling as a single parent or planning a family break, Dubai can be an ideal base for discovering the region at a relaxed pace.
Exploring Dubai with Children
The city offers plenty of activities that appeal to families of all ages.
Top Attractions and Kids Activities
Let’s start exploring downtown Dubai: With over 100 million visitors a year, Dubai Mall is not just a shopping centre but also an entertainment hub and home to several major attractions. You could quite easily spend several days here, visiting sights in and around the mall, and exploring its indoor activities.
First mention goes to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Being able to admire the main tank from the mall for free is a lovely surprise for kids and parents alike. It is also worth paying the entrance fee if you like the idea of walking through the tunnel and underwater zoo.
There are so many amazing indoor activities for families inside the mall that it’s hard to list them all, but here goes:
- Boo Boo Laand, a huge interactive centre with different play zones
- A soft play centre
- Trampo Extreme where you can jump, flip, and dive into foam pits
- KidZania, which allows younger visitors to explore different professions through role play.
- House of Hype, a huge digital entertainment experience, a bit like a high tech illusion museum but interactive. Great for taking photos.
- PlayDXB for a thrilling virtual reality experience
- Hysteria, a haunted mansion
- A luxury cinema with 22 screens
- Ski Dubai, a popular indoor ski resort in the Middle East, complete with chairlifts, drag lifts, ski slopes, and a penguin enclosure
And that’s not all. Right outside the mall, you will find the famous Dubai Fountain, my personal favourite. The world’s largest choreographed fountain puts on breathtaking displays, with the water seemingly dancing in sync with the music. Check the Dubai Mall website for show times throughout the day – the shows are completely free.
Another major tourist attraction, the Burj Khalifa can also be accessed from the mall or directly from the tube station. The tallest building in the world offers views of the city and the desert beyond, especially on a clear day and around sunset.
Dubai’s Beaches
For outdoor time, Jumeirah Open Beach is a favourite with families thanks to its soft sand and calm waters and convenient amenities. The long stretch of public beach near the Burj Al Arab is perfect for relaxing and swimming.
For a more luxurious vibe, head towards J1 Beach, also known as the Dubai Riviera, which has a new playground, beach clubs, cafés, and colourful spaces where children can run freely while parents relax.
Theme Parks and Interactive Experiences
Dubai is known for its impressive theme parks, many of which make for a fantastic day out with kids. IMG Worlds of Adventure, one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world, is especially popular during warmer months. Motiongate at Dubai Parks and Resorts, on the other hand, offers rides inspired by well-known Hollywood movies, with options suitable for both younger children and teenagers. Families interested in nature and education can visit The Green Planet, an indoor rainforest that introduces children to wildlife and ecosystems in an engaging way. There is even a Legoland here.
Beyond the City: Easy Family Day Trips in the UAE
One of the advantages of visiting Dubai with children is the ease of exploring beyond the city. Roads are well maintained, distances are manageable, and day trips can be planned without stress.
Hatta: Mountains and Nature
For a completely different landscape, families can head towards Hatta, a traditional village in the Hajar mountains, bordering Oman. Here freshwater dams and outdoor activities create a refreshing escape from city life. Kayaking, short hikes and scenic picnic spots make it particularly appealing for children who enjoy being outdoors. The journey to Hatta takes about 90 minutes through increasingly dramatic scenery.
Abu Dhabi: Culture and Theme Parks
A visit of Abu Dhabi is a popular choice for families. Highlights of the UAE emirate include the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, which offers a cultural learning experience, and Yas Island, home to theme parks such as Warner Bros. World and Yas Waterworld. The drive from Dubai takes around 90 minutes, making it an easy day trip for families.
Al Ain: The Garden City
The city of Al Ain in Abu Dhabi is home to the Al Ain Oasis and other UNESCO World Heritage sites. Often referred to as “the Garden City”, Al Ain boasts tree-lined roads, lush greenery and a gentle pace of life.
Child-friendly attractions include Al Ain Zoo, which is one of the region’s best, Al Jahili Fort, and Wild Wadi, a water park for young kids. If you are on holiday with teenagers in the UAE, Wadi Adventure offers water activities geared towards older kids.
Jebel Hafeet, the highest mountain in Abu Dhabi is a must-see if you are visiting the region: Its famous road winds up the majestic mountain for spectacular views of the garden city and beyond.
The Desert
Experiencing the desert is often a highlight for families visiting Dubai. Many tour operators offer child-friendly desert safaris with shorter drives, camel rides, and cultural activities. These experiences allow children to learn about local traditions while enjoying the unique landscape in a safe and controlled environment.
Choosing a private or morning safari can be especially suitable for families with younger children, as temperatures are more manageable and the experience can be tailored to your family’s pace.
Getting Around: Transport Options for Families
Dubai’s public transport system is clean, efficient and inexpensive, but exploring beyond the city with children often requires flexibility. Many families find that having their own vehicle transforms their experience, particularly for day trips where timing, comfort and luggage space become important considerations.
For families travelling from the UK or Europe, driving in Dubai is straightforward — roads are excellent, signage is clear, and GPS navigation works reliably. Having a car means you can pack snacks, water, sun cream and spare clothes without worrying about carrying everything on public transport. It also allows you to leave attractions when children are tired rather than waiting for scheduled transport.
Car hire in Dubai is competitively priced and widely available. Most international companies operate from the airport and city locations. If you’re planning multiple day trips or travelling with more than one child, consider the space you’ll need for car seats, pushchairs and the inevitable accumulation of beach toys and shopping bags.
For families who prioritise comfort on longer journeys to places like Hatta or Al Ain, full-size SUVs offer generous space and smooth motorway driving. Car hire options include Cadillac Escalade rent Dubai and similar premium vehicles, though many families find that mid-range SUVs provide perfectly adequate space and comfort at better value for a week’s hire. For single parents, having a car often provides an extra sense of security and independence, particularly when managing children’s routines and belongings.
Practical Tips for Family Travel in Dubai
- Timing is everything: Plan outdoor activities early in the day to avoid the strongest heat. Most attractions open early, and mornings offer the best conditions for beach time and outdoor exploration.
- Balance your itinerary: Mix busy attractions with traditional experiences and relaxed beach or nature days. Children (and parents) need downtime, and some of the best family moments happen during unstructured time at the beach or by the pool.
- Pack wisely: Sun protection, reusable water bottles, and light layers for air-conditioned spaces are essential. Modest clothing, especially if you visit heritage or religious areas, are advisable. Small cooling bags for bottles and snacks on the go help keep drinks and food fresh and palatable.
Creating Meaningful Family Memories
Dubai and the surrounding regions offer families the chance to combine modern attractions with cultural discovery and natural beauty. By exploring both the city and nearby destinations, parents can create a varied and rewarding holiday that suits children of different ages.
The UAE’s infrastructure makes independent travel with children remarkably straightforward. Whether you’re navigating city attractions or venturing into the desert and mountains, the emphasis on family-friendly facilities and safety creates an environment where parents can relax and enjoy the experience alongside their children.
With thoughtful planning and a flexible approach, Dubai and beyond becomes a destination where single parent families can travel comfortably, explore confidently, and return home with lasting memories that go beyond the usual tourist highlights.
