Ultimate Dubai Family Vacation Guide 2026
Everything you need to plan the perfect Dubai family holiday - from top attractions and hotels to budget tips and 7-day itinerary. Your complete guide to Dubai with kids.
Planning a Dubai family vacation? You've chosen one of the world's most exciting family-friendly destinations! Dubai offers an incredible blend of futuristic architecture, world-class theme parks, pristine beaches, desert adventures, and luxury shopping - all in one safe, modern city perfect for families.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for an unforgettable Dubai holiday with kids. From the best family hotels in Dubai to must-visit attractions, budget planning, and a detailed 7-day itinerary, we've got you covered. Whether you're seeking thrilling theme parks, cultural experiences, or relaxing beach resorts, Dubai delivers it all.
As the UK's leading Dubai travel specialists, we've helped thousands of families create magical memories in this extraordinary city. Let's dive into your ultimate Dubai family travel guide!
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Top Dubai Attractions for Families
Discover the best things to do in Dubai with kids - from thrilling theme parks to unique cultural experiences
IMG Worlds of Adventure
The world's largest indoor theme park spanning 1.5 million square feet. Features Marvel and Cartoon Network zones with thrilling rides suitable for all ages.
Highlights
- Marvel Super Hero zone
- Cartoon Network zone
- Lost Valley Dinosaur Adventure
- IMG Boulevard shopping
Age Range
All ages (height restrictions apply)
Duration
Full day (6-8 hours)
Pricing
£45-60 per person
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Located in Dubai Mall, this massive aquarium houses over 140 species including sharks, rays, and thousands of aquatic animals. Walk through the 48-meter tunnel for an immersive experience.
Highlights
- Underwater tunnel walkthrough
- Glass-bottom boat rides
- Shark diving experiences
- King Croc encounter
Age Range
All ages
Duration
2-3 hours
Pricing
£25-35 per person
Desert Safari Adventure
Experience the Arabian desert with dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding, and traditional Bedouin camp entertainment. Evening safaris include BBQ dinner and cultural shows.
Highlights
- Dune bashing in 4x4 vehicles
- Camel riding
- Sandboarding
- Henna painting and falconry
- BBQ dinner with entertainment
Age Range
3+ years
Duration
6 hours (afternoon to evening)
Pricing
£50-80 per person
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
The Middle East's largest waterpark featuring 105 slides, attractions, and a private beach. Home to record-breaking slides and a dedicated Splashers children's play area.
Highlights
- Leap of Faith near-vertical slide
- Aquaconda world's largest waterslide
- Splashers kids area
- Private beach access
- Lost Chambers Aquarium
Age Range
All ages
Duration
Full day
Pricing
£60-85 per person
Ski Dubai
Experience snow and skiing in the desert! This indoor ski resort offers real snow, ski slopes, snowboarding, and penguin encounters in a climate-controlled environment.
Highlights
- 5 ski slopes of varying difficulty
- Snow Park with toboggan runs
- Penguin encounters
- Snow cinema
- Ski and snowboard lessons
Age Range
3+ years
Duration
2-4 hours
Pricing
£40-70 per person
Dubai Parks and Resorts
The region's largest theme park destination featuring Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks, and Legoland Dubai with Legoland Water Park - all in one location.
Highlights
- Motiongate Hollywood-themed rides
- Bollywood Parks Indian cinema
- Legoland for younger children
- Legoland Water Park
- Riverland Dubai dining
Age Range
All ages
Duration
Full day or multi-day
Pricing
£55-90 per person (multi-park tickets available)
Best Family Hotels in Dubai
Choose the perfect Dubai family resort for your budget and preferences
Atlantis The Palm
Luxury Family ResortIconic 5-star resort on Palm Jumeirah offering world-class family facilities, waterpark access, and marine experiences.
Key Features
- Free Aquaventure access
- Lost Chambers Aquarium
- Kids club and teen zone
- Multiple pools and beach
- 23 restaurants
Best For: Luxury seekers with waterpark lovers
Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Beachfront Family ResortWave-shaped architectural icon with direct beach access and complimentary Wild Wadi Waterpark entry for guests.
Key Features
- Free Wild Wadi access
- Sinbad's Kids Club
- Private beach
- Family suites available
- Multiple dining options
Best For: Beach lovers and waterpark enthusiasts
Lapita Dubai Parks and Resorts
Theme Park HotelPolynesian-themed family resort located within Dubai Parks and Resorts complex with theme park access.
Key Features
- Theme park proximity
- Lagoon-style pool
- Kids club
- Family rooms
- Affordable luxury
Best For: Theme park focused families on budget
Rove Hotels
Budget-FriendlyModern, affordable hotel chain with multiple Dubai locations offering excellent value for families.
