If you’re in search of a new family holiday destination, or need to break up a long haul flight, why not try Dubai!
Kite Beach
A man-made paradise boasting the highest hotel in the world, the highest tower in the world and self proclaimed as the cleanest city in the Gulf, Dubai is all this and much more.
The only constant in Dubai? Change.
It’s a destination you can return to and be continually intrigued by new things to do and see.
Jumeriah Beach
Jumeriah Mosque
WHERE TO STAY
We recommend the Jumeriah Beach area. Family-friendly accommodation options are dotted along the coastline including (if money is no object) the world’s only 7-star hotel, the Burj Al Arab!
Alternatively stay in Palm Jumeriah – an artificial man-made paradise built 12 years ago with incredible family villas and resorts including the frequently photographed Atlantis The Palm.
Burj Al Arab
Atlantis The Palm
WHAT TO DO WITH CHILDREN IN TOW!
1. Visit a water park
Though Dubai’s temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees (even in Winter) there is no shortage of water parks to maximise the sunshine and heat! You’ll find Wild Wadi Waterpark situated next to the Burj Al Arab in Jumeriah Beach, Aquaventure Waterpark (complete with a waterslide which glides through a shark tank!) in Palm Jumeriah and Legoland Water Park approximately 20 minutes drive from Jumeriah Beach.
2. Hang out at a seriously cool beach club
Visit one of many beach clubs which allow day access. Most will come with a fee but it will be well worth it for the change of pace and scenery. We loved the Nasimi Beach & Pool at Atlantis The Palm in Palm Jumeriah. Expect activities like water basketball, water volleyball, an expansive pool, food & beverage service from your sun lounge, a private beach, tunes from the resident DJ and a children’s playground!
3. Go skiing (yes you heard me!)
Visit Ski Dubai, the indoor ski resort with 22,500 square metres of snow area located at the Mall of the Emirates. This has to be seen to be believed!
If you’d prefer to watch, rather than partake, view the pandemonium from either The Cheesecake Factory restaurant or TGIF restaurant in the Mall of the Emirates for the best views.
While at the Mall of the Emirates why not visit Magic Planet, which includes 10-pin bowling, rock wall climbing, rides, games and attractions.
Ski Dubai
or go ice skating!
Located in the Dubai Mall, Dubai Ice Rink is an Olympic-sized ice skating stadium catering to all skill levels.
Dubai Ice Rink
TIPS – while at Dubai Mall, make sure you check out Cereal Killer Cafe! If your children are like mine, they will love the endless choices of cereal and the fact they can eat them in bed. Legit!
Caboodle Pamper & Play offers a baby-sitting service for your treasures if you fancy some solo shopping time.
Cereal Killer Cafe
Caboodle Pamper & Play
4. Visit the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Filled with 10 million litres of water, this larger-than-life aquarium is utterly captivating! Located at the Dubai Mall and with with over 300 sharks and stingrays, this is an attraction for the whole clan! Here fishy, fishy, fishy.
5. Visit Dubai Parks and Resorts
About 30 minutes drive from Jumeriah Beach is a collection of theme parks; Motiongate Dubai, Legoland Dubai, Legoland Water Park and Bollywood Parks Dubai.
The gateway to the four parks is Riverland Dubai – a themed dining and retail destination. If you plan on visiting multiple theme parks, you can also stay on location at Lapita Hotel which provides unlimited multi-park access. Just be prepared for some full days and weary children!
6. Check out IMG Worlds of Adventure
If you prefer some much needed air-conditioning, take your children to the largest indoor theme park in the world. Including four zones: MARVEL, Lost Valley, Cartoon Network and IMG Boulevard. With an avalanche of rides, attractions, live shows, movies and activities, your children will think you are the coolest parents on the planet!
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7. Dubai Museum
For a cultural injection and to see the oldest building in Dubai, visit the Dubai Museum. The exhibition will take you through the traditional way of living, to modern life once oil was discovered in the 1970’s and Dubai began to boom.
8. Dubai Garden Glow
Relish those balmy Dubai nights at the Dinosaur Park and Garden Glow Theme Parks located at Zabeel Park. Created from artists around the world, see hundreds of sparkling displays using millions of colourful lights and enjoy 100 animatronic dinosaur relics on display from the Jurassic era at Dinosaur Park.
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9. Take them to a Fountain show
If you want a taste of Vegas in your Dubai experience, head downtown to watch the choreographed water fountain shows on the Burj Khalifa lake. Each evening from 6:00pm watch breathtaking five minute musical water displays every half and hour until 11:00pm. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants/cafes located around the lake or view the show from inside the Dubai Mall or from the Burj Khalifa.
10. Burj Khalifa
Providing you have no height aversions, you can travel to the top of the tallest building in the world! Standing 829.8 metres high, you can ride up to the 148th floor of the Burj Khalifa to breathe in all Dubai has to offer – and there certainly is a bundle!
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We’d love to hear from you!
Tell us, what’s your favourite attraction in Dubai?
Until next time, safe travels!
