Dubai family holidays

For families looking for that extra level of fun and excitement, Dubai is a great choice. Where else can you zoom down a water slide through a shark tank? Spend a day – or several – exploring Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark. Next to Atlantis, The Palm, this place has adrenaline-pumping slides like the Tower of Poseidon and Leap of Faith, as well as toddler-friendly spots like Splashers Island. It’s also home to Dubai’s longest lazy river and a 500-metre private beach.

Dubai Parks and Resorts is another must-visit. A series of adventure worlds and theme parks, this complex has attractions for all ages. Discover 40 rides and shows at LEGOLAND® Dubai, or continue your water-based activities at LEGOLAND® Waterpark, where there are 20 slides to zoom down. Film-lovers should explore Motiongate™ Dubai, where you can immerse yourself in five different worlds. Step into Madagascar, Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon in the DreamWorks area, experience rides and shows based on films by Colombia Pictures, and brave ‘The World of the Hunger Games’ in the Lionsgate zone.

When deciding where to stay on your family trip to Dubai, you’ll be spoiled for choice. The most famous family resort is undoubtedly Atlantis, The Palm. With its very own waterpark – complete with shark tank – and daily activity programme for kids and teens, this place has an endless number of things to do. You’ll also find a bowling alley, arcade and soft-play area in Wavehouse, the on-site entertainment centre.

Another great family hotel is JA Palm Tree Court. Every suite can sleep two adults and two children, so there’s no need to upgrade your room. There’s a pair of pools exclusively for kids, plus separate activity clubs for children and teens. Alternatively, check out Le Royal Meridien Beach. This enormous resort has a huge beach, a long list of activities and child-friendly dining options.

If you’re travelling with a baby, consider staying at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. Rooms here come with cots, bottle warmers and baby baths, while elsewhere you’ll find a playground, kids’ club and watersports centre.

There are plenty of things for families to do in Dubai. Aside from the theme parks, Dubai Mall should be at the top of your list. This place is so much more than a shopping centre – it has restaurants, a cinema and an ice rink. But KidZania is the most popular spot for little ones. This miniature city encourages kids to learn and play, as they try out having a ‘job’ – ranging from TV presenter to pilot – and earn a living, paid in KidZos. Dubai Mall also houses the Lost Chambers Aquarium, where you can see rays, sharks and other marine life.

Elsewhere, the Burj Khalifa is a must-see on any family holiday to Dubai. Soaring 830 metres up into the air, it’s the tallest building in the world. And, in the evenings, the Dubai Fountains at its base put on a phenomenal dancing display.

Away from the city, Dubai’s desert offers all kinds of fun activities. Try out sand-boarding down the dunes, or go for a family camel ride at sunset. Alternatively, hop in a 4x4 and head off on a desert safari. 

Dubai has so much to offer for families, but the weather is the cherry on top of the cake. It’s sunny all year here so, whenever you go, you can look forward to blue skies and toasty temperatures. From October to March, you’ll see temperatures hovering between 25°C and 33°C. While the UK winters are cold and grey, Dubai enjoys eight hours of sunshine every day and – something virtually unheard of back home – virtually no rain.

The summer months are extremely hot, though, with temperatures soaring to 40°C and above. Everywhere is air-conditioned, but it’s worth bearing these temperatures in mind if you’re travelling with very young children. Hardened sun-seekers will have plenty of places to catch some rays, thanks to the private beaches and incredible swimming pools.