Key Features
- Central locations
- Family rooms
- Rooftop pools
- Complimentary WiFi
- Self-service laundry
Best For: Budget-conscious families
Perfect 7-Day Dubai Family Itinerary
Follow our expertly crafted day-by-day plan for the ultimate Dubai family experience
Arrival & Dubai Mall Experience
Daily Activities
- 1Check into hotel and freshen up
- 2Visit Dubai Mall - world's largest shopping mall
- 3Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
- 4Dubai Fountain show at sunset
- 5Dinner at Dubai Mall food court
Pro Tip
Arrive early afternoon to avoid jet lag affecting first day. Dubai Mall is less crowded on weekday mornings.
Desert Safari Adventure
Daily Activities
- 1Morning at hotel pool and beach
- 2Lunch at hotel
- 3Afternoon desert safari pickup (3pm)
- 4Dune bashing, camel rides, sandboarding
- 5Traditional BBQ dinner with entertainment
- 6Return to hotel (9pm)
Pro Tip
Book desert safari for second day to allow rest after travel. Bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Daily Activities
- 1Full day at Aquaventure Waterpark
- 2Explore Lost Chambers Aquarium
- 3Lunch at waterpark restaurants
- 4Private beach time
- 5Dinner at Atlantis restaurants
Pro Tip
Arrive at opening (10am) to beat crowds. Rent a cabana for shade and storage.
IMG Worlds & Global Village
Daily Activities
- 1Morning at IMG Worlds of Adventure
- 2Lunch inside theme park
- 3Return to hotel for rest
- 4Evening visit to Global Village (seasonal)
- 5International food and shopping
Pro Tip
IMG Worlds is indoors and air-conditioned - perfect for hot days. Global Village operates October to April only.
Burj Khalifa & Dubai Marina
Daily Activities
- 1Visit Burj Khalifa observation deck (book sunrise slot)
- 2Breakfast at Armani Hotel
- 3Dubai Marina walk and lunch
- 4JBR Beach time
- 5Dubai Marina dhow cruise dinner
Pro Tip
Book Burj Khalifa tickets online in advance. Sunrise visits offer best visibility and smaller crowds.
Theme Parks Day
Daily Activities
- 1Full day at Dubai Parks and Resorts
- 2Choose between Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, or Legoland
- 3Lunch inside parks
- 4Riverland Dubai for evening entertainment
- 5Return to hotel
Pro Tip
Multi-park tickets offer best value. Legoland is best for children under 12.
Relaxation & Departure
Daily Activities
- 1Morning at hotel pool
- 2Last-minute souvenir shopping
- 3Lunch at local restaurant
- 4Hotel checkout
- 5Airport transfer for evening flight
Pro Tip
Keep last day light for packing and rest. Dubai International Airport has excellent facilities for early arrivals.
Dubai Family Vacation Budget Guide
Plan your Dubai holiday budget with our comprehensive cost breakdown for a family of 4
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | £560-1,260 (7 nights budget hotel) | £1,050-2,450 (7 nights mid-range resort) | £2,450-5,600 (7 nights luxury resort) |
| Flights | £800-1,200 (family of 4, economy) | £1,200-2,000 (family of 4, premium economy) | £3,500-6,000 (family of 4, business class) |
| Attractions & Activities | £400-600 (essential attractions) | £800-1,200 (most major attractions) | £1,500-2,500 (all attractions + VIP experiences) |
| Food & Dining | £350-500 (casual dining, food courts) | £700-1,000 (mix of casual and restaurants) | £1,500-2,500 (fine dining experiences) |
| Transportation | £150-250 (metro, taxis, buses) | £300-500 (private transfers, car rental) | £600-1,000 (private chauffeur service) |
| Total Estimate (7 nights) | £2,260-3,810 | £4,050-7,150 | £9,550-17,600 |
Essential Dubai Travel Tips for Families
Everything you need to know before visiting Dubai with kids
Best Time to Visit
November to March offers pleasant weather (20-30°C). Avoid June-August when temperatures exceed 40°C. December-January is peak season with higher prices.
Dress Code
Modest dress in public areas (shoulders and knees covered). Swimwear only at beaches and pools. Bring light, breathable fabrics and sun protection.
Currency & Payments
UAE Dirham (AED). Credit cards widely accepted. £1 = 4.5 AED approximately. ATMs available everywhere. Tipping 10-15% is customary.
Safety & Health
Dubai is extremely safe for families. Tap water is safe to drink. Bring sunscreen (SPF 50+) and stay hydrated. Travel insurance essential.
Transportation
Dubai Metro is efficient and affordable. Taxis are metered and reliable. Uber and Careem available. Consider renting a car for flexibility.
Food & Dining
Huge variety from street food to Michelin-star restaurants. Halal food widely available. International cuisines everywhere. Book popular restaurants in advance.
Connectivity
Free WiFi in most hotels and malls. Purchase local SIM card at airport (Etisalat or Du). 5G coverage excellent throughout Dubai.
Shopping
Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) offers massive discounts. Gold Souk for jewelry. Dubai Mall and Mall of Emirates for everything. Bargain at traditional souks.
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