Considering a family adventure to the United Arab Emirates means unlocking a treasure trove of incredible experiences designed specifically with children in mind, ranging from thrilling theme parks that defy imagination to educational centers that spark curiosity and beautiful natural landscapes perfect for outdoor fun. We’re here to guide you through the very best options across the UAE, ensuring your family holiday is packed with unforgettable moments and smiles.
Dubai’s World-Class Family Attractions
Dubai stands as a beacon for family entertainment, boasting a remarkable array of attractions that cater to all ages, often pushing the boundaries of innovation. Perhaps the most iconic are the theme parks on offer. IMG Worlds of Adventure is an enormous indoor theme park featuring zones dedicated to Marvel superheroes and Cartoon Network characters, ensuring a climate-controlled adventure perfect for Dubai’s warmer months. Similarly, Motiongate Dubai at Dubai Parks and Resorts brings Hollywood to life with rides and shows inspired by DreamWorks Animation, Columbia Pictures, and Lionsgate. For aquatic thrills, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm, offers exhilarating slides, a dedicated children’s play area, and opportunities to interact with marine life. Another splash-tastic option is Wild Wadi Waterpark, nestled against the backdrop of the Burj Al Arab, offering a uniquely themed experience.
Beyond theme parks, Dubai excels in unique edutainment. KidZania in The Dubai Mall allows children to role-play various professions in a miniature city, fostering creativity and life skills. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, also within The Dubai Mall, provides a mesmerizing glimpse into marine life, with a spectacular walk-through tunnel and interactive experiences. For a truly unique indoor experience, The Green Planet transports visitors to a lush rainforest ecosystem, complete with sloths, piranhas, and exotic birds. Don’t forget the Museum of the Future, which, while seemingly futuristic, offers engaging exhibits that spark imagination for older children and teenagers.
Abu Dhabi: A Hub for Family Fun
Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is no slouch when it comes to family entertainment, particularly on Yas Island, which has become synonymous with world-class attractions. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a must-visit for speed enthusiasts, home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, alongside numerous family-friendly rides and interactive exhibits. Right next door, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is an immersive indoor theme park that transports visitors into the worlds of beloved Warner Bros. characters, from Superman and Batman to the Flintstones and Looney Tunes. For water fun, Yas Waterworld boasts over 40 rides, slides, and attractions, many with a unique Emirati theme and a focus on local legends.
More recently, SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, opened its doors, offering an immersive marine life experience that combines animal encounters with entertainment and education across eight distinct realms. For those seeking active play, CLYMB Abu Dhabi features the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall, catering to adventurers of all skill levels. Beyond Yas Island, the Emirates Park Zoo and Resort offers an opportunity for close encounters with a wide variety of animals, with interactive experiences like giraffe feeding and a petting zoo. The Abu Dhabi Children’s Library provides an engaging space for young readers and learners, often hosting workshops and events.
Sharjah’s Cultural and Recreational Delights
Sharjah, renowned as the cultural capital of the UAE, offers a slightly different, often more educational and culturally rich, array of activities for children, while still providing plenty of recreational fun. Al Montazah Parks is a popular destination, combining an amusement park, Island of Legends, with a water park, Pearls Kingdom, offering a full day of thrilling rides and refreshing water slides suitable for a wide range of ages. For hands-on learning, the Sharjah Science Museum provides interactive exhibits that make scientific principles fun and accessible for young minds. The Sharjah Discovery Centre is specifically designed for children aged 3 to 12, offering a vibrant, interactive space to explore various themes through play.
Nature lovers will appreciate the Sharjah Desert Park, which includes Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, the Natural History Museum, and a Children’s Farm, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s flora and fauna. The Sharjah Aquarium offers an engaging educational experience, allowing children to discover the fascinating marine life of the Arabian Gulf and beyond. For indoor play, many of the large shopping malls, such as City Centre Al Zahia and Sahara Centre, host dedicated kids’ entertainment zones with soft play areas, arcade games, and sometimes even indoor mini-golf or bowling, providing a cool escape during the warmer months.
Outdoor Adventures and Unique Experiences
The UAE’s diverse landscape also offers a wealth of outdoor activities that provide incredible experiences for families. A desert safari is almost a rite of passage, often including dune bashing (for older kids and adults), camel rides, sandboarding, and traditional Bedouin camp experiences with cultural performances. Many desert safari operators offer family-friendly options with softer dune drives and child-focused entertainment. Beaches across the UAE, such as Jumeirah Beach in Dubai or Corniche Beach in Abu Dhabi, offer safe swimming areas, playgrounds, and opportunities for building sandcastles.
For those seeking unique natural encounters, the Mangrove National Park in Abu Dhabi provides kayaking tours through dense mangrove forests, allowing families to observe diverse birdlife and marine ecosystems in a serene setting. The mountainous regions, particularly in Ras Al Khaimah, offer adventure activities like the Jais Sledder, a thrilling toboggan ride down the mountainside, suitable for various ages. Many hotels and resorts throughout the UAE, such as Atlantis, The Palm, and Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai, or those on Yas Island and Marjan Island, offer extensive kids’ clubs, dedicated pools, and organized activities, providing an all-encompassing family holiday experience without even leaving the property.
Planning Your Family Fun
When planning your family activities in the UAE, consider the time of year. During the cooler months (roughly October to April), outdoor attractions and parks are ideal. In the hotter summer months, focus on the numerous indoor theme parks, museums, and mall-based entertainment centers. Many attractions offer family passes or combo tickets that can provide significant savings. It’s always advisable to book tickets in advance online, especially for popular attractions, to avoid queues and sometimes secure better prices. Check the age and height restrictions for rides and activities beforehand to manage expectations and ensure everyone can participate safely. Finally, remember that hydration is key, especially for children, so always carry water and encourage regular breaks. The www.few.ae team consistently highlights new and exciting family attractions, ensuring you have the latest information at your fingertips.
then "Add to Home Screen